CEFAA Magazine April 2019

Faith & Flowers
The Magazine of the Church of England
Flower Arrangers’ Association
Issue 22 – April 2019

Letter from the Editor
In the wind and rain of early February I was cutting foliage with
my hood falling over my eyes and my bag taking off across the
garden, I had great empathy with the dogs being dragged along
the lane. I realised what attributes flower arrangers need in
addition to the ability to distinguish between lilies and carnations.
They need to be tough in the face of inclement weather.
This edition sadly contains two obituaries but as Lesley, my
correspondent said, as the two members were both 94, perhaps
flower arranging leads to longevity. So, despite the wind and rain
perhaps there is something in the flower arranging business after
all.
All the details for the A.G.M. appear in this edition. Please note
that anyone arriving by train, either on Friday May 31st or
Saturday June 1st will be met at the station. Please put your
telephone number in the slot provided and I will make
appropriate arrangements with you. We are looking forward to
welcoming you to Scarborough, hoping the weather will be better
than the last time we hosted the meeting.
Recently I have had several members apologising because they
have no e-mail facilities. Please, please do not worry, neither have
I. I just like hearing from members either by post or on the phone.
I love a chat.
I have had a considerable list of articles this time. I most certainly
am not complaining but some may have to wait for the July
edition.
Happy Easter and joy in the risen Lord.
Ruth
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Dear Friends,
Greetings from Barnet – March 2019
As I write, it is officially the first day of spring. The weather, here
in Barnet, is certainly warmer than it was a month ago; the
daffodils and grape hyacinths are in full bloom, the days are
lengthening, and the bright green leaves of the new year’s growth
are beginning to show on the trees. I even spotted the first bumble
bee in the garden on February 19th. All these signs of spring
make me realise how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy the
richness of our seasons. In other parts of the world the climate is
so different.
This year I have been very lucky to experience other weather
conditions. As a child at primary school, I remember reading
about the wonder of the Panama Canal. The canal reduced the
sailing time of the ships travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the
Pacific and vice versa. Most importantly, sailors did not have to
endure the dangerous voyage around the Cape Horn. In January,
as England was experiencing freezing temperatures, I was
enjoying sunshine, warmth and temperatures in the upper
twenties, and the fulfilment of one of my childhood dreams – to
transit the Panama Canal. It was certainly every bit as exciting
and memorable as I had hoped it would be. More about that in a
later issue.
One of the visits I undertook on that holiday was to the city of
Cartagena in Colombia. I always enjoy visiting churches and
cathedrals, and this trip was no exception. Colombia is a catholic
country in Central America. Unfortunately, the Cathedral was
closed for major refurbishment works but the nearby Church of
Santo Domingo was open and welcoming visitors. Now, I don’t
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know if the flowers were left over from Christmas or Epiphany,
but imagine my surprise to see white hydrangeas, roses and our
old friend, hard ruscus, surviving very well in temperatures of
27 or more degrees! Just proves how versatile our flowers and
foliage are. I wonder if the arrangers were using oasis?
My very best wishes for a joyous Easter and happy arranging!
Averill
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4
Association News
1. A very warm welcome to new members:
Mrs. Michelle Squire, St. Peters Woolton, Liverpool Diocese
Miss Mandy Bradford St. Mary’s Lace Market, Nottingham.
Southwell and Notts. Diocese.
2. Change of address for Liverpool Branch secretary:
Barbara Harvey, 3 Pitts House Lane, Churchtown, Southport,
PR9 7QT.
Telephone number remains the same.
3. St. Ann’s Rainhill
To celebrate 190th anniversary of the Rocket Trials, a flower
festival will be held in St. Ann’s over the Spring Bank
Holiday, May 25th – 27th. The last festival was for the 150th
anniversary which started the Association. It is to be a
communal effort with most of the village organisations taking
part.
There has been no change in Doreen Slade’s condition.
4. I am delighted to say that Naomi has written to say that she is
recovering well from her surgery and is very grateful for all
the good wishes and prayers from C.E.F.A.A. members.
