At the benefice service last Sunday, which was also St. Mary’s Patronal Festival, donations were made to the local committees of two national charities. Representatives from The Stroke Association and Macmillan Cancer Support were welcomed by the Rector, Rev. Canon Andrew Grace.

Presentations of £1,500 to each charity were made by Mrs. Mary Smith and Miss Maureen Webb, these funds being raised at the posy festival, ‘In Loving Memory,’ held in early July.

Over 250 yellow and white posies, along with window displays and individual arrangements adorned St. Mary’s Church over four days and visitors from far and wide were welcomed to enjoy the floral spectacle.

In 2017, the posy festival will again be staged, this being its 19th year. It has been decided to hold the event earlier than usual in order to avoid clashing with various sporting activities in the locality. ‘In Loving Memory’ will take place between Thursday, June 29, and Sunday, July 2.