On April 17th 2008, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the formation of Bromsgrove and District Flower Arrangement Society.  The celebration took place at The Granary Hotel, Shenstone, Bromsgrove, where members and invited guests enjoyed a wonderful three course lunch, followed by a lovely demonstration by Sheila Hand, entitled “Let’s Celebrate”. We also had a super sales table, provided by Margaret Fox, selling all sorts of interesting flower arranging items. Janet Corrigan brought in the archive albums for all to see, and they provided some interesting information on the Society’s history.

The tables were decorated with beautiful black, gold and yellow contemporary arrangements, which were made the previous day by the Committee at the home of Suzie Carter, under the guidance of Chris Harten, who designed them. One lucky person on each table had a winning raffle ticket and was able to take home the arrangement at the end of the afternoon. Chris also designed the Menus on each table. The committee all enjoyed themselves making the arrangements, helped along by a glass or two of pink bubbly!

The afternoon began with a few words of welcome by our Chairman, Jean Ward, then grace was said by Pam Gattas, after which lunch was served.  Following lunch, the beautiful celebration cake (made by Jean Ward) was cut by Jean and our longest serving Committee Member, Barbara Loynes.  Jean again took the microphone, and welcomed our special Guests, Three Counties and South Wales Area Chairman, Sheila Hand, and Area 1st Vice-Chairman, Andrew Lloyd. She praised our members, who make the club what it is , and gave a potted history of the Society since its inaugural meeting in January 1958. She mentioned how in our first year we had a speaker called Percy Thrower - yes, THE Percy Thrower.  We also had successes in major competitions , and have done flowers for charity and church festivals, and even the Queen when she opened a new building at North Bromsgrove High School (you can see the flowers we did here).  By the mid-1970’s however, we had a major setback in the form of the treasurer of the day becoming “unavailable”, together with club funds!  Following this, many of the committee retired, leaving a small nucleus of only six to keep the ship afloat.  Barbara Loynes stepped into the breach and took over as Chairman, gradually re-building the club.  The membership rallied, anonymous donations were made, and there were many other kind gestures.  Jean stressed the important role which Barbara Loynes has played in the Society’s history, and how the Society owes its continued existence entirely to her.  Jean then went on to more recent times, and mentioned how in the early 80’s, Hazel Whitehouse, Mary Marriott, Beryl Francis and Janet Corrigan all joined the Club, and in no time were on the Committee, where they still remain today, doing sterling work!  Jean then went on to say that we are now into the 21st century, and every age brings its plusses and minuses.  Our big plus is our Secretary, Chris Harten, whose talents include not only flower arranging and gardening but she is our photographer and website designer, as well as writing about both flower arranging and gardening for a number of different publications.  We are very lucky to have her.  Jean stated that Barbara Loynes is our history, and Chris Harten is our future, and it was the Committee’s wish that both ladies be made Honorary Life Members of Bromsgrove and District Flower Arrangement Society.  Barbara and Chris were then both presented with an engraved crystal jug as a memento of the occasion.  Rather than drink a toast, Jean then invited everyone present to join her in three cheers for Bromsgrove and District Flower Arrangement Society!

After that rousing chorus of cheers, Jean introduced Sheila Hand, who gave a lovely demonstration, appropriately entitled “Let’s Celebrate”! (You can view the demonstration pictures here).  Andrew Lloyd gave the vote of thanks following the demonstration.  Sheila and Andrew were then presented with gifts as a token of our appreciation.  Finally, the raffle was drawn, and the afternoon was over.  Everyone had a wonderful time, and the event will be remembered for many years to come.

Below is a slideshow of photos taken during the afternoon - we hope you enjoy them and that they will bring back some happy memories.