SEVEN churches within the Boscastle group of parishes partook in the 'Magnificent Seven' group fundraiser on Sunday, 30 and Monday, May 31 – all with their own unique theme.

At St Juliot church near Boscastle, a flower festival was held to commemorate its literary links to the writer Thomas Hardy.

It is 140 years since the then unknown church architect was greeted at the door of the rectory by Emma Gifford, later to become his wife and the inspiration for his first novel and some of his best acclaimed poetry.

The event takes its title from one of his best known novels, 'Far From the Madding Crowd' – a haven of peace, poetry and prose of Thomas Hardy, all depicted in flowers.

Some of the poems have a very local theme such as 'The Marble Tablet', written about the memorial Hardy designed and placed in the church for Emma after her death.

Also featured were the poems 'Under the Waterfall' and 'Beeny Cliff', which evoked memories of when Hardy and Emma were courting in the parish in the 1870s.

Nearby at St Denis' in Otterham, the church's ancient bells were rung, and a small bell frame was rigged up inside the church to show visitors how the bells work and are rung. Plants and teas were also on sale.

At Davidstow Church there were a huge variety of hats on display, various stalls, and

refreshments served. At Lesnewth, Valency Fine Art staged an exhibition of paintings entitled 'Cornwall and Beyond' by various artists. Visitors were also able to stroll in the adjoining wildflower meadow and enjoy more homemade refreshments.

Minster Church, set amongst beautiful bluebells in the wooded valley of Minster, provided a chance for reflection and rest and a display by young members of the children's church and holiday clubs.

More arts and crafts by local artists and residents were on show at nearby Forrabury.

Finally, at St Petroc's in Trevalga, a glorious array of embroidery, quilting and other handicrafts were on display for those in attendance.

The event as a whole was well supported both by local people and visitors to the area.

See this week's 'Post' for more photos and news from the fundraiser.