After all the rain we have had since Christmas, the weather relented for the annual Snowdrop Festival in Edlington and, fittingly for Valentine’s Day, a lovely day was had by all.
"Thankyou God and thankyou St Valentine!” beamed Kathie Birks, who is church warden at St Helen’s Church in the village and the main organiser of the event.
Kathie declared that the festival, which has been held every year since 2009 (apart from 2021 because of a Covid lockdown), was “a huge success” and “the best ever in terms of takings”.
"After all the wet and the rubbish weather we’ve had, I think everyone decided to come and have a day out,” she said. "It was teeming and heaving with people.
"This is our major fundraiser of the year, with every penny raised going towards the repair of the church tower and lower roof. It is a community event, with all the village getting involved.
"A carpet of snowdrops spread from what is known locally as ‘The Pirate House’ on the corner of Edlington Lane and ran for a mile-and-a-half down the village.
"The rain has actually made the snowdrops look their best. They are stunning.”
Visitors had not only the white flowering plants to enjoy but also a range of craft stalls in the church, with local exhibitors, including a 13-year-old girl, displaying and selling their wares, such as jewellery and plants.
There were refreshments, a tombola and the event’s famed raffle, which boasted a collection of excellent prizes, all donated by villagers.
A short service of thanksgiving was also held at the church, where the interior was decorated to make it look like a wood with snowdrops.
The whole event was free to attend, although donations were invited to help the campaign for the church tower, which will cost a whopping £250,000 to fully repair.
St Helen’s Church is a grade II listed building that dates back to the 12th century. It was rebuilt in 1859 by Victorian architect James Fowler, but it still retains its Norman tower arch and Early English font.
Together with the churchyard, it is always seen at its best during this annual Snowdrop Festival.
1. Sunshine, smiles and snowdrops
All smiles from visitors Karen and Mike Woolley, of Alford, as they enjoy a rare day in the sun at Edlington's annual Snowdrop Festival. Photo: D.R. Dawson Photography
2. Money raised for repair of church tower
All the money raised from the Snowdrop Festival will go towards a campaign to repair the tower at the historic St Helen's Church in Edlington, which dates back to the 12th century. Photo: D.R. Dawson Photography
3. Snowdrop queen Kathie
Church warden Kathie Birks, who was the main organiser of the event and decorated the interior of the village church for the day. Photo: D.R. Dawson Photography
4. 'Stunning' carpet of snowdrops
Organiser Kathie Birks described the carpet of snowdrops in Edlington as "stunning". Photo: Submitted