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30th March 2020 Hello, my fellow flower friends, Well, we have survived the first week of our enforced ‘holiday’ and I wonder how you have fared? I have to admit that it has taken me a few days to adjust from my usual routine of being extremely busy to time stretching out before me. I had a very long list of things to do, but little motivation to get them done. The good weather and the garden were, of course, lifesavers, but towards the end of last week I felt rather ‘down’ which is most unlike me. Part of the reason was that Thursday would have been my late husband’s birthday and on Friday my brother celebrated his 70th birthday. I was not able to be with either of them. Many of you will be facing similar days and anniversaries. Many of you, like me, will be ‘Home Alone’ and it looks as though we will be so for quite a long time. Thankfully, I seem to have returned to my usual positive and energetic self, but I wanted to share with you that all of us may have days when it all seems too much. One way of helping ourselves is to help others. This is not physically possible for most of us at the moment, but we can phone, write or text friends, relatives and family. Thankfully, our church services are being streamed, but if yours are not, there is a service every Sunday morning on BBC1. There are also many exercise classes of course, and it is a good idea to do some gentle - or not so gentle - exercise every day. Who knows, we might come out of this fitter than ever! A local Indian Restaurant near our church in Watford is making food which is being distributed from the church and my friend and I are helping to coordinate the delivery. If you live near Stanborough and would like to receive some, please let me know. (I realise this will not apply to the majority of you.) Those who have access to the internet will know that there are many flower related YouTube videos available. NAFAS has a number of videos on YouTube so perhaps this is your opportunity to view some which will teach you how to use a pin-holder for instance! Now that spring is here we can look forward to watching blossom trees come into bloom, bulbs flower and shrubs begin to ‘green up’. Nature has a great way of lifting the spirits and we have lots to look forward to in the garden. At the moment The Gardening Club at Enfield is offering a delivery service for all its products. One has to be a member, but joining is easy and not expensive, so at the moment you will be able to order summer bedding for instance. (Again, I realise this will only apply to a small number of you, but there might be a similar outlet near to where you live. It might be worth exploring.) I leave you now with words from one of my favourite Irish poets, knowing that ‘time will come good’. With prayers that you and your families will stay safe and well. Audrey This is the time to be slow,
Lie low to the wall Until the bitter weather passes. Try, as best you can, not to let The wire brush of doubt Scrape from your heart All sense of yourself And your hesitant light. If you remain generous, Time will come good; And you will find your feet Again on fresh pastures of promise, Where the air will be kind And blushed with beginning. by John O'Donohue
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Demonstrator: Doug Howard |
 | Winter was illustrated by mainly white arrangements, the snowball with silver sprayed foliage included gave us the feeling of the cold icy weather of winter. |
Theresa’s use of the new partially biodegradable dark brown floral foam was an interesting tip to encourage us to move away from the traditional green, non-biodegradable type of floral foam.
Her crown representing the Three Kings contained some stunning tropical flowers based on a circle of foliage which had been sprayed gold.
Our next demonstration evening will be our Christmas Special in Clophill Village Hall at 7.30 pm on 5th December with “Deck the Halls” by Nigel Whyles. This event is sold out so it is for ticket holders only.
Please Note: Our Annual General Meeting will be held on at 7.30 pm on 9th January 2020 (the second Thursday in the month, NOT the first one), in Clophill Village Hall. Everyone welcome. Do join us to hear about our plans for 2020!
Please Note: Our Annual General Meeting will be held on at 7.30 pm on 9th January 2020 (the second Thursday in the month, NOT the first one), in Clophill Village Hall. Everyone welcome. Do join us to hear about our plans for 2020!
Demonstrator: Lisa Osborne
Her Title: 'Fabulous Fusion'
An enjoyable evening with stunning flowers – this was Clophill and District Flower Club’s September 2019 meeting. Lisa Osborne, a local florist, with the title ‘Fabulous Fusions’ delighted all attending with her vibrant displays of flowers.
With her first arrangement, we saw a traditional design with a contemporary twist – hot pink roses, orange mini gerbera with bright purple wool covered hoops accentuating the flowers.
The second design comprised a wicker basket containing yellow dahlias, gloriosa orchids and predominating sun flowers.
Following our refreshment break, Lisa made a attractive mosaic design followed with plaited grass and groupings of sun flowers, orange mini gerbera and purple statice. After which Lisa named her next design 'Night and Day' containing white gerbera, mauve/white gladioli and black grasses.
Lisa’s final design was pink oriental lilies outlined with yellow gladioli. Each design was complemented with foliage to create contrast and balance and varied from aspidistra, fatsia, laurel, palm and heuchera leaves.
During the evening, Lisa told us about her working day as a florist – wedding, funeral, bouquet requests and the bespoke work where she has created clowns and greyhounds in flowers and foliage. Lisa buys her flowers from local growers as far as possible and on-line buying is now becoming more popular in addition to the huge lorries we regularly see delivering flowers from Holland.
