The Halifax Flower Club was formed in 1957 by Mrs Joan Tidswell who became the first President and Mr George Smith. The first meeting was held in the ballroom at the White Swan Hotel in Halifax. There was no stage and the demonstrator had to stand on a stage made from beer crates. There were 100 members and a waiting list for membership.
In 1972 the Club moved to the Civic Hall in West Vale to bigger premises to accommodate up to 150 members. 1987 saw the Club on the move again to the Social Club on Arden Road in Halifax to a room that would hold 200 members and had a stage with lighting. The Club celebrated its Diamond Anniversary in 2017 with a celebration at Berties Crystal Ballroom. The Halifax Flower Club is proud to have George Smith MBE and Derek Bridges as Honorary Vice Presidents. Halifax Flower Club welcomes new members, guests and visitors. The venue is fully accessible for people with limited mobility and there is a large car park. No previous experience is needed to become a member, just come along and watch NAFAS qualified demonstrators arranging beautiful flowers. However, if you would like to learn a new skill we hold workshops where experienced flower arrangers will help and guide you in the art of flower arranging. We have a sales table selling basic requirements for flower arranging at a reasonable cost. The demonstrator's flower arrangements are raffled off at the end of each meeting. There is a chance to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee. We also have a licensed bar if you fancy something stronger. The Club has a “Christmas Show House” each year, where members decorate a family home, the proceeds going to charity. We have also decorated Shibden Hall and the Halifax Minster. Visits to NT properties and RHS gardens are a part of our programme. For more information contact : [email protected]
Halifax Flower Club have a tradition that they florally decorate a family home for Christmas; funds raised are split between the Club and (this year) Cancer Research. Last December, members of the Club, with the fantastic co-operation of Claire and Richard Price who permitted their home to be decorated, following a theme of “A Whimsical Christmas” with over 90 floral arrangements in all rooms. The £1200 was raised through the selling of the floral arrangements, a tombola stall, a raffle and small entrance fee.
It was a very special day, and everyone was very encouraged on how successful the Club’s efforts brought and how much money had been raised for the charity. Click on each image (below) to enlarge it. Below, right you can see Lisa Masters (on the left), the current President of Halifax Flower Club, presenting a cheque for £1080.00 to Jennifer Guy who accepted it on behalf of Yorkshire Cancer Research. |
Halifax Club Programme 2024
Below are some images taken at Sue Maddocks' 2023 Christmas demonstration for Halifax - her own club. This was Sue's last demonstration.
Click on each image to enlarge it. |