To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club - July 2026 NewsletterWhat a super evening we had celebrating our Golden Anniversary. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did – if you were able to be there. There was lots of chatter and friendship , everyone looked great in their Summer outfits, some with gold and the Committee made it a special occasion for our Club.  18 June Area Fashion Show and Afternoon Tea at Welwyn. This was a fun afternoon with three of our Committee modelling a wide range of affordable clothes.  It was British Flower Growers' Week and National Flower Arranging Day so we invited local growers to donate flowers for the raffle. Lynda Cole, whose garden we are visiting in July, was very generous and the stage looked great with lots of ‘cottage garden’ flowers arranged into baskets for the lucky winners. This was a fundraiser for the Area Show and Competitions on 26 September.See below the Schedule for the Show as I would like to encourage you to ‘have a go’ and enter one of the classes at the Area Show ad Competitions. Ann Swain and I would like to invite you to come to two special evenings at St Mary’s Church Clophill on 6 August and 20 August 7pm – 9pm to explore Show and Competition work. You can bring an exhibit or just come to listen and learn. This is for anyone who is interested, whether entering a show or just as an observer, to have a better understanding of what is expected. This will include ideas for interpreting a schedule, the rules and regulations of a NAFAS Show and tips on what a judge would look for in a good exhibit. I will add that Brenda, Doug, Celia, Lesley from our Club are on the Show Committee and I am the Chairman, so you can have lots of support and there will be some friendly faces. It will be £3 a session, including refreshments. We would like to know numbers, so please make sure to sign the list at the Club on Thursday or let me know if you would like to come. The Area Show and Competition will be a great day out with lots to see in 12 competitive classes with exhibits by talented members for the Home Counties and also a wider area. There will be stalls and refreshments served all day. On Thursday 2nd July Our Club Meeting with a demonstration by Louisa Rigden ‘ Twists and Turns’. Louisa has recently passed her National Demonstrators' test. The Charity table is Kitchenalia and Ceramics – all donations will be welcome. Our Area Chairman, Anne McPherson, will be visiting us that evening as she is trying to visit all Clubs in the Area and she has saved ‘the best til last’.!! Thursday 16th July at 7pm or Tuesday 21st July at 2pm we are visiting Lynda Cole flower grower in Gravenhurst . She has an amazing garden and polytunnels and sells flowers from April to November. There is no charge and Lynda will give a tour and then provide refreshments. You can add your name to the sheet on Thursday and I will give details of the parking and location at our meeting. With my best wishes, Carolyn Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club ***************************************************************************** Home Counties Area of NAFAS - Area Show Schedule Changing Seasons Saturday 26th September 10am – 5pm Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead. AL4 8AY Schedule Show Chairman Show Secretary Carolyn Cranswick Brenda London [email protected] [email protected] 07923 876634 07905 367450 *********************** Class 1 ‘All is Safely Gathered in ‘ Inter-society or to be staged by 2 people. Home Counties only To be staged on the floor 1 metre square height 2metres. To be viewed and judged all round. Wooden floor Winner will be eligible to exhibit on behalf of the Area at the National Competitions 2027 Class 2 ‘Changing Season’ A pedestal design. Open Class Floor space 1 metre square. Height 2 metres. To be viewed from the front. Can incorporate fresh and preserved material Class 3 ‘Harvest supper’ A still life exhibit. Open Class Space allowed 60cm wide x 60cm deep. Height optional. Class 4 ‘Equinox’ A foam free exhibit. Open Class Space allowed 60cm wide x 60 cm deep . Height optional Class 5 ‘Flower Fairies’. Petite Class. Open Class An exhibit. Space allowed 25 cm wide x 25 cm deep x 37 cm high. To be staged on cream raised tabling that is 120cm from the floor This design can be brought already assembled. Class 6 ‘Shorter Days – Time to Read’. Craft Class. Open Class A book cover . Space allowed 40cm wide x 40 cm deep x 5 cm high . To be staged on cream covered open tabling. This design can be brought already assembled. Class 7 ‘Autumn Tapestry’ A pavé exhibit. Open Class Space allowed 30cm wide x 30cm deep x 10 cm high To be staged on cream covered open tabling Class 8 ‘September Stroll’ A landscape exhibit. Open Class Space allowed 60cm wide x 60cm deep Height optional Class 9 ‘Back to School’. A Junior Class Three age groups 5 – 8 years, 9 - 12 years, 13 – 16 years. Age to be stated Space allowed 30cm wide x 30cm deep x 45cm high . To be staged on open tabling This design can be brought already assembled. Class 10 ‘Garden Delight’. Novice Class. Home Counties only Space allowed 60 cm wide x 60 cm deep. Height optional Class 11 ‘A Time to Celebrate’. Beginners. Home Counties only Space allowed 60cm wide x 60 cm deep. Height optional NB. Plant material must predominate Class 12 ‘Balance’ An imposed class. Home Counties only Space allowed 60cm wide x 60 cm deep x 100 cm high. Exhibitor to provide cutting tools only. All components will be supplied. Exhibitor to select components from those provided. All exhibitors to begin staging at 5pm prompt Prize Money Class 1: 1st Prize £35, 2nd £25, 3rd £15 Classes 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 : 1st Prize £25, 2nd £15, 3rd £10 Show Regulations 1. Exhibitors : Members and Individual Members affiliated to Home Counties Area of NAFAS may enter all classes. Classes 1,10, 11 ,12 are restricted to Members of Home Counties Area 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are Open to ALL flower arrangers. Non-members of Home Counties may only enter a total of 3 classes.
