On Tuesday 9th March Diane Brown, Area Chairman, welcomed members and honoured guests to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Area.

Unfortunately our President Julia Clements was unable to attend as she was unwell but Area Vice Presidents, Joan Goland, Vi Honor, Susan Phillips, Joyce Boone, Janet Sarchet and Christine Pearce joined in the celebrations.

Joan Goland judged the hairpieces we had been asked to make and wear. The winner was our Area Secretary Jeanne Tebbutt.

The cake was made by member Sheila Tasker and the beautiful sugar Tulips on the top were greatly admired.

On display were the Area Archives, kept at present by Janet Sarchet, and it was very nostalgic to look at our past events and spot old friends, some looking very young in the early editions.

A light lunch was served and the cake cut. In the afternoon International Demonstrator James Burnside entertained us with a demonstration entitled Let’s Celebrate.

London and Overseas members from Leyton and Wanstead Flower Club were delighted to be asked to arrange flowers at the Abbey for the 100th Anniversary of Florence Nightingale and Ascension Day. Pam Ford and Jackie Simpson enjoyed the experience and found it interesting answering the questions asked by the visitors.