Over the Rainbow

Stop using the 'F' word!

Of course you would expect me as the Vicar of Tewkesbury Abbey to be against swearing, but it's not that 'F' word that I'm talking about! 

It's been on our lips and in our minds for very important reasons and, rightly, we demand that our concerns are tackled by our politicians and policy makers.

But for those of us who have lived through the best of times and the worst of times, it’s now time to draw a line under the great flood of 2007 and move on.

Loss

We can hardly 'celebrate' the first anniversary of the floods. How can you 'celebrate' people being driven out of their homes and businesses, loss of life and, for many, a loss of dignity and security?

Yet, many of us are aware that the media spot-light will return, once again and all too briefly, to the floods on the first anniversary, 20th July, and we need to be ready.

Ready to tell not only the amazing story of what happened, but where we are now and where we hope to go.

'Over the Rainbow: Tewkesbury back in business' tries to do just that! 

By planning a series of events surrounding the first anniversary we want to show the nation and the world our positive spirit during and after the floods, and that we are back in business! 

Reverend Canon Paul Williams

Move on

Naturally, we recognise that other places were flooded, but Tewkesbury received, for whatever reason, substantial media attention, and not all of it has proved helpful. 

In fact, some of it has hindered our recovery and we need to put that behind us.

That's why, from Friday 11 July until Sunday 20 July we will be aiming to show everyone that while we won't forget what happened last year, we recognise the need to move on.

Activities will start with a Gala Concert in Tewkesbury Abbey on 11 July and culminate with the 'Over the Rainbow' events on 20 July.

And of course, the Abbey will be at the centre of what we do.

Hope

The photo of it surrounded by water last year is probably one of the most powerful images from the Floods of 2007.

Tewkesbury Abbey surrounded by flooding in 2007

It was flashed around the world – from national newspapers to international television stations.

But it also became an icon of hope and resilience.

Now, as we move towards the first anniversary of the floods, we plan to make sure it's centre stage again by encouraging people to come along and 'hug the Abbey'.

In that way, there will be people where last year there was water – a symbol of resilience and us moving forward.

Party

But that's not the only thing 'Over the Rainbow' will feature.

We plan a service in Tewkesbury Abbey during the morning before we set off to 'Party with a Purpose!'

That will see two concerts – one in the afternoon featuring Show of Hands, Happy Accidents and My Generation – and the other in the evening with the music of Subkicks, Which Way Up and Spunge.

Throughout the day there will be all sorts of attractions around the Abbey and we hope that people will come into Tewkesbury in their thousands to visit local shops & restaurants, to see the attractions or to picnic in the Abbey Grounds.

There will also be a fancy dress for children, based on the Wizard of Oz.

Fireworks

We will be rounding things off in spectacular fashion with a firework display and ringing of the Abbey bells.

And that's just on one day!

In the days before that, there will be a Medieval Feast, a play 'A right evil place' by Tewkesbury Amateur Dramatic Society and Time travel with the Monks of Tewkesbury Abbey.

The weekend before (12 and 13 July) will see us step back to 1471 for the 25th Medieval Festival, including the infamous Battle of Tewkesbury.

Of course, all that won't just happen.

Support

Local businesses are rallying round to give their financial support to Over the Rainbow.

I am chairing a working party to organise the event and a host of local people and businesses are giving their own time free of charge to help me.

It's wonderful to see such enthusiasm and such generosity of spirit! 

In the next few weeks, we'll be telling you more about 'Over the Rainbow: Tewkesbury back in business'.

Keep you eyes peeled to read about it in the local media, visit this website and listen to BBC Radio Gloucestershire to hear more.

Together

Please help Tewkesbury in our efforts.

We did so well in July 2007, but now it's time to move forward – and forward together.

You might want to donate money to the event or give us help in kind.

Or you might just want to come along to show the world that we have put the floods behind us.

Whatever it is, Tewkesbury needs YOU!

This article is an external contribution and expresses a personal opinion, not necessarily the views of the BBC.