I was so excited to be invited to arrange flowers in Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day Service on 13th March, having missed an opportunity last year due to a service being cancelled.    I asked Ann Swain who is Vice Chairman of Clophill & District Club to come and work alongside me to create two matching designs at the High Altar. Ann and I have arranged together many times and it required co-operation to make the pedestals reflect one another.
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We went on Saturday 11th March with our scissors and foliage. Fortunately, Ann’s husband David took us and also carried the buckets and bags - and swept up after us!    The Abbey was closed to the public as the preparations were taking place for the service. The chandeliers were being polished, the BBC were setting up their equipment and various groups were rehearsing and 6 NAFAS ladies were arranging the flowers. The excitement was growing!

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​We had a large amount of flowers and foliage in white, gold and purple to create a traditional pedestal 9-10’ high with no step ladders, just lots of reaching and stepping back to inspect and compare. It was a challenge to keep the shape and place all the stems into the foam.   We were very pleased with the results.

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​We received invitations to attend the service and were told we would be sitting in the South transept behind HM The King and members of the Royal family.    We were just round the corner but I was able to look across and see them arrive and then the back of the ladies' hats!  

We were pleased to have a large screen in front of us so that we could watch all the service at close hand. It was a multi-cultural, multi-faith service with an accent on youth and the theme was ‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future’.  







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There was a very friendly atmosphere within the Abbey and a sense of occasion and excitement. 2,000 people from all parts of the Commonwealth, schools and organisations, government and dignitaries. We both felt very proud when we saw our designs featured on the television screens, particularly when all the religious leaders stood in front of them. It was a privilege and honour to be part of such a special day. 
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We had travelled to Westminster Abbey by train and taxi, stopping for a lovely lunch before going to join the queue to get through the high security. The bells were pealing as we left and went to find a taxi back to the station.   We had much to reflect on as we headed home and all our family and friends had watched the service on the television but we were lucky as WE WERE THERE!!       

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Our Area Member’s Day is on 19th April at Spotlight. In the morning Katherine Kear (National Chairman) is giving a talk and will also be happy to answer questions, There will be a buffet lunch and several stalls. The demonstration in the afternoon will be by Lucy Ellis entitled ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’. It is good that the stage backdrop has little lights like diamonds!  The tickets are £28 and transport can be arranged if you need it. Please come for a very enjoyable day.

The National Show is being held on 12th and 13th May in Gloucester Cathedral.   Details are on the NAFAS website.

Our next meeting 13th April      ‘Our very own Doug Howard ‘  with a demonstration entitled ‘Nature’s Angels’. 
It should be another excellent evening.       Please note the later date due to Easter

Thursday 4th May is our Spring Open Meeting with David Thomson demonstrating ‘This, That and The Other’.  Tickets are available £6 for members and £10 for visitors available from committee members or via our Contact tab on this site.

Our Charity table in March was vases and containers which made an amazing £96.50 for our 2023 Charity  - Noah Enterprises in Luton - who provide support for the homeless. The theme for the Charity table ​in April will be cards and crafts – anything new and handmade.    In May we will have plants and seedlings. 

With my best wishes
Carolyn
Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club

At last, I think that Spring is on the way and I have started working in my garden. I have very mixed feelings as it upsets me to see all the shrubs and plants that have been severely damaged by the frost, ice and snow but then I have hope when I see new buds and bulbs coming through. I suppose it will be an opportunity to visit the gardens centres and replant!!

We had an excellent evening at our February demonstration by Graham King. He was so creative and he must spend hours and hours making his containers. We had a large audience with returning and new members and also 10 visitors and I hope there will be more joining next week.   See the earlier report on his demonstration entitled  'Journey to Creativity'.  We presented our charity cheque for £700 to two representatives from Central Beds Women’s Refuge and they were delighted to tell us that they will use the money to provide activities and outings for the children in their care.

Our Charity for this year was selected and I am pleased to say that the charity will be Noah Enterprises in Luton who provide support for the homeless. The theme for the Charity table in March will be vases and containers that need a new home! In April the theme will be cards and crafts – anything handmade and in May we will have plants and seedlings.

Our popular classes began last week at St Mary’s Church. It was a lively evening and some beautiful Spring arrangements were produced. The experienced group made hand-tied bouquets and the beginners and improvers made a vertical design with twigs and daffodils. I am delighted that the classes are full and I have a waiting list as so many people want to attend workshops and improve their skills.

