Archive News 2022
News from the 62nd BB&O AGM – 11th November 2022
After 2 years of meeting via Zoom it was good to be back in Benson for a real AGM. Reports were sent out in advance. The online voting form was completed by 26 clubs., with several clubs voting at the meeting. Short updates to the reports were given. At the short council meeting the area chairman gave a brief description of the 2023 Area Day on 28th April, which will be entitled ‘A Day at the Races’. Shirley Sexton also described the work that had been done, and work that still needs to be done to make the flower festival a success.
The following area trophies were awarded.
There had been only 2 nominations for the PENELOPE EVERETT MEMBER OF THE YEAR TROPHY for the member who has ‘gone above and beyond’ to support their club and/or area. After due consideration by our Area President and Area Vice President the trophy was awarded to the whole of the F&GP team for all the work they had done to support clubs and the area during the last few difficult years.
The HEATHER BARBER ROSE BOWL for the club which donated the most money to charity was awarded to GERRARDS CROSS. They raised £1790 which was shared between several charities. The Area Treasurer pointed out that any money clubs raise towards the forthcoming flower festival should be included in next year’s figures.
The FLOWER ARRANGER PLATTER for the Club Flower Arranger Rep who has been most successful in increasing the number of orders in 2022 was awarded to LORRAINE CHAPMAN from Gerrards Cross Flower Club.
The DIANE GILL glass plate for the most innovative design was awarded to Jane Belcher for her outstanding design at Chelsea Flower Show. Entitled ‘Pollination’ her design achieved gold and Best Floral Window.
The new CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE award went to Maggie Stiles and Jane Murphy who had only taken up flower arranging after they were inspired by the 2016 Blenheim Palace Flower Show. They joined Abingdon Flower Club and went to beginner classes run by Chris Pearce. They had improved so much that they won first prize in the 2022 club class at Blenheim.
Three members of F&GP who had come to the end of their term of office have all agreed to stay on for one more year: Jane Haas as Area Chairman, Alison Vacher as Area Treasurer and Shirley Sexton as Area Media Officer. Jackie Page was appointed Area VIce-Chairman, and Sheila Williams was appointed JDSE Officer, as well as continuing her role as Flower Arranger Rep.
Rosemary McGowan stepped down as Area President. This position is now held by Alison Mount. It was agreed the post of Area Vice-President would not be filled this year. Jane Haas gave heartfelt thanks to Rosemary for all the support she has given to the F&GP committee during her three years as Area President.
Rosemary has now stepped in as Oxon Rep, with Pat Dibben and Sally Hardy continuing in their roles as Bucks and Berks reps respectively
Following the officer appointments Jane warned members that if new area officers could not be found in the next year then there is a serious possibility that the area will have to fold.
After the meetings many people enjoyed a tasty two course lunch, which was then followed by a delightful demonstration from Area Demonstrator Lorraine Saunders.
The 2023 AGM will take place on Friday 20th October. This will make travel much easier since it will be before clocks change.
Results from Area Show at Blenheim Palace
Despite the wind playing havoc with some designs the Area staged an excellent show ‘Jewels in the Crown’ 24-26 June at the Blenheim Palace Flower Show. All photos will shortly be available in the BB&O Flowers Photo albums. For the full set of results see 2022 Blenheim Palace Show Results
Achievements at national level
Irene Manson was awarded first in class ‘Written in the Stars‘ at the NAFAS 2022 Virtual Show ‘Chasing Rainbows’. The class specification was a collage exhibit depicting one of the signs of the zodiac.