After weeks of special events at St. Johns Church, Tenby, recognising and celebrating the decade of true ministry given by Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, St. Johns' congregation is now gearing itself up for the annual Festival of Daffodils, celebrating our Patron Saint, David.
The four-day celebration this year culminates on St. David's Day, March 1.
It begins on Thursday, February 26, and the theme this year is 'Think of a World', based on the lovely modern hymn written by Doreen Newport: 'Think of a world without any flowers, Think of a wood without any trees, Think of a sky without any sunshine, Think of the air without any breeze', and goes on at the end of each verse, to thank the Lord for life in all its richness.
During the event, over 5,000 daffodils will be used to demonstrate each verse of the hymn.
Mrs. Ann Maggs, as usual, heads up the whole festival. Her unique ability to convey deep meaning with floral art, and her skills in building up a team of workers, makes Ann irreplaceable, and such is her own dedication and enthusiasm, that no-one can say 'no' to Ann. Ann's helpers, in the main, come from the church, but there are a number of people skilled with flowers who come year after year to help her achieve what is a very special floral display.
The church will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and all events are open to everyone who wants to attend, only one of which is a 'ticket-only' event.
There will be many special events during the four days and details will be found in subsequent articles in the Tenby Observer.
Posters are being prepared and will be distributed around town about two weeks before the festival begins.
It is always a well-supported special event, as it comes at a time when the season is just beginning and many holiday-makers love to come to Tenby around the weekend of St. David's Day. One regular visitor, Peggy, comes all the way from America, and immerses herself in all that is going on. It's always a joy to see her.
One of the ways in which anyone can contribute to the flower displays, is to ask for an 'In memorium' posy to be made in memory of a dearly loved relative or friend, who has been lost to us on earth. There is a small charge for this (£2), as each year, the posies use up hundreds and hundreds of daffodils, but they look so beautiful, hanging at the end and in the centre of the pews and all along the communion rails at the front of the church, each with its dedicated label commemorating the loved one. You can, of course, put more than one name on a label.
As Ann and her team await confirmation from various associations and organisations about the dates and times of their performances, we all look forward to a time of fellowship and enriching spiritual experience during the festival days.
Any enquiries about any apsect of the festival should be made to Ann Maggs on 01834 843971 and we would urge people to come along and enjoy the sights and sounds of the St. David's Festival of Daffodils at St. Johns Church, Warren Street, Tenby.