5. Tony Johnson
With sadness I report the death of Tony Johnson in March,
after a long illness at the age of 80 years. From the
association’s conception, he was CEFAA’s first chartered
accountant from J. Stanway Johnson & Company for many
years, guiding us through unknown waters with grace and
good humour. His funeral will take place at Liverpool
Cathedral where he faithfully served as Steward until his
health failed. He will be remembered with affection.
Alethea Fielding

After a very hectic Christmas with flowers, dancing and family
I had time to think about all the hardworking people who help to
keep our community together; the hospital, police and farmers
and one special group, the working mums, who stressfully spend
time with elderly parents and young grandchildren and thought
about my favourite poem.
TIME
Take time to work – it is the price of success
Take time to think – it is the source of power
Take time to play – it is the secret of perpetual youth
Take time to read – it is the fountain of wisdom
Take time to be friendly – it is the road to happiness
Take time to dream – it is hitching your wagon to a star
Take time to love and be loved – it is one of life’s glories
Take time to laugh – it is the music of the soul.
June Wilkinson,
York Diocese
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Obituary – Eileen Lynn
It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Eileen
Lynn on 27th December. Eileen was one of our long serving
members of the Liverpool branch. A very gifted lady, she had
flair and imagination and generously passed on her knowledge
to the new members of the flower team at St. Luke’s Church,
Widnes, where she arranged flowers for over twenty years, and
also at Liverpool Cathedral, which she loved, working alongside
Pat Forrester.
Eileen loved flower festivals held regularly in the Liverpool
branch, and if you wanted a drape or prop, Eileen would have it!
She supported all branch activities.
She was generous with her time and there was always lots of fun
and laughter working with her. I was blessed to have started my
flower arranging at St. Luke’s with Eileen.
It is sad that within two weeks we lost both Eileen and Pat
Forrester, from the old flower team at St. Luke’s, but they will
always be remembered for the friendship and time spent
arranging flowers together.
A Memorial Service was held at St. Luke’s Church on 23rd
February for Eileen.
Lesley Runcorn
St. Luke’s Church, Widnes
Liverpool Branch
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Obituary – Pat Forrester
It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Pat
Forrester on 14th January. Pat was one of our long serving
members of the Liverpool branch, being secretary in the early
days, which she held for over twenty years.
Pat was a very gifted and talented lady in her flower arranging at
St. Luke’s Church, Widnes, and also producing many plays for
the Drama Group and Church Guild.
Pat also arranged flowers at Liverpool Cathedral, working
alongside Eileen Lynn. Pat organised Flower Festivals and
Christmas Tree Festivals at St. Luke’s, she had great flair, always
willing to share her knowledge, a bubbly friendly person.
I was blessed to have started my flower arranging at St. Luke’s
with Pat.
It is sad that within two weeks we lost both Pat and Eileen Lynn
from the old flower team at St. Luke’s, but they will always be
remembered for the friendship and time spent arranging flowers
together.
Lesley Runcorn
St. Luke’s Church, Widnes
Liverpool Branch
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Annual General Meeting 2019
The AGM will be held on June 1st at St. Michael and All
Angels, Wheatcroft, Filey Road, Scarborough.
Please return the reply slip below to:
Mrs. R. Thomson, 87 Pasture Lane, Seamer, Scarborough,
YO12 4QR
by May 15th 2019.
If you intend to travel by public transport please tick the box
and give your evening / weekend phone number.
Arrangements will be made to meet you on May 31st if you
intend to stay overnight or on June 1st. Please telephone
01723 863369 if you have any queries.
Suggestions for overnight accommodation:
Riviera Hotel, St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough 01723
372277
Premier Inn, Falconer Road, Scarborough 0871 527 9292
Name(s):.........................................................................
........................................................................................
I/We will attend the A.G.M.
I/We enclose a cheque for £….....….. at £10 per head
I/We will be travelling by coach/train
My/Our telephone number is …………...............……
(cheques should be made payable to CEFAA)

CHURCH OF ENGLAND
FLOWER ARRANGERS’ ASSOCIATION
Registered Charity No. 514372
37th Annual General Meeting of the Association,
to be held at St Michael’s Church Hall,
Filey Road, Scarborough.
