MP visits Thakeham’s Flower Festival

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert took ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ around St Mary’s Church in Thakeham to see the flower festival display (14 June). 

Mr Herbert was met by Reverend Sara-Jane Stevens, her husband Bob and Allison Goodfellow. 
Sara-Jane praised the community effort which had helped to transform the church for the  Festival with the theme ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’. 

The floral exhibits were produced from flowers grown in the village and the displays incorporated artwork and installations.  One area of the church included a water-feature surrounded by foliage and flowers.  Unusual items such as old footpath signs, beehives and stuffed animals were included in other displays. 

The annual three-day Festival & Open Gardens included evening events and entertainment.  All proceeds from the Festival will be shared between St Barnabas House, St Mary’s Church and Jubylee Bakes – an award-winning bakery run by a group of adults with special needs, based in Thakeham. 

Mr Herbert said: “I really enjoyed seeing the church transformed in such a charming way.  The displays were wonderfully creative.  It was also a pleasure to meet the Reverend Sara-Jane and Bob who are so obviously enjoying being a part of the Thakeham community.”  

ENDS

Notes  

1.    Photograph 1 – (left to right) John Williams, Reverend Sara-Jane Stevens, Nick Herbert and Alison Goodfellow.