THE annual Flower Festival at Saint Swithin’s, Launcells, was able to go ahead this year thanks to COVID restrictions being lifted, just in time.

Saint Swithin’s Church were delighted when COVID restrictions lifted on July 16 as it meant that the annual Flower Festival could be held as usual in the church. It began on Thursday, July 22, and closed on Sunday, July 25.

Parochial church council (PCC) secretary Margaret Bond said: “There were 23 beautiful, different arrangements placed carefully around the church. The theme for the festival was ‘Summer Holidays’, which gave our creative arrangers scope to allow their imaginations to come up with many different ideas.

“Visitors could not only enjoy the flowers but also partake of morning coffee and cake, a light lunch, and cream teas. The food was prepared in our new kitchen. This new kitchen, situated in the belfry, has made such a big difference, enabling our chefs and kitchen staff to work much more effectively. The quality of our meals is known for being excellent and we are proud to say, that our friends, and members of the congregation, donated their various cakes, soups, and lunch meals in order to support us once again.”

Local organists played during the days, some swing-a-long sing-a-long numbers, while visitors enjoyed the flowers, took photographs and enjoyed refreshments.

Margaret added: “It is right that we say thank you to those members of the PCC at Saint Swithin’s who worked so hard to make it the success that it was. Those behind the scenes, those at front of house, those in the kitchen and serving at tables, and to our two chefs.

“We at Saint Swithin’s are grateful to all those who came to see us, and gave us their support in the way that they did. Thank you.”