1st October 2015

Demonstrator - Fiona Franklin
Her Title: 'Vintage Affair'

October started with a super sunny day and a fun floral evening for the members of Clophill and District Flower Club.  The demonstrator for the evening was Fiona Franklin whose title was 'A Vintage Affair' which took the form of a story set in the 1950s about childhood sweethearts Frank and Jenny.  We were fascinated to hear that Frank had been offered a post as an officer on the Titanic which he declined to be with Jenny and develop their plant nursery- that was a lucky decision!

Arrangements were selected to illustrate points within the story.  Running the nursery was an Autumnal design in a terra cotta pot with sun flowers, mimosa and dark foliage such as 'Black Tie' leaves.  A useful tip was that these large leaves can be shredded using the fingernail and the result is soft grass like material.

This was followed by a lovely green and white design using white roses, Calas and Protea buds. This was to show the 12 years of happy marriage then along came three children to complete the picture.  Fiona used a small wicker pram filled with tropical foliage with flowers such as Anthurium 'Pistache' and Gingers to indicate the third child who was called Chicken.

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They continued to live happily until Frank died of a brain tumour.  This influenced Chicken who decided to train to be a nurse.  The next design included a mirror with roses called 3D , Ameranthus and Crocosmia seed heads and this was to show Chicken getting ready to go out dancing followed by an arrangement in shades of lilac in a picnic basket as she developed the friendship with her boyfriend.

​Finally Fiona built up a magnificent pink hat which Jenny wore to Chicken's wedding. She the revealed that Frank and Jenny were her Grandparents and Chicken her mother.
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It was a most enjoyable evening. Why don't you join us for our special Christmas meeting on 3rd December when our demonstrator will be Jane Fox with her title 'Christmas Winterland'? This should get us all in a festive mood.

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