STRATTON in Times Past is the theme of this year's flower festival at St Andrew's Church.

The flower festival begins tomorrow (Friday) and will be open every day from 10am to 6pm until Monday, May 25.

Dr Ian Barker, who is involved in organising the festival, said: "This year's theme is very different to that of last year when the emphasis was on the depiction of a somewhat ethereal subject — Angels and Icons.

"A great deal of deep thinking and imagination was necessary to interpret the scripture and portray both the 'other worldliness' and the magnificence and spirituality of Eastern Christian art.

"This year we are 'down to earth' and secular, bringing together facts, memories and, perhaps, just a little fiction. In any event, as our Parish Priest, Father David said in a recent newsletter, 'it should be a joyful trip down memory lane for all'.

"Please do come and visit, enjoy the flowers and some Stratton social history — you are sure to meet friends you haven't seen for years!"

Tomorrow evening at 6.30pm Joan Heard will be giving a short talk about Stratton in its business heyday. Saturday evening's entertainment will be a concert — with a Cornish flavour — in the church, starting at 7.30pm followed by a reception.

There will be many displays of photographs and other archival material featuring St Andrew's Church and Stratton Town.