Church Flowers

In 2007, Easter fell at the beginning of April. For various reasons, it had become impossible to have the stone garden tomb in the South Porch, which has been constructed for Easter for many years, and the Vicar. James Butterworth, suggested that we create an Easter Garden in the Trinity Chapel.

Many people were involved in this, and it contained a Calvary with three crosses, and a tomb with a stone that could be rolled away on Easter Day. Many plants of all sorts and sizes were lent to the Garden, and votive candles and others were put around, with various pots, stones etc. For Easter Day, flower arrangements and potted plants brought by children and others were added, and the stone was rolled away to show the empty tomb. This Garden drew many people into the Chapel, and made a great impact.

Many stayed to pray or meditate. On Maundy Thursday, after the service, the Chapel was full of those who wished to keep vigil by candle light. The flickering lights and shadows of the greenery, all backed by the three crosses and the tomb were a powerful focus for thoughts and prayers.

In July, we said farewell to the Rev’d Katie McClure with social arrangements in her favourite colours.

At the end of September, Harvest Festival had the theme of conservation of water resources, with special reference to our linked branch at Dornakatal, S.India. Powell’s helped us with this by covered hoops strung between the pillars in church from which coloured watering cans etc. of cardboard could be hung.

We decorated as usual for the Remembrance Day Service, and for the Advent Market, which was held at the end of November, when the church was open to everyone in the town and the lights on the Market Place tree were switched on.

We held two open meetings in late November, inviting anyone who would like to do an arrangement occasionally to come and join us, but this was not successful, and we find we do better by actually asking friends, or Flower Club contacts if they would like to help, which they often do.

Decorations for Christmas followed, and Powell’s made scenes from the story of the Magi to wrap round the pillars; these were very effective and well executed.

In February 2008, we met to discuss Easter flowers and whether to create another Easter Garden. It was decided to make another, but a much simpler one. Using the tomb material from last year, and creating a hill with three crosses as a back drop, we would fill the space with cut greenery and candles, adding flowers for Easter Day. It would be easy to clear all this after Easter, when the Church has to be cleared in readiness for the re-ordering.

During the year we did some wedding flowers, and Mrs Cherry Nicholls and her husband took over as treasurers from Alison Gunary. We are most grateful to Alison for all her hard work on our behalf, and to the Nicholls for taking it on. We are also grateful to Powell’s for their support, and colourful input.

We acknowledge our debt to the ‘Friends’ of the Parish Church for their most generous donation to our funds, and to those who give for special occasions.

Lastly, but not least; our thanks go to so many people who help us in many ways, and of course, to all those who use their skills to create and delight everyone with their arrangements. Many visitors comment on them, and stop to chat as we are working. When the re-ordering begins, we shall try and keep some flowers going in the part of the Church we are in at anytime.                                                                                  Teresa Davies.