FATHER Mark Soady who is in charge of raising £2.5 million to restore Newport's cathedral has come up with a blooming good idea.

For three days at the end of next month St Woolos will be ablaze with colour and heady with fragrance as flower-arranging societies from all over Wales and the West brighten winter's gloom.

Those wishing to make a dedication can sponsor or part-sponsor a particular display with top-of-the-range poinsettia sponsorships starting at £75 down to creations principally from ivy at £25.

Companies, clubs and individuals with someone to remember or something to celebrate can take part.

"It's been dome with tremendous effect at other cathedrals" said the parish priest, minor canon at the cathedral and chaplain to Newport University.

"When a similar thing was put on at Hereford it attracted 5,000 people a day.

"I'm working on the basis of 2,000 visitors but it could very well be many more.

"There is a distinct Christian message contained within the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

"A partridge in a pear tree' for example represents Jesus because the partridge often feigns injury to draw danger away from her children.

"The turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments and the three French hens can be either the Trinity or the virtues of faith, hope and charity.

"The only dedication made in advance will be the Ten Lords-a-Leaping which is thought to represent the Ten Commandments.

"This one has been reserved for our patron, the Duke of Gloucester."

Within the framework of the 'Days of Christmas' theme 84 individual displays will grace no only the entrance to the cathedral - where there will also be two large Christmas trees - but Norman-period St Mary's chapel, the North aisle, South aisle, the St Luke's Chapel, chancel and high altar.

The will also be a prayer tree in aid of the Argus-backed Sparkle appeal.

"Flower arrangement societies taking part cover an area from Llanelli in the West to Worcester" Fr Soady, added.

"It will be a glorious display to introduce the festive season but even more importantly to raise money for the cathedral which lies at the very heart of our community."

Local societies taking part in the event are Newport Floral Society, Abergavenny and District Flower Arrangement Society, Monmouth Floral Society and Tredagar and District Floral Art Society.

The cathedral's supporters - which include a large swathe of Gwent's population as well as wealthy outside donors - have already raised £425 thousand towards the £2,5 million restoration target.

The rescue appeal is now in its second phase which is replacing the roof over the nave, aisles and St Mary's chapel at a cost of £1.2 million.

The man orchestrating the event admitted that he was not himself green-fingered.

"I like flowers but this is the sort of thing best left to those who excel in the field" he said.

"My job is to make the restoration fund grow."

  • Sponsorship forms including gift aid declarations are available from the cathedral or Newport (01633) 212077.