When we found that our beautiful Grade 1 Listed Church needs £14,000 repairs (mainly to the roof and stonework to keep the rain out) it was a big blow, after two years when Covid had blighted our usual fundraising activity. We are a village of only 450 people in rural West Somerset, so the Church building is a heavy responsibility. But despondency is not the Stogumber way!

Inspired by the Barley Flower Tower in Hertfordshire and initiated by Wendy Symes, the ladies of the village (and one or two men!) made a plan to cover the Church porch with flowers to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. But it was soon decided to create a cascade the full height of the Church tower. All 18 metres / 60 feet of it!

The winter of 2021-22 saw the return of Covid and many elderly and vulnerable residents had to be cautious, but knitting, crocheting and stitching flowers was a community activity that they could be part of, and small groups would gather in the Church to attach them to the vast net 18m x 5m.

With the help of Firemen from our local station in Williton, the cascade was hauled to the top of the tower, and makes an amazing sight.

Alongside looking after our beautiful building, we care for the wellbeing of people within and beyond our small community, so we are sharing the money raised with two wonderful charities: MIND and the Children's Hospice South West.

Many thanks for supporting us!