A warm welcome back after the summer |
Welcome to our September newsletter. It has been a little while since our last newsletter in April, so this edition is a chance to look back at what has been a busy and enjoyable few months for Sandy Flower Club, as well as to look ahead to our autumn programme and the festive season.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our meetings, outing and demonstrations over the summer. The friendship, enthusiasm and creativity of our members continue to make the club such a welcoming place.
🌸 May – Christine Long: “In the Pink”
On 11th May, we welcomed Christine Long for her demonstration, “In the Pink”. It was a lovely evening of floral design, with plenty of inspiration and, of course, a strong celebration of pink in all its shades. Thank you to Christine for an enjoyable demonstration and to everyone who joined us.
🌿 June – Club Outing
Our club outing on 8th June gave members the chance to enjoy flowers and gardens away from our usual meeting venue. It was wonderful to spend time together in a more relaxed setting, sharing ideas, conversation and plenty of floral inspiration.
A big thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the day such an enjoyable part of our summer programme.
🌺 July – Debbie Bull: “Memories”
On 3rd July, Debbie Bull joined us with her demonstration, “Memories”. Her designs provided a fitting theme for a summer meeting, combining flowers with ideas and recollections that gave each arrangement its own character. Thank you to Debbie for sharing her skill and creativity with us.
🌸 Beeston Flower Festival – “Shops”
4th–5th July 2026
The Beeston Flower Festival was a wonderful weekend and was supported by many members of Sandy Flower Club. This year’s theme was “Shops”, which gave everyone plenty of scope for imaginative and playful floral designs.
The displays were wonderfully imaginative, with each one interpreting a different kind of shop through flowers, props and creative design. How many of the shops can you identify from the photographs?
A huge thank you to everyone from the club who arranged flowers, helped behind the scenes, visited the festival or otherwise supported the event. It was lovely to see such creativity and such strong support from our members.
🌼 Coming Up at Sandy Flower Club
14th September Angelikka Hill – “Flowers in Art” Our first meeting after the summer break promises a fascinating combination of floral design and artistic inspiration. We look forward to welcoming Angelikka Hill and seeing how art is interpreted through flowers. |
12th October Doreen Robinson – “Times Past” Doreen Robinson joins us in October for “Times Past”. The title promises an evening with a nostalgic flavour and plenty of scope for imaginative floral interpretation. |
9th November Presentation Evening Our November meeting will be a presentation evening. Please keep the date free and look out for any further details shared at club meetings. |
🎄 Christmas Wreath Afternoon
Saturday 28th November – afternoon
Everton Village Hall
Get into the festive spirit with our Christmas wreath afternoon. This will be a relaxed, creative session and a lovely opportunity to make something seasonal for your own home while enjoying the company of fellow flower club members.
Please save the date. Further booking information, timings, cost and what to bring can be shared once final arrangements are confirmed.
✨ Christmas Show
5th December Gill McGregor – Christmas Show We are delighted to welcome Gill McGregor for our Christmas Show. This will be a wonderful way to round off our 50th anniversary year, with festive flowers, seasonal inspiration and a chance to celebrate together before Christmas. |
🍂 Autumn Area Day – Mildenhall
Friday 2nd October 2026
The East of England Area Autumn Day will be held at Mildenhall. The morning speaker will be forensic scientist Mary Newton, followed in the afternoon by Gill McGregor with her floral demonstration, “Fanciful Flair with Flora and Fun”.
Tickets: ÂŁ20, including tea and coffee. Please bring a packed lunch.
🌿 Autumn Workshop – Mildenhall
Saturday 3rd October 2026
Gill McGregor will also host an Autumn Workshop at Mildenhall entitled “Floral Flair Techniques”. This promises to be a useful opportunity to pick up new ideas and practical techniques following her demonstration the previous day.
🌼 Received from the Cambridge Group
Saturday 24th October 2026 – AGM
The Cambridge Group AGM will be held at Chesterford Community Centre. The afternoon floral demonstration will be given by Trudie Easton with the title “Queen Bees”.
Tickets: ÂŁ30, including lunch.
If you know someone who enjoys flowers, floral design or simply spending time with like-minded people, please invite them along. We are always pleased to welcome new faces to Sandy Flower Club.
With best wishes,
Jo Smith
Chair, Sandy Flower Club
Flowers • Friendship • Creativity