England’s patron saint was remembered in Manchester with a colourful parade on Sunday featuring an English country garden designed and built by older people who use the Openshaw Resource Centre.
The centre's brightly-coloured float featured flowers made from recycled foam and used carrier bags, surrounding an English tea party.
Staff of the centre handed out summer flower seeds donated by New East Manchester Ltd, the urban regeneration company that is leading the regeneration of 1900 hectares east of the city centre.
The daisy, the symbol of the Dignity in Care scheme promoting dignity and respect in all areas of care, was interwoven with the flowers.
The St George parade was given a civic send-off from Varley Street, Miles Platting, by the Lord Mayor of Manchester at noon on Sunday.
The parade made its way to Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre, led by characters in the costumes of Queen Victoria and Henry VIII.
Adding even more colour to the spectacle were St George's Knights and a dragon, the Assheton Bowmen, belly dancers, steel, brass, pipe, samba and jazz bands, the Adamson Military Band, Morris dancers, rose queens and a town crier.
Councillor Basil Curley, Executive Member for Adult Services said: "The people attending Openshaw Resource Centre worked hard to create this colourful float.
Despite the rainy day, it was a great success, with everyone commenting on the bright, fun float. The daisy a useful reminder of the importance of dignity and respect being at the centre of care.
"This is just one of many art projects that the resource centre runs in its tireless work for older people in the area. There is always room for more people to get involved with what's going on in the centre.
"Anyone over 55 who would like to take advantage of the art classes, Tai Chi, alternative therapies, lunch club, or just call in for a chat should drop in to the centre and enjoy the warm welcome that it is famous for locally."
Media contact:
Martin Helewell, tel: 0161 234 3729