Flags fly in Woodbridge on St George’s Day 2005

By Linn Barringer

Yet again, a special event in Woodbridge was blessed with glorious sunshine to add to the successful events to celebrate St. George's Day. More than 40 England flags were flown over Woodbridge, when the ancient market town celebrated the patron saint of England - St George.

Nicholas Boulter played the part of St George as he, with other historical characters in costume, led a day packed with events.

A Suffolk Punch stallion was in attendance on Market Hill during the morning. I am totally ignorant of what makes a good Suffolk but this looked, to my un-knowledgeable eye, a very fine specimen.

Pretty Grim Morris side entertained the crowds (there's a short video - but 4Mb file) with their exuberant Border Morris dancing, in particular, their own speciality "The Grim Reaper."

Many shop windows displayed the St George theme and a competition was held for "best display." Results are on the Photo Report page.

Restaurants offered special English food, and the award-winning Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard made it a Tudor Day, with staff in costume serving roast beef at lunch and sausages for supper.

A Street Party Supper was held at Woodbridge School and the Rotary Club put on a full traditional English dinner at the Abbey School.

For children, there were face painters and the ever-popular "balloon lady" making toys, animals, and even a balloon sword-and-scabard.

The library organised Dragon Day events, with dragon stories and poems, plus the opportunity to create a dragon around the library walls.

All in all Woodbridge, as a traditional English market town, was really celebrating our English patron saint St George in a festive and fun filled day.

For a photographic record of some of the day's the events, click here.