Two members of Melksham & District Flower Arrangement Society went to Westminster Abbey to arrange flowers for the Pentecost service.
Susie Rawstron and Rosalyn Clarke travelled to London for the Pentecost service on Sunday 15th May.
Rosalyn reports, “The National Association for Flower Arrangers produces large flower arrangements throughout the year for the Abbey on special occasions.
“It is extremely well organised with all the requirements such as buckets, plastic covering for floors and floral foam situated in a side chapel. A large selection of the required flowers and large leaves were also available.
“As it was for Pentecost we were supplied with orange Strelitzia (Birds of Paradise); orange lilies; red Anthuriums; red and orange roses; and a pale yellow carnation. There was also a two-page detailed list on the protection of the building and its treasures!
“The Quire, where our arrangement was, is situated at the end of the nave and as it was Saturday there were many groups of tourists from around the world. Groups gathered in the nave to hear the guides explain about the Abbey and there was a cacophony of voices in many languages.
“People were very interested in the arrangements and asked what they were for and did we do them every week! It was a wonderful atmosphere and opportunity to do extremely large designs with wonderful plant material.
“Although it was a tiring day with a very early start it was a marvellous opportunity and much enjoyed.”