Please see below a summary from Brenda Eyers, East of England Chairman on her recent experience at Westminster Abbey:-

“As East of England Area Chairman I was privileged to be invited to stage the High Altar pedestals at Westminster Abbey for the service of interment of the ashes of Professor Sir Stephen Hawking.  I was pleased to have Pearl Sandys of Tiptree Flower Club accompany me.

We were both thrilled to be given an opportunity by Jane Rowton-Lee the NAFAS Westminster Abbey Co-Ordinator prior to starting work on the pedestals to tour the new Diamond Jubilee Gallery opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 8th June.  An incredible building and feat of engineering and craftsmanship.

Our National Chairman Mrs Jan Law had kindly invited us to stay overnight at Osborne House and we were able to enjoy the beautifully refurbished facilities.  In the evening Jan accompanied us to a Graduation display of the work of students taught by Pearl’s daughter Catherine at The London School of Design.  Their degree incorporated theatre work in set design, costumes, lighting and such like.  Many pieces were of great interest to us as floral designers and it was a most enjoyable visit.

After breakfast we were pleased to meet Vanessa Keys the new Administrative Secretary at Osborne House who joined the team in March and she was able to provide us with some publicity material to be used to promote NAFAS at the Ely Flower Festival next week.

Finally, we had the precious experience of attending the service which was very moving as was being able to enjoy the splendour of the singing of the choir and the emotional organ playing.”