A service took place at Westminster Abbey today to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe led by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle paying tribute and honour to the Second World War generation.

National President, James Burnside; NAFAS Trustees (past and present) Elizabeth Gordon, Ann Harding, Ellie Meaking and Mala Williams together with Surrey Area Chairman, Margaret Trepant all staged flowers in the High Altar, Quire and Nave and by Richard II.

A Candle of Peace Ring was prepared by Linda O’Sullivan, Joint Westminster Abbey Co-Ordinator – a white arrangement featuring sweet pea, roses, sweet William, veronica, Alchemilla mollis, Solomon’s Seal with the Paschal Candle flower ring made by Jilly Griffin, Joint Westminster Abbey Co-Ordinator.

A request was made to use British-grown flowers where possible, or, given the unseasonal weather, plant material that would normally grow in the UK and included:-

• Red Peony, Alstroemeria, Antirrhinum
• Blue Delphinium, Larkspur, Eryngium
• White Delphinium, Agapanthus, Aster, Polygonatum Solomon’s Seal
• Foliage included British Rhododendron

Thanks to Jilly Griffin, Joint Westminster Abbey Co-Ordinator for providing, once again, details of flower arrangements staged by NAFAS members.