A message from Carolyn - our Club Chairman

2nd July 2020

To all my friends at Clophill and District Flower Club - July Newsletter

We are really in unprecedented times that we have never experienced before. This evening we should all be meeting again, on a lovely Summer evening to watch a demonstration by Rekha Naidoo and to meet up with friends. I know we are all missing chatting to one another, sharing news, looking at the items on the charity and sales tables and hoping to win a prize in the raffle! Once again that is not possible and at the moment we don’t know when it will be. I like to keep in touch with all of you and pass on any news.

There has been great concern for the national organisation of NAFAS during these difficult times. The CEO Steven Lane says that ‘NAFAS is facing enormous challenges that are needed to transform NAFAS into a healthy, vibrant association that members will be proud of and that will attract a new younger generation of floral designers’. These challenges are of concern to all Areas of NAFAS and the Officers of Home Counties wish to support them but recognise that there will be changes at Area level. I am your Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Area. My priority is Our Club and will ensure that it stays in excellent shape and good hands with an experienced Committee.

The Home Counties Area of NAFAS was to celebrate its Diamond Anniversary this year. Unfortunately all events that had been planned, including a Special Afternoon Tea, a trip to Cumbria and a Flower Festival at Hatfield House have been cancelled. Hopefully they will be held in 2021. Clophill and District Flower Club will celebrate our Sapphire 45th Anniversary in 2021 so we can look forward to some special Club events, when we can all be together again. You will all need new blue outfit!

I have always enjoyed our Club trips that Celia and Gillian organise. This year they have had to cancel three trips. I am sure we have all missed them and hope that we can get back on a coach and have a good day out. One of the first trips they organised was to Coton Manor Gardens, which are inspirational. Last week John and I went to visit them again for a day out. They were open, not crowded, the café was serving take away food and drinks and the toilets were open! The gardens were looking beautiful with colour themed beds of perennial plants, lots of roses and clematis, streams and ponds and many interesting areas. I can recommend a visit as it was a bit of normality, relaxing and full of ideas and of course I bought some more plants! Check the website for details www.cotonmanor.co.uk
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I hope you are keeping well. I am sure your garden looks great. Perhaps you have tried a new hobby or skill during the lockdown but don’t forget about flower arranging. Keep looking at the You Tube videos as they are full of ideas.

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