Report for meeting dated 23 rd May 2024
June our Chairman, opened the meeting, welcoming both members and
visitors. She thanked everyone who supported our recent Fashion Show on 17 th . This
had been a hugely successful evening, enjoyed by all those attending and also the
models. Some beautiful clothes were paraded for us and hopefully many purchases
were made later in the evening.
The shortage of Committee members was again brought to the attention of
everyone. This is now getting serious as we have committee members doing 2/3
jobs each. A few more members would at least half the workload. Do speak to a
committee member to find out more.
The Advanced Practice piece was won by Sue cotton and the Single Stem
was won by Lorna Davis. Well done ladies.
We were then introduced again to Paula, one of our own members. She was
kind enough to stand in at short notice to do a talk on the History of the Chelsea
Flower Show with accompanying floral arrangements and accessories.
The first RHS show at Chelsea was held at the Royal Chelsea Hospital
In1913 and was a three day event. It was held in a single marquee and was known
as the Great Spring Show. After the War ended the provision of tents was
increased. The first type of show garden was a Rock garden. These were very
popular and Paula represented this by showing us how to construct a self supporting
Terrarium. For this she used shingle, moss and deactivated charcoal. Please
remember you must NOT take wild flowers or moss from public areas however you
can grow and use from your own garden.
She also had constructed a design to represent the gateway opening to
Chelsea and a silk flower arrangement on a garden fork, these were followed by a
truly impressive design made in a self constructed marquee. An arrangement for the
Chelsea Pensioners portrayed a Shako uniform hat and a double ended spray with a
painting of one of the pensioners.
All floral foam is now banned from the exhibits in line with the long term
ecological effect. During Her Majesty the Queens reign she visited the RHS Chelsea
Flower Show over 50 times.
Paula gave us lots of information on the rescue work she does for animals
and cancer charities as well as covering the stage area with a delightful array of
arrangements.
Thank you Paula along with your. Helpers Carley and Carol. It was another
enjoyable evening for our Flower Club.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 27 th June at Wickham Market Village Hall.
We open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm start. The demonstrator will be Madeline Bradley –
The Splendour of the Season. Refreshments, Sales table and Raffle. It would be
lovely to see you. Do come along as a Free visitor.
PS……..Tickets have now sold out for the Group Open Meeting on Friday 28 th
June.
Mandy Pryke
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