I have just returned to my home in northern Lincolnshire after a day visiting church flower festivals in southern Lincolnshire.
The churches in Sutterton, Donington, Gosberton and Moulton were wonderful displays of colour and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. We enjoyed the flowers and stalls and homemade goodies at each.
Everyone on the coach was looking forward to our arrival at St Mary’s Church, Long Sutton, our final stop of the day.
It was my first time visiting these festivals and my fellow travellers told me that the standard at this particular church was outstanding and I would be amazed at the glorious flowers.
To begin with I had to agree with them as I moved around the church but, as I approached the rear of the church, I spotted the war memorial on the wall and the flowers placed before it. A wreath of poppies and an arrangement to the side, also poppies.
The sight saddened me greatly. The church was filled with vibrant colour and all manor of flowers depicting “A Collection of …….” but the memory of local brave soldiers was adorned with faded, dusty, silk and plastic poppies.
Surely at least one of the flower lovers could have given a thought to those young men and placed a small, fresh arrangement in front of the memorial.
I left the church with sadness in my heart.
Mrs J Burgess
Tetney