Flower club celebrates 40 years a-blooming

THE members of Charleville Flower Club celebrated 40 years in existence with a dinner and social evening at the Charleville Park Hotel where the attendance included four ladies of the original committee were welcomed by the present chairperson Theresa O’Keeffe.

Formed first in 1974 under the name of the Charleville Flower and Garden Club it had a thriving membership and also ran an annual Flower and Vegetable Show each September.

Members of the now defunct Charleville guild of the Irish Country Women’s Association were involved when the name changed to Charleville Flower Club in 1976 and when Charleville Agricultural Show started up in 1979 they ran an event in conjunction with agricultural show at the end of June, and they have continued to organise this event each year since then.

The committee now run varied an interesting talks each month as well as floral arranging classes and outings. They also take part in festivals of flowers at various venues in the locality as they arise.

Four members of the original committee, Brid Somers, Kay Dillon, Lil Binchy and Nora Leahy, were present at the fortieth anniversary dinner last week. They shared stories and reminisced on events that had occurred concerning the club over the past forty years, and recalled another leading club member, Ted O’Riordan (R.I.P.), who had made a huge contribution to the club.

The event was a very pleasant and memorable function and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.