Andover Flower Club

DURING the past two months, Andover Flower Club members have been preparing for the festive season.

In November, over 30 women attended the meeting which began with a ploughman’s lunch. The catering was done by the club’s president, Elizabeth Howard, who provided cheeses, pates, a variety of breads and salad items for everyone to enjoy. These lunches are always a popular event in the club’s calendar. Following the lunch, committee member Hilary Eddy gave a comprehensive talk and demonstration to show how to create a Christmas ring. This was particularly helpful to newer members who were advised on the types of foliage and plant material to use. Some members created rings with the traditional Christmas theme of candles and baubles whilst others chose an autumnal theme. The result at the end of the day was a riot of colour and plenty of chatter over a cup of tea.

The December meeting took on a very festive feel with members being greeted with Christmas music, mulled wine and mince pies courtesy of the chairman, Bronda Dossett, her husband Rod, and some of the committee members.

More members than usual entered the club competition which was entitled ‘Alternative Christmas Tree and there were some very bright and colourful ideas.

The results were as follows:- Advanced: 1, Bronda Dossett; 2, Lilian Pierce; 3, Elizabeth Howard. Intermediate: 1, Jackie Hasler; 2, Pete Bowker. Novice: 1, Jo Brambley; 2, Frances Rae; 3, Jane Boote.

The demonstrator for the afternoon was David Martin from Royal Wootton Bassett, with ‘White Christmas’. Using a huge variety of foliage from the silvery eucalyptus, through the lime green of choysia to the dark greens of fatsia and ivy, each arrangement was accompanied by white flowers and he used a stunning array of roses, lilies, gerberas, carnations and gypsophila with sparkling baubles and fairy lights. By the end of his demonstration, David had created a winter wonderland which lived up to his title of ‘White Christmas’.

Many lucky club members won in the raffle and were delighted to take home one of the beautiful designs.

There is not usually a meeting in January but the club is holding a workshop on 19 January from 10am to 3pm at St Ann’s Hall, Suffolk Road, Andover. Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch but tea and coffee will be provided.

The next official meeting will be the annual meeting on 3 February at 2pm. As usual it will be held at St Ann’s Hall. The competition piece for members is ‘Take Five’. The club is always delighted to welcome new members and you can telephone for more details to Bronda on 01264 365463 or Sandra on 01264 353972.