ONE of the biggest flower festivals in its history was held at St Breward Church last weekend.

Organisers have described the event as ‘stupendous’ with more than £2,000 being raised.

There were 20 displays depicting the jungle theme in unusual, imaginative and beautiful ways.

Visitors were from across Cornwall and overseas, including South Africa, Germany, France, Holland, New Zealand and Australia.

Caroline Hooper, event coordinator and treasurer of St Breward Church said feedback had been ‘fantastic’.

She said: “The displays were quite breathtaking in sight, sound and smell. To step in to the Church was to literally enter in to a jungle. Some who attended commented that they had been to other flower festivals but none quite like this one.

“The village hall was kept busy throughout, serving scrumptious delights provided by Marilyn Pluess, her sister Barbara Bacon, Marg Crowle, Judith Nance and Lee Brattle, ably supported by their volunteer waiting ‘staff’.”

A raffle, comprising a hamper of Cornish produce and a watercolour painting and donated by Anna Corns, was ‘incredibly popular’ and extra raffle tickets had to be sought to meet demand.

Music was performed during two of the days by the St Breward Handbell Ringers, together with an organ recital by Julie Blackburn.

The festival raised more than £2,200 which will go towards the church insurance.

Caroline said: “This sum rewardingly covers this year’s premium and part of next. However, it is not all about money, it is also about people and the joyful manner in which the community was involved. Happy chatter and laughter pervaded everything that took place. The singing at the Songs of Praise almost raised the roof in thanksgiving.”

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.