COUNSELLORS 4 POETS HOUSE

ELY'S THRIVING FLOWER CLUB CELEBRATE 50th ANNIVERSARY

The City of Ely Flower Club was founded in 1971 in response to many requests for a Flower Arrangement Club to be started in Ely. At this time Littleport Club had been up and running for nine years. The first meeting was held on 4th May 1972 chaired by Mr Geoff Legge (then owner of a shoe shop in Ely High Street) with the blessing of NAFAS.

Seventy members joined that first evening and a committee was formed then. Mr Legge was instrumental in encouraging some of the best demonstrators of that time to give their services free of charge for the first year whilst he would demonstrate to their Clubs free of charge, this enabled the Club to establish and thrive.

As membership grew the venue for meetings moved to Downham Road School Library. Their many activities included annual dinners, bus trips to gardens and nurseries including Chelsea Flower Show, competitions and fund raising, the proceeds of which went to local charities in particular the Children’s Cripple Home at Palace Green. Many of these activities continue to this day. Ely Allotment held an Annual Show every August. This was very popular and many members exhibited with great success. So enthusiastic were the growing number of members that they played a prominent part in Festivals at Ely Cathedral with highlights in 1987 when Princess Diana visited and 1997 when Princess Margaret attended a special event at the Cathedral.

The Club has continued to flourish until the present time despite the Pandemic - a difficult time for all Clubs and Ely Flower Club is no exception, but we are back in business and gradually gaining strength.

New members are always welcome and in June 2022 will celebrate our GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY at our new home The Ely Beet, Sports and Social Club in Lynn Road. Guests are welcome. Tickets £15pp to include a buffet to be followed by a Demonstration by a prominent NAFAS Demonstrator.

To apply for tickets please send a SAE to our Treasurer: Mrs L Rich 20 Short Road, Stretham, Ely CB6 3LS

Patricia Simmonds, Chairman