5 May 2022'For the Love of Flowers' with Tony Brown Every May our members are treated to an extra special demonstration by a nationally qualified demonstrator. On 5th May Tony Brown from Market Harborough came to entertain us to show his love of flowers and garden plant material. This will be the last opportunity for him to visit Clophill as he has now decided to retire after 40 years of travelling the world arranging flowers. It was obvious how much he loves flowers from the way he handled them and talked about their qualities. He is a very knowledgeable gardener and he gave us lots of tips during the evening. His use of colour was evident in each arrangement, blending orange and purple with a splash of pink or purple, blue and pink to compliment an unusual tall vase.  Tony used a large selection of flowers including roses, carnations, lilies and lots of hydrangeas. He recommended using pot grown hydrangeas as they are cheaper but to immerse the blooms in water to keep them hydrated. To condition other cut flowers he always singes the stems before plunging them into deep water. There were alliums, stocks and chrysanthemums in other arrangements with lots of beautiful foliage.  All Tony’s designs were traditional in style and large with two placements – one that he did on stage and another he then brought on that he had created earlier. By the end of the evening the stage was spectacular filled with flowers and colour. In June the members will celebrate the Sapphire Anniversary of the Club with a special meal and floral entertainment. Guests will include our previous Chairman Judy Pitts – there has only been three chairmen in 46 years! Carolyn Cranswick
Chairman of Clophill & District Flower Club
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To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club - April/May NewsletterLast week was very busy as it was the Area Member’s Day on Wednesday. A large group of our members attended and really enjoyed the day. In the morning Helen Chambers gave an excellent illustrated talk, followed by a delicious buffet lunch and a demonstration by Alan Beatty in the afternoon. He was easy to watch and listen to and the large stage was full of beautiful designs. On Friday Ann Swain and I staged an exhibit at Lilley Church Flower Festival. We interpreted the Queen’s Coronation in the altar area – in fact we incorporated the altar into the design as the Royal coach! We made all the regalia including a beautiful cloak decorated with plant material.
 The Festival was open 30th April and 1st May from 10.30am to 4.30pm Forthcoming events: 5th May is our Open Evening with a National Demonstrator – Tony Brown from Rugby - with his title ‘ For the Love of Flowers’. Tickets are still available - £6 for members and £10 for visitors. This should be an excellent evening, I hope to see you then. Our Sapphire Anniversary 45 + 1 will take place on Thursday 9th June 6pm for 6.30pm. This will be a special evening for members only with a cold buffet and an evening of flowers and reminiscing over our 45 years. Please sign for a ticket at the next meeting. We would like everyone to wear something blue. Plant Stall at Clophill Fete on 14th May. We will be having a stall at this community event and would like to have donations of plants and help on the day. The profits will go to the Charity fund. Refresher Day for Competitors and Judges 12th May at Sundon Park Baptist Church £10. This is a day for anyone interested in Show work – either virtual or actual. Lots of ideas and advice on entering shows. Details at the Club on Thursday and on the Area website. Flower Show at Hylands House on 20th – 22nd May. The theme for the competitions is Alice in Wonderland. If you would like a schedule please contact me. Celia and Gillian (Trips-R-Us) have now cancelled the trip that they had organised due to lack of support. Trip to Nostalgia – A Festival of Flowers at Ingatestone Hall, Essex, on Friday 22nd July. Leaving The Green at 9.am returning at approximately 6.30pm. There will be lots to see with floral exhibits, a Floral Art Competition demonstrations and trade stands. Tickets £10, coach fare £20 = a total of £30. Please register your interest at the next meeting. There is also a residential weekend in Leicester ‘Together Again’ in September. All details are in The Flower Arranger and on the NAFAS website. There is a Virtual National Show 2022 ‘Chasing Rainbows’ in June. Schedules are available next month at the Club or give me a call. All you need to do is photograph your design and send it in. See you soon, with my very best wishes
Carolyn |
