A message from Carolyn

25 January 2023

To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club - January Newsletter

Happy New Year and I hope that 2023 for you will be peaceful, healthy and full of flowers and good friends.      
We have an excellent programme of demonstrations planned throughout the year, as well as the opportunity for all members to attend other meetings and shows.

In December the Home Counties Area of NAFAS held another virtual Competition ‘This Festive Season’ and I was thrilled to be told that Linda O’Toole has again represented us and gained the Second Prize  – see the picture below.
Well done Linda!

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In January we held our Annual General Meeting when we reviewed the past successful year and discussed the coming year.   As I said in my last newsletter our subscriptions will be increased slightly to £45 for the year to cover increased costs.  Visitors will be £7 per visit.   It will be possible for payments to be made over 3 months at £15 a month if this is easier, bank transfers and cheques are accepted.

The Charity table has been very successful and it was agreed to make a donation of £700 to the Mid-Beds Women’s Refuge.   A representative will be at our next meeting to accept the donation. 

It was agreed that the nominations for the 2023 charity will be Baby Basics (a local charity supporting young families), Noah Enterprises in Luton ( supporting the homeless) and the MS Society based in Bedford.   Everyone will have the opportunity to vote on 2nd February, when the charity table will be for Jigsaws and Board games and then in March it will be Vases and Containers.

​I am delighted to say that the Flower Club Committee is staying the same and I am very fortunate to have such a supportive group to work with. We always welcome members to help in different ways, eg. on the sales tables, the refreshments and for special events.

We are starting our flower arranging classes again on 16th February with 5 sessions before Easter. It will be for Beginners and Improvers to develop their skills and knowledge and will be held in St Mary’s Church as the parking is better.   There will be the opportunity for our Experienced arrangers to join us too. Registration forms will be available at our next meeting or please contact me and I will send you one. 

 Joan has booked an excellent programme for 2023.   All details are on the website.
2nd February  Graham King from Hampshire                 
2nd March        Mark Entwhistle from Lancashire
13th April          Doug Howard  from Stotfold!          Please note the meeting will be a week later due to Easter

I hope to see you early in 2023.  Stay warm and safe.
With my best wishes                
Carolyn             
Chairman of Clophill and District Flower Club