A Message from Carolyn - Our Club Chairman

16th August 2020

To all my friends at Clophill & District Flower Club  -  August Newsletter

Here we are yet another month without meeting, but August is the only month when we don’t normally meet as it is a time for holidays and meeting up with families. I hope you are beginning to see more people and having days out and even venturing on a holiday.  I am so pleased that many of our members have visited Coton Manor Gardens after my last letter – in fact I think I should get some commission!  Thank goodness for our gardens, plants and flowers.

I am still unsure when we will be able to resume our Club meetings. One problem we have is that it will be difficult to socially distance 75+ members in the Village Hall. I would love to welcome everyone but would hate to restrict numbers or anyone to feel uncomfortable.  One day it will be possible and we will be able to flourish again.

I am still busy dealing with issues and uncertainty about NAFAS as COVID-19 has forced re-organisation at Headquarters. Our Area has agreed to pay a proportion of the Affiliation fees in order to keep clubs affiliated but will not be asking Clubs or members for Affiliation fees for 2020 in order to help smaller clubs. Therefore, there will be a reduction in our subscription for existing members, like you, next year to compensate for a losing a year of fun, friends and flowers.

In the meantime we will continue to keep in touch. I am sure you are aware we keep this website updated regularly. If you have an item of interest that you would like to share please send it to me by email and I will put it on the website and Facebook page.  Home Counties Area is launching a new website later this month, so check that for more information from a wider view – www.flowershomecounties.co.uk .    NAFAS is also having a new website designed, as this is recognised as the way to communicate in the future.   So, watch this space!!
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We don’t have to rely on social media as NAFAS continues, even through lockdown, to publish The Flower Arranger magazine. This is always full of ideas, inspirations and news for all those interested in floral art.  As a member you receive a discounted subscription - £12.80 for 4 issues each year. Kate will be taking orders in October and will inform you how to renew a subscription with your next copy, but information will be on our website too if you would like to begin to subscribe. It is excellent value and remains the UK’s leading magazine in Floral Design.

I am so pleased the heatwave is over and we are now getting some rain.   My garden is really drinking it up!
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With my very best wishes
​Carolyn
​Chairman Clophill & District Flower Club