Simple pleasures at flower festival

Hobbies from genealogy to choral singing were showcased in Mount Carmel Baptist Church as part of the annual Caerphilly Flower Festival

With no overarching theme for the festival, Mount Carmel chose to create floral arrangements under their own theme of “Simple Pleasures” and shared their hobbies. The idea was that

They included genealogy, fishing, visiting the theatre, art, choral singing, bird watching, gardening, rambling, doing puzzles, reading, sport and ballet dancing.

'Everyone needs a hobby to de-stress themselves in an ever-busying world,' said the Revd Clive Rich, the church facilitator.

'It was hoped that as our visitors moved amongst the floral displays, they would enjoy and appreciate the artistry involved, but more than that…. they would get to discover and appreciate more and more the presence of God as a loving, forgiving, creating and precious heavenly Father.

'I don’t think they were disappointed!'

The Caerphilly Flower Festival was started in 2006 and has been running for eleven years now, as part of the city’s array of events. Funded by Caerphilly Town Council, nine churches took part, as well the Twyn Community Centre and Caerphilly Library hosting the displays of other local societies. A bus tour took visitors around the various churches taking part with commentary from the local amateur dramatics group, the Caerphilly Players.

Mount Carmel’s display was joined by paintings under the theme of Simple Pleasures from the art group, which meets locally in the church, highlighting the community aspect of the event.

The event opened the church up to many who would normally never enter. Conversation flowed between people who may never meet. Mount Carmel also reached out to those who couldn’t attend the event, turning many of the displays into bouquets, which were taken to brighten the homes of house-bound people in the church and local community.

The event was concluded with a “Songs of Praise”, joined by many of the visitors who attended the event.

'The fellowship we have as we all work together, and the fellowship we have enjoyed when visiting other churches, all give praise to God,' said Clive, 'and makes the annual effort so worth-while.'
 

Compiled by Kira Taylor