The Flower Festival at the Norman church of St Peter and St Paul in Peasmarsh was this year held over the Bank Holiday weekend, May 26, 27 and 28. The church itself is situated about a mile from the village, as the original village centre was moved after the Black Death plague in the 14th century. It is in a very pretty country lane, surrounded by fields, and has the peace and tranquillity to be expected of such a setting.
The Flower Festival team, led by Deidre Bull, filled the church with scent and beauty, in an imaginative and colourful display. From an idea by Angela Brassleay, the theme was “In the Sky”, so there was thunder and lightning, fireworks, flight and feathers, a very clever interpretation of the constellations, one could go on and on!
On entering the church, visitors saw Irenie Pearce’s interpretation of “Come Fly with Me” in blues and whites, with a bright hot-air balloon above it. Another hot-air balloon with rhododendrons in a large basket was poised for flight from one of the high window sills, and the Sun had Got His Hat On, on another one.
In the more metaphysical field, there was the “Spirit of Freedom” by Elizabeth Wood on the British Legion memorial, and “Cloudscapes” adorned the pulpit. Rainclouds by Alex Boatwright Smith hung from the ceiling, complete with raindrops and there were three more arrangements hanging from the lights. Rainbows popped up, one by Diane Gilchrist and another in the squint window, and the overall informal aspect was just so right for a country church.
The children were not forgotten, with a children’s corner and a treasure hunt, though it appeared they were all on the beach, as there were fewer than usual visiting. The tea tent did a roaring trade, cakes, scones and sandwiches all there, whilst outside there was a busy plant stall.
It was a really successful display and many positive remarks were made as the visitors circulated. The wonderful weather added to everyone’s enjoyment. We were surely blessed this weekend!
Photos Gillian Roder