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OPENING the April meeting of the Andover Flower Club the chairman, Elizabeth Howard, gave a warm welcome to a full gathering, which included new members and a number of visitors.

A Touch of Glass was the title of Anne Bartlett's demonstration and she commenced with an interpretive design inspired by the beautiful stained glass windows in Prague cathedral.

Suspended from a wrought iron frame, decorated with a swirl of deep red chiffon and gold cord, was a diamond shaped piece of stained glass.

In a container placed to one side on top of the frame, viburnum and berberis cascaded down and were also arranged horizontally, with hedera Paddy's Pride covering the oasis.

Hellebores, golden chrysanthemums and deep red roses Grand Prix, completed the interpretation.

Anne's second arrangement was in a large urn shaped glass vase with a nest of vine in the top to thread her materials through instead of using oasis. Willow branches formed an L-shaped frame for cream tulips and mauve freesias and a matching bouquet was placed at the base.

A striking design was created on a tall wrought iron grid, with a container fastened to the centre. Phormium tenax Sundowner leaves were arranged vertically, trimmed fatsias were placed centrally in a circle, with pittosporum Tom Thumb worked into the focal area.

Champagne carnations and peach roses were added, following the line of foliage, together with stems of glass beads. Ann produced a second matching design, which she had prepared earlier, making a dramatic effect.

There then followed a contemporary version of a spring favourite of some years ago, into a low boat shaped glass container, with grey sisal disguising the mechanics, Anne arranged tall stems of pussy willow of varying heights.

Pittosporum was grouped at the base and ixia and delicate pink roses were interspersed throughout. Again, another similar arrangement, which she had prepared earlier, was added.

The final interpretation was staged in a milk churn. Bare branches were fashioned into an asymmetrical shape, with bronze phormium tenax leaves strengthening the line.

Large fatsia and pittosporum provided the background for white bouvardia, cream roses Avalanche and white lilies.

Another arrangement, which she had prepared earlier, placed in front, brought to an end a spectacular demonstration, greatly appreciated by Anne's audience.

Competition results: Intermediate: 1, Hilary Eddy; 2, Pete Bowker; 3, Gillian Robb. Advanced: 1, Elizabeth Howard; 2, Lillian Pierce; 3, Mavis Cotton.

The next meeting takes place on 6 May, at St Ann's Hall, Suffolk Road, commencing with a ploughman's lunch followed by a workshop on continental parallel style. Contact Mavis Cotton on 01264 362873.

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