Thursday, 29 November 2018

Flowers and fund raising in Old Buckenham

Flower Club news


In November approximately forty ladies of Breckland Flower and Garden Club gathered in Old Buckenham village hall for their monthly meeting. Unfortunately the original speaker had been taken ill so five committee members were 'volunteered' to do at least one flower arrangement to fill the gap and just to “fill the stage with flowers”. Sheila Bullen was first on stage creating a beautiful table ring using foliage from her garden and a selection of beautiful flowers. Next was Sandra Sanford who had prepared her arrangement at home using autumn hues which allowed her time to show the audience how to make a poinsettia using ribbon and wired berry beads which could be added to a flower arrangement or pinned onto a door ring. Next up was Club chairman, Joy Tunmore, who had also prepared one arrangement at home before completing her Christmas themed display with a second arrangement on stage. Both arrangements complemented each other and Joy used pink roses, lilies and foliage from her garden. Maxine Mace followed Joy. Taking inspiration from a flower arranging magazine, she used glass containers filled with Christmas baubles and then placed an arrangement on top using flowers from a mixed bunch from a well known supermarket. Lastly Club President, Christine Hewson took to the stage, creating a wonderful display to commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1. Using red roses, poppy heads, red gerbera, berries and autumnal foliage from her garden including almost red leaves and three rustic containers, Christine managed to create a very moving and emotional display. To complete the afternoon the raffle was drawn which included all the arrangements on stage ensuring that at least ten lucky ladies went home with flowers.
In the competition for ‘Floral Contrast’ the winners were New Hands -Jean Carnwell and Old Hands - Alison Vivian. The table show depicting ‘Autumn Colour’ was also won by Alison Vivian. The Club’s next meeting will be on Thursday 13 December when they welcome Nick Grounds with his demonstration titled “Bah Humbug”. Visitors always welcome.
At the Club’s AGM, a local charity is selected and the club raises funds at meetings and events throughout the year. Last year it was the Blood Bikers. At this year’s AGM in March the nominated charity was the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) Breast Care Unit where several Club members have received treatment for breast cancer.
In May the Club held its first big event, a flower demonstration with afternoon tea at Connaught Hall in Attleborough. This raised over £3,000. In October an evening flower demonstration by Christine Hewson at Eccles Hall raised a further £500 followed by a coffee morning with craft stalls, etc, held on Saturday 10 November that raised over £700. Add to this the money raised at Club meetings throughout the year and the total now stands at over £5000. The Club’s aim was original to raise £3000 (which they exceeded after just one event) and they are now hoping the final total will reach £6000. This is a tremendous amount of money and with four months still to go this target is achievable. Watch this space for details of their final fund raising event, a Fashion Show in February.
Breckland Flower and Garden Club meet every second Thursday of the month in Old Buckenham Village Hall. The Club was established over 35 years ago and has a membership of over sixty ladies. 
For more details regarding any of the above please contact Christine Hewson on 01953 454528 or Sally Westrup on 01953 788712.

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