Having reached a major phase in the restoration works of the exterior and interior of the church including seven of the windows (in danger of falling out on account of the warping of the leading), it was time to celebrate with a special service of re dedication and thanksgiving! The Rt Revd Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher kindly agreed to lead this service on 1 Oct.

The selected date is the nearest Sunday to the feast of St Michael and All angels which falls on 29 September and to whom our church is dedicated. Their feast sometimes known as Michaelmas is widely celebrated as it marks or nearly so the autumn equinox with shorter days to follow. Historically it marked the end of harvest, a time when servants were hire and debts paid. Families celebrations included eating goose, roasting carrots and finishing picking blackberries(so as to avoid the devil’s spit)! Feasting includes flowers, music and dance. What great prompts for a flower festival to be incorporated into the Patronal Festival!

What’s happening at The Festival?

The focus of the Festival is round the church. The church itself will be bedecked with floral arrangements representing different hymns. Look out for the displays by children too. We are privileged to include works by three internationally renowned artists also associated with Geldeston, including installations by Katharine Colville, Brian Eno, and a painting Richrd Wathen-what a treat!
Flowers ‘n wine on 29 September, 6.00pm, the feast day itself, provides a first opportunity to see the displays in a relaxed fashion over a glass of wine with canapes served, and to chat amongst friends and neighbours. Two Tin Hats, a saxophone quartet, will be playing to make a lovely evening.

For those interested in local wildlife and have booked a place, Richard Moores will be leading a bat walk starting from the church at 7.00pm. Bat detectors will help adults on the walk hear bats, children with their more acute hearing can hear them un assisted. The timing of the walk is related to the time bats usually leave their roosts, however it is also dependent on the conditions at the time and as with all wildlife there is no guarantee you will see them.

On Saturday 30 Sept the flower festival opens to all at 10.00am. Thurlton Gospel Choir will be singing mid morning. Between 2pm -4pm the programme of music playing in the church continues including two up and coming young musicians, U3A group of hand bell ringers, and madrigal singers.

Between 2-4pm on Sat 30 outside the church, visitors can enjoy refreshments and home made cakes, ice creams, browse the local produce and plant stalls, watch a children’s dance group, participate in games, the raffle, see classic cars ) hear Geldeston Ukulele Massif Group and watch teddies parachuting off the church tower (teddies between 2-3pm). The teddies need to come with their parachutes prepared. The group of classic cars provide interest and a photo opportunity!

The afternoon is completed by a tour starting at 4.30pm of our local heroes remembered in and around the church. The tour will be lead by Jonathan Sayer providing a fascinating insight to the lives of those who fought for us. You need to pre book as numbers are limited

On Sunday, 1 Oct at 10.30am Rt. Revd. Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich will lead the service of re dedication and a sung eucharist. Jason Collins will play the organ with a local choir, and a children’s choir from Gillingham school. All are welcome to come to the service of celebration. After the service, the flower festival continues until 4pm.

Funds raised in aid of the Church Restoration Fund.