Commencing at 11.00am on Saturday 1st June 2019
AGENDA
1. Welcome and CEFAA Opening Prayer
2. Apologies & Correspondence
3. Report from 2018 AGM
4a. Matters Arising from 2018 AGM
• Appointment of National Vice-Chairman
• Elect up to 4 additional members to Council as agreed at 2018 AGM
[see item 6 below]
4b. Matters Arising from 2018 Meeting of the National Council
• Alternative Group arrangements
• 40th Anniversary
5. Membership issues - Report from National Secretary
6. Elections:
• Confirmation of election/re-election of National Council Members.
• Elect up to 4 additional members to Council [as agreed at the 2018
AGM].
7. Confirmation of appointment of Trustees:
Current Trustees: Hillary Brian, Roger Brown, Ruth Thomson, Alethea
Fielding
It is proposed that Averill Lovatt and Laurie Little be added to the list of
trustees.
8. Finance - National Treasurer’s Report and Summary of Accounts
9. Presentation of brief Annual Reports from CEFAA Diocesan Branches.
10. National Chairman's Report.
11. Any Other Business (Please advise of any issues you wish to raise).
12. Date and Venue for 2020 AGM.
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Map & Directions for the CEFAA AGM – 1st June 2019
Coffee from 10am. Meeting begins at 11am.
To Malton & York
Map © Google
For “Sat-Nav” users, the Postcode is YO11 3AB.
Please note: some Sat-Nav systems may tell you to turn
off the main road just outside the Church. You cannot do
this any more – you must leave at the roundabout as
shown above and right.
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To be held at St Michael and All Angels Church Hall
Filey Road, Scarborough
Approaching from York / Malton on the A64
Follow signs for Scarborough.
Just after the village of Staxton, take the first exit at the
roundabout, signposted Scarborough A64.
After 1.3 miles take the second exit at the next
roundabout, signposted Scarborough / Crossgates /
Eastfield A64.
After 1.4 miles, turn RIGHT on the next roundabout,
signposted Industrial Estate / Eastfield / Cayton.
At the first traffic lights turn LEFT, signposted Filey B1261
At the next traffic lights turn RIGHT, signposted Filey
B1261.
Go straight on past Plaxton and Olympian business
Parks, then turn LEFT onto Moor Lane, signposted “gps”
and Pindar Leisure Centre.
At the next roundabout turn RIGHT (third exit) onto
Eastway.
Go straight on, following signs for Scarborough and the
Park & Ride
At the next roundabout turn LEFT (first exit) signposted
Scarborough A165
At the next roundabout turn RIGHT (second exit), then
take an almost immediate LEFT turn.
St Michael’s Church is on the right. Go past it, turn RIGHT
into St Michael’s Lane and the Car Park is on the right.
The Church Hall is on the other side of the Church.
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Eden Garden – Auckland’s Best Kept Secret
I have recently returned from New Zealand where we were
visiting our eldest son, Andrew, and his family. They emigrated
four and a half years ago from Bristol and have settled into the
Kiwi way of life very well.
Whilst there, John and I visited Eden Garden, a really beautiful
place situated in Mount Eden, one of the 40 volcanic cones
around the city of Auckland.
Eden Garden had its beginnings in July 1964 when a farsighted
horticulturist, Jack Clark, along with 15 fellow enthusiasts took
on the task of converting an old abandoned quarry into the worldclass
garden it is today. The quarry supplied stone for many of
the buildings in Auckland, having been purchased by a city
businessman, Sir Frank Mappin, who then donated it to the public
in 1962. Sir Frank approached Jack Clark who saw the
possibilities in the five-and-a-half-acre site. Today the garden is
a national showplace, boasting the Southern Hemisphere’s largest
collection of camellias along with splendid collections of other
plants, ferns, mature trees, flowering shrubs and perennials.
The day we visited was the hottest day of our stay hitting 29°C
– and very humid! However, Eden Garden was so cool, tranquil
and peaceful with all the summer flowers in full bloom. Roses,
huge hydrangeas, agapanthus, lilies, hibiscus to name but a few.
