THE annual flower festival was held at St Andrews church, Stratton, from May 27, to May 30, with the theme this year being titled ‘Once Upon A Time — Stories from Childhood’.

Walking up the church path towards the festival, one of the many children’s books resting on the wall was The Most Amazing Hide and Seek Counting Book. This title contained a hint of the rest of the festival.

‘Seeking and finding’ was the invitation of the festival, by re-discovering profound teachings about life and wisdom, hidden in well known and much loved tales from children’s literature.

These were vividly and joyfully brought to life and set amidst an abundance of late May flowers and foliage.

Visitors expressed delight at the care taken with the displays.

The example from the Mother’s Union of Teddy Horsley, an imaginary animal, showed how simple stories are able to help to make the bible understandable to young minds.

The Stratton Branch of the British Legion set their display of The Parable of the Sower on a cloth of poppies, while Sheila Waring interpretated The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Lessons on sharing were colourfully taught in Harold Hare’s Tea Party and the perils and triumphs of turning life’s lessons into experience and understanding were included in the display of The Railway Children.

The decorated South Pillar by Suzanne Heckbert and Deirdre Varley focussed on the theme of The Little House on the Prairie.

The perennial appeal of the story of Cinderella was the story chosen by Stratton Methodists and the Year 2 pupils of the Primary School, inviting viewers to share their re-telling of the story.

Janet Ward, from St Marwenne’s Church, made a delightful homage to the book Follow Me by Frances Pitt, which had taught her as a four-year-old to fall in love with nature through all the seasons of the year.

In the chapel, dedicated to him, St Andrew stands holding his net. Now, in the festival he was to be found contemplating a sea of children’s storybooks. Together with the flowers they were aids, which could catch the hearts and imaginations of young minds.

Lyzette Bevan took as her inspiration the books of Flower Fairies, by Cecily Mary Barker.

There was imaginative use of the church pillars, from Sikira Blight-Bevan’s eye-catching, Sky High, to provide the background for Becca and Val Barker’s cascading hair of Rapunzel, falling to the ground amidst a feast of flowers.

Visitors were led into The Mad Hatter’s Tea Room where delicious food was on offer. A spokesman said: “So many people dedicated their effort and expertise to make the festival such a delight to visit. From flower arrangers and caterers to stewards and many behind-the-scenes helpers.

“It was again co-ordinated by Lyzette Bevan, supported by her dedicated St Andrew’s team. They can feel certain that their efforts transported young and old alike into a world of hope, gratitude and wonder.”