Report for our Open Meeting held on Thursday 27 th April 2023
OUR Chairman June open the meeting by welcoming all members and visitors, then
proceeded to explain the position of the Fire Exits and Health and Safety points such as Trip
Hazards with coats and handbags.
Some members had attended the funeral of our member Barbara Kirby. Some of the
flowers had also been made by members. We were also reminded of several members who
are unwell at the moment, Olive King, Jenny Moore, and Nell Perries.
Mandy was thanked for the production of the Newsletter, and everyone including
the staff at Inspirations was thanked for either modelling or helping in any way at all with
the Fashion Show. This had been very well attended, successful event. The amount raised
will be confirmed at our next meeting. Both Jenny Payne and Jan Richardson were thanked
for the lovely welcoming basket flower arrangements in the foyer.
Notices:
Friday 5 th May is national Flower Arranging Day. Members are asked to produce an
arrangement in a basket, or a small posy or hand tied to be left in a suitable location, along
with a card with the contact details for your club. Take a photo of this and email to
We have a proposed outing to Power of the Past at Bentwaters. The date is going to
be June 29 th , 2023, and we must have 30 people attending to be able to go. As coach travel
is so expensive it was decided best to travel by private cars and to take as many people as
possible. The time of the visit is proposed for 2pm. The cost is £15.00 per person to include
refreshments. There is lots to see at the museum for both male and females. If you are
interested in going, please contact our Chairman June on 01394 384803 or our Secretary
Carol on 01394 383666.
Also planned for Thursday 17 th August 2023 at 6pm, we will be visiting the Southwold
Flower Company. Post Code IP18 6SI. This is set in four acres in the Suffolk countryside and
is planted with many beautiful blooms. Walk in the rows and rows of flowers, drinking in the
colours. Again, it will be travel in your own car and with as many people as you can. The
visit will be be followed by refreshments for a cost of £5. Per person.
June then introduced our good friend and National Demonstrator Barbara Collins
from Peterborough, whose theme was “Flora Bouquet”.
Barbara started her demonstration by thanking Marilyn, for all the help given to get
ready for the demonstration and she suggested that all clubs should have a” Marilyn”. She
proceeded to demonstrate seven most beautiful arrangements in a many different pots,
trays, and baskets. Some of these were foam free, others were using the newest bio-
degradable foam. We are all having to think of the planet, not just with foam for arranging
in but also using plastics in ribbons, containers and embellishments and wrapping. The new
foam is much improved on the last product. It holds water much better and is not so
crumbly. Slightly more pressure is needed to insert the stems.
Barbara introduced us to the newish houseplant called Blue Fern. Its an evergreen
plant that grows quite large and is said to purify the oxygen in the house.
While using any number of the following flowers and foliage, Hyacinths, Pink Tulips,
Hard Ruscus, Lilac Anthuriums, Aspidastra, small Sunflowers, Lisianthus, Alstromeria, Pussy
Willow, Roses, Liatris, Senecio, Carnations, Phlox and Clematis, Barbara enthralled us with
stories of her large family get togethers, “Dave” the rescue man, and her Husband who (like
most husbands) is not receptionist material. Barbara thanks us for inviting her again.
However, our whole evening had been a huge riot of colour and giggles thanks to her. Elsie
our President gave the vote of thanks, echoing the thoughts of us all, a truly brilliant
entertaining evening was had by all. This was followed by refreshments and a choice of
gorgeous cakes.
June thanked everyone for coming and wished all a safe journey home. Some lucky
members or guests went home with arrangements won in the raffle.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 25 th May 2023 when we will be joined by David
Garnett from Garnett’s Garden Centre. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm start. First visit is
free.
Mandy Pryke
