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York Diocese Group
Obituary
Audrey Blake-Riddle
Audrey arranged with the York Diocesan group from the
beginning of their time in York Minster. She was a very talented
arranger and a generous provider of flowers. She arranged
flowers in Driffield Parish Church where she also served as
Church Warden for several years. Although house-bound through
extreme ill-health for a number of years she remained interested
in the activities of C.E.F.A.A. She even taught an interested
member of Driffield’s congregation to arrange at her dining room
table with the results carried into the church afterwards.
During my visits to her, she loved to reminisce about her times
with us and frequently reminded me of events I had long since
forgotten. I particularly remember her speaking at length about
the occasion when we decorated the huge fireplace in St.
William’s College for an Advent/Christmas Festival when the
shiny apples used in the decoration were considerably reduced
in number when we dismantled the arrangement.
Anti-terrorism at the Minster
Sadly, we live in dangerous times, characterised by terrorism and
tragedy. It is hard to imagine C.E.F.A.A. activities influenced by
this, but in June when members met to arrange in the Minster
they saw first-hand the effects of recent events. They found parts
of the building cordoned off and arranging positions moved.
There was to be an Army service in the Quire which had not
appeared on any list of services and about which the Head
Arranger knew nothing about until she arrived that morning. To
protect the Minster and the congregation, the service was a
closely guarded secret.
Ruth Thomson
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