Demonstrator: Joyce Furssedonn
Her Title: 'My Colouring Book'
Our last meeting on 4th July before the summer break brought a welcome return to Clophill of Joyce Furssedonn with her demonstration “ My Colouring Book”. Joyce, accompanied by her husband and willing ‘gopher’ Micky, hails from Knebworth and is a very popular demonstrator. She concentrated her designs around all the colours found in a pencil box and complimented all the quality flowers she used with a great variety of foliage from her own garden. We were so glad we had booked her this year as she told us during the evening that she will not be continuing to do demonstrations after December. A great loss to all the clubs in the Home Counties Area and beyond.
What we like about Joyce is that her designs are manageable to imitate, even for less experienced flower arrangers, and you don’t need a removal lorry to get them home if you win one in the raffle!
One of her designs followed the current lead of NAFAS to help the environment by arranging without using floral foam. Using a cube shaped slatted wooden box (made by Micky) and lined with Perspex to make it watertight, she placed chicken wire in the top and arranged her flowers in it to great effect. In this instance the whole design went into the raffle. All Joyce’s designs were worth winning and we will be sorry not to see her gracing the stage of the Village Hall in the future.
One of her designs followed the current lead of NAFAS to help the environment by arranging without using floral foam. Using a cube shaped slatted wooden box (made by Micky) and lined with Perspex to make it watertight, she placed chicken wire in the top and arranged her flowers in it to great effect. In this instance the whole design went into the raffle. All Joyce’s designs were worth winning and we will be sorry not to see her gracing the stage of the Village Hall in the future.
The club does not have a meeting during August but many members are going on a trip during the month to Islington for the NAFAS Diamond Anniversary “Floral Art & Design Show”, which promises to be spectacular.
We will be back at the Village Hall on 5th September when Sarah Hulatt is coming with her demonstration entitled “Fabulous Fusion”. Doors open 6.45 pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. It is £5.00 for visitors which includes tea/coffee/biscuits half-way through the evening. Do come and join us and you will enjoy a lovely relaxing evening!
We will be back at the Village Hall on 5th September when Sarah Hulatt is coming with her demonstration entitled “Fabulous Fusion”. Doors open 6.45 pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. It is £5.00 for visitors which includes tea/coffee/biscuits half-way through the evening. Do come and join us and you will enjoy a lovely relaxing evening!
Demonstrators: Audrey Balderstone and Geoffrey Fox
Their Title: 'Fun with Flowers'
During the day of the first Thursday of June members of Clophill and District Flower Club were very busy completing a number of interesting and beautiful arrangements in Silsoe Church. They were contributing their skills to a stunning Flower Festival called 'Brides and Blooms' which was enjoyed by members of the public over the course of the weekend. On Thursday evening the members could relax watching Audrey Balderstone and Geoff Fox give a demonstration in Clophill Village Hall entitled ‘Fun with Flowers’
Audrey started with a design which could be used in a church flower festival. Pussy willow stems had been used to make an outline of a church window to which she added purple liatris and red roses. She told us about some of the church flower festivals she had been involved in and what fun they had been. The audience agreed that they had had fun.
Audrey started with a design which could be used in a church flower festival. Pussy willow stems had been used to make an outline of a church window to which she added purple liatris and red roses. She told us about some of the church flower festivals she had been involved in and what fun they had been. The audience agreed that they had had fun.
NAFAS wants us to use less floral foam so Audrey next used a structure of reeds in a vase to support the stems of the design.
Blue delphiniums and white Avalanche roses completed the arrangement. Audrey told us about the fun associated with entering competitions such as Chelsea and Harrogate.
NAFAS wants us to use less floral foam so Audrey next used a structure of reeds in a vase to support the stems of the design.
Blue delphiniums and white Avalanche roses completed the arrangement. Audrey told us about the fun associated with entering competitions such as Chelsea and Harrogate.
Geoff used a curved stand with pink dendrobium orchids while he told us how he became interested in flower arranging and his work as chairman of Watford Club.
Next, Geoff used a pink pot with a grid and loops of Phormium with Antirrhinums and pink roses. To complete the evening a container was used that had featured when Home Counties Area held the assembly at Hatfield with an Elizabethan theme. This was another occasion when there was a great deal of fun with flowers. The final rich coloured display brought a very pleasant evening to an end with happy raffle winners carefully carrying home their arrangements.
Do join us to learn more about this art - we meet on the first Thursday of each month (except August) in Clophill Village Hall. Doors open at 6.45 for a prompt start at 7.30pm.
Visitors are always welcome - £5 to include refreshments at half-time.
Visitors are always welcome - £5 to include refreshments at half-time.
National Demonstrator: David Thomson
His Title: 'Flora Mania'
On 2nd May David Thomson, the National Demonstrator, was at our May Open evening with his chosen title ‘Flora Mania'. David worked to a floral pallet, using one colour for each arrangement: pink, yellow, peach, cream, purple and finishing with an amazing African Sunset. The colours ranging from soft pale to dazzling bright dark, soft and dense textures.
A large willow basket was used for an arrangement in pink. Gerbera, Oriental Lilies, pink white and Aqua Roses, together with Eucalyptus and various greenery. Next, tall bright yellow Sunflowers, Calla Lilies, Carnations and Roses, Goldheart Ivy, Fatsia Japonica leaves and Euonymus made a stunning display in a tall iron container.
