FLOWER FESTIVAL 2010 - Closing report and thanks to all for all the hard work, from Ann Maxwell

“Best ever!” –that’s the verdict!  Thanks to all our team’s efforts we again dazzled our hundreds of visitors. The large number of visitors were truly enthralled by the arrangements this year, and really appreciated being able to identify with the artworks being interpreted.  After being greeted by Eileen Bullen-Bell, Margaret Calloway and Christina March’s Harlequins by Picasso -“How pretty!” - Narelle’s colourful Welcome arrangement was much admired – “I wish I could make a simple arrangement look so stunning”.

The Belfry area was a quiet area of soft colours, and Jenny Cumming’s arrangement depicting The Lady of Shalott was greatly praised for the imagination and skill of the design, which was particularly admired by the children.  After going round the church many people had to come back for a second quiet contemplation of this lovely scene. Deirdre Lindsay’s Peonies in the Japanese style was a faithful re-creation of Kono’s work, and the perfume of the flowers was just heavenly.  Norma Rich arranged The Haywain in typical country style, with just the right amount of soft pastels and a hint of red, just like Constable put in his original works.

There are always last-minute arrangements to use up the various left-overs, and Jackie Vance scored a hit with her take on Abstract Expressionism.  Jane Weedon’s re-creation of Monet’s Water Lily Pond in and around the Font was softly-coloured and watery in a true Impressionist style.

On Mrs Hockley’s table Sue Cumming had a minutely executed Dutch Still Life which was a real knock-out for visitors as they came in the door – they said it was almost three-dimensional!  The true-to life representation was a real favourite.

Our visitors were then dazzled by Sally Bull’s arrangement of the South Sea maiden reclining under palm trees in the style of Gauguin.  The beautiful exotic flowers were a sight to behold.  Visitors walking up the aisle were delighted with the pew end arrangements depicting The Artist’s Palette, by Alex Archard and Marianne Statters, they added a pretty touch of colour.

Everyone’s favourite artist, Turner was the next artist, and Liz Renton took up the challenge of The Fighting Temeraire with enthusiasm – it was a stunning reminder of the last days of sail being taken to its resting place by the little black tug, with a setting sun to portray the emotion of the scene.

I was delighted to be able to do a small “fill in” to commemorate one of my favourite female artists, Elisabeth Vigée le Brun, and to introduce her to a new audience, who expressed themselves keen to find out more about her and her famous Memoirs.

Barbara Patrick’s arrangement in the style of Degas, portraying his little ballerina, was a melody of soft peaches and creams, and the imaginative star design complemented the painting’s title.  On the pew in front of this arrangement, Joy Bloxham had evoked the art of Hokusai in a Japanese Ikebana style, to realise Mount Fuji in flowers – it was lovely.

Lionel Clark and Wendy Munnion’s superb recreation in the Sanctuary of “The Annunciation” by Lippi, brought tears to many eyes for the wonderful picture it truly painted in flowers.  The angel’s wings accentuated by the wonderful bronze rose “Leonidas” were much admired.  I learn from a search on the internet that this rose is available to purchase as a hybrid tea, but the flowers are more orange than those sold by florists, which are grown at a higher altitude, and are the lovely bronze brown colour that Wendy used.  Lionel’s depiction of The Virgin Mary in soft pinks and blues was an evocative re-creation of the original painting.

The Tadpoles Nursery chose as their display “Sunflowers” – and with paintings and hand-prints, made a colourful arrangement.  Everyone agreed there are some budding artists among these little ones!

Sue Cumming utilised the shape and the size of the pulpit to enhance her arrangement in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.  An authentic Arts and Crafts chair was the base for a simple continental style arrangement of superb blooms, which included calla lilies and roses in subtle hues.

Jackie Vance’s major work was a complete dressing of the pulpit column to depict not just one but three of Renoir’s beautiful works – Dance in the City, Dance in the Country, and Bouquet in a mirror.  This last was voted by many to be the “Best in Show” for its imagination and design.  It would have been easy to have just put a real mirror in the arrangement, but Jackie doesn’t do “easy”! – she is also an artist in flowers.

I also chose sunflowers to be part of “Van Gogh in Arles” which I hope brought to life the spirit of the artist’s vibrant use of colours in the sun of the south of France.

Ena Phillips joined us from St Margaret’s, and her arrangement depicting David Hockney’s “Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy” was very much admired.  The superb magenta lilies evoked the feeling of Celia Birtwell and the complementary arrangement brought back memories of Ossie Clark.

Jenny Cumming’s representation of a Composition by Piet Mondrian was imaginative and very effective, an authentic re-creation of the original!   A complete contrast next as Joy Bloxham depicted a softly-hued Gainsborough portrait of The Hon Mrs Graham, complete with pearls and ostrich feathers, it brought this beautiful lady to life.  Joy also managed to complete a wonderful display to go above the door which really caught the eye.

So we return to the South Seas and circle the exotic arrangement in which Sally evoked the art of Paul Gauguin.

To bid farewell to our visitors Liz put together a very large arrangement to make best use of her foxtail lilies she had used for the Turner.  This was a nice surprise for our departing guests.

Special thanks go to the ladies of Woodham Walter Women’s Club for the lovely range of refreshments available over the Festival period, the church guides, Leigh for making the Donations box (just like in the National Gallery), Sue for hosting a successful lunch, Matt Orford and his team for putting up the marquee, and not least our generous sponsors, without whom this would not be possible.

The final amount paid into St Michael’s fund for the disabled access, kitchen and toilet facilities is £2,248.23 – another record amount!

On Sunday 29th August - Bell Meadow Day, we have our Special Service at 10.30am, and in the afternoon we will be serving refreshments in the church.  There will also be some of the old church registers on display for anyone who is interested in family history research.