Haverhill and District Flower Club Open Meeting report by Valerie Phillips.

Mrs Jacqui Arnold from Ashford in Kent was our demonstrator; she is a NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) National Demonstrator and entertained our audience with her demonstration entitled “A Time to Celebrate”.

Her designs included the most superb flowers from all over the world among which were a host of beautiful roses in many different colours, orchids and strelitzia, just to name a few.

The stage at the end of the evening was a sight to behold. After the demonstration, we all enjoyed a buffet and had time to socialise.

Among our guests, we welcomed the Mayor of Haverhill Cllr Roger André and the Mayoress Mrs André; Mrs Pat Stammers and her husband represented Mrs Elsie Leeding, East of England Area President.

We welcomed over 30 visitors on the night, plus members, which made for a superb audience. Mrs André was the lucky winner of one of the displays as was Mrs Stammers.

We also had our traditional tea bag competition. Members donate and gift wrap boxes of tea bags, which will be distributed to the elderly in the town. The boxes were judged and the best one was awarded a prize.

Over twelve superb arrangements were raffled and taken home by the lucky winners plus many other prizes.

Our next meeting is on Monday,February 2 at 7.30pm.

The Haverhill Babes will entertain and there will be a sales table, a raffle with floral displays and refreshments.