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Flower Festival 2008
St Peter's Church, Swepstone
Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th and Monday 15th September 2008
Words and Images by:
Site Editor - Louise Smedley-Hampson
All unauthorised reproduction prohibited
Hundreds of visitors were warmly welcomed into the beautiful old church of St Peter's, Swepstone, for the Flower Festival which took place on Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th and Monday 15th September 2008. This was timed to coincide with the "Ride and Stride" event supporting Leicestershire's historic churches and the Harvest Thanksgiving Service. In addition to the breathtaking array of floral art in the church, there were refreshments in the Church Hall, an Attic Sale, Arts and Crafts, Tombola and Home Made Produce. In fact, the cakes sold like...well...hot cakes! Alan sold 80 ice cream cornets on Saturday afternoon alone. At various periods throughout the weekend, the team of bellringers treated everyone to a glorious peal of bells from the belfry.
The expertly designed programme listed all the exhibits which were inspired by the theme: "Hymns". Some of the arrangements were specially dedicated in memoriam to loved ones. Also included was a lengthy list of names of persons who sponsored or contributed to the occasion. Add to this the many people in The Church Wardens' Team and it becomes obvious that the whole community joined together in a spirit of warm generosity to produce a memorable milestone in the history of Swepstone Church.
The photographs have been organised following the same route as one would have walked around St Peter's.
The late afternoon sunlight spreads a warm glow over the porch of St Peter's, decorated with a garland over the Gothic Arch.
Hymn: "One more step along the world I go..." created by Assistant Church Warden, Eileen, in memoriam to Jack Gadsby, Mary and Betty. Jack who lived in Newton Burgoland was a much respected former Church Warden and he also embroidered the picture of The Last Supper which hangs above the Choir Stalls.
Hymn: "One more step along the world I go..." on the right side of the entrance was created by Julie of Swepstone, a keen bellringer as well as medal winning floral artiste.
This beautiful arrangement of white lilies was created by Anne, wife of Bell Captain Mervyn. It is framed by the Gothic Arch of the Vestry.
A close up of the beautiful lilies arranged by Anne, wife of the Bell Captain.
Hymn: "Breathe on me, breath of God" arranged by Margaret who lives in Appleby Magna and her daughter Jo, who lives in Measham. It was a memorial to Charles Ward.
The Tomb and the Cross: Fallen Knight, Thomas Herrick looks splendid decorated with this dramatic arrangement by Anne.
Hymn: "In Christ along my heart is found..." decorates the font and was made by Anne.
Hymn: "In Christ alone my heart is found..." This simple but dynamic duotone arrangement set on top of the baptismal font was created by Anne.
Hymn: "If I were a butterfly...". Eileen from Appleby Magna arranged the flowers, whilst the children of Tots Praise, The Sunday Club, Gold and Gold+ made the frieze and the butterflies.
Hymn: "This little light of mine." Reverend Catherine Booton, the Minister at Newton Congregational Church is also a Guider for Rainbows and Guides, whilst her Mother, Janet Thorpe is Brown Owl for the Brownies. They arranged the flowers whilst members of their troupes created the painted additions.
Hymn: "Go Tell it on the Mountain" - an exhibit created of drapery and flowers by Clare of Newton Burgoland and her friend Jane.
Hymn: "Around the Throne of God", floral art in the majestic tones of purple, gold, green and white. This contribution was made by Ms Middleton of Ibstock on behalf of the Everett family.
Hymn "Lord of the Dance" - a wonderful arrangement in vibrant colour illustrating movement with the green dancing figures on the left. Mel, a mother of two from Newton Burgoland and a former Church Warden, who is a committed member of St Peter's, created this window.
Hymn: "Fair waved the Golden Corn" - a superb harvest time arrangement of vegetables and flowers by experienced floral artiste and Assistant Church Warden Eileen of Measham. This window was created as a memorial to Mr and Mrs Arch and Molly Green.
Hymn: "May the mind of Christ my Saviour..." Again Eileen decorated the pulpit in memory of Jenny, a kind and devoted deceased member of Swepstone Church. Roger, Jenny's husband, is an esteemed former Church Warden and equally fervent Christian. Eileen pointed out that the lilies at centre right fell naturally into a cross shape.
Hymn: "He's got the whole world in his hands..." made in memory of Sam Naylor, Joe and Rose.
The ladies of Swepstone and Newton Burgoland Women's Institute could only choose "Jerusalem" for their hymn as it is the W.I. theme tune. This arrangement features a 'bow of burning gold', some 'green and pleasant land' and some desert sandals. Trish, Julie and Trudy designed this one - Trudy is the President of the local branch of the W.I.
Hymn: "Ride on, ride on, in Majesty". This blooming bicycle was created by award winning florist Julie, in memory of Rubie Robinson. Rubie was the mother of Chris the bellringer and grandmother to Hannah, Nicholas and Esther, eager young members and good friends to the church.
Hymn: "Walk in the Light of the Lord". Created by Church Warden Trish in memory of Dorothy Margaret Harwood.
White roses, white candles and green foliage decorate a table.
Hymn: "We plough the fields and scatter..." the popular harvest time hymn was illustrated by Anita Hodgkinson in memory of relatives Maud and Jim Hodgkinson. It looks quite impressive set in the window niche. Overhead, from left to right, patron Saint Peter, Jesus and St Paul look down benignly, whilst the stained glass sheep fit agreeably with the general theme.
Hymn: "We plough the fields and scatter..." A close up of the flowers, corn stalks and potatoes.
Hymn: "We plough the fields and scatter..." a close up of the tractor, which was borrowed by Anita from Nick Wilford.
Hymn: "All things bright and beautiful..." It would be possible to guess the title of the hymn from the colours of these blooms. Arranged by Audrey and Church Warden, Brenda, in memory of Mrs E Makin and Mr and Mrs S J Sumner (Brenda's beloved parents.)
Hymn: "We'll walk the Land...". In the left hand side of the window niche, made in remembrance of Elliott Guy by Eileen's friends, the two Joans from Donisthorpe. The diffused, autumnal light enhances this enchanting and colourful display.
Hymn: "We'll walk the land..." Set in the right hand side of the window niche were these bright blooms, made by the two Joans from Donisthorpe.
Last Updated Wed, 15 Oct, 2008.