THE BRADFORD FLOWER CLUB

MINUTES OF THE CLUB MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 19 September 2011

 1          In Attendance – there were 73 members in attendance and 3 guests.

 2          The Chair welcomed attendees and hoped they had a good summer. She outlined the full programme of demonstrations and speakers for the coming season with a few changes:

 This year our next guest evening is in October and not the usual November meeting. This is to fit into Jonathan Moseley’s very busy calendar – guests are welcome. Tickets will not be produced before hand but members should contact Vivienne before hand.

 As The Lord Mayor Mrs Naveeda Ikram is unable to attend the guest night, the deputy Lord Mayor Val Slater and her guest Councillor Doreen Lee are to be her representatives. Mrs Ikram is hoping to attend our December meeting.

 There is also a change to our demonstrator this evening. Rosalind Walker is our demonstrator tonight with her title Razzle Dazzle. Karen Schofield will be covering our July AGM Meeting.

 3          Area Council Meeting – At the last Area Council meeting it was reported that the total NAFAS membership was down by 2,000 as clubs reported reduced members. The Chair was very pleased to report that our club is still in a very strong position. Even at this early stage in the season we have 101 members and 6 honary members whilst at this stage last year we had 95 and 5 honary members. Being able to hold our membership fees for three years and still providing 10 demonstrators and 2 speakers again this year makes our club one of the best value for money in the NE Area. The Chair thanked members for their support

 4          News of Members:

 Our thoughts are with Pat Wiley whose husband died in July after a long illness it is hoped she will be able to join us at future meetings.

 Margaret Sanders was wished well after her operation today and will be away from the club for a few months.

 5         Other club news:

 Jean Clayton is available to take your orders for the Flower Arranger, Diaries and Calendars. Support is needed for these publications as they help to keep down our affiliation fees to NAFAS. There has been a slight increase in the price of the Flower Arranger to £2.75 per issue (from £2.40) but I think you will still find it very good value for money. Orders need to be in at the latest by the November meeting.

 Please put your name down for our Workshop on the 12th November at First Martyrs Church in Heights Lane starting at 10.30 till approx 3.30. Muriel will be our leader so we will be in for a very enjoyable day. The cost is £12.00.

 Another list was circulated for members’ thoughts for our trip to Burton Agnes Hall and Bridlington next year.  Members were asked to make sure they read this and to add any thoughts.

 Other dates for your diary mentioned at the last meeting are:

 NAFAS National Show in Torquay this week from the 22-24th September.

The NAFAS AGM is on the 12th Oct at Shrewsbury

Tuesday 18th October at Country Baskets there is a special evening for club members with Jonathon Moseley doing the demonstration.

 The Area AGM is on the 19th November at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield. The AGM is followed by a luncheon and a demonstration by Vanessa Wellock. Tickets for the lunch & Demo are £12 the AGM is free.

Raffle tickets are still available which Area is selling for Chelsea 2012. The first prize is two entrance tickets to Chelsea with overnight accommodation and the second is two entrance tickets to Chelsea (no accommodation). They are £1.00 – the Chair is unable to sell these tickets in the Hall.

 Entries for the Photo Competition have been extended to the October meeting

Notice Board – The minutes of the June meeting and the recent NE area meeting are on the board as well as a card from Norma Dobney.

 6          Rosalind Walker gave an entertaining demonstration with her title Razzle Dazzle – this is Rosalind’s last year as a demonstrator as she is retiring in 2012.

7          Anne Drake gave the vote of thanks and members enjoyed light refreshments after the meeting.