AN ABSEILING vicar was one of the stand-out moments at the weekend’s Fladbury Walkabout and flower festival that attracted nearly 2,000 visitors to the Worcestershire village that nestles alongside the River Avon.
Open gardens, classic cars and vintage vehicles, boat rides along the river, musical entertainment on the green and a fun dog show were just some of the attractions to entertain visitors of all ages.
Grade I-listed St John the Baptist looked particularly stunning festooned in sustainable floral decorations and bell tower talks proved fascinating to all who ascended its heights. A song recital provided musical enjoyment.
Vicar of the church, Rev Sarah Dangerfield got a bit closer to The Almighty on the Sunday when she expertly ascended the 7m-high edifice of a climbing wall, ringing the bell at the top.
In 2024 she managed three quarters of the way but this time she was successful and now she joins the elite group of choristers that have conquered the climb.
When it was suggested that she had made the feat look effortless, Rev Dangerfield agreed and said “it was really very enjoyable”. “I had everyone’s support and at least I did it this year, I had to get to the top. Near to God and heaven,” she quipped.
Tea and homemade cakes served up in the village hall made a welcome stop and a number of stalls selling bric-a-brac to plants provided opportunities to browse.
Avonvale district Scouts were in fine form with a fundraising drive for a 2026 trip to Canada and a 3km run on the Sunday had plenty of entrants much to the delight of organisers.
Organiser Mark Blackwell told the Observer: “It was a wonderful event that raises money for the church and local community organisations as well as bringing everyone together.
“A number of people who have left Fladbury came back to the village each year to renew old friendships and make new ones.
“Fun was had by all and both the Chequers and Anchor pubs as well as the pie shop benefited from new custom, so a win all round.”
The event is set to raise more than £10k for good causes.
