WHAT a stupendous success this year’s St Breward Flower Festival was, with enthusiastic feedback and more than £2,000 raised towards the church insurance.

At the last count the event raised £2,453. This sum rewardingly covers this year’s premium and part of next. However, it was not all about the money! Caroline Hooper, event co-ordinator and treasurer of St Breward Parish Council, said: “It is also about people and the joyful manner in which the community was involved, from toddlers upwards. Happy chatter and laughter pervaded everything that took place.”

There were 22 different displays depicting ‘Underneath the Arches’ theme in unusual, imaginative and beautiful ways. Most unusual was the arch of the foot display, with a giant stiletto heeled shoe.

Caroline said: “Visitors came from all over Cornwall, counties beyond and even overseas. A group of about 15 Germans came in whilst we were decorating. They had walked from Roughtor.”

An arch greeted people to the beautifully decorated village hall, which was kept busy throughout, serving scrumptious delights provided by Marilyn Pluess and her sister Barbara, ably supported by their volunteer ‘staff’.

The raffle, comprising a magnificent hamper of Cornish produce, was very popular, as was the hall’s enormous chocolate cake — the latter being the only problem when a dog ate the creation which had to be remade.

The grand finale was Hymns of Praise conducted by the Rev David Seymour with the benefice choir. Caroline said: “And my goodness did we sing lustily full of spirit of a job well done.”

She added: “An enormous thank you to the flower arrangers, sponsors, donors, printers, sign makers, bakers, village hall team, church stewards and those who attended. The list is endless and is remarkable evidence of the collaboration and generosity that exists in St Breward. What a village. What wonderful people. What a joyous occasion.”