Report for meeting held on Thursday, 23 February 2023
This month our very deserving Chairman was off galivanting at the Ipswich Regent Theatre. In her words “watching Giovanni do his stuff”. Don’t ask… she did have a good time, I’m pretty sure. Our very capable Vice Chairman Geraldine welcomed everyone to the meeting, letting everyone know where the fire escape doors were and to note if there are any trip hazards with coats or handbags. She also introduced our First Aider, Mike, to the meeting.
She advised members that tickets are available this evening for the upcoming Fashion Show on Friday, 21 April and our Open Meeting on Thursday, 27 April. The National Flower Arranging day is on 5 May, and requested for items for our March newsletter, also ideas for summer visits were requested. Members were asked to let a committee member know if at any point during the evening there was a problem with the sound system, or if more/less heating was required. We wont know if you don’t tell us.
The Advanced practice piece was won by Jan, Sue and jenny Payne and the Novice place was won by Jane Addison. The winner of the Single Stem was Jenny Payne. We were then introduced to our Demonstrator for the evening Pat Barton from Attleborough with “Where in the World”. Ours was her first demonstration since November and she said she had definitely noticed since then, the lack of availability of African flowers and all flowers from the rest of the world are becoming difficult to get at the present. Because of this her dem was adjusted to suit what was available at a sensible price. Currently all flower prices are reaching hideous prices. Her first arrangement was to represent a window box in a Spanish style given that she has just returned from a holiday in Lanzarote. It was a parallel design using garden foliage, Columbian Anastasia green Chrysanthemums, White Stocks, Avalanche white roses and white lilies.
Arrangements were then done to represent the UK using Red Alstroemeria, Blue Delphiniums, and White Stocks and the Ukraine in using Blue Delphiniums, and Yellow Roses. Pat then showed a really quick way to show off some Tulips quickly. A simple jam jar wrapped in Paper, wool or fabric etc. Cut the Tulips so they are just over the top of the jar. Tulips have a life of their own anyway so you can be sure they will have grown and wandered by the next day. Three more exciting arrangements using unusual containers and decorative wire and accessories and using flowers such as Crimson Snap Dragons, Mixed bunch carnations, Sorbet Roses, Ivy, and Orchids ended her demonstration. The vote of thanks was given by Walter who said the good sized, pretty arrangements were not only lovely but much easier for the lucky raffle winners to take home.
The April meeting is our Open meeting on Thursday, 27 April in the Village Hall, IP13 0HE.
The Demonstrator is our very own Barbara Collins – Flora Bouquet. Tickets must be booked from Sue Cotton on: 07786 942 450. Prices are £5- Members and £10- Non-Members. Raffle – Refreshments – Stalls. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start.