Our next Area Council Meeting is on Monday 20th March at the Whitehill Centre in Welwyn, starting at 11am. This meeting is for all delegates of all clubs in the area but any member who is interested is welcome to attend to learn what is happening within our Area and NAFAS. A light lunch is served after the meeting.
          
Our Member’s Day is on 19th April at Spotlight. In the morning Katherine Kear (National Chairman ) is giving a talk and will also be happy to answer questions, There will be a buffet lunch and several stalls. The demonstration in the afternoon will be by Lucy Ellis entitled ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’. It is good that the stage backdrop has little lights like diamonds!  The tickets are £28 and transport can be arranged if you need it. Please come for a very enjoyable day.
           
The National Show is being held on 12th and 13th May in Gloucester Cathedral. Details are on the NAFAS website.
          
Our next meeting is on Thursday 2nd March - Mark Entwhistle from Lancashire will be demonstrating. He was runner-up in the Designer of the year Competition at the last national Show and I know it will be an entertaining and exciting evening.

13th April        Doug Howard from Stotfold          Please note the later date due to Easter
4th May           David Thompson – a National Demonstrator. This will be an Open meeting and tickets will be on sale next week.

I hope to see you next Thursday.     Keep watching the buds and shoots!

With my best wishes ​       
 Carolyn    
Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club

On 2 February, in a packed hall, we enjoyed our first demonstration of the year when Graham King from Surrey took us on his ‘Journey to Creativity’.   What a journey it was, as he unveiled the containers which he had made from spiraled wire, re-formed tin trays and many unique shapes all raised by being fixed to a stand!
 
His first design of spiraled wire set off the deep orange roses and cerise Gerbera.  His second container started off life as a tin tray which he had then cut and curled back the central part into coils.  He explained it was from a Moroccan inspiration.  To one side he attached some floral foam which showcased pale orange and pink roses with deep red carnations and Hypericum berries. 












For his third design, seven different-sized wreath rings had been cut and twisted, then covered in ochre-coloured wool through which Graham entwined Phormium leaves.  

​After showing us how he manipulated Aspidistra leaves, he added them with other green foliage before pink Astilbe, Skimmia and pink and cream roses completed the design.






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After a break for refreshments, we were treated to a wintry look with twisted wire covered in white wool shaped into gracefully curling swirls.  To this Graham added Seneccio then white roses, cream carnations and pale pink spray roses, completing the design with small amounts of Gypsophila.  A very pretty design.

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As flower arrangers, we are all trying to use less floral foam and Graham described how his penultimate design was formed from chicken wire; shaped into two off-set cones covered in blue material giving the impression of a tropical waterfall.  He then added Asparagus fern and Bergenia leaves before some pale lilac and white Calla lilies.  By finally adding Gypsophila, we could visualise the spray from the cascading water.   ​

​​The sixth, and final, design intrigued us.  Graham explained that he had melted fabric to drape onto spherical shapes and included beads to a raised candelabra and the effect was a purple haze.  To this he added Garrya Elliptica, Sea Lavender and Chrysanthemum blooms in pale purple and after the dark purple carnations were added, five lit candles completed the design.  Graham gave us an amazing evening and certainly food for thought as to what we can use as our next container for flower arranging.
 
We meet on the first Thursday of the month, although please note that in view of Easter dates this year it will be the second Thursday in April, the 13th.  Visitors are always welcome, check this website and Facebook pages as well as the village noticeboard for more information.

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

What a surprise this morning to look out at a beautiful Christmas scene with everything covered in a blanket of snow – even on my festive wreath!

​We had a very Festive evening last week with a great demonstration by Lee Berrill and mulled wine and mince pies to get us in the mood. It was great to see so many members and visitors filling the Hall to capacity. I am very proud of our Club as we always create a friendly atmosphere and make everyone welcome.

Our next meeting is on 5th January, which is the Annual General Meeting. This is mainly a social evening to reflect on the past year and discuss anything anyone wants to raise for the benefit of the club.   

​If you have a local charity that you feel would benefit from our efforts on the Charity table, please let me know so we will have a members vote at the March meeting.   The Charity table has been good with a theme for each month. This will continue next year with Books, Jigsaws and Board games in February and vases and baskets in March.  If you have any pre-loved items in these categories they would be very welcome but please note we do ask you to take any of your unsold items home and perhaps pass on to a local charity shop.

