June welcomed us all to the first meeting of 2020 with Happy New Year wishes. It seems a long time since our November Open Meeting. She then introduced us to Mike our 1st Responder and informed us all of the Fire Escapes.
This year our Chairman’s chosen charity is going to be Wickham Market 1st Responders. Apparently the medical bags which are a necessary part of their kit cost £2,000 each. The number of bags available to an area limits the number of Responders in that area. We will have fundraising events to raise as much as we can to go towards this worthy cause.
Our November Newsletter quiz was correctly answered by three members so their names were put into a container and the lucky winner drawn out was Carol Wiseman. The prize was a £10 Garden Gift Voucher. The next newsletter is in March and there will be another quiz. Do take part as it’s a great prize to win, especially at that time of the year.
June then informed members of Geraldine’s decision to come off the committee at the next AGM. Sadly this will leave a great big hole in the committee. As the treasurer she carries out numerous tasks which the committee have decided can be split into three jobs to perhaps entice someone to volunteer. So we will need a treasurer who will be in control of the financial details, a membership secretary, who will deal with all things membership, subs, data etc., and finally someone who will deal with outings organisation. Geraldine is more than happy to help anyone taking on these tasks and she will be the first to tell you that any of these jobs are not to onerous. We have to believe her. It’s so important that we have a good working committee. The clubs survival depends entirely on the committee. Please do come forward if you are able to help in any way. Not just these vacancies but to help in general. We are a friendly group but as they say many hands……..
Our 2020 outing is going to be a trip to Beth Chatto’ s garden, followed by a visit to Tiptree Jams where we will have a ride round the farm to see all the fruit growing. Both these places have shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. We will then go the Brantham Bull for an evening meal. The total cost for this is £42. Which includes coach travel, entries, meal and gratuities. If you are interested please contact Sue at thecottonbuds@hotmail.co.uk there will be a £5 deposit required but the trip is open to all. Book early to avoid disappointment.
The Practice piece – Still Life - Advanced, was won by Linda Fosker and Novice by Jan Richardson. The Single stem was won by Lorna Davis. Congratulations to you all.
We were then introduced to Wendy Goodliffe from Spalding, whose demonstration was called “Inspired by Nature”.
Wendy performed an excellent demonstration, creating six floral arrangements. Each one was using a wonderful variety of conditioned foliage, (Wendy has a passion for foliage). The arrangements were all different and of a suitable size to have in ones home. The arrangements depicted things like Rain, Sunshine, Trees and Nests. All the pots, rings etc have been made or decorated and embellished by Wendy herself. The flowers used included from Sunflowers, Gemenies, Anthurium, Roses, Tulips and beautifully scented Stocks. A terrific range of colour and designs. The vote of thanks was given by Jenny Shepard.
Members then enjoyed refreshments, followed by the raffle when some very lucky members got to take home a beautiful arrangement.
Our next meeting is our Hands On meeting on 27th February. For details of requirements needed, please contact June Allum on 01394 384803.
Mandy Pryke
