Floral reflections on Covid crisis boost West Norfolk parish church

The impact of coronavirus has inspired some colourful displays at a West Norfolk parish church.

A three-day flower festival took place at the All Saints' Church, Shouldham over the bank holiday weekend.

The theme of the displays was "Things We Missed in Lockdown", reflecting the extent to which normal life shut down during the pandemic.

The displays covered subjects ranging from going for months on end without seeing close relatives to sports events like Royal Ascot, many of which were forced to go ahead behind without spectators if they could happen at all.

Another arrangement reflected on the loss of theatre productions, which were among the countless events cancelled during the pandemic.

And others reflected on the shutdown of foreign travel, which still remains challenging because of ongoing quarantine requirements for travellers returning from many nations.

A total of 25 displays were on show during the three-day event, which raised a total of £1,800 for church funds.

Jennifer Malby, one of the event's organisers, said its proceeds would be vital to help keep the church running.

She said: "Churches have had nothing, no weddings, no congregations for about 18 months. Some are in desperate straits.

"This will pay the utilities for the year. We were pleased with that.

"We couldn't do it without all the arrangers and everyone who helped. The village really supported us."