Flower festival celebrates writer's work

The 11th century church in East Dean hosted a Flower Festival celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of author and illustrator Beatrix Potter.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jul 2016, 11:58 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:45 BST

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Licia Miles, eight, in the arrangement depicting Mr McGregors Garden. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000839-1Licia Miles, eight, in the arrangement depicting Mr McGregors Garden. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000839-1
Licia Miles, eight, in the arrangement depicting Mr McGregors Garden. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000839-1

The event, which was held over the weekend, featured floral arrangements, each depicting characters from Potter’s much loved series of children’s books.

Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Jeremy Fisher and even two naughty mice were just a few of the animals depicted in flowers that were chosen for displays due to their simplicity and soft, natural colours.

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On Saturday evening, the All Saints church in East Dean was packed for a concert given by Valley Voices.

ks16000839-4 Chi East Dean Flower phot kate Appley Dapply.ks16000839-4 SUS-160717-193123008ks16000839-4 Chi East Dean Flower phot kate Appley Dapply.ks16000839-4 SUS-160717-193123008
ks16000839-4 Chi East Dean Flower phot kate Appley Dapply.ks16000839-4 SUS-160717-193123008

Choir members are drawn from all around Chichester and were this year’s winners of the Community Choir Section of the Chichester Music Festival.

They sang unaccompanied, and performed a varied programme of popular, traditional and classical numbers that earned well deserved applause from the audience.

Robert Heather said: “The opportunity to hear such a talented choir sing in a beautiful church filled with the perfume from the floral displays is one that the audience will remember for a very long time.”

The festival also offered tea, coffee and homemade cakes.

ks16000839-5 Chi East Dean Flower phot kate A Jemima Puddleduck inspired arrangement.ks16000839-5 SUS-160717-193108008ks16000839-5 Chi East Dean Flower phot kate A Jemima Puddleduck inspired arrangement.ks16000839-5 SUS-160717-193108008
ks16000839-5 Chi East Dean Flower phot kate A Jemima Puddleduck inspired arrangement.ks16000839-5 SUS-160717-193108008
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There were also market stalls selling plants, produce and flowers.

The festival was organized by Kate Shaw, who was delighted to announce that over £2,000 had been raised for church funds.

Members of Singleton and East Dean Women’s Institute ‘yarn bombed’ trees on East Dean Village Green and in Singleton to promote the flower festival.

Members knitted brightly-coloured flowers, birds and a caterpillar to decorate the trees to create an eye-catching work of art.

Organiser Kate Shaw with her Jeremy Fisher arrangement ks16000839-3Organiser Kate Shaw with her Jeremy Fisher arrangement ks16000839-3
Organiser Kate Shaw with her Jeremy Fisher arrangement ks16000839-3
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Edith Shaw, five, looking at the arrangement for Beatrix Potters house ks16000839-2Edith Shaw, five, looking at the arrangement for Beatrix Potters house ks16000839-2
Edith Shaw, five, looking at the arrangement for Beatrix Potters house ks16000839-2

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Related topics:East DeanPeter Rabbit