Nailsworth and District Flower Arrangement Society with Arnaud Metarie from Winchcombe, near Cheltenham

THE Chairman welcomed members and visitors to our June meeting and gave details of an outing the Club is arranging to two National Trust Properties on Saturday, July 1.

Linda then introduced the demonstrator, Arnaud Metarie from Winchcombe, near Cheltenham.

Arnaud’s title was “From My Shed”, from which he produced some wonderful containers and flowers and foliage to create beautiful arrangements, at the same time entertaining members and visitors with interesting and amusing stories, including tales of his “shed” and “chicken run”.

For his first arrangement Arnaud used a container with a mirror to reflect pink Avalanche roses, crimson stocks and pale pink peonies, which was repeated in a smaller second placement.

Arnaud then produced a hoop style basket which he had made from willow, into which he arranged orange Bazaar gerberas, pink Blueberry roses, lilies, peonies and sweet williams.

Arnaud used cornice, in place of willow, in the second placement.

The next item from Arnaud’s “shed” was an urn in which he arranged bright pink antirrhinums, orange carnations, yellow gerberas and Comet roses.

This was placed on a miniature version of his “shed” complete with “chicken run” together with a second placement.

Arnaud then produced a container similar in shape to an alibaba basket, on top of which he arranged philadelphus, white campanula, white Avalanche roses, pink spray chrysanthemums, white calla lilies with purple centres and purple and white anthuriums.

The next container was a basket shape on a stand, made from gold wire covered in buttonhole tape.

Inside the “basket” he arranged pale pink peonies, pink and white roses and maidenhair fern.

For his final arrangement Arnaud chose a wreath shaped container, turned on its side, in which he arranged peach Avalanche roses and orchids.

The stage was filled with wonderful colourful designs using beautiful flowers.

The vote of thanks was given by Audrey Jefferies.

Competition winners were: first Daphne Turner who received the Diamond Jubilee Cup, second Elaine Bushby and third Margaret Ganner.

Meetings are held at Nailsworth Town Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, 7pm for 7.30pm, to which visitors and new members are very welcome.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, July 5, when the demonstrator will be Pat Llewellyn, her title being “Seasons Choice.