St Andrew’s Flower Festival a breathtaking success

• The Flower Festival in St Andrew’s Church was a marvellous and uplifting experience. Caroline Crisp, assisted by 36 ladies, a number of enthusiastic gentlemen and with the support of local businesses, turned the church into a blaze of colour on the theme of ‘Beside the Seaside’. The 27 stunning individual flower arrangements, each suitably annotated, ranged over such topics as the Chesil Beach, the Lodmoor Bird Reserve, the Jurassic Coast, the RNLI, the Coastguard, the Olympics and many more. Of particular note was the beautiful and moving item ‘Jesus stills the storm’ created in the Sanctuary by Melcombe Regis Flower Club in memory of their Chairman Roxane, a much loved Preston lady. The constant stream of visitors over the three days also enjoyed the music played throughout by a dedicated team of organists led by John Tallon, the opportunity to partake of delicious homemade refreshments in the Church Rooms afterwards, and the bell ringing under John Foggan on the last day. From the many comments received there can be no doubt that everyone had been entranced by the quality of the designs and the talent on display which showcased the ancient Norman church so well. Whilst entry to the church was free, donations were invited and these plus the proceeds from refreshments will be shared between the children’s hospice Julia’s House and the church itself. As Rev Tim West said in his introduction ‘We are blessed in so many ways’ and the teamwork, energy and artistry evident in the Festival is a tribute to all concerned and Caroline is to be congratulated for organising this most successful event.