Busy time for Ballymena's Floral Artists

Deep sorrow was expressed on the death of club member, Mrs May Matthews and Mavis Speers gave a tribute of appreciation to May’s long term commitment to the club and spoke of the great friendship she had shared with her over the years.

Sympathy was also extended to Isobel Petticrew on the recent death of her sister.

On a happier note, congratulations were extended to Gladys Smith OBE and Mary Knox on representing NIGFAS at the National Competition in Harrogate.

Further good news was that the NIGFAS stand arranged by Ross McGookin, Isobel Pettigrew and Mary Knox was awarded first place at the Belfast Autumn Flower Show held on September 18 and 19.

Margaret Johnston gave a report on the activities at NIGFAS Independence Day celebrations at The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh on July 3 where Joan Lockhart (Ballymacash Club) was winner of the WAFA (World Association of Flower Arrangers) Elimination Competition and will now go on to represent NIGFAS in Boston in 2011.

Best wishes go with Janet Wilson and Sylvia Kernohan as they represent the club in the Belminster Trophy competition at Parkhall on October 2.

Club business concluded, members were entertained by Carol Calvert, an Area Demonstrator with 30 years’ experience in the Hollywood Club and a Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal Winner at Chelsea. Marlene Adams gave the vote of thanks.

Monthly club competition results were awarded as follows: Intermediate Class:1st Audrey Steede, Open Class: 1st Isobel Petticrew, 2nd Margaret Bamford and 3rd Heather Hume.

An ‘Inter Club Night’ will be held on Monday, October 18, at 7.30pm in Leighinmohr House Hotel with Antrim, Mid-Ulster, Crumlin and Ballymena Clubs taking part, the competition being ‘Harvest Home’.

And finally, a reminder that the club’s annual charity ‘Open Night’ will be held on Wednesday, November 10, at 7.30pm in the Leighinmohr House Hotel.

The demonstrator, Mr James Burnside, will give a demonstration entitled ‘Christmas Miscellany’.

So to all those who would enjoy a wonderful display of floral art, the Ballymena Club would greatly appreciate your support on the night which will raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Tickets, 10, will be available from Leighinmohr House Hotel reception or alternatively payment can be made at the door.