It is so right that churches have organs for music, music which is so soothing and yet so uplifting until one’s very soul seems to be at one with heaven and earth. And flowers which satisfy the sight until sight and mind and soul seem to be overflowing together almost out of reach. These were my feelings and thoughts as I sat, mostly alone, in our lovely church on the third and quietest open day of the flower festival, mentally drowned in Olive’s music, with the peace and beauty of St. James’s all around me. I have always regretted that I am not musical but maybe its better so, as I can imagine that my joy might be drowned in the science of sound. Twice I toured the floral arrangements which were magnificent - colour, colour, colour - and suddenly beautiful white; and this is where I come into my own, in colour appreciation.

This has been a great festival with everyone working so hard and cheerfully, even the weather supplying the rare hot and sunny days. Thanks to all those who made the festival a success.

Source: Alison Thompson, The Spire Magazine - 1991 September

The Young Ones
"If you were not already in church admiring the flowers (or witnessing the wedding!), you may well have seen a lorry with a very colourful load driving slowly around Hampton Hill. The load was alive - the children of the church, all looking vely joyful and beautifully festive! There was much excitement as they arrived at the church, and we were then treated to some of their music, with support from The Travellers."

The Barbecue
"A barbecue! How nice! Hope the weather will be good! On Saturday 27 June the weather couldn’t have been better for a barbecue in the vicarage garden. When I got there my mother’s table was overcrowded so I joined friends on a neighbouring table. Soon it was time to eat and I enjoyed a ‘hot dog’ and a good salad. The ‘hot dog’ was soon followed by another - who could resist when they smelt so good! As we ate we watched some energetic people dancing to the pleasant background music. All too soon it was time to go so we walked through the churchyard, still with barbecue smells wafting. After walking my mother home, I pedalled back to my own home, happy after a very pleasant evening. My thanks for all the hard work put in."

Source: Kate O'Sullivan, The Spire Magazine - 1991 September

A Shared Lunch
"After a very enjoyable 11 am service (a very civilised time) sitting amongst the most beautiful floral arrangements which filled the church, many members of the congregation crossed over to the vicarage garden where tables and chairs were laid out in the sunshine and various ladies and gentlemen were scurrying around in the kitchen which was full to overflowing with various goodies that people had contributed. There were quiches, cold meats, sandwiches, huge bowls of salads and rice dishes and things too numerous to mention - I felt folks had been up all night preparing it all - and enough to feed an army. Having filled one’s plate to overflowing and eaten amongst delightful companions, puds were then put out for us again to help ourselves. Strawberries, trifles, cheesecakes - those of us watching our weights had to suffer whilst others enjoyed! I could only marvel at the efficiency of it all and the sheer hard work that so many members of the church had put into the lunch and indeed the whole weekend.

Sitting in our beautiful church beforehand and then being treated to such a lovely lunch, I could only reflect on how fortunate we all were. Tranquil surroundings, good company, sunshine, excellent food, when in so many parts of the world people are suffering hardships that we in England cannot imagine. We are indeed ‘rich’ and I am sure everyone present whispered ‘thanks be to God’."

Source: Ann Collins, The Spire Magazine - 1991 September

The Flowers
"The flowers were exquisite and the church really shone
When I went as a visitor on the Sunday just gone.
The people were friendly with so much to give:
The spire to climb to see where you live -
A breathtaking view - and everywhere green,
With aspects of the village not before seen.
Old maps of the district and photographs too,
Showing people and places with meaning for you.
But I really mustn’t get carried away:
A big ‘thank you’ is all that I’d like to say -
To everyone involved in the Festival of flowers
Where I spent many happy and interesting hours."

Source: Gina Clifford, The Spire Magazine - 1991 September

Of course, the basis of the festival were the flower arrangements which so magnificently decorated the church, and we are very grateful to the members of the Hampton Hill Floral Art Club who exercised their skills and artistry to such tremendous effect.

The weekend was punctuated by music, delightfully performed by our organist, Olive Hayward, and by several soloists and groups of singers and musicians, and our Liturgical Dance Group contributed movingly to the Parish Communion and also danced on the Saturday.

Throughout the weekend, Margery Orton’s splendid History Exhibition was a great source of interest, as was the display of church linen and plate, and the church bells rang out as some of those who ventured up the tower tried their skills at bell-ringing.

We are all deeply indebted to all those who had worked hard and for a long time to organise the festival, as well as to those who provided refreshments throughout and manned the various stalls.

About £2,500 was taken over the three days which will make a very useful contribution to the cost of maintaining our church building. The contribution of the festival to building up the fellowship of the church is even more important!

Source: The Spire Magazine - 1991 September