The society was delighted to welcome Caroline Cooper from Hewelsfield, a NAFAS demonstrator, presenting Wonders of the Wye.

1. River Wye: visited by Nelson and Turner. Using a block of Renewal foam a base of variegated mixed foliage in a downward crescent shape to which were added heads of white agapanthus, sprigs of mimosa mitsumata sticks and blue delphinium heads. This was balanced on top of a glass trumpet vase filled with cellophane. A smaller matching one complemented the design.

2. Chepstow Castle: A small block of Renewal foam was placed in a dish on top of a cylindrical bronze vase. Three stems of dried eucalyptus bark gave height and the base was created with cotinus sprays, pittosporum, fatsia leaves and grevillea. Bronze protea heads and red germinis completed the design.

3. Forest of Dean: A base on a flat dish with Renewal foam was covered with mixed foliage, including Asparagus fern, miscanthus sprays. To this were added stems of white stock, white avalanche roses and dried bracken. When completed the arrangement was placed under a tall piece of dead branch with a smaller, matching one beside it.

4. Hay on Wye: Based inside a “book” with a round bowl filled with chicken wire over a pin holder. Mixed foliage including aucuba, pittosporum, acer, conifer provided the base to which were added Soptima bloom chrysanth blooms, hypericum and red germinis.

5. Hand Tie: Finally, a hand tie created on a garden cane, covered with Stemtex, and which provided support for stems of hebe, michaelmas daisies, photinia and bay to which were gradually added white pearl alstromeria, blue clematis, green medalina sticks and mauve thriller roses.

This was a lovely afternoon with lots of inter-action between Caroline and members. The vote of thanks was given by Tineke Deuss, Chairman, the arrangements were all raffled off and members retired for afternoon refreshments.

The next Open Meeting will be on Wednesday, 11th November at Royal British Legion, Monmouth when the demonstrator will be NAFAS National Teacher, Jackie Page presenting Connections. Doors Open 1.45 for 2.15 start. All members and visitors welcome.

A second Open Meeting for the Royal British Legion will take place at RBL, Monmouth on

Thursday, 26th November. The guest demonstrator will be Marion Martin with an evening of Festive Floral Inspiration. Tickets at the door £10.00. Doors Open 6.30 for 7.00 pm start. All members and visitors welcome.