A sphere made from woven wood contained terracotta Antirrhinums, Gerbera, Roses in shades of peach. Aspidistra leaves woven and curled into different shapes gave depth to the arrangement. Following that a large bamboo urn covered in mother of pearl buttons contained white Delphiniums, creamy white Arum Lilies, Honey Bush (blue grey leaf), Snowflake Gerbera, Avalanche Roses and Orchids. A creamy delight.
Black Tia Leaves gave height to a mauve pot, Rosemary, Hebe, purple Alliums, Antirrhinums (snap dragons), Dancing Cloud Roses, Clematis and Vanda Orchids completed a purple design.
Lastly, we were shown the delights of an African Sunset. A three-foot urn in brilliant yellow, black and brown held yellow Gladioli, Ginger Lilies, orange Gerbera, pink Anthurium, orange and yellow tipped Heliconia and Gloriosa Orchids. Various greenery completed an amazing design.
Four designs had a twin making 10 arrangements for our raffle, the amazing final design was won by our Vice Chairman. David's arrangements were beautiful, his chatter entertaining, we hope he will return soon.
Our meeting on 6th June is with Audrey Balderstone and Geoffrey Fox and their demonstration entitled 'Fun with Flowers'. Do come and join us at Clophill Village Hall, the evening commences promptly at 7.30pm.
A large willow basket was used for an arrangement in pink. Gerbera, Oriental Lilies, pink white and Aqua Roses, together with Eucalyptus and various greenery. Next, tall bright yellow Sunflowers, Calla Lilies, Carnations and Roses, Goldheart Ivy, Fatsia Japonica leaves and Euonymus made a stunning display in a tall iron container.
A sphere made from woven wood contained terracotta Antirrhinums, Gerbera, Roses in shades of peach. Aspidistra leaves woven and curled into different shapes gave depth to the arrangement. Following that a large bamboo urn covered in mother of pearl buttons contained white Delphiniums, creamy white Arum Lilies, Honey Bush (blue grey leaf), Snowflake Gerbera, Avalanche Roses and Orchids. A creamy delight.
Black Tia Leaves gave height to a mauve pot, Rosemary, Hebe, purple Alliums, Antirrhinums (snap dragons), Dancing Cloud Roses, Clematis and Vanda Orchids completed a purple design.
Lastly, we were shown the delights of an African Sunset. A three-foot urn in brilliant yellow, black and brown held yellow Gladioli, Ginger Lilies, orange Gerbera, pink Anthurium, orange and yellow tipped Heliconia and Gloriosa Orchids. Various greenery completed an amazing design.
Four designs had a twin making 10 arrangements for our raffle, the amazing final design was won by our Vice Chairman. David's arrangements were beautiful, his chatter entertaining, we hope he will return soon.
Our meeting on 6th June is with Audrey Balderstone and Geoffrey Fox and their demonstration entitled 'Fun with Flowers'. Do come and join us at Clophill Village Hall, the evening commences promptly at 7.30pm.
The Club has been very active with workshops, classes and the usual monthly demonstration.
In April Jo Poulter from Peterborough was the demonstrator at our monthly meeting. Her title was ‘Picture this …’ and each arrangement interpreted a famous painting, including Venus, Monet and Van Gogh. There was a variety of styles using some lovely flowers.
In April Jo Poulter from Peterborough was the demonstrator at our monthly meeting. Her title was ‘Picture this …’ and each arrangement interpreted a famous painting, including Venus, Monet and Van Gogh. There was a variety of styles using some lovely flowers.
We organised a workshop for Ampthill Brownies to make a design for Mothering Sunday. Each Brownie had their own ideas and although they all had the same materials they were all different. There must have been some very happy mothers in Ampthill.
We visited Clophill Pre-school to make arrangements with the children for their mothers. They used yellow baskets filled with daffodils and blue grape hyacinths, or Muscari as one little girl very knowledgably corrected us with the botanical name! It is always a pleasure to visit the Pre-school and the children enjoyed the experience.
Our Flower arranging classes have been popular with amazing results from the beginners to the more experienced. Some of them entered the Houghton Conquest Horticultural Show in the Flower Arranging competition and seven of them received an award.
The Club is staging ‘Brides & Blooms’ a Flower Festival at Silsoe Church on 7 ,8 and 9th June. Every aspect of wedding will be depicted in flowers. See the article and poster below, for more information - it will be well worth a visit .
Carolyn Cranswick
Chairman Clophill and District Flower Club
"Brides & Blooms" Flower Festival
at St James the Great Church, Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4DP
Members of Clophill & District Flower Club will be working with friends of St James the Great Church to stage the floral arrangements at this Flower Festival. All proceeds will be given to Friends of Silsoe Church.
Make a note of the date and come and enjoy what will be a wonderful celebration of Weddings, Anniversaries and, of course, flowers!
Make a note of the date and come and enjoy what will be a wonderful celebration of Weddings, Anniversaries and, of course, flowers!
