Friends of St James the Great, Thorley, Flower Festival 2002

This year we rejoice in Christ's promise: "I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly".

Nave and tower: Themes of wonder and thankfulness are bound into this great promise with examples of Jesus' love and forgiveness, healing and miracles, and his care for the outcasts. Whilst on earth he remained constantly close to his Father in prayer and so could carry out all that he came to achieve and finally say on the cross: "It is accomplished".

Chancel, altar platform and lych gate: These arrangements reflect our need to respond to the call of Jesus; to thank him, to follow him, to learn from him and always to pray through him. We are now his body on earth.

Programme

There are three venues and the attractions/activities in each are shown below. All activities are free of charge unless otherwise stated.

Festival of Flowers: daily 10.00 to 6.00 (except Sunday 11.00 - 12.15 approximately when a service will be in progress). Please enter via the porch. Access is encouraged during the organ recitals and singing. (In order to allow freedom of movement would visitors please leave pushchairs outside the Church.) Leaflets describing the flower arrangements can be obtained from the stewards. The theme is "Abundant Life" - Jesus' Example, Our Response.

Music: Organ recitals: various times throughout the Festival. Singing: Saturday 2:30 - 3:15 (Music Group), 3:15 - 4:15 (Choir); Sunday 4:30 - 5:30 (Choir and Music Group); Monday 12:45 - 1:30 (Jubilate), 1:30 - 2:30 (Music Group), 3:15 - 4:15 (Choir).

Bell Ringing: Saturday 2.00 - 2.30; Sunday 2.30 - 3.00 and 5.30 - 6.00; Monday 2.30 - 3.00.

Bell Chiming - have a go yourself for 50p: Saturday 1:00 - 2:00; Sunday 3:00 -4:00; Monday 11:30 - 12:30.

Guided Tours of the Church by Bill Hardy: Sunday 2.30 and 3.00; Monday 2.30. Bill Hardy will make himself known by appropriate announcements. A charge of £1 will be made for these tours.

A Mini Fete will be held in the Churchyard on Monday starting at 12.00 noon. Cakes, second-hand books, gifts and bric-a-brac will be on sale.

In the main room the Friends of St James have a selection of souvenirs such as coasters, key rings, pens, pencils, tea towels and notecards. There will be the opportunity to purchase Raffle Tickets at this venue

There are two large halls in this venue and a raised patio at the rear accessed through doors in both halls.

Refreshments are available throughout the Festival in this hall. These include ploughman's lunches, cream teas, tea, coffee and soft drinks, ice creams and a range of snacks. Eating areas are set out in the hall and on the patio. Please use the queuing system to allow others easy access to the hall and toilet area.

Raffle tickets are on sale throughout each day. The draw will be held on Monday at 4.30. in this hall.

A woodturner and a weaver & dyer will be at work in this hall throughout the Festival.

Guided Tours of the Barn by Bill Hardy: Sunday 2.00; Monday 11.30 and 2.00. Bill Hardy will make himself known by appropriate announcements. A charge of £1 will be made for these tours.

There is an Art Exhibition with works by local painters and photographers. Exhibits will be available for purchase. Paintings and Photographs can be reserved by payment and collected after 4.00 on Monday.

The various groups of St James the Great have contributed to a visual display and the Outreach Group is manning an information desk.