The Medieval Brethrens’ Hall at the St Cross almshouses resounded to happy laughter from the ladies of Winchester, gathering for a floral workshop recently.

They were there to make spring wreaths, tutored by the chairman and committee members from Winchester Floral Design Society (FDS), in aid of raising funds for the Winchester Hospice.

Sabrina Marsden, fund raising co-ordinator for the hospice, welcomed everyone and thanked Winchester FDS for organising the event.

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She explained that the hospice was mainly dependent on events like this and donations from the public to keep afloat.  She commended the event to the assembled ladies and also to encourage them to become volunteers for the hospice. 

Roz Hal, Winchester FDS chairman, and a small team from the society demonstrated  “how to do it” before handing over to the assembled ladies to arrange their own wreaths with the flowers, foliage and rings provided.

It turned out to be a very productive and happy morning, punctuated by a break for coffee and homemade cakes. Each one of them made beautiful wreaths that could be used as door hangings or table decorations in readiness for Easter.

Members of the Society had assembled floral exhibits in several different styles, which were then raffled off, to add to the total of over £1,700 raised for the hospice.

The President of the Society, Trish Spiers and Sabrina were delighted by the results and the success of the morning.

Trish also thanked Roz and the team for the immense work they had put in to make it such a successful and happy morning and hoped those attending would come again and maybe attend some of the floral society’s meetings.