BROWN EDGE WI
AS MEMBERS of Brown Edge WI entered St Anne’s School Hall they were met by Barbara and Marilyn, who had raffle tickets for sale for a chance to win the floral arrangements our speaker would be donating after her demonstration.
Nova was receiving some very pretty flower arrangements, which members had entered into the competition for a “flower arrangement in a milk jug”, to be judged later in the evening also by our speaker.
President Barbara Corden gave her welcome and after Hilary had dealt with the minutes she remained on the floor as she had news of some of the forthcoming events available at the Regent Theatre, Hanley. Calendar Girls on Wednesday November 14, 2018, and Kinky Boots on a date to be confirmed, but possibly Wednesday February 6, 2019, were two that seemed to attract the most interest and members who were asked to let Hilary know as soon as possible if they wished her to obtain tickets.
While she had the floor, Hilary had another trip up her sleeve, which would be to Knotty Hornblower’s Museum in Alstonefield. The date for this was yet to be decided and and further details, such as the inclusion of an afternoon tea, would be given at our next meeting.
It was now time for our President to introduce Lisa Gale a “Creative Florist” who was to be our speaker for the evening.
Growing up in Tutbury she had acquired knowledge from her grandparents both of whom were florists.
Having been working in floristry herself for about 30 years, she decided to take the plunge and form her own business working from home, in her new three storey house whose ground floor affords her an amazing workroom as it stays constantly cool, just right for keeping flowers in perfect condition.
Starting by choosing a small trug, Lisa explained that her demonstration was all about how to get the very best out of a bunch of supermarket flowers.
Useful tips included starting by washing the stems first so that you have nice clean stalks to work with; how to choose the best roses; and the art of trimming the leaves and plants to achieve the affect you are looking for. Hardly any of the foliage is wasted as Lisa showed us how to trim even the smallest, seemingly “left over” bits to “fill in” and cover the oasis.
Answering questions and explaining techniques as she went along, we watched spellbound as she deftly inserted the blooms she had trimmed and the completed arrangements materialised in front of our eyes.
“Would we like to learn how to make a “Quick Bow?” Well Lisa did it quickly, but the efforts of her audience, following her instructions, caused some amusement, although the finished bows were, I have to say, excellent.
Having followed the trug with a box and then a hatbox, Lisa’s final arrangement was a hand-tied bouquet which transformed a seemingly random bunch of cut flowers into a beautiful free-standing bouquet in its own little “jug” of water fashioned by folding cellophane.
All of these were raffle prizes and several lucky ladies were the delighted recipients.
Joyce Wedgwood thanked Lisa, for sharing her expertise and providing us with a relaxing and informative evening.
The competition was won by Ruth Latham And the door raffle was won Sylvia Bennion.
We meet again on Wednesday October 3, when we will welcome Mr Kevin Millward, with “The Great Potteries Throw-down”. A piece of studio pottery is the competition, so see what you can find and come to hear about the popular television program. Bring a friend as this promises to be an entertaining evening hosted by this talented and knowledgeable local potter. There will also be a fund-raising raffle.