There were also beautiful Monarch butterflies flitting between
the dahlias. We climbed one of the many pathways, aptly named
Hillary Heights, to the top of the garden where we had amazing
views of Auckland city and harbour and Rangitoto, an iconic
volcanic island.
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The garden is very much a memorial garden with many benches,
plaques, pathways and individual areas. It is funded by donations
and tended by volunteers.
It was a very memorable afternoon and if ever you visit
Auckland, do take the time to visit this very special, truly
beautiful place. You will not be disappointed!
Trisha Salmon
London Branch
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Iona – an Inner Hebrides island
After a few years away from this ancient holy Island a friend and I
decided to return by a very short ferry crossing from the Isle of Mull,
where I left my car in a local car park. Iona is three miles long and
one mile wide, looking out onto an ocean. It is known as the place
where St Columba landed in 563 AD, bringing Christianity. My dear
mother always wished to visit Iona but unfortunately could not visit
the island of her dreams, however I was able to visit the Abbey and
Nunnery in order to leave a donation which will help to support the
Iona Community who are responsible for some maintenance.
We enjoyed short walks including one to the RC Oratory perched
high on the island. Inside a quiet atmosphere enabled us to meditate
whilst viewing the beauty all around through the narrow windows.
A cross attracted my attention. Made of local Iona marble it stood
high on a large piece of marble and granite rock featuring a green
colour – very beautiful.
After our ferry to the Isle of Mull, where I collected my car we took
the road to Tobermory, quite hazardous driving through the
mountainous pass of Glen More on a single track road. Next day
was my birthday, when we took a Whale Watch boat trip out to sea.
It was cold but we were well clothed and enjoyed the excitement the
boat created at speed. We saw Whales and hundreds of seals basking
on the rocks. I could see the mountains on Skye and Ben Nevis on
the mainland. Leaving, I could not miss the varied colours of the
Tobermory buildings which overlooked the harbour.
We took the Craignure ferry to Oban, where we enjoyed a few days
absorbing the mountain / sea beauty.
Eventually we left the Hebrides and took the ‘High Road’ east
through the Trossachs National Park where I noticed the vast number
of trees of varying species, in particular conifers and Rowans, now
with berries coming up and planted profusely.
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Leaving the mountain landscape we were in the lowlands for a short
drive to Falkirk, ‘The Wheel’ being the attraction. It took us on the
canal boat from one canal to another on a rather wet day!!
We also experienced the magic of ‘The Kelpies’, wonderful steel
monuments which stand high up above the beautiful green space,
the design based on the Clydesdale horses.
Linlithgow was our last venue for a few days, where my friend was
able to visit longstanding friends. We visited St Michael's Parish
Church, which featured an interesting stained-glass window and a
group of beautiful tapestries in particularly beautiful cross stitch. A
friend was able to show us interesting features including a piece of
land, in the town and adjoining the lake, in which she and helpers
had planted annuals and perennial plants, small and medium-sized
trees, and created garden features, all looking beautiful and now
waiting for the October Britain in Bloom results.
I must thank my excellent navigator (no Sat. Nav. used!).
Now my caravan has rested
Diane Jackson
Liverpool Branch
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Church of England Flower Arrangers’ Association
London Branch
Chairman’s Report, April 2018 – March 2019
The London Branch has continued to be very prolific over the
past year, welcoming almost thirty members to each meeting.
After our AGM in March 2018, the following months took us to
churches where we had not visited before. We have been treated
to some excellent flower demonstrations and additionally, at St.
John the Apostle’s Church, in Whetstone, we were blessed with
very nice words and prayers said specifically for all church
flower arrangers from The Reverend Lynn Davidson. We were
thanked for our time and dedication in making places of worship
beautiful for all who attend, adding that our labours ‘lifted the
spirits’ of everyone who walked through the doors and see the
lovely displays.
We have tried to incorporate learning, experimenting or generally
asking the membership audience for advice in our meetings
which has proved very successful. Recently we have been
exploring the use of new commercial types of floral foam, (black
and biodegradable), versus the tried and tested version. At our
February meeting, Kathy Horton and her team went a stage
further and used chicken wire instead of floral foam, all in an
attempt to reduce waste and be environmentally friendly.
