Our June meeting

1 June 2023

David Wright - '20/20 A Vision'

Our demonstrator on 1st June was David Wright from Norfolk, a new demonstrator to our Club, whose title was “20/20 A Vision”.

David had just returned from Scotland and his first arrangement of red roses, thistles and chrysanthemums echoed the colours of the Union flag and incorporated a fallow deer antler. A pre-done matching arrangement had a crown, represented the late Queen’s love for Scotland.
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Next came a foam-free exhibit on a tall frame using a pin holder in a cone shaped container with fatsia leaves, alstroemeria and small red gerbera.

Mixed greenery with roses and sunflowers came next.  He apologised for the small headed sunflowers explaining that since Brexit flowers from overseas are not only more expensive but also not as good quality.  This was followed by a Japanese inspired arrangement of lime green carnations and his final exhibit contained white antirrhinums, white roses, pink carnations and alliums.
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All of his arrangements used beautiful greenery both purchased and from the garden.  As well as being a florist and flower arranger David makes sculptures out of chicken wire - everything from full sized stags to hares.

NAFAS our national association is encouraging arrangers to use less floral foam. This is difficult for a demonstrator as the arrangements are raffled at the end of the evening.  David now tries to use smaller pieces of foam in his designs and encouraged us all to do the same.  He also said not to soak the foam in the sink as small particles get into the water supply but to use a bucket and pour the remaining water over the garden where it will slowly disperse.

Following the vote of thanks the arrangements were raffled.
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Visitors are always welcome at our meetings. Our next demonstrations are:-
July – Rekha Naidoo - “Festival of India”.
August – no meeting.
September – Fiona Harrison - “The Golden Age of Ocean Travel”.