Joan, our Programme Secretary,  has booked an excellent programme for 2023, including:

2nd February  Graham King from Hampshire
2nd March       Mark Entwhistle from Lancashire
13th April        Doug Howard  from Stotfold!  Please note the later date due to Easter
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The 2023 Programme on this site will be updated shortly.
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Subscriptions will be due in the New Year and we are proposing to increase it slightly to £45 for the year. This will be proposed at the AGM and can be paid in February, March and April ( in instalments if this makes it easier). Visitors are always welcome.  We have a great Committee who all work hard for the benefit of the Club and members – we are all friends as well!

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Kate and I represented the Club at the
Alternative Christmas Tree Festival at the
Methodist Church in Clophill last weekend
by creating a tree of flowers – very sophisticated
and colourful.     
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​We were delighted to welcome back Theresa Rodrigues for our November meeting with her intriguing title ‘Gardens by the Bay’.   We were to imagine a 12-hour flight to a tropical island, hot temperatures and driving to an iconic hotel that featured in the BBC Two programme ‘Amazing Hotels’.   Singapore was our destination which brought back very fond memories for me as I had stayed at the hotel in 2014.

Theresa’s first arrangement was inspired by the hotel which is located along the Marina Bay waterfront and features three cascading towers topped by an extraordinary Sky Park, resembling a surfboard, complete with infinity pool! To depict this Theresa chose a horizontal design which was raised on top of a tall stand and into prearranged foliage she placed Irises, white Avalanche Roses and Coral sprayed silver to resemble the sky and water.

From the Sky Park you can get an excellent view of the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ which brings to life Singapore’s vision of creating a City in a garden. The three distinctive waterfront gardens span 101 acres and were designed with the underlying principle of sustainability. Theresa’s following four arrangements each focused on a particular garden. Inspired by the architecture of the Esplanade Theatres in the East Garden and a conscious effort to reduce the use of floral foam, Theresa had produced a 3D structure using bamboo and sticks. Into this she interwove flowers as if she were producing a hand tied bunch.







One of the key highlights of the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ is the grove of soaring, surreal structures known as Supertrees. These sustainable vertical gardens span 25 to 50 metres in height and house over 162,900 plants of over 200 species. Many of these trees have photovoltaic cells in their canopies to harvest solar energy.  This was to be the inspiration for Theresa’s final design. Known for her creativity she produced her own version of a Supertree, a tree trunk covered with moss into which she had incorporated succulent plants.  She then produced an all-round arrangement on the top followed by lights twisted around the trunk.
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​The six arrangements were very individual with excellent & varied choice of flowers and foliage, including Calla Lilies, Cymbidium Orchids, Strelitzia’s, Protea Pincushion, Cock’s Comb, Ginger, Gerbera & Roses.

A very interesting demonstration ending with a beautiful display of arrangements. 

Note for your diary:     Our Annual General Meeting will be held in Clophill Village Hall Committee Room
at 7.30pm on 5 January 2023.   All are welcome.

​I hope you enjoyed the demonstration by Gill McGregor.   I thought her designs were great and how she is able to keep talking, create and also instruct all at the same time is amazing. 

On 3 November we have Theresa Rodriques coming to demonstrate again - her title is ‘Gardens by the Bay’.
                                                                 
On 1 December our demonstrator is Lee Berrill who is very artistic and creative.  His title is 'Made for Xmas'.   Tickets are £6 for members and £10 for visitors and will be available at the next meeting and I know they are selling very well. 
There will be festive refreshments and a special sales table

The Charity Table was popular at the last meeting with scarves and jewellery.
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**Bags will be the focus in November. If you have any unwanted bags – handbags, toilet bags or even larger bags that you think will tempt others please bring them to this meeting – on a ‘Sale or Return’ basis. So that if they are sold the money will go to our Charity fund but if they are not sold please take them home again!  This will ensure a good turnover of items.

**In December we will feature Anything Christmas.

We are holding a Christmas Wreath Workshop on 29 November – just in time for Advent.
The cost of £35 will include all the materials to make a natural wreath using spruce, seasonal foliage, dried fruits, cones, wires, tuition and refreshments.
The venue is St Mary’s Church, Clophill 10 am – 12 noon.
Please contact me if you are interested, either directly or via the contact tab on this site

Home Counties Area of NAFAS are holding another virtual competition before Christmas entitled ‘The Festive Season’.
This can be any style of arrangement – a table design, a festive wreath, a contemporary arrangement or something interpretative. The advantage of this type of competition is that you can do it at your leisure, photograph it and then email it to the Area media Officer. I am attaching all the details with this newsletter.

