Flower power means taking care of others

Members of the Whitehaven Flower Club, along with help from some of the congregation of St Mary and St Michael's Church created displays in fitting with the theme of Mindfulness marking the 11th anniversary of those who died during the Derrick Bird shootings.

It is not surprising that the flower club was there because it stands out as a club that cares for its members.

One member, Lesley Aldridge has spoken about the care shown to members during lockdown.

In particular secretary Ann Corkhill, with the help of chairman Shirley Benson, have kept in touch with everyone and made sure they were okay.

Ann said: "It is true we tried to keep in touch. We do that anyway. I send out newsletters on a monthly basis."

She said some of the club members were elderly and did not have computers but each of them got a hone call or a note.

At Christmas time every member received a Christmas card.

"It was not too much of a drain on the finances," Ann said, "Some of our members helped deliver the cards to people who lived near so we did not have as many to post.

"Shirley also helped me to write them so that was not too big a job either."

When the second lockdown happened, Ann and Shirley wanted to cheer people up as a little treat.

"We were going to send flowers but, in the end, sent everyone a voucher."Some of them bought flowers, some chocolates, some bought wine but we hope they all enjoyed themselves."

The club usually holds a meeting once a month.

In the past, when the had demonstrators, there would be a raffle with the winner taking home the demonstrator's floral art. Now there is an online raffle and the winner either gets flowers to create a display or an actual display fully finished.

The flower club is still not meeting because of Covid restrictions and the age of some members.

Ann said: "We hope to start up again in August."

In the meantime, members will still not be forgotten.