Flower Festival- 130th Church Anniversary

The Radcliffe on Trent Grange Art Group were pleased to respond to the suggestion that a small art exhibition might form a suitable backdrop in the School Hall where coffee and cake were on offer during the weekend’s Flower Festival.

Thirty-two paintings were produced and hung for sale by the art group with the intention of donating a contribution from the sales to help fund the Festival. In all eight paintings were sold raising a total of £190.

Many members of the art group and their families were able to attend the Festival over the two days and were also able to appreciate the artistry and skill of the church's flower arrangers who put on such a marvellous display.

Rodney Fogg

What a success our fantastic flower festival was. The opening ceremony was regally performed by our very own Thelma Ackers, who I have to say looked wonderful in her outfit. Thelma has been, in the past a very active flower arranger and now, although she is unable to do arrangements, is very active in other areas of our Church. So thank you so much Thelma.

The weekend was off to a great start, with community cafe serving fantastic home made cake, coffee and tea. It was extremely busy, and once again a big thank you to everyone who was involved. Then, on to look in the Church at the amazing flower arrangements. They had to be seen to be believed. Such effort and time from all the arrangers who took part. You are a very talented bunch and I am sure everyone who came to look at them felt very privileged to have been part of the occasion. Thank you all for your time and efforts. I wish I was half as talented as you all are.

The history section in the rear entrance to the Church, which was put together by Gwyn, invoked a great deal of interest. As it was also the 130th anniversary of our Church. There were lots of photos to be looked at and lots of “Oh, don’t they look young”. Thank you Gwyn for all the work that you put into it.

The whole weekend was wonderful with lots of people attending, and was rounded off with a lovely anniversary service conducted by Nikki Geeson. Then more refreshments after the service. Thank you Nikki for a lovely service. Thank you to the after service coffee team and an enormous thank you to everyone involved in making our 130th Church Anniversary such a huge success.

Ann Mills

Weren't we lucky with the weather for our celebration Flower Festival held for the 130th anniversary. Helen, Zena and I, the church flower arrangers, were joined by Margaret, Rachael, Chrissie from our church, Cherrie from St. Mary's, Christina from St. Ann's, and Gerry from the Flower Club. We would like to say a big thank you for their contribution. The theme “Let us build a house where love may dwell” was challenging but I think we rose to the occasion. It was certainly colourful and welcoming.

Stephany Fogg

When it was announced that there was going to be a flower festival, to celebrate the church anniversary, my heart sank. How could we have a flower festival when we had only three regular flower arrangers? I also knew from previous experience what a lot of work was involved.

A meeting was arranged for anyone who wanted to take part to come along. There was an excellent response and four more arrangers volunteered. There were challenges about interpreting the hymn “Let us build a house” but these were resolved very creatively.

I invited two friends (arrangers) to take part and they were very pleased to do so and another church member came forward. We now had 10 people to do arrangements. No more sleepless nights for me!

We had offers of greenery which we were delighted to accept. The Wilson’s garden was virtually moved to church!

Friday. the 13th – we all began our arrangements and everything began to take shape. There was a lovely scent of flowers and greenery and the church looked beautiful.

On Saturday Thelma Akers came to open the festival and gave a lovely speech giving background about our first flower festival. This was very interesting for people who had not been involved before. She had organised so many festivals and was sad not to feel able to take part this time. Thank you Thelma.

I would like to thank all who took part: - Flower arrangers, those who fetched and carried, welcome stewards, refreshment makers, chair movers, printer of texts, background effects and music, cash donations and our church PA who designed flyers and posters and printed them.

Grateful thanks to the Flower Room for the beautiful arrangement that was given.

THANK YOU ALL.

Helen Hancock. (Flower Steward)