PICTURES: Shakespeare in Bloom

Christ Church in Worthing marked the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare with a flower festival.
Florist Jonathan Davidson with the depiction of Macbeth he made with Netta Millar. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000197-3Florist Jonathan Davidson with the depiction of Macbeth he made with Netta Millar. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000197-3
Florist Jonathan Davidson with the depiction of Macbeth he made with Netta Millar. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000197-3

Shakespeare in Bloom, in aid of the Christ Church Restoration Fund, featured stunning displays around the church, with many contributions by the wider community, from Friday to Sunday.

Janine Hobbs, parish administrator, said: “All the arrangements, by many Worthing churches and organisations, were on the theme of different Shakespeare plays.

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“There was also an arrangement sponsored by Rosemary Hensby Solicitors in memory of John Henry Akerman, former churchwarden of Christ Church and well-known solicitor in Worthing, who died last November.

Janine Hobbs with the plans for the church ks16000197-6Janine Hobbs with the plans for the church ks16000197-6
Janine Hobbs with the plans for the church ks16000197-6

“It is all about outreach. Our aim is to serve as a spiritual focus for the whole town centre community, both residents and those who work in the parish.

“To take the church forward, we have a visionary plan of reordering.”

The long-term plan is to reinstate the gallery at the back and open up the first-floor reading room.

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A hall space will be created at the west end, so the area can be separated off for various events and as a meeting space for the community to use.

Verger Lorraine Roberts with one of the arrangements depicting Richard III ks16000197-1Verger Lorraine Roberts with one of the arrangements depicting Richard III ks16000197-1
Verger Lorraine Roberts with one of the arrangements depicting Richard III ks16000197-1

Janine said the first step was to build up a bank of letters of support, saying the space is needed. The church can then begin the process of applying for Lottery funding.

Businesses, clubs and organisations that could benefit from the space are asked to call Janine on 01903 237713 for more details.

The plans and artists’ impressions were on display at the church, in Grafton Road, during the flower festival.

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High-quality blooms had been sourced for the festival and stunning displays were put together by members of the church and others.

Parish administrator Janine Hobbs with Irene Sole's Ophelia from Hamlet ks16000197-2Parish administrator Janine Hobbs with Irene Sole's Ophelia from Hamlet ks16000197-2
Parish administrator Janine Hobbs with Irene Sole's Ophelia from Hamlet ks16000197-2

These included the flower team from St Mary’s Church in Broadwater, Worthing Flower Club, Worthing Musical Comedy Society Youth, Worthing Horticultural Society and the Worthing branch of the Royal Artillery Association, plus the Knit and Natterers made wool creations for several displays.

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Church warden Ken Hobbs with the tribute to John Akerman, who died last year ks16000197-5Church warden Ken Hobbs with the tribute to John Akerman, who died last year ks16000197-5
Church warden Ken Hobbs with the tribute to John Akerman, who died last year ks16000197-5

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