About 70 members attended the annual Area Carol Service held at St. Nicholas’ Church in Corfe Mullen. It was a cold day but after a warming coffee we had a traditional service of carols and readings. Pat & Clive produced a tasty hot soup and a time for friends to chat and to make new friends from other clubs. In the afternoon our own Allison Finch created some beautiful flower designs and entertained us with her lovely humour. Thanks to all those who helped in making this such a good day.
Twelve members of the Area joined Chloe Bryan-Brown the Editor of our National magazine, The Flower Arranger, for a shoot in the beautiful setting of Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens on Monday. The Area was invited by Chloe to create designs with an Autumn theme to be published next year. It was an interesting and very enjoyable day with another supportive and talented team showcasing our skills.
Here’s Chloe and Oliver the photographer, with some of the team, lining up a shot of one of the designs. Make sure you order your editions of The Flower Arranger magazine to see them!
Many thanks to our retiring Area Chairman, Sylvia Preston, for organising a fabulous day of Fun, Friends and Flowers. During the morning AGM we said farewell and thanks to Sylvia, presenting her with a gift voucher for a special tea at The Priory in Wareham plus flowers. We welcomed Karen Boyce from Weymouth and Dorchester clubs, into the role of Area Chairman and Alison Yeates from Verwood into the Vice Chair role. We send our Congratulations and best wishes to them both. Our Area Secretary, Sheila Bendall is staying in that role and Clive & Pat Cherrett continue as our Treasurer and Assistant. Area President, Carrie Diamond thanked all the Officers and Area Representatives for the work they have done throughout the year.
After the hot lunch we were treated to a beautiful demonstration by Alison Penno from Devon & Cornwall Area. Her designs were super and here’s one of the special blooms she included in her demonstration.
Sherborne Flower Club members were delighted to share their Platinum Anniversary evening with Doreen Sharpe who is 102 years young and was a founder member of the club back in June 1953. Honoured guests Area President Carrie Diamond, Area Chairman Sylvia Preston and Vice Chairman Karen Boyce were also in attendance along with 20 club members and Doreen’s daughter Polly.
A finger buffet, scrumptious elderflower and lemon celebration cake made by Wendy Wheeler and fizz was followed by a wonderful floral demonstration from the very entertaining and knowledgeable Michael Bowyer.
Photographs by Peter Rylands show.
We welcomed members and visitors to Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester over the last few days and they all appreciated the stunning work by our talented members. The demonstration by Arnaud Metairie on Saturday afternoon was a delight and the audience applauded his use of colour and design and his humour.
The Best in Show went to Steve Diamond in the Class “Cityscape”. The judges said” True Show Quality”. Runner up to Best in Show went to Diana Holman in the Class “Dance through time”
Congratulations to all the competitors, without them there would be no show. Thanks and Congratulations also to Karen Boyce, Show Chairman and her committee and all the helpers who made this another triumph for Dorset & Guernsey Area.
