Royal Visit to Flower Festival
News date published: 26th November 2008
Details of HRH The Duke of Gloucester’s forward to the Newport Cathedral Festival of Flowers have been released today (Wednesday November 26th 2008).
- For centuries this ancient place has marked Christmas and the other great Christian festivals by seasonal adornment with flowers, so it is appropriate that this Festival takes Christmas as its theme.
- As Royal Patron of the St Woolos Rescue Appeal, I would like to thank the members of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (Three Counties and South Wales Area) for the months of preparation and planning that they have put into this Festival, and for their kindness in dedicating one of the arrangements to my wife and me.
- I am very grateful to all who have sponsored and supported this Festival, and thereby helped us raise funds towards the £2.5 million needed to restore this Cathedral of St Woolos.
- The theme Joy to the World is something we all hope for at this Christmastide. I pray that this Festival will through its beauty bring joy to those who come to view it.
RICHARD
HRH will visit the Cathedral and open the Festival on Thursday morning, November 27th. During his visit he will view a display in honour of himself and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester. He will also be briefed on how the Cathedral Rescue Appeal, of which His Royal Highness is Royal Patron, is progressing and greet supporters of the appeal.
Further information: Fr. Mark Soady Mob 07968 753978/07777677358 01633 212077 (Festival Office) marksoady@btinternet.com