The 2009 Flower Festival was dedicated to St Leonard of Noblac, the patron saint of Monyash Church. Leonard was a 6th century nobleman in the court of his godfather, King Clovis I, in what is now Limoges, France. He was converted to Christianity along with the King by Saint Remigius, Bishop of Reims. Under the Bishop’s guidance, Leonard started to preach the gospels. His reputation soon spread and the sick came to him for healing. He turned down a bishopric and entered a monastery, then, according to legend, he became a recluse in the forest of Limousin where he lived on fruit and vegetables. His devotion took him to neighbouring churches where he inspired others to imitate his lifestyle. Leonard founded the Abbey of Noblac, 21 km from Limoges, around which grew the town of Saint-Leonard de Noblat. He used the Abbey as a base to preach and attracted many disciples and reformed prisoners who he taught to farm the land and lead an honest life. Today the town of Saint-Leonard de Noblat is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photographs by Robert Johnston