PICTURED here in July 2019, members attending a lunch at president Penny Neyroud’s home.

Founded in March 1952, Winchester Floral Design Society members met in a room above a shop in the city and all ladies wore hats and gloves. A great contrast to today, as members can log onto their computers and enjoy demonstrations and workshops via Zoom, in the comfort of their own homes.

Their exciting programme of events for 2021 commenced with an illustrated talk, by Pip Bensley, a NAFAS teacher and demonstrator, on her visit to the Chinese Exposition and her role as a judge for that event. She described the complicated process by which the magnificent displays were judged along with illustrations of the individual participants designs. A fascinating talk showing off the world class talents which had been attracted to the exposition, the scale of which was quite amazing. A visit to the Great Wall of China was also included along with a “taste” of Chinese cuisine! So it was a colourful and extremely interesting start to the celebrations.

Further events include the wonderfully talented, international demonstrator, Jonathan Mosley, who will be assembling some of his creative designs via zoom in April, an anniversary demonstration by Michael Bowyer, current president of NAFAS, in May, and a demonstration by Graham King, a national demonstrator in July.

Further floral demonstrations are planned for later on in the year, along with an anniversary lunch, Covid restrictions permitting.