Yahoo News 'Yarn bomb' of flowers to hit part of Nuneaton for very special reason
A 'yarn bomb' of specially crafted flowers is set to appear across part of Nuneaton. The lovingly made knitted blooms will adorn letterboxes, railings, lampposts, trees and other community fixtures across Stockingford.
It is a colourful part of 200th birthday celebrations at St Paul's Church. For two centuries, the place of worship has been a huge focal point in the community.
Locals have shared the joy of marriages and christenings as well as the heartache of funerals at the Church Road-based church since 1824. To mark the milestone, the church is playing home to several special events - both within the walls of the cherished building and outside it.
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Parishioners have been busy creating the knitted decorations for the yarn bomb, which will coincide with a flower festival running from tomorrow, Friday, April 26 to Monday, April 29. Reverend Canon Kate Massey explained that the actual anniversary was on Monday (April 21) but they chose to start the celebrations this weekend - with the yarn-bombing.
She said that there will five post box toppers on Church Road, Meldrum Road, Wiclif Way and Arbury Road with other decorations around them. "We are also yarn-bombing the community centre railings at Vale View, and the school and nursery railings on St Paul's Road and Wiclif Way," Rev Massey said.
"Much of the knitting has been done by congregation members but we have also had donations of knitting from many members of the community. The community centre are also yarn-bombing a bench which was recently placed in memorial of one of their founding members who was also a member of our church."
On Saturday (April 27) and Sunday (April 28), the church will play home to a special display of wedding memorabilia from weddings held at the church over the years. "Inside there will be a flower festival and displays of some wedding dresses and other wedding memorabilia to commemorate all the weddings that have been held in St Paul's over 200 years," she added.
"Entry is free, although donations are welcome and will be split between church funds and 'Love the Ford' - our microgrant fund which we use to support members of our community. There will also be refreshments for sale, so people can drop in for a cuppa and a cake."
There will also be a concert with the Community Voices Ladies Choir on Saturday night from 7.30pm. Then, on Sunday, there will be a Songs of Praise Celebration Service the whole community is invited to from 10am
Other events have been planned to mark the bicentenary including a heritage week iN September with displays of church and community history, an afternoon tea with author Rosie Goodwin, as well as talks on working life in Victorian Stockingford. "We also have ambitious plans to break a Guinness World Record at Christmas - working with our church school,St Paul's," Rev Massey added. "It is going to be an exciting year."
