LAST Thursday we held our last meeting for the year, taking place at Number 8 where our Chairman Janis Hodgkins welcomed members and visitors to our annual Open Evening, with a special welcome to Christine Peer, President of Three Counties & South Wales Area. One of the No. 8 stewards had remarked it had been a very long time since she had seen the auditorium so full.

After two reminders to members Janis then introduced the demonstrator for the evening, Angela Turner a national demonstrator who had travelled up from Bournemouth to be with us – and what a treat she brought with her.

Angela's title was “All is Calm All is Bright” and her first arrangement was on a square base structure around which she had glued cinnamon sticks. Her flowers gave height from the greenery which had been arranged low on the base. The flowers and various berries formed a horseshoe shape and were made using Alstroemeria (deep purple), orange roses, beauty bush, and dark eyed orange gerbera to mention just a few. Finished with a cerise orchid in the centre along with burgundy candles.

Whilst preparing her arrangements music was played after each section and this one was “It's beginning to feel like Christmas”.

Second came a circular sphere covered in eucalyptus bark and emerging from the top three large “Pink Star” amaryllis with three aspidistra leaves. The centre of the sphere had a variety of cones, and the blue baubles. This arrangement was a big hit with everyone.

Next came a round base covered in a variety of silver greenery – for a calming influence. The Flowers were green “Anastasia” chrysanthemums, green anthuriums and green apples mounted on skewers. At the centre of the arrangement Angela had made a contemporary tree out of chicken wire and filled with baubles, moss, cones etc. Music: “The First Noel”. A second mirror placement was then brought in.

The fourth placement was half a large sphere covered in pink wool. For a strong form linier look she added contorted hazel, and fatsia leaves for dominance. A stunning cymbidium pink orchid was placed in the centre along with pink candles and pink baubles. Music: “Sugar Plum Fairy”. A second placement was added.

Angela then had a metal square frame from which she hung white lilies and narines, gypsophila, baubles and trinkets. Gosh that was certainly different. |Music: “Silent Night”.

Finally a traditional red and green arrangement placed on a large urn. Variegated holly, fatsia, conifer and soft ruscus was used with 3 green candles. Flowers were red carnations, lilies, lovely velvet roses. To which Angela brought out a further two very large arrangements in the same colours which included six hanging Christmas stockings and lots of candles. Music “I believe in Christmas”

What a lovely evening, and Christine Peer gave the vote of thanks expressing what we all felt – WOW.

JILL MILLARD