A new flag, designed by a competition winner, will fly over St Andrew’s Church in Stratton to highlight the congregation’s care for creation.

St Andrew’s Church has embraced it environmental work with a Creation Care Champion leading the way. The idea of a conservation flag competition was raised by local resident Paul Davy, who is also keeper of the church’s flags.

Christina Ball’s winning design

Val Barker, Chair of the Friends of St Andrew’s Church (FoStA) and Local Worship Leader, said: “The whole idea of having a conservation flag was initially brought to me as the Chair of the Friends. As it was such an inclusive and community-based idea the FoStA committee decided it was a great way of reaching out to the wider community and Friends to promote this public-spirited project. We received good quality entries and those taking part had obviously given great thought to the subject.”

The competition took a little planning as there are national and diocesan rules regarding the flying of flags on church buildings. But after a check with DAC Secretary Sue Thorold, and a chat with the Diocesan Registrar and then Chancellor, the competition was given the green light.

Anyone of any age could enter for free with designs sought for a flag that could be flown from the tower during Creationtide and possibly other events.

Runners up Maddy Meaden and Jonathan Howlet

Christina Ball’s design was chosen from a field of entries by the Diocesan Chancellor, who praised the ‘attractive and imaginative’ entries. The runners up were Maddy Meaden and Jonathan Howlett.

Timothy Briden, the diocesan Chancellor, said: “It is an honour to be invited to make the final selection. All the designs were attractive, well-constructed and conveyed in imaginative ways the idea of creation. My congratulations to all concerned in this project.”

Val said of the flag: “We want this flag to convey to the community at large and all our many visitors how we very much care about our environment and hope it encourages others to do so. We see this as another form of outreach and want people to see we are an active church.”

Mr Davy, whose original idea it was, is arranging for the winning flag to be made and once that is done, there are hopes for a celebration with everyone involved. Val added: “There were some lovely designs and pleasing artwork so a big ‘THANK YOU’ to all who took part.”