2. All exhibits must be assembled at the venue with the exception of Classes 5, 6 and 9– for which the exhibits may be brought already assembled. The competitor is expected to use the staging time to complete their exhibit but any items requiring special time or expertise for their preparation( pre done work) may be brought assembled. 3. All exhibits, personal property etc. are at the risk of the exhibitor. Aerosols/ paint etc. MUST NOT BE USED in the staging area or on the site. Exhibitors must provide own drapes, stands, supports etc if required as NOTHING may be attached to the staging. 4. To be judged according to the NAFAS Competitions Manual, Fourth Edition 2023. The Judge’s decision is Final. 5. All measurements are approximate. Except where stated all tables will be covered with a cream fabric, with a cream background of either drapes or painted wall. Average height of tables from floor is 70 cm. All classes, EXCEPT Classes 1 and 2, will be staged on tabling Lighting. Daylight and artificial Staging Friday 25 September from 4pm – 8pm. Entries will be accepted from 25th July and up to 20th September or until the classes are full. Please notify the Competitions Secretary immediately if you are unable to stage your exhibit as there may be a waiting list. Entry fees £5 for each class except Class 1 £20 (Club Class) and Class 12 £20 (Imposed Class) Class 9 free Presentation of Awards will take place on Saturday 26 September 4pm Dismantling at the close of the Show 5 pm – 7pm A Beginner is a person who has never entered an Area Floral Art Show. A Novice is a person who has never won a 1st Prize at an Area Floral Art Show. Trophies Best in Show Elsie Lamb Trophy Runner-up to the Best in Show The Brunskill Cup Best use of Colour Anito Seago Trophy Best use of Garden Plant Material Joan Cobold Trophy The most Imaginative use of Plant Material Joyce Rush Trophy Judges Jane Rickard Lesley Sturdy *****************************************************************************
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Thursday 4 June 2026 On Thursday night 4 June, 75 members celebrated 50 fantastic years of Clophill & District Flower Club at our Golden Anniversary supper in the Village Hall. It was a really lovely evening with very tasty food; various wines and cordials.  There was a Golden Raffle with lovely 'golden' prizes, a talk on “Jewellery through the Ages” to start the event and, more importantly, great company. Not all of the people attending have been a member from Day 1 - some are quite new - but a considerable number have been for 35+ years or more, and it is quite obvious why. The club has grown over the years due to its great leadership and friendly, welcoming atmosphere. I know some of you reading this were members originally – maybe work or starting a family took priority – but that could be behind you now, so why not try it again. Come along for an evening of fun, flowers and friendship. Nobody ever goes home disappointed. Just come and relax and watch an accomplished demonstrator do amazing things with flowers – which you might take home with you at the end of the evening if you bought a winning raffle ticket.
