>May Events / charities / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk / Wildlife May 21, 2014
“Reflections on War & Peace”
23rd – 26th May 2014, 10am – 5pm
Over 60 young men from Aylsham lost their lives during the Great War of 1914 – 1918. The two War Memorials, one inside and one outside the Church, record their names. In this, the centenary of the start of the Great War, we remember through our Flower Festival, those individuals and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice through our Flower Festival. Each of our local talented arrangers has researched a specific aspect of WW1, to create stunning displays reflecting on conflict or peace.
Flowers, displays, memorabilia, music and an interactive children’s trail will help create a beautiful and poignant tribute to those who have been affected, or who are still affected by conflicts around the world.
Aylsham Parish Church’s Flower Festival promises to be an emotional showcase for the talents of the local community, as many of the arrangers will be sharing personal stories or memorabilia. The atmosphere of our Medieval Parish Church will be further enhanced by a selection of music also reflecting on the theme War & Peace played by local pianists and organists. Our interactive children’s trail will help children explore not only the history of the Church, but also some of the key people whos endeavours during WW1 have helped shape our world today. Our “Lyons Corner House” Tea Rooms will be serving fair-trade tea and coffee along with a selection of home baked cakes.
Local school children from St Michael’s Infant and John of Gaunt Infant Schools have also taken part, creating Peace Doves and Poppies that will form part of some of the displays in Church. They are also looking forward to visiting the Festival on its opening day.
Throughout the Festival there is a chance for reflection, as you walk around the Church, enjoy the peace of the Churchyard, or just enjoy a cup of tea whilst listening to music.
Flowers will fill our 14th Century Church and displays include; women in war; WW1 Trenches; farming and animals; famous men; war graves; reconciliation; organisations supporting veterans and a garden of Remembrance created by Woodgate Nursery, a local garden centre.
The Festival will be opened at a special preview evening by the Right Rev’d Jonathan Meyrick, Bishop of Lynn, and John McCarthy. The Bishop and Mr McCarthy will be “in conversation” later that evening in the Church at an event sponsored by Hansels Solicitors, as part of the wider Aylsham Festival. Tickets available from http://www.aylshamfestival.ticketsource.co.uk
Two special Sunday Services are also planned for 25th May. At 10.15am an All Age Service will have everyone creating origami peace doves and at 4pm Aylsham Church Choir will be signing Choral Evensong.
The flower festival is also part of the wider Aylsham Festival which over the same weekend. It promises a whole array of events including A Valuation Day with Keys auctioneers; Mark Thompson, astronomer, & a Slow Food Café.
Revd Andrew Beane, Vicar of Aylsham said “I have been staggered by the interest that has been created through the Flower Festival about how WW1 has touched each of our lives and in ways we perhaps never considered. I am sure that the Festival will create a place for reflection, taking us from the horror of war to the hope of peace as we remember those who died in conflicts over the years and those still today affected by war, especially from post-traumatic stress.”
– Preview evening on Friday 23rd May is by invitation only
– Flower Festival runs from Friday 23rd – Monday 27th 10am – 5pm
– Entry is free but people are invited to purchase a programme or leave a donation
– Bishop Jonathan, Bishop of Lynn in conversation with John McCarthy, broadcaster and writer tickets available from www.aylshamfestival.co.uk
For more information, images or contacts please see www.facebook.com/aylshamparishchurch or www.aylshamparishchurch.co.uk
