by Alan Quick

THE annual Exhibition with Flowers held at Crediton Parish Church, which ended yesterday, Thursday, June 8, featured some eye-catching floral arrangements about the theme “What’s the Point…”.

Points of all kinds, from mathematical points to ballet points, fashion and endangered points, pointing to heaven, pointing the brickwork, sailing away and a dunce cap.

A colourful Rainbow Rhino, which was part of a display in Exeter last year, was included in one display about endangered animals. The rhino was decorated by pupils at Exeter School and loaned to the parish church for the festival.

Every year the festival attracts visitors from across the South West to view the floral displays, presented in an entertaining, colourful and creative exhibition, designed with familiar blooms as well as more exotic species.

Last year’s festival raised a grand total of approximately £10,200 for church funds.

There were free guided tours to the 17th Century Governors’ Room for those wanting a trip back in time, and there were also tours of the Bell Tower.

Other attractions included a church stall, a book stall and a tombola.

The “Crediton Courier’s” book “Those were the Days” was also available to buy throughout the festival, with a percentage of each sale going to church funds.

Excellent good value refreshments were available from the Meeting Point Café in the Boniface Centre, featuring home baking and local produce.

Newton St Cyres Art Group also staged its Summer Exhibition of works and sale of paintings in the Boniface Centre for the duration of the festival.  

During the festival, members of Holy Cross Choir gave a Festival Concert on the Saturday, and on the Sunday, Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie led a Festival Songs of Praise service.

On the Wednesday evening, Crediton Town Band gave a rousing finale to the Festival concerts.

Another addition to the festival this year was a DVD which featured all the displays within the church, an excellent reminder to take home.

The church bells were rung to mark the opening of the festival.