St George's flag hoisted above St Nicolas church

A total 126 steps were climbed to the roof of the church this morning by the town's flag officer, Rod Thomason, in order to hoist the huge red and white St George’s Cross up the 27ft flag pole - the highest in the town - with the flag now billowing in the breeze above Newbury.
“I took over from the late John Gould MBE the job of looking after the flags which are flown from the high flag pole on the tower of St Nicolas parish church Newbury in about 1993, ” said Mr Thomason, who revealed he did not go near the tower, or flag pole, in thundery weather conditions, adding:
“Flags have been flown from this pole and earlier poles for over 65 years.”
Yesterday (Sun Apr 22) a parade of Kennet district Scouts braved sudden downpours for a 2pm parade from Victoria Park to the church, through the town centre in honour of Saint George - the patron saint of Scouting worldwide.
A tug-o-war also took place yesterday afternoon at The Snooty Fox, in Bartholomew Street, with teams entered from various town centre pubs and venues.
A sold out luncheon at the Vineyard in Stockcross today, hosted by Pam Ayres, raised £8,000 for Macmillan Cancer and a raffle raised a further £2,000.
"Pam gives her time to charity every St. George's Day - she is a great credit to England. It was a great way to raise money and celebrate St. George's Day," said Erica Tipton, a spokeswoman for the restaurant.
The Monument pub in Northbrook Street is also planning fancy dress and an open mic spot from 8pm tonight (Monday) to celebrate England’s patron saint.
St George's Day is celebrated on April 23, the traditionally accepted date of Saint George's death in AD 303. The feast day of Saint George, it is celebrated by various Christian churches and by the several nations, kingdoms, countries, and cities of which Saint George is the patron saint