October_2016_Web

Hello from Bolton
After our most enjoyable visit to Liverpool in June to attend our first
AGM, and been able to meet other members for the first time and hear
about their churches and experiences, Alison and I thought that we
would send you a snapshot of our church in Bolton and some of our
flower arranging exploits.
Our church is the parish church of St. Peter, Bolton-le-Moors, (known
locally as Bolton Parish Church). It is a beautiful building in Victoria
Gothic style, built in Longridge stone and was opened in 1871. The
church is 156ft from east to west, 67ft wide, and 82ft high. The tower,
said to be the highest in Lancashire, is over 180ft high, and affords
extensive views of the surrounding moorland.
We are part of a small team (4 or 5) who meet most Fridays to arrange
flowers. At Christmas, Easter and Harvest members of the Sunday
School provide their own much admired displays, and members of the
congregation join us in decorating the church. We are also lucky to
have the help of a number of “flower friends” when an extra special
event occurs.
On a weekly basis, flowers are arranged on the altar, in the Lady
Chapel, and regularly there is a pedestal arrangement in the nave.
During the centenary commemoration of World War 1, we are placing
an arrangement by the war memorial. At Christmas, Easter, Harvest,
and on civic occasions, we take every opportunity to make as much
use as possible of the generous space available! We are fortunate to
receive regular donations, appreciative comments, and garden foliage
when requested from members of the congregation.
As the town centre church, in the last two years, we have hosted the
annual mayoral civic service, a service to commemorate the centenary
of the outbreak of World War 1, and the retirement service for the
Bishop of Bolton (900 in the congregation, so a work of art finding
spaces for flowers!)
In 2014 the flower team was asked by the then lady mayoress if we
would help to organise a charity flower day at the Town Hall in support
of the mayor’s charities. This was a most enjoyable and successful day,
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