A CLUB which brought people together over a love of flower arranging has been wound up.
Winterbourne Flower Club held its final meeting earlier this year, a month short of its 61st anniversary after being founded in 1964.
The club had celebrated its diamond anniversary last year with an afternoon tea party at the Mercure Grange hotel near the village.
But membership had been declining since the lockdown, from a peak of 90 when the club used to hold regular shows.
‘Welcoming and talented ladies’
Chairman Celia Davies said: “The Winterbourne members were really welcoming and talented ladies who enjoyed their flower arranging, and the fun and social life that comes along with it.
The club had previously been called Winterbourne and District Flower Arrangement Society, and had been part of the Three Counties and South Wales Area of National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, but changed its name when members started meeting up again after the pandemic.
As well as the learning about flower arranging, the club was also known for its social activities.
Celia said: “We used to hold two shows a year to display our designs, and these were open to the public. We also had the occasional summer trip out.
“The club also took part in the Bath Spring Show, and members would enter area shows and other local competitions.
“We also used to help with designs at flower festivals, including at Hereford Cathedral.
“There was even a waiting list for those interested in joining.”
“Unfortunately we took the decision to close as our membership had dropped dramatically, to only nine members, and we did not seem able to attract any new persons interested in the fun and pleasure you get from floral art.
“It was a great pity we finally had to close.”
Celia is a qualified flower arranger and NAFAS area judge, and is available to give demonstrations to other local clubs and groups. Anyone who is interested can get in touch at celia.a.davies@talk21.com.
Picture: A tennis-themed exhibit in Winterbourne Flower Club’s 2010 spring show