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.