This is Hale Barns Flower Club signing off after 52 years of fun, flowers and friendship.

We had our last meeting on the 9th December when Debbie Davis sent us out with a wonderful Christmas demonstration #louiseanddeb assisted by her sister Louise. We ended the evening on a high with thanking guests for their support with bubbles and mince pies.

On Monday 15th December we had a wonderful evening at our "Last Hoorah"held at Dunham Golf & Country Club along with our guests Kathleen Williams, Mark Entwistle and Tracy-Anne Clancy Co-Chair of the Flower Clubs of Cheshire.

Kathleen and Mark entertained us with a great demonstration before we sat down to a delicious meal followed by speeches a raffle and fond farewells. May we give the management and staff our heartfelt thanks for their support and hospitality.

Our thanks and gratitude go to all the demonstrators who have given us great pleasure over the years and to the Flower Clubs of Cheshire Leadership Team for all their support.

We sign off by wishing all our flower friends a very happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful 2026.

Kate Hughes HBFC President

Photo Gallery of Final Meeting and Last 'Hoorah' Dinner

Earlier Gallery Photos

'Inspired, Designed and Created by Hale Barns Flower Club' at the Royal Cheshire County Show.

Our flower club team were very busy at the Royal Cheshire County Show installing the Publicity installation. It’s the first time this has happened so we are delighted to say it was appreciated and brought happiness to school children with their posies having photos taken in it.

Escape to the Country

On behalf of the committee and club members may l thank everyone who made the Flower, Art & Craft Festival such a huge success. The title was "Escape to the Country" which depicted our journey through the Pandemic. View our photo gallery below.

Flower Arrangement Galleries

The following photographs of 'floral art' may inspire you to create your own arrangements. Scroll down to see a wide and varied selection.

A fantastic Christmas workshop with Mark Entwistle and the addition of mulled wine and mince pies got us into the Christmas spirit.

A Halloween Treat

Members and guests of our Club had a wonderful evening with Mark Entwistle creating Halloween floral designs at their first workshop for many years.

A huge thank you to Mark who is leading another workshop in November titled "The magic and warmth of Christmas".

Supermarket Bunch

A floral arrangement created by Joan Scott of Hale Barn's Flower Club. The arrangement was created with a supermarket bunch of blue chrysanthemums, blue iris, a bunch of yellow roses, box foliage and alchemilla mollis. For the structure the arrangement uses 2 round containers, floral foam to fit containers and floral tape.

‘The Big Day Dawns’

This floral ensemble was created by Margret Duncombe, Janice Jackson and Jan Ward. The bridal posy was made by Jan using blue, white and ‘limelight’ hydrangeas from her garden along with white roses, lisianthus, button carnations and white scented stocks. Margret fashioned a matching buttonhole and Janice created the flower cone by stitching white fabric onto card overlaid with antique lace. A fun collaboration.

Afternoon Tea arranged by Anne Wolfenden Club Secretary & Judith Lingard Club Membership Secretary. We used two glass cake stands placed on top of each other. On the top tier we made a small arrangement in the matching sugar bowl to the tea cups and saucers.We placed an oasis ring on the bottom tier. The garden foliage we used was viburnum, euonymus,with alstroemerias, spray carnations, and pretty flowers from our gardens - can you spot them! Select photo to view an enlarged image.

April Arrangement - "Spring has Sprung" by Carole Birch - Committee member For this simple design (see below), I used a glass plate, test tube, blue vase and Beatrix Potter ornaments. In the test tube I placed a selection of spring flowers: daffodils, tulips, hellebores, heather and hyacinths. I then added a blue vase with a flower to complete the arrangement. For Easter, I added the Beatrix Potter ornaments.

A book of flowers - designed by Kate Hughes, Club Chairman The container l have used is an imitation book but you can use any container with a lid for eg a chocolate box, hamper or mobile phone cover if you require a smaller arrangement.
Method: Use a wedge of oasis to ensure it keeps the lid open. Cover 2 sides with cling film to protect the container if necessary. I have used helibrous and greenery from my garden in the book and in the mobile case I used freesia (purchased) and greenery from my garden. Keep all the stems short so they just protrude from the container. An easy arrangement so have a go and enjoy!!

Valentine Cup - A February arrangement made by Joyce Bowett, Club President You will need: Cup and saucer Floral foam Small leaf foliage Small flowers of your choice
Method: Soak the oasis and cut to the size of the cup and place it inside it. Cover the oasis with the foliage keeping it within the cup edge. Add flowers evenly once cut to size. NB if misted the arrangement should last for 5-7 days. A lovely gift if wrapped in cellophane.

January arrangement made by Shirley Robinson, Club Programme Secretary Recycle your Christmas wreath or make a new one. Cheer up the postman, your neighbours or just yourself.  I know many of us are not shopping at the moment so I have used evergreen foliage in an oasis ring.  I added a few silvered twigs and some pearl pins I found in my flower box to give it a bit of a frosty feel. You could add a few flowers from a supermarket bunch and lay it flat as a table arrangement.