“Peaceful and Heavenly!

“Emotional, wonderful display of God’s love xx”

“God is Light”

“Stunning, delightful, beautiful meaningful arrangements!”

“A fantastic display so full of meaning and so beautiful. Thank you to all involved.”

Just some of the comments written in our visitor’s book. There were many more given verbally. Some of the most rewarding for us is that the theme of ‘Numbers’, and the programme wording particularly brought the Christian message over. Ever since our Flower Festivals began the main aim has been to spread the message of Jesus through another medium. It is always a joy to decorate St Laurence Church and when people come and receive that message, we thank God that our main aim has been achieved.

This year the weather was mostly dry but a bit cool and it was a shame that only a few people were able to sit in the churchyard to enjoy their tea and cake. But the fact that we had to send out for more cakes on the Monday was very encouraging. Many visitors were able to enjoy our refreshments and we are very grateful to the many people who provide our cakes, and to those who serve them.

The Saturday and Sunday saw a constant stream of people visit the festival but Monday was very different. We don’t officially open till 11a.m. but as is often said if we are there the church is open, even if you have to make your own cup of tea! From just after 9.30a.m. we had visitors, meaning the carpet was not hoovered that morning, and the rate at which they arrived was amazing. By the time the Morris Dancers came to give one of their most appreciated displays, people were looking for places to park. We are very grateful to the Goadby family for providing extra parking for us. We certainly needed it on the Monday. We must apologise to the people who were unable to get a drink because of the long wait for a cuppa that afternoon.

As last year we used pot plants to add colour and variety to the festival and we say thank you to those who lent their beautiful plants to enhance the church. We again used the beautifully embroidered flowers that have now been given to the church. It is our intention to offer these for a donation next year, but how are we to put a cost on the hours of work that these flowers have taken to produce.

This year it has been greatly felt that God has helped us,through the provision of all we needed. Especially the flowers and extra people who offered to help when we were busy, both in the preparations and during the event.

As always we have to say a big thank you to the many people who helped with the various tasks and duties e.g. organising the Quiz the prize donated by JKE Ltd Nuneaton, greeting people at the door, the cakes for the raffle and selling the tickets, by making cakes, produce for the stall and those manning the stalls the cleaning before during and after the event and - clearing things away after!

The financial result was also a bonus especially in this current economic climate. We raised £3,235. The donations to the Nuneaton Hospital League of Friends and the Acorn Children’s Hospice will be presented at Harvest Festival. A big thank you to everyone again.