LATEST NEWS...........
Our first demonstration of 2026 got underway on 3rd February. Claire Bryant brought us a demonstration called Pot Luck. She brought the most sumptious, colourful varieties of flowers which really lifted our spirits in the midst of this gloomy, damp winter. It was lovely to have the hall so full of people too, to see her beautiful arrangements. Not only did we welcome some new members but we had a good number of visitors who had been to either our wreath making evening, or attended the Christmas tree festival in Horley Methodist Church, using their free 'taster' session ticket. We hope you enjoyed the evening and look forward to seeing you again.
Claire's first arrangement was a vertical arrangment in a tall,slim, cone-shaped vase which had a collar of pittosporum and delicate maroon astrantia flowers. From this, dark red stemmed cornus gave height to the design with light green carnations placed in a descending spiral around the cornus. Pre-formed roses made from asbidestra leaves added darker green tones and finally the beautiful purple rose -'nayai' gave contrast to the carnations. The second design was a 'hand-tied' with a difference. The bouquet support was made with 12 wires covered in curled paper and which had been threaded with white polystyrene chips. Through this support a stunning variety of white flowers of different shapes and forms were placed, including large 'Polar' white roses, stems of white lisianthus, 'Jade' alstroemeria, white hypercium berries (Coco), delicate white astrantia, spikes of white veronica, together with 'Snowflake' spray roses and hard ruscus foliage. A really stunning design. Claire's third design was a fresh Spring arrangement of 'frothy' tree fern and lime thlaspi foliage with yellow, red and pink tulips, scarlet ranunculus and blue anemones. These were arranged in a medium-sized pot on which a grid constructed with cornus twigs had been fixed across the top as a support to arrange the flowers through. It was very effective and something we could try out at home! The fourth design was done over the top of a large ewer-shaped vase which had a rough textured, shiny surface in different shades of green. Long stems of pussy willow were placed horizontally from one side on the vase and shorter sticks from the other. Low foliage of folded asbidestra leaves, and speckled, lime-leafed (dracaena) 'Florida Beauty' formed the base of the arrangement. From out of the foliage rose large 'lemon-curd' coloured roses, white lilies and lemon alstroemeria. White lisianthus added depth to the design with white eryngium for texture. The flowers coordinated wonderfully with the vase. Another fabulous arrangement. Claire's final design was spectacular: a triangular shape using outline foliage of giant monstera leaves, stems of bay and the small leafed parvifolia eucalyptus into which she placed deep pink lisianthus, both deep red carnations 'Lucy metalica' and strawberry and cream carnations. To complete the design spikes of pink veronica and some luscious pink bicolour roses;'Tzar' were added. It was a really entertaining evening and the members were very pleased to win one of Claire's arrangements in the raffle to take home and enjoy.
COMING UP...............
On 3rd March Alison Gillott is making a return visit to us with her demonstration entitled Sweet Tooth. Alison is a very experienced arranger and always produces fabulous flower arrangements so we are excited to have her back. Do join us for the evening. Visitors welcome.
It is not too late to join the club. Our programme year started in February. Membership remains at £60 for another year, which is excellent value for 12 meetings
You can pay by cash or cheque on the evening and we can also take card and phone payments, or if you prefer you can pay directly into our bank account. Bank details can be obtained by contacting the Treasurer.
Bring and Buy Table - 3rd March 'Jigsaws'. I am sure over the winter months with this dreary weather you will have passed the time doing a jigsaw or two. Why not refresh your selection by bringing your old ones along to sell and buying some new ones. Unsold items can be reclaimed or will be kept for future raffle prizes.
After a successful year last year we have our Charity Flower Sweepstake running again and are continuing to raise money for St Catherine's Hospice and the Cat's Protection League. Flower names are £1 and when all are sold they will be put into a draw for a potted plant. So don't forget to bring along some cash to buy a flower.