Young Bloomers
Willingdon Flower Club were recently approached by ELAC a local language school to provide, as in previous years a flower arranging class for a group of Japanese students.
The High school students from Tokyo all aged 17 had come to England for 2 weeks to develop their language skills. The group had English lessons in the mornings and then in the afternoon they had other lighter activities, enriching their study time.
Nine members from the club duly armed with tool boxes, ‘O’ bowls, oasis, foliage and flowers arived at Sussex Downs College Eastbourne for their session, where 14 students, including 4 boys and their Japanese teacher were to take part. The remaining 16 of the group, mainly boys had gone to play golf.
Wendy Jones gave a demonstration to the students of a simple Table flower arrangement,explaining some ‘do’s and don’ts’, the group were thenencouraged to have a go for themselves and through the afternoon they were given a little help and guidance by the flower club team.
They were a very enthusiastic group who literally threw themselves into the task, producing some quite spectacular designs, especially the boys. On completion of their arrangements the flower club members gave an encouraging critique with positive points of their efforts and arrangements.
The afternoon finished with a group photograph with their designs. The teacher of the group thanked the club for one of the best afternoons the students had experienced and invited the club back to include other nationalities of language students.
The Willingdon team enjoyed the experience and look forward to future events to spread the club’s philosophy of ‘Friendship with Flowers’s’
Club members taking part:- Alison Pullinger, Anne Bathard- Smith, Heather Smith, Jacqui Harris, Margaret Chambers, Olive Hough, Patricia Wright, Sheila Gould, Wendy Jones,
Report- Jacqui Harris/Patricia Wright. Photos Alison Pullinger