Most demonstrators are very jolly folk and have great stories to tell about their exploits since becoming an Area or National demonstrator. Creating lavish displays in Westminster Abbey is another opportunity that some members have had. When did you last have a local night out with a friend that didn’t cost a fortune? It’s just £8.00 for Visitors which includes refreshments too. In September our demonstrator is Lee Berrill, who always pulls out all the stops. Put Thursday 3 September at 7.30 pm in your diary for a great night out. You will certainly get a warm welcome and are guaranteed a great show. Who knows, in 5 years’ time you could be helping us celebrate at our 55th Anniversary Party. Give it a try. You’ll be glad you did. Joan Programme Secretary To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club - May 2026 NewsletterAll the plans are in place for our Golden Anniversary Evening on 4 June. I hope it will be a special occasion and you enjoy the celebration. Welcome drinks will be served at 6pm and we will be sitting at large round tables but there will be no table plan. Maria Pennington will begin as soon her talk as we are settled and this will be followed by a delicious buffet dinner. There will be some surprises and Julie has organised a special Golden Raffle for our charity, with some big prizes. Obviously there will be a golden theme, so you can wear something gold, if you would like to. It is amazing to think that in June 1976 Barbara Hudson and myself began the Club in the old School Hall. Then we moved to the Village Hall and we have gone from strength to strength, becoming the 2nd largest club in the Area with a great reputation for being active, friendly and sharing our love of flowers with friends. The Plant Stall at the Village Fete made a profit of £122. Thank you for the donations. Our trip to the National Flower Show at Hylands House near Chelmsford was a super day out and our thanks go to Celia and Gillian for organising the day. It was a shame that more people didn’t come as it actually made a loss for the Club but was greatly appreciated by those who went. The coach was full of plants, garden ornaments and tired passengers! 18 June Area Fashion Show and Afternoon Tea at the Civic Centre , Welwyn. Tickets are £10 including afternoon tea. I attached the details in the poster last month and Celia is selling the tickets. Please bring your friends. 2 July Our Club Meeting with a demonstration by Louisa Rigden ‘ Twists and Turns’ . The Charity table is Kitchenalia and Ceramics – all donations will be welcome. Our Area Chairman, Anne McPherson, will be visiting us that evening as she is trying to visit all Clubs in the Area and she has saved ‘the best til last’!! In July we have been invited to visit Lynda Coles, a local flower grower in Gravenhurst . She has an amazing garden and polytunnels and sells flowers from April to November. I have arranged for us to visit on two days Thursday 16 July at 7pm or Tuesday 21 July at 2pm. There is no charge and Lynda will give a tour and then provide refreshments, Please sign the sheets at the next meetings to join one of the tours. The Committee and I are looking forward to seeing you next week.
With my best wishes Carolyn Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club - April 2026 NewsletterIt seemed strange to have two club meetings in March and none in April, but I am sure that our Open meeting with Mark Entwistle was well worth the change of date. I thought he was super and his designs were inspiring with so many beautiful flowers and unusual orchids in each design. It was a great evening. Since then my husband and I have been on a river cruise to celebrate our Diamond Anniversary that was very special. Thank you to the Club for a lovely card and present of two celebratory candles. Clophill & District have a busy time ahead for the next few months, so I will give you some reminders. Area Members' Day 28 April at Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead with a talk on Diamonds, a delicious buffet lunch and a demonstration by Lucy Ellis. Tickets £25 are still available from Celia Thompson 07711 861958 7 May Our Club meeting with a demonstration by Sharon Badger ‘Floral Medley’. The theme of the Charity table is Cosmetics and Body lotions 9 May the Plant Stall at Clophill Village Fete with the profits for our 2026 charity. Please bring any plants/ seedlings to the club meeting or to Clophill Church on the morning of the day. 15 May Our trip to the National Flower Show at Hylands House near Chelmsford. There are still spaces available - £30 for the coach and entry. It will be a really good day out with lots to see – flower arranging competitions, plants and craft stalls, demonstrations and even a talk by Adam Frost. Contact Celia for further details 4 June Our Golden Anniversary Celebration starting at 6.30pm with a talk by a goldsmith/jeweller Maria Pennington on Jewellery through the Ages. Then, a special 2 course dinner and drinks. This is for members only at a subsidised cost of £10. Please make sure you have your ticket and we know of any special dietary needs you may have. You can pay at our May meeting or by Bank transfer. Contact Celia for further details 18 June Area Fashion Show and Afternoon Tea at the Civic Centre, Welwyn. We have spaces on a mini-bus to make the journey easier, leaving Clophill at 11.30am. There will be fashions to buy and a raffle. Tickets are £10 and the transport is £12. See the poster below. Please contact Celia for further details. 