Weekend of celebration is planned at St Mark’s

A Flower Festival, designed and co-ordinated by Rev. William McMillan MBE and members of Ballymacash Flower Club, as well as a Historical Exhibition will be held from Friday to Sunday, whilst the events will also tie in with the annual Harvest Festival.

The Flower Festival and Historical Exhibition will begin with an opening service at 3pm today (Friday), with the address to be given by Rev. McMillan.

The floral arrangements will be constructed by members of Ballymacash Flower Club, which was founded at St Mark’s over 20 years ago.

The historical exhibition will trace the history of the Ballymacash/North Lisburn area, which will be co-ordinated by well-known local historian, Mr Christopher Scott, who grew up in the Parish of Ballymacash and as a youngster sang in St Mark’s choir. During the festival/exhibition, Christopher will give two talks on local history. The first will be held on Friday at 7pm and the second on Saturday at 3pm.

Viewing times throughout the weekend are as follows: Friday October 7 from 4pm-9pm, Saturday October 8 from 10am-9pm and Sunday October 9 from 2pm-6pm. A strong emphasis in all of the events will be the involvement of the community, with various musicians and singers taking part. On Saturday, Keri Cassidy-Taylor’s Suzuki Violin Class will play from 10am-11am and in the afternoon from 2pm-3pm, Pond Park School Senior Choir will sing. On Sunday afternoon Garvey Silver Band will play selections from 3pm-4pm and from 5pm-6pm St Mark’s Group will provide choral and instrumental items.

Meanwhile, in the magnificent setting of the floral displays, St Mark’s will celebrate the Harvest Festival on Sunday with Services at 9am, 11am and 7pm. The special preacher at 11am will be Canon David Jardine, a regular visitor to St Mark’s.