PRANKSTERS hoisting a pirate flag at a Millicent church over the weekend have drawn a mixed response.
The so-called “Jolly Roger” was flown overnight on Saturday from the flagpole which has stood for the past 18 years in the grounds of the Oscar Osborne Memorial Garden of St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church.
The actions of the pranksters did not impress parishioner and business owner from across the road Nicole Looby-McRostie.
Ms Looby-McRostie arrived at her shop at 6.45am and promptly pulled down the flag.
“I have disposed of it,” Ms Looby-McRostie told The South Eastern Times.
She said she had informed parish priest Father John Thompson about the situation.
“I think some (people) must have been in the churchyard overnight,” she said.
“The flag did not look right.”
Parishioner and former church councillor Jan Milham worshipped at St Michael’s on Sunday morning and was not too bothered about the prank.
“It is not right to put the pirate flag on the church flagpole,” Ms Milham said.
“It is not hurting anybody and it is not vandalism but it is a bit naughty.”
From time to time, the 139-year-old church and garden has been targeted by thieves and vandals and some acts of desecration have been committed.
Last month, a promotional canvas banner was pulled down and torn by vandals.
Until the 1980s, it was the practice of the church to remain unlocked around the clock.
