It was with great sadness that we learned of Ann’s illness and her subsequent death on February 9th . Ann had been a member of the Bedford Flower Arrangement / Floral Art Society for almost fifty years and had served in almost every office and role within the society. In 2000 she was invited to become a vice president of the Society due to ‘your enormous contribution to the Society which has been much valued ‘. She was a talented teacher and ran flower arranging evening classes in the local area for many years. A vast number of our members (both past and present) were introduced to their love of flower arranging at her classes and she has continued to encourage and motivate us all over the years. She was also a well respected judge, often officiating at local shows including Young Farmers Rallies where she again motivated and inspired young people.
Ann was well known and respected in the wider ‘flower world ‘, especially in the Home Counties area of NAFAS where she was an area teacher and area judge. As well as BFAS she supported many local clubs especially their Open Meetings. She also attended Odyssey 21 and Designer 3 Group who delighted her last year when they invited her to be their President. She was a very creative and accomplished flower arranger always willing to embrace (and pass on) new ideas and trends. She was also a very keen and knowledgeable gardener; she could identify almost any flower or piece of foliage and was always willing to ‘pick and prune’ to help demonstrators and arrangers enhance their designs. These were just two of her interests; others included the church, upholstery, holidays, fine art and good wine – a lady who lived life to the full!
The affection in which Ann was held by everyone was evident by the packed Church at her Service of Thanksgiving . We shall miss her greatly and we extend our sympathy and condolences to her family and friends.