Area AGM/Lunch and Demonstration is being held on 16 November at Spotlight Theatre in Broxbourne.  Doors open at 10am and there will be stalls to browse before a short AGM at 11am. This will be followed by a hot two course buffet lunch and then a demonstration by Jacqui Arnold (National Demonstrator) with her title ‘Jingle all the Way’.
​This should be a lovely day. Tickets are still available at £36 and can be ordered at our Club and we will try to organise transport if you would like to come.

* * * * * * * 
Home Counties Area of NAFAS
Another exciting virtual competition for members of Home Counties

Entries should be emailed to Rekha Naidoo (Media Officer) to the email address below
from Monday 21 November to Monday 5 December

The photographs will be collated into a file and sent numbered anonymously to Area Judges.
 The winners will be informed, and the results will be published on the Area website.

Title: ‘The Festive Season’
An exhibit. Fresh plant material should predominate but artificial material is permitted.
Size 60cm x 60cm x 90 cm height
The design should be photographed with a plain background.

Please email to homecountiesflowers@gmail.com  by 7 December
using The Festive Season as the subject
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Please include your name, telephone number and your Flower Club

* * * * * * * ​
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Looking forward to seeing you again,
With my best wishes,       
Carolyn         
   Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club




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                                          Come to a

           Christmas Wreath Workshop


                                                               
         on   Tuesday 29th November - just in time for Advent
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  ***The cost will include spruce rings, seasonal foliage, cones, wires, ribbons,
         tuition and refreshments.

  ***Please bring a pair of scissors and your own choice of decorations,  
        either natural or artificial, to make your wreath unique 

Sad News  
​Since we last met it has been a very sad and emotional time with the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, culminating with her funeral yesterday. A moment in history filled with ceremony, sorrow, pageantry and spectacle that has been compulsive to witness. It brought people together, both the great and the general public and brought out the best in us. You may be interested to know that members of NAFAS arranged the flowers in Westminster Abbey and Shane Connolly (Florist to King Charles III) created the final wreath.
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I have been informed that Alan Smith who came to demonstrate at our Club on 1st September also died about a week after coming to entertain us. He said he was retiring but this must have been very sudden. I have sent Lee Berrill, his partner, a card from us with our condolences. 

Congratulations
Congratulations to Linda O’Toole who gained a 1st Prize at Houghton Conquest and Shefford Shows.  Well done to others who entered the Floral art classes – it was a shame there were not more entries.

Linda and Ann Swain have been told that two of their Christmas designs will be featured in the next issue of The Flower Arranger.
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Wedding Flowers
Earlier this month members of our Club arranged wedding flowers in Campton.   It took two days to decorate the Church and the marquee and two teams of 8 and 9 arrangers. It is always fun to work together and meet the challenges of 22 designs in the Church including a beautiful arch around the door and 14 very large table arrangements and two large flower rings that were suspended around the marquee posts. The results were stunning, and it earned a large amount of money for the Club and our charity funds. 

​Area AGM/Lunch and Demonstration
​This is being held on 16th November at Spotlight Theatre in Broxbourne. Doors open at 10am and there will be stalls to browse before a short AGM at 11am. This will be followed by a hot two course buffet lunch and then a demonstration by Jacqui Arnold (National Demonstrator) titles ‘Jingle all the Way’. This should be a lovely day. Tickets are £36 that can be ordered at our Club and we will try to organise transport if you would like to come.

Next meeting on 6th October
Our next meeting is with our favourite Gill McGregor – ‘Floral Flair and Fantasy’. She is a very experienced and talented designer, so I hope you are able to come.

Charity Table
Scarves and jewellery will be the focus for the Charity table.   If you have any unwanted items that you think will tempt others please bring them to this meeting – on a ‘Sale or Return’ basis. So that if they are sold the money will go to our Charity fund but if they are not sold please take them home again!  This will ensure a good turnover of items.
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​The next month it will be Bags and in December we will feature Anything Christmas.

Looking forward to seeing you again,
With my best wishes,       
Carolyn        
   Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club