We were privileged to hold the National AGM in June at St. John
the Baptist Church, Barnet, where many members from all over
the country joined us for the day. The organisation team at St.
John’s was congratulated for a well-executed meeting, delicious
food and excellent demonstrator in Anita Linderman, who
finished the day in grand style.
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We continue our close association with St. Paul’s Cathedral. A
rota of volunteers still maintains the flowers in St. Dustan’s
Chapel. It is nice that all the St. Paul’s volunteers are thanked by
being invited to an annual party enabling them to learn what the
different volunteer posts are and do. Sylvia Hinder has stepped
down from organising the rota and been replaced by Susan
Harper. We thank Sylvia for her many years of devoted service
and wish Susan every success in the role. Our work at St. Paul’s
has increased. In addition to providing the Advent Wreath, we
have been asked to provide flowers for other dedicated services
throughout the year. This has benefitted both CEFAA and St.
Paul’s, we now have a closer working relationship and enjoy the
added challenges of the extra requests.
At our next AGM, we are going to suggest to the members that
the tenure of the Chairman and Vice Chairman be changed to
three years and four years respectively, bringing them in line with
the National Officers. This change would come into being in a
year where the National Officers do not change. We will also
propose that our longstanding Vice Chairman, Kathy Horton, be
made an Emeritus Vice Chairman, taking up the role when
needed.
As always, I thank all the Committee and branch members for
their unwavering support at all times. Let’s hope the London
Branch continues to grow, learn and flourish as it has been doing
over the past few years.
Carole Harvey
London Branch Chairman
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Reflections from C.E.F.A.A.’s early days.
I was delighted to receive the following poem and extract from
the first Newsletter from Naomi.
The Ministry of Flowers.
God might have made the earth bring forth
Enough for great and small,
The oak tree and the cedar tree,
Without a flower at all.
He might have made enough -enough
For every want of ours,
For food, and medicine, and toil,
And yet have made no flowers.
Then wherefore, wherefore were they made,
All dyed with rainbow light,
All fashioned with supremest grace,
Up-springing day and night?
Springing in valleys green and low,
And on the mountains high.
And in the silent wilderness,
Where no man passeth by?
Our outward life required them not;
Then wherefore had they birth?
To minister delight to man,
To beautify the earth.
To whisper hope, to comfort man,
Whene’er his faith is dim;
For He who careth for the flowers,
Will much more care for him.
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From the Chairman
In the beginning... These words described the first tableaux of our
Flower Festival in September 1979 and therefore it is appropriate that
those same words should start the first Newsletter of our Association
for it was from the Festival that the idea of this venture blossomed.
It was a small band of workers with little experience that contemplated
a major festival during the celebrations in Rainhill for the “Rocket 150”
year. The experience of working together in the church over this project
indicated to me that I wanted to join other communicants in a
nationwide society of church flower arrangers. I made enquiries locally
and in London only to find there was no such organisation.
This to me was a challenge which called for further action. My husband
put on paper for me a rough draft of an association which I could take
to my Vicar and ask if I might have permission to go forward to higher
authority with my idea. So it was that the Rt.Rev.Michael Henshall,
Bishop of Warrington, gave his blessing to the formation of the Church
of England Flower Arrangers Association. St. Ann’s, Rainhill, was to
be the founder church.
During the ensuing three months whilst the Diocesan solicitor put legal
wheels in motion, my Flower Guild helped me to raise the necessary
monies for the initial expenses.
With the money raised we had to turn our thoughts to the design of an
emblem for the stationery and badge. Many thoughts and drawings were
submitted but it was the one by Alan Owen, the husband of a Guild
member, that was finally chosen for it seemed to encompass the
thoughts and work of a church flower arranger.
Although the Association was known locally in the Autumn of 1981 it
was not until December that insertions in the Diocesan Newsletter and
the Church Times announced it nationally
At the end... It is interesting to note that although this seems a short
story, two years had elapsed between the first idea and the first member.
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be copied in any way without the prior permission of the trustees.