Floral artistry in Caerphilly church

Dozens of new visitors gathered at a Welsh church when it took part in its town’s flower festival

The congregation at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, South Wales, opened its doors to the local community for the Caerphilly Flower Festival over three days in June, where it offered both its building and growing enthusiasm for floral artistry to the festival efforts.

The church shared a range of floral displays and in turn saw lots of new people coming into its building.

'What a thrill it has been seeing visitors coming into our church,' said church member Marjorie Gray, 'some of whom have never entered a church before, to look at our floral displays and artwork.'

The festival, which is in its 10th year, is run by local churches and organisations, backed by the financial support of the local Council. The church has been involved since 2007, and has seen its skills develop in that time.

‘We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience,’ said Marjorie. ‘Over the years, we have gained in experience and expertise.

'Encouraged by those who have knowledge of floral artistry, we have enjoyed great fellowship as we soak the greenery, fix oases, cut flowers to the right length and eventually create floral displays, often amazing ourselves in the process.’

The church has also been building links with a local art group which uses the church-building regularly for its meetings. The group has used its artistic talents to support the church team's floral designs.

The theme of the festival this year was 'Eisteddfodau', which links with the Urdd Eisteddfod, a national celebration of the culture and character of Wales.

For Marjorie, the flowers displayed in Mount Carmel served as both a reflection of the beauty of Wales, in line with the Eisteddfod, and also as a symbol of the creative nature of God. The weekend ended with a celebratory 'Songs of Praise Service', which had a focus on God's creation.