An ‘astonishing turnout’ for a village Flower Festival brought people together from all walks of the community last weekend.

The Ringmore Flower Festival, themed ‘Our Village’, went ahead from June 8-10, with 33 arrangements from not only the expert flower arrangers, but also those less experienced in the art.

The village children’s scarecrows lined the path leading to the Church of All Hollows, where inside represented a multitude of talents.

Displays came in all varieties, with some contributions reflecting activities which were not represented by flowers, such as arts and crafts from the Cacklers, which is the latest group to start up in the village. There were reminders of times gone by and somewhat surprising Christmas decorations on the chandeliers with sheet music incorporated into pew-end decorations.

A giant ‘wildlife’ display of wild flowers towered over 20 feet, contrasting with a tiny window display titled ‘Quiet Reflections’, and a paper chain of more than 250 links, each with a prayer written on it, presenting an exhibit for everyone.

The visitors’ book reflected the diversity of the displays, as there were quite a variety of favourites.

The three open gardens were also varied, with everything from the value of the Fibonacci sequence in nature, to perfecting a standard rectangular plot, to gardens that have evolved over many years with wild sections and beautifully cultivated sections.

Churchwarden Judy Bull said: “The views from these different parts of the village showed off the South Hams to perfection, accompanied by the mostly sunny weather we were lucky enough to get.”

The Festival of Praise evening service closed the weekend, and was well supported with twice the usual congregation.

The team vicar, Matt Rowland said: “It was wonderful to see the church so beautifully decorated, but also good to see the church full on a Sunday evening, as we praised the God that all this points to.”

The Women’s Institute provided refreshments and meals with home-cooked food in the hall and outside in the garden. Despite the hall’s improvements in recent years, the ‘Beast from the East’ demonstrated that the roof needs certain attention, to which the proceeds from the weekend will go toward.

More than 300 people attended over the three days, raising just over £1,500 for the church and just over £1,000 for the WI Hall.

Judy Bull said: “The displays simply took your breath away with their pure floral skills and imagination. It was a truly astonishing turnout - this was no ordinary flower festival!”