The Stamford Floral Arrangement Society (now more informally known as Stamford Flower Club) was formed in October 1956 and is still thriving today. You may have seen some of their wonderful ‘flower bombs’ around the town and at the hospital roundabout.
“Floral displays in church.
Demonstration at Stamford.
Bunches of flowers about a room make it look bright and cheerful, but even better effects can be obtained if rather than bunching the flowers they are properly arranged. Masses of colourful blooms are not necessary if due consideration is paid to the style and background of the arrangement as a lot of women are learning.
Since its formation in OCtober, membership of the Stamford Floral Arrangement Society has grown steadily, and at Monday’s monthly meeting of the Society in the Darby and Joan-hall about 120 ladies and two gentlemen gathered for a demonstration of church decorations by Miss Alexander, of the Julia Clements’ School, Chelsea.
THE BACKGROUND
Miss Alexander told her audience that for festive occasions it helped to have a stone wall background, otherwise it meant creating a background of foliage.
Most churches being rather dark, it was better not to use colours like blue or mauve, yellow and white being preferable. Having decided on the outline, it should be worked in remembering to keep the biggest and predominant colours for the centre. It was important not to make a flat-fronted display, but to bring flowers out over the side.
As she talked the demonstrator was working on types of displays, emphasising her points.
She said that when decorating for a wedding, it was advisable to use a colour that the bridesmaids would be wearing, and also the colour of the altar cloth.
FIVE FLOWERS
In one vase display, Miss Alexander used only five flowers, with a background of green foliage. ‘Never have enormous displays which detract the eye from the cross, which is the centre of the alter,’ she said.
Miss Alexander offered a number of tips such as working with the vases only two-thirds full of water, and not using flowers which shed their pollen and leaves all over.
At the Society’s next meeting, on March 11, members are invited to take along vases and flowers, and make displays which Mrs. Woolstencroft of Peterborough will inspect. She will offer any advise she may have.”
The Stamford Mercury, 15th February, 1957.