Tourists come from Holland to see snwodrops

A GROUP of Dutch tourists travelled from the Netherlands to see the Swyncombe snowdrops.

A coach party of 30 arrived at St Botolph’s Church after travelling overnight from the Hook of Holland to Harwich.

They wanted to see the snowdrops and aconites growing in the churchyard and visit the church, which dates back to Norman times.

On arrival, organiser was Bert Vermijden and the other visitors were greeted with the Dutch national flag flying outside the church.

John Green, one of the reception committee members, welcomed them in Dutch he had learned from his late wife, Stiny, who was from the Netherlands. They also enjoyed teas and cakes.

Mr Green, who attends the church, said: “Apart from the flowers, they showed great interest in the church with its beautiful stained glass windows and many old memorials tablets.

“One of the visitors spent the entire time sketching the church and others were fascinated by the inscriptions on the gravestones, many of which are hundreds of years old.”

After spending around two hours there, Mr Green encouraged the group to sing a traditional Dutch song before they left for their hotel.

The church’s annual snowdrop teas attract thousands of visitors who come to enjoy homemade teas and cakes and see the blessing of the flowering bulbs in the churchyard.

Money from the bakes and other stalls goes toward local charities and general church funds, including the recent installation of an outdoor toilet.