2 July Our Club Meeting with a demonstration by Louisa Rigden ‘ Twists and Turns’ . The Charity table is Kitchenalia and Ceramics – all donation will be welcome In July we have been invited to visit a Lynda Coles a local flower grower in Gravenhurst . She has an amazing garden and polytunnels and sells flowers from April to November. I have arranged for us to visit on two days Thursday 16 July at 7pm or Tuesday 21 July at 2pm. There is no charge and Lynda will give a tour and then provide refreshments, Please sign the sheets at the next meetings to join one of the tours. **Please remember to bring a mug for your drink to the Club meetings** and thank you to Celia for all your help!!!!! With my best wishes, Carolyn Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club  To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club - February Newsletter 2026Our demonstrations began again in February and I was so pleased to see so many members in the Village Hall. It was great that we had several new members and I hope that they will all enjoy our programme for this year. Violeta Burgess was new to our club and she brought a different style of design with many contemporary arrangements. It is good to see all aspects of flower arranging and she gave us an insight into the skills of a Master Florist and someone who is very enthusiastic to become an international designer. We try to cater for all tastes and there is always something to be learnt from each demonstrator even if the style is not really your taste! Next meetings: 5 March Lorraine Gagan is coming to demonstrate ‘Into the Wardrobe’. At the beginning of this meeting we will be presenting a representative from MND with a cheque for £800 from our fund from 2025. The Charity for 2026 is Alzheimer’s Society UK – supporting a local branch. Thank you all for your donations. The Charity table on 5 March will be books – fiction 24 March PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DAY AND DATE this is to avoid Easter and availability of the hall. This is an Open Meeting with Mark Entwhistle returning to demonstrate ‘How to be a Diva’. Mark is an International and Area demonstrator who comes from the North West. Tickets are available £7 for members and £13 for visitors at the next meeting or contact [email protected]. The subscriptions for 2026 are now due @ £50 for the year. This is still excellent value to belong to an active and friendly club with 10 demonstrations during the year. You can pay by cash/cheque in January, February or March to join. You can also pay by Bank Transfer. The visitors fee will be £8 per visit. Competitions Opportunities for you to show off your talents and skills ************* Home Counties Area are holding another Virtual Competition ’ Winter to Spring’ The closing date is 23 March. Houghton Conquest Garden Club are holding their Spring Show on 5 April . There are 3 Floral Art Classes. **Easter Story – an exhibit symbolising any aspect of the Easter story **As You Like it - an exhibit using flowers from your garden or a bunch costing no more than £10 **Spring in a Bottle - a petite exhibit in a bottle or vase 23cm in any direction. More details from Margaret on 07419 736604 Home Counties Area Show ‘Changing Seasons: will be held on 26 September – more details later Area Member’s Day on 28 April with a talk and demonstration by Lucy Ellis at the Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead. Tickets, including a delicious buffet lunch are £25. I attach the details below ************************************************* Home Counties Area of NAFAS A warm invitation to our Area Members’ Day Tuesday 28 April 2026 - Doors open at 10am Marford Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY Stalls to browse and drinks available 11am A talk by Maria Pennington on ‘Diamonds’ 12noon A delicious buffet lunch will be served 1.30pm A demonstration by Lucy Ellis, National Demonstrator entitled ‘Nature’s Embrace’ Tickets are £25. Tickets may be ordered through your Club or the Area Treasurer, Celia Thompson [email protected] Please apply no later than by 15th April ************************************************* Don’t forget our Golden Anniversary Celebration on 4th June - for member’s only. More details soon Please remember to bring a mug for your drink to the Club meetings, thank you. With my best wishes,
Carolyn Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club - January Newsletter 2026Another year has begun and this year will mark the 50th Anniversary of our Club. It seems amazing when I remember the first meeting in 1976 held in the old School Hall when Barbara Hudson, our first Chairman, gave the first demonstration. Since then the Club has gone from strength to strength. The AGM was held last week attended by the Committee and a few loyal members. We had reports from all the Officers who all reported that 2025 was another successful year. We had 76 members, the finances were stable, in spite of increased costs, and we had some really good demonstrations and a great Dabble Evening. It was agreed to make a donation £800 to MND Association from our charity fund and thanks was given to everyone who supported the Charity stall during the year. We will be voting at our next meeting for the charity for 2026. We have three nominations and members