A different kind of floral festival was held over the weekend of October 13 and 14 at All Saints Church, Beckley, to celebrate autumn and harvest. Organised by the indefatigable Heather Fooks, she and her willing helpers and parishioners from both Beckley and St Peter and St Paul’s church, Peasmarsh, put together a most beautiful array of greenery, berries, fruits and flowers throughout the church.
All the displays were deliberately soft and flowing, featuring large sprays of beech and other leaves, hydrangea heads and sedums. Included were lots of berries, like hawthorn and rose hips, which are in such abundance this year. The dahlias from Orchard Farm in autumnal oranges and russets added the floral note.
In addition, the children at Beckley Primary school had contributed pictures and made insects like beetles and spiders to add to the displays.
At the altar, displaying the new altar cloth (pictured) given in memory of John Fooks, Heather’s husband, were all the vegetable marrows, apples, cabbages, all kinds of produce, and a well stocked tea bar at the back of the church added to the festive feel.
Church services were held at 10am and evensong at 6pm, followed by a harvest supper. This was a wonderful way to celebrate the amazing summer and autumn the country has experienced this year. Congratulations to everyone involved in putting it together and organising it all.
Image Credits: Gi;llian Roder , Gillian Roder .