Flowers and Art at Aysgarth church
Doreen Mason (left) and Pat Hesketh organised a magnificent festival of flowers and art at Aysgarth church over the Bank Holiday weekend (May 1-3 2010). There was no theme which meant that the flower arrangers could take inspiration from the church and its stained glass windows, as well as the great display of art by local artists.
Among the professional artists who had art on display were Piers Browne, Winifred Hodge and Bill Oakey. But all who visited the festival expressed their delight and amazement at the high quality of work on show throughout the exhibition. “It makes you realise how much talent there is in the Dales,” commented one man after viewing both the art and the excellent flower arrangements (see Pip’s Gallery)
Throughout the weekend a team of volunteers helped to run the tea room in the Lady Chapel and many provided homemade scones, biscuits and soup. All the funds from that and the admission fees went in the kitty towards maintaining this beautiful church.
On Sunday morning there was a christening during which the children helped the Rev Sue Whitehouse tell a story. In the evening there was an inspirational Songs of Praise with some of the amateur artists and one of the flower arrangers explaining why they enjoyed these hobbies.
Afterwards Doreen and Pat thanked all those who helped to make the event such a success. And they are grateful that others have offered to organise the next flower festival which will be in 2012.
Above left: Jose Hopper heating soup. Above right: John Suggitt, one of the churchwardens, was ready (like many others) to help anywhere, even in the kitchen. Below: There was even a surprise addition to the choir!
