Ballymacarrett remembers the Somme fallen
St Patrick’s Ballymacarrett marked the Centenary of The Battle of the Somme with a Flower Festival to remember the fallen. The Festival, which ran over the opening weekend of July, was opened by Sir William Hastings, who started his business life across the road from the church.
Bishop Ken Clarke preached at the closing service of remembrance for the soldiers who fought and died in a battle which lasted from 1 July 1916 until November 18 the same year.
Rector, Revd John Cunningham said: “There was a great response with visitors from as far away as Bray and Londonderry thanks to the hard work and innovation of the floral artists and the truly hard work of the parishioners.
“The reward for all this effort was glorious display of flowers and a fresh insight into a truly horrific event in the shared history of humanity.”
