The first Arkesden Flower Festival was held over the weekend of September 27/28th to raise money for the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin. There were nursery-rhyme themed flower arrangements in the church and scarecrows around the village to publicise the event. There was a School competition to make miniature gardens in foil trays to be exhibited on the altar. Children from every year participated and 42 miniature gardens were presented ! There were prizes in every year group. Thank you to those that entered – the event raised £3,500 for Arkesden church.