Flower Festival Honours St Francis of Assisi

- Mavis Aggett -

St Francis of Assisi was the theme of this year's Flower Festival at St John's Anglican Church in Bank Street and we feel sure he would have felt very much at home in our little church.

The 'little flowers that open', about which we sing in the much-loved hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, becameflower arrangements.were bold and bright, a meter or so high, while others were dainty, soft and pastel.All in all they perfectly complemented each other.colours, shapes, sizes and fragrances of the flowers and foliage together represented the town's 'Proudly Prince Albert' gardens. It was this generous sharing of plants thatturn St John'saflower wonderland.

In theSt Francis were 'all creatures great and small' happily placed among the colourful floral creations: butterflies, frogs and tortoises; hedgehogs, birds and bees.And if you listened carefully you may just have heard bleating from the almost life-sized sheep.

Prince Albert's many experienced flower arrangers participated, but novices were also welcomed and guided in their creations of 'all things bright and beautiful'.you will join us next year:Finn is the contact person. Would you like to know a secret? John and Sonja Mckenna provided scrumptious refreshments throughout the day for the workers as they quietly and industriously created their works of art.

St John’s Sunday morning service was dedicated to the memory of St Francis, a man with a heart for God, his fellowmananimals.Songs, accompanied by Chrisna Smit on the piano, includedHas Broken, All Things Bright and Beautiful and St Francis' prayer, Makea Channel of Your Peace. Gospel readingsus of the beauty of lilies and the uncomplicated lives of birds.about St Francis and his dealings with nature focused on his humble and selfless life.

This seventh annual Flower Festival was much appreciated by both parishioners and visitors alike. Thank you to everyone who assisted and made a contribution. Donations by generous locals and tourists raised just over R1 000 towards church funds. We look forward to next year’s Festival – see you all there.