St Faith’s Flower Festival lifting the spirits
Report and pictures by Leslie Mitchell
With all the sadness that has affected us this month St Faith’s Church Lee- on -the- Solent gladdens the heart with its Harvest Festival of Flowers from Friday, September 23, until Sunday, September 25.
With a theme of ‘All God’s Gifts Around Us’ after more than six month’s planning, this display has paid off with humour, imagination and expertise much in evidence.
At the entrance Planet Earth says Yes to Plants and No to Plastic with autumn colours and painted stones.
Inside the church it is fitting that the next display in this seaside community is Fruits of the Sea and Water with its sailing boat, fish and shells .
The eye is next drawn to an enormous overflowing well adorned by the enthusiastic efforts of children and young people 1ged from 18 months to 18 years.
The joyous journey continues past a gaily painted market stall with two figures in smocks.
Visitors must admire the imaginative use of flowers and vegetables in both formal and informal arrangements.
How many birds and animals are there cleverly taking their places in the displays?
The very tall pedestals from Portsmouth Cathedral Flower Guild, on close inspection, are ingeniously full of fruit and vegetables.
A display drawing a great deal of attention is “God’s Gift of Allotments to Grow Them”. With it’s very well-dressed scarecrow, hive complete with knitted bees, raised beds with young plants and pigeons waiting patiently the more you look the more detail you will see.
Once you have seen the displays do not forget to look up and see the beautifully painted Pillar Banners.
Refreshments are available in the Bulson Hall serving soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones.
There are craft and raffle stalls, too. Musical recitals will also be taking place.
The event opened to the public on Friday, from 10am to 4pm; Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 5pm.
PICTURED ABOVE: Wendy Hunt who, along with Pauline Blaker, put together this amazing allotment display.
