VISITORS recently flocked to St Leonard’s annual snowdrop weekend, to see the white carpeted grounds of Beoley churchyard and to take advantage of sales of some of the vicarage plants.

The church was also buzzing with people interested in seeing if they or their relatives featured in the baptism records of the church on loan from Worcester Records office, dating from the 1850s, past records of local Beoley First School, as well as some interesting work from today’s pupils and the work of the Mothers’ Union, which were all on display.

Joyce Bush, who organised the event, said: “We were thrilled to see so many people brave the elements to come and see us – quite a few familiar faces but also visitors from further afield such as Cumbria.

“We’ve seen lots of local families enjoying the winter displays of flowers and were pleased with the good turnout.”

The event also took a new twist, with the launch of a photographic competition to stretch right though to October.  The church is inviting children and adults to submit photographs of the church and grounds which will go on public display at next year's festival, with a host of tempting prizes on offer including vouchers for photographic equipment, a portrait session and a digital camera.

For more details see stleonardsbeoley.org.uk

St Leonard’s, which has been without a full-time vicar since David Rogers retired last year, will soon be welcoming Paul Irving when he takes his first service on Mothering Sunday, March 30.