St Mary's Church, Sullington, nr Storrington, West Sussex - Flower Festival

Flower arrangers and congregation of St Mary's Church, Sullington are pleased to offer the 19th Sullington Flower Festival. Flower displays portraying “A Christian Life” in the ancient church, refreshments in the Tithe Barn and - new this year – a sale of work from contemporary designer makers of the South East, in the old granary of the delightful parish of Sullington, near Storrington, West Sussex.

Tucked into the lea of the South Downs is the beautiful little church of St Mary, Sullington. This ancient village church, whose earliest parts date from c. 1000 AD, first served the originally small settlement “Sulla's place” that lay on the drove road crossing the Downs above it. This summer Sullington celebrates 'A Christian Life' in the 19th biennial flower festival on 18 – 20th June 2010.

For many centuries Sullington was little more than a few scattered dwellings and in the 20th Century virtually all development has taken place to the north, close to Storrington, away from the church which still sits unsurrounded in a delightfully tranquil position. This traditional setting is perfect for the quintessential celebration of the English countryside – the flower festival. The Sullington festival of flowers takes place only every other year and decorates the little church with around 20 stunning arrangements. In the nearby 16th century Tithe Barn, reputedly one of the longest in Sussex, are stalls and crafts including the Chanctonbury Craftsmen (reunited just for this occasion) and – of course – lunches, cakes and teas!

This summer, for the first time and in addition to the stalls in the Tithe Barn, in the old granary there will be displays from local artists' and work for sale from carefully selected, professional, contemporary designer-makers including potters, sculptors, jewellers, textile designers and many more. And for the second time, there will be a competition of children's art which culminates with a display over the weekend. All budding artists can collect entry forms from Storrington Library. But since the first Flower Festival in 1974, when Mina Watson organised 'All things bright and beautiful', the unchanging ancient buildings mean that the event has remained reassuringly familiar

The theme for this year's festival is “A Christian Life” and Derek Spencer, Priest-in-charge, considers “Jesus said that he came to bring life, life in all its fullness and this theme will take you on a journey through the different stages of life, from our birth up until our death and everything in between.” He adds, “ We invite everyone to come and enjoy our church and experience for themselves the fullness of “A Christian Life” through the creative skills and outstanding array of flowers on display.”

The dazzling display of colour and creativity is the work of dedicated and talented volunteers who have devoted hours to their arrangements. The cleaning and decoration of the barn, mouthwatering homemade cakes and ploughman's lunches – not to mention – thousands of cups of tea is also down to hardworking volunteers, all evidence of a strong sense of community and pride in a parish whose roots stretch so far back into history.

The Festival will end with Evensong on Sunday, 20th June at 6pm in the Church. If you are able to join us, we would love to see you there.

For lifts to the Flower Festival or Evensong please contact Anne on 01903-743973.

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