will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite. The theme of the Charity table in February will be Unwanted Gifts. The subscription for 2026 was approved to increase it to £50 a year to cover increased rent charges and flower allowances for the demonstrators and an increase in NAFAS affiliation fees that have been imposed on us. This is still excellent value to belong to an active and friendly club with 10 demonstrations during the year. You can pay by cash/cheque in Jan, Feb or March to join or we can give you details to be able pay by BACS to Clophill and District Flower Club. The visitors fee will be £8 per visit. We have welcomed two new members on to the Committee – Nicky Olden and Alicia Leverett, who will take over some of the roles of responsibility. Kate Smith has now stood down after many years on the Committee. Thank you so much Kate. Next meetings: 5 February A demonstration by Violeta Burgess with ‘My Way’ 5 March Lorraine Gagan is returning to demonstrate ‘Into the Wardrobe’ 24 March PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DAY AND DATE to avoid Easter and availability of the hall. This is an Open Meeting with Mark Entwhistle returning to demonstrate ‘How to be a Diva’. Mark is an International and Area demonstrator who comes from the North West. Home Counties Area are holding another Virtual Competition 'Winter to Spring’ and I am attaching the details below. This is an excellent opportunity for you to do an arrangement at home and when you are happy with it, take a photograph and then submit it. Our Club were very successful last time – let’s see if we can repeat it this time! There will be a Members' Day on 28 April with a talk and demonstration by Lucy Ellis at the Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead. The Area Show and Competition will be there on 26th September With my best wishes Carolyn Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club * * * * * * * * * * *
a warm invitation to all our members to enter the "Winter into Spring" |
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Summer is here with time to relax in the garden, except at times it is too hot. I seem to spend lot of time watering and checking that I haven’t lost any precious plants due to this dry weather. We don’t have a Club meeting in August but the Committee always meet for Afternoon Tea in a garden. We met last week in Gillian’s lovely garden and the temperature was perfect. It gave us chance to chat, as well as discussing plans for the future.
Next Month on 4th September we have Clare Allen coming to show us ‘Stepping into Autumn’. Clare hasn’t been to us since 2016, so it'll be good to see her again. The Charity Table is doing very well this year and in September the theme will be Gloves, Scarves and Umbrellas – ready for Autumn!
On 4th October we will be having one of our popular Dabble Evenings, when you will have the opportunity to try several different crafts and activities – all flower related and all the materials will be provided. You just need to bring a pair of scissors. These evenings are always very social so even if you don’t want to ‘have a go’ please come and support those who are and enjoy watching!
In November and December we have two other demonstrators who are new to our Club but I have seen ‘on my travels’.
On 4th October we will be having one of our popular Dabble Evenings, when you will have the opportunity to try several different crafts and activities – all flower related and all the materials will be provided. You just need to bring a pair of scissors. These evenings are always very social so even if you don’t want to ‘have a go’ please come and support those who are and enjoy watching!
In November and December we have two other demonstrators who are new to our Club but I have seen ‘on my travels’.
Next year is a special year for our Club as it is our Golden Anniversary and we will be celebrating in June
with a dinner for all members and an illustrated talk on jewellery by a goldsmith from Norwich. 50 years and still going from strength to strength!
September and October is the time for Flower Festivals and local Horticultural Shows. Look out for the posters and banners as it is always a chance to get ideas and admire other arrangers' creations.
with a dinner for all members and an illustrated talk on jewellery by a goldsmith from Norwich. 50 years and still going from strength to strength!
September and October is the time for Flower Festivals and local Horticultural Shows. Look out for the posters and banners as it is always a chance to get ideas and admire other arrangers' creations.
In July I explained to members that we have been informed by NAFAS that they intend to increase the Affiliation Fees next year and that there has been very active objections, letters and phone calls to Headquarters and the Board of Trustees. It appears that they have now taken note and have called a special meeting for Area Representatives in September to discuss this. At last they seem to be getting the message that they need to support members and clubs as we are the foundation of the organisation. We will have to wait and see but I can assure you that Clophill and District Flower Club will always give you good value and a lively Club.
I hope to see you in September. Enjoy the sunshine.
With my best wishes,
Carolyn
Clophill and District Flower Club
Carolyn
Clophill and District Flower Club