Blooms on show at Helston flower festival: PICTURES

Forming part of the town’s official centenary commemorations, the flower festival featured arrangements from community groups and businesses in the town, including the Helston Packet.

Among the organisations represented were the town council, Helston Museum, the town’s various drama groups based at the Epworth Hall and St Michael’s Primary School, plus charities.

It was opened on Saturday by the mayor of Helston Mike Thomas, who thanked all that got involved.

Mr Thomas said: “It is a sad pleasure to be in this position today – obviously we are commemorating what was a very sad occasion and the commencing of war is never something to be glad about.

“Looking around the church and seeing the exhibitions you can see the amount of thought and care that has gone into each exhibit.

“I think it makes us realise that over the period of the First World War, the tremendous amount of influence it had over how people lived their lives.”

He gave “a big thank you” to everyone who contributed to the festival, adding: “I would also like to thank all the people involved, from Helston Town Council, my colleagues councillor Martine Knight for her research and councillors Nicola and John Boase, and all the other people in the background who have done so much to ensure we can commemorate this start of World War One with dignity.”

He also thanked parish priest and mayor’s chaplain Canon David Miller for allowing the church to be the venue.

Canon Miller kept the church open until 11pm on Monday – the exact time and date that Britain entered the war.

He said there had been a steady stream of people visiting the festival, who had all been “very, very complimentary”.

Canon Miller added: “A big thank you to those who have done it; we really appreciate the support that is clearly evident between the church and the town council.”