A church in Peasedown St John has thanked two flower arrangers who, between them, have clocked up 80 years service for their local community.
Marion Wilcox and Jean Burgin, who both live in the village, have been tending to the flower displays at St John’s Church for 50 years and 30 years respectively.
Local Vicar, Revd Matthew Street, congratulated the pair on their dedicated service. He said: “Marion and Jean have worked tirelessly over the decades to ensure our church building looks colourful with an array of fresh flowers each week.
“Without fail, the ladies are there each week preparing for Sunday worship. The dedication of these faithful church members is something to be applauded and celebrated. Their dedication is an example to us all.”
Marion has lived in the village since she was born, and was baptised in the church as a baby. Jean moved to Peasedown St John in the 1980’s.
After eight decades of preparing flower displays between them, the duo has decided to put away their watering cans and take a well earned rest.
Matthew added: “With no one left to fill their shoes, Jean has made a beautiful silk flower arrangement which will remain in the church.”
Marion and Jean were presented with vouchers for a local garden centre by church members at a recent Sunday morning service.
The display of flowers in church buildings has been a custom over the generations to symbolise the beauty of God’s creation. Many churches, of various denominations, have traditionally featured them within their Sunday services.
St John’s Church is part of the ‘St J’s Group’ Anglican benefice, which covers the parish churches of St John’s Peasedown, St Julian’s Wellow, St James’ Foxcote and St Julian’s Shoscombe and is named after our three patron saints.
