NAFAS members create floral arrangements for Battle of Britain Sunday at Westminster Abbey
On Saturday 19 September, Lucille Street, Alison Yeates, Julie Jeans, Jean Lane and Carolyn Mutlow from the NAFAS Dorset and Guernsey Area had the honour of creating floral arrangements at Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual Battle of Britain Sunday Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication.
The service, held the following morning on Sunday 20 September, commemorated the courage and sacrifice of those who served during the Battle of Britain, 86 years on from one of the most significant moments of the Second World War. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting was among those in attendance, alongside senior representatives of the Royal Air Force, with Air Chief Marshal The Lord Stirrup representing His Majesty The King.
For our NAFAS members, being asked to arrange flowers within such a historic setting was an opportunity they described as a real privilege.
“It’s a privilege to represent NAFAS and to represent Dorset as well.” – Julie
Working inside Westminster Abbey was an exciting opportunity for the team. The arrangements needed to complement the scale and grandeur of the Abbey while also meeting the requirements of the service.
The colour palette was fittingly patriotic, with red, white and blue flowers selected for the occasion. Red roses featured prominently within the designs, with one member describing them simply as “great patriotic colours”.
The positioning of each arrangement also had to be carefully considered. The displays at the High Altar were designed predominantly to be viewed from the front, while other arrangements needed to look beautiful from every direction as members of the congregation passed and sat around them.
“Our arrangements are designed to be seen all the way around. These are all-round arrangements, whereas the ones on the altar are only forward-facing.” – Jean
Flower arranging within one of Britain’s most treasured historic buildings also comes with important conservation considerations. The team had to be particularly careful with water and the materials used around the Abbey’s historic floors and furnishings.
For Carolyn, the experience held an especially personal meaning. While working near the Royal Air Force Memorial Chapel, she reflected on her own family connection to the RAF:
“My father was in the RAF during the war, so I was delighted to be in the chapel.” – Carolyn
That connection felt particularly poignant given the purpose of the following day’s service. Battle of Britain Sunday commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the aircrew who took part in the Battle, alongside the many men and women who supported them on the ground. Of those who served in Fighter Command, 544 lost their lives during the Battle, with a further 791 dying before the end of the war.
Beyond the floral arrangements, another important theme emerged: the friendship and sense of community that comes with being part of NAFAS.
Speaking about their local clubs, they described how flower arranging brings people together not only through a shared creative interest, but through friendship, companionship and a genuine sense of belonging.
“Everybody there has an interest in flowers. More than that, it’s a real social event.” – Carolyn
One club has around 50 members, with activities extending beyond demonstrations and flower arranging to garden parties, dinners and other social occasions. They also spoke about people joining their clubs at different stages of life, including those looking for friendship and company following bereavement or periods of loneliness.
“It is a community and social event, I would say, centred around an interest in flowers.”- Lucille
The following morning, the completed arrangements formed part of the magnificent surroundings as the Abbey welcomed guests for the Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication. The service included the presentation of the Standard of No. 54 Squadron, the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour and an Act of Rededication, bringing together remembrance of those who served in 1940 with recognition of those who continue to serve in the Royal Air Force today.
A huge thank you and congratulations to Lucille, Alison, Julie, Jean and Carolyn for representing NAFAS and the Dorset and Guernsey Area on such a special occasion.
Their beautiful arrangements helped provide a fitting floral tribute for an important national service of remembrance, while showcasing the skill, dedication and friendship that sit at the heart of NAFAS.