Syderstone flower festival aims to keep church open

Organisers of a village church flower festival hope the display will enable them to keep on worshipping there long into the future.

The festival at St Mary’s Church, Syderstone opened to the public on Saturday morning and continues until Wednesday.

The aim of the event is to raise funds to cover the cost of new heating systems in the building.

Co-organiser Denise Goff said: “If we don’t replace the heating system we might have to close in the winter.

“And if we close we might never open again.”

The fear is that if the listed building is not kept at a constant temperatur,e the fabric of the building could deteriorate.

It is one of 124 round tower churches in Norfolk, the tower having been built in the 13th century. Though, like most churches, there is evidence of earlier churches, since partially demolished.

Twelve radiators are needed to heat the church each costing £350.

But, although Mrs Goff said they were were getting near to the total required, she warned that was only one of the many financial costs facing them.

She said: “For example, we have to find £16,000 each year for the parish precept.”

More than 30 floral arrangements are decorating the church during the festival.

Visitors can also buy home-made preserves and enjoy light refreshments whilst relaxing in the pews.

Mrs Goff said: “We are so grateful to the many local businesses and individuals who are generously helping to raise the money for our heating project.”

The festival remains open until Wednesday, between 10am and 5pm each day.