Burwash, Burwash Common and Burwash Weald
Burwash and District Flower Arrangement Club
Latest News
Our next meeting is on Monday, 6th February 2012 in the Village Hall at 2.15 p.m. This is our AGM followed by a workshop led by Mrs. Pam Fuller. Everything will be provided free for the workshop, that is equipment, flowers and greenery and we will have lots of fun putting together something a little different this year. At the end of the workshop we will raffle what we have made and we will also be serving refreshments.
At this meeting, we need to appoint a new Secretary and two new committee members. So far, I have received just one nomination for a committee member. Judith, our present Treasurer is willing to change roles and become Secretary if someone would prefer to take on the Treasurer’s post as opposed to the post of Secretary. Also, I am due to retire in February 2012. Our constitution states that a Chairman stays in post for 3 years and my time is up! I need to hear from someone who is willing to step into my shoes or at least shadow me for a while with the view to taking over in a year’s time. Without the support of ladies willing to take on these various roles I am afraid your Club of 50 years standing is in severe danger of closing. Please give this matter your serious consideration. Burwash is a wonderful village to live in with so many Clubs to join and enjoy. Please help to keep it this way.
In the meantime, attached is the Club’s programme for 2012. If anyone has an idea of somewhere they would like to go for our annual outing in July, please let us know.
We look forward to seeing you on the 6th February 2012.
Maureen Jenner
Chairman
01435 882 045
PROGRAMME FOR 2012 - 2013
Monday, February 6th AGM - followed by Workshop led by Mrs. Pam Fuller
Friday, March 16th Craft Morning - 10 a.m. to 12 noon – a parallel
Arrangement – led by Mrs. Tilda Conway
Monday, April 16th Demonstration – Mrs. Carolynne Meer – “Recycling”
Monday, June 18th Demonstration – Mrs. Julie Brownlee – “Isn’t This
Lovely”
Wednesday, 4th July Outing
Monday, September 17th Demonstration – Mrs. Gill Sadler – “Showstoppers”
Friday, 12th October Craft Morning – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Mrs. Ann
Harris – design on a wire ring
Monday, November 26st Demonstration – Mrs. Georgie Wall – “Wishing on
a Star”
Saturday, 8th December Coffee Morning
2013
Monday, February 4th AGM – Subject: To be advised
All meetings are held at 2.15 p.m. at Burwash Village Hall unless otherwise stated
History of the Club
The Club was founded by Mrs. Margaret Waite in 1961. The first minute book held dates from 4th June, 1969 when Mrs. Beer was Chairman (having been appointed to the position in 1966) and Mrs. Jane Bendle, Treasurer - a position she held for fifteen years. Also on the Committee at that time were Mrs. Joan Glover and Mrs. Audrey Davidson - founder members in 1961. Joan Glover is still a member of the Club today.
Mrs. Betty Reid, our President, joined the Club in 1971, and was co-opted to the committee in 1974. In September 1978 Mrs. Beer resigned and Betty took her place. Betty remained as Chairman for ten years, ably assisted by Mrs. Joan Gordon, who was Secretary for a number of years. It was Betty and Mrs. Gordon who started attending the NAFAS area meetings at Clare Hall, Haywards Heath.
In May 1976 at the suggestion of Mrs. Bendle, an extra ordinary meeting was held as the Club was in great trouble financially. There was a unanimous vote from those present for the Club to continue, and voluntary contributions were made and £19 raised, and various fund raising events followed. This turned out to be the turning point in the fortunes of the Club. Another extra-ordinary general meeting was held in October 1983 to re-structure, and the first AGM was held on 23rd January, 1984.
Mrs. Ailsa Vickery succeeded Betty Reid as Chairman in 1988. In February 1991 Mrs. Vickery and the Treasurer, Mrs. Marjorie Steward, drew up a draft constitution at the suggestion of Sussex Area to put the Club on an official footing, although the Club had managed for nearly thirty years without one!
In February 1992, still under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Vickery, the Club celebrated its 30th anniversary with a wine and cheese party held prior to the AGM.
Mrs. Janet Burke succeeded Mrs. Vickery as Chairman in February, 1993, and Mrs. Betty Reid became President in August 1995. Mrs. Molly Beauchamp took over as Chairman in 1999 and headed up the 40th anniversary celebrations in February 2002. Molly held the position of Chairman for 4 years, followed by Anne Cutler (3 years) and Barbera Varney (3 years). Chairmanship is current held by Maureen Jenner and at present the Club is thriving with 50 members and is in a healthy financial position. During the year February 2011 to February 2012, the Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary.