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Blooming Success Helps Church Appeal
(July 05, 2021)A tiny Wiltshire village with a historic church and neighbouring thatched cottage was a blooming and 'buzzing' success at the weekend.
Knook residents numbering about 60, and churchgoers hosted a Flower Festival and cream teas weekend to raise funds for the church of St Margaret’s and raised £1200 after being supported by over one hundred visitors.
“This is a hidden gem in the Upper Wylye Valley Parish and for many was a first time visit to the church.,” said local resident Kit Pottow (pitured left)who organised the event with Diana Walker (right) on behalf of the team rector Trudy Hobson.
“The hope was that the money raised can go towards a much needed new entrance sign for the church as the old one is rotten and a hedge has hidden it.”.
The event was organized and run by residents of the village with help from others in the local community throughout the weekend including the local bee keeper Den Pictor and his pure honey.
Parish councillor,and retired head teacher at St. George's Catholic primary school in Warminster , Louise Croker found a new way to serve her community this time as a cream teas waitress.
The newly refurbished organ in the church was played on both days, accompanied by a young violinist, and it welcomed visitors from far and wide.
“The church was full of an array of floral displays inspired by the rainbow as an acknowledgment of gratitude to all NHS workers, carers and keyworkers across the board,” said Kit Pottow.
“The visitors were able to wander the church admiring its architectural beauty, enjoy the flowers, as well as learning about the organs history.
“The weather naturally tested us both days but it did not deter the visitors from coming, many taking the opportunity to walk through the valley to be with us.“
A cake stall, plant tombola, raffle, Dens bees and cream teas were ready to greet them on their arrival.”
Mandy Cutler and Autumn Dinning (on the left) were winners along with Ingrid Prela, a visitor from Warminster, at the plant tombola run by Linda Pictor and Hilary Connellan.
“We would like to thank everyone who came and supported the event as well as those who gave their time to help," added Kit.