Kentish Express Ashford & District
Festival brings to life the magic of Beatrix Potter
A Beatrix Potter-themed flower festival was a real success story.
The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Orlestone, festooned the church with floral displays to mark the 150 years since the birth of the author.
Months of planning went into the event and the church featured a model of Beatrix Potter, as well as a pond for frog Jeremy Fisher, who was sitting on a lily pad and surrounded by reeds.
Jemima Puddle-duck took up position in a porch seat and the handmade character wore her familiar blue bonnet and had a feather for a tail.
Tiny mice from the Tailor of Gloucester story were made from dried flowers, while Peter Rabbit’s garden next to the church altar featured real cabbages and carrots.
Morning coffee, ploughman’s lunches and tea and cakes were served to visitors who came to admire the spectacle.
Organisers are hoping the event will raise £2,000, which will go towards the upkeep of St Mary’s.
Angela Bromfield, chairman of the Friends of St Mary’s said: “Hundreds of people came to our flower festival and they told us that it was the best one they’d ever seen.”