East Budleigh's Salem Chapel Flower Festival 28-31 May 2010


















Nostalgia and gratitude will set the tone for East Budleigh's Salem Chapel Flower Festival, evoking memories of the World War Two era combined with the beauty of Britain's landscapes.

"'This green and pleasant land' will be the main theme of the Festival," says Kathy Moyle, Chairman of the Committee of the Friends of Salem Chapel. "But we wanted also to say a thank you to our service men and women then and now."

The Flower Festival has been arranged to feature life in the 1940s, with floral displays on themes including a wartime wedding, remembrance time, school life and harvest time.

An evening of songs and music from the Home Front, performed by Exmouth-based entertainers Blitz and Peaces (pictured above), will be a highlight of the Festival on Saturday 29 May at 7.30 pm. Singing duo Arthur and Lesley Cook specialise in providing music of the 1930s and 40s, playing on wartime instruments. A washing line hanging across the Salem Chapel will be one of the props to accompany their performance of one of the most famous songs of the era. "The music summed up the period by its romantic and humorous content," say Arthur and Lesley. "The attitude of the whole nation was one of patriotism and community." Just what we need in today's troubled times!

Tickets for the concert are £5 at the door or obtainable by phone on 01395 445236. Entry to the Flower Festival is free, but donations are welcome. The Chapel will be open from 11.00 am - 4.00 pm. Proceeds from the event are going to the Salem Chapel Fund for maintenance of this historic building.

Arthur Cook's book about Exmouth during World War Two will be published in November 2010. For more information about Blitz and Peaces click on http://www.blitzandpeaces.co.uk/

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