NEVER mind “Around the World in 80 Days”, at their May meeting, members of Crediton Flower Club were treated to a floral trip “Around the World in Two Hours”! A really special demonstration by Sue Neale who, with her husband Stuart, travelled down from Berrynarbor, near Ilfracombe, to provide a really entertaining evening.

A double treat lay in store as each beautiful arrangement was enhanced by musical accompaniment from Stuart on his keyboard.

Stopping off at the Ritz, in London, before flying out, “afternoon tea” was provided by two placements in wicker tea cups and saucers featuring the use of golden and lime foliage with terracotta freesia, apricot carnations and bright orange roses. You’ll guess the choice of music - Tea for Two and A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square.

Then, flying off to an Italian destination Sue created a beautiful green and white arrangement in a large cream “Italian-type” vase, reminiscent of typical carvings and architecture of that country.

Glorious white “Avalanche” roses were used, together with Italy’s national flower, the white lily. “Poppa Piccolino” was the neapolitan music played to set the scene.

Then by huge contrast the United Arab Emirates were featured and the tallest building in the world, Dubai’s Bury Khalifa was depicted with an arrangement of chincherinchees and lovely soft lilac.

“Memory Lane” roses in a tall metal container. Stuart played the theme from Lawrence of Arabia to add to the atmosphere.

Then we were off to Australia and New Zealand and clever us of driftwood provided the setting for appropriate plant material and flowers for these countries, including textured foliage and lime green chrysanths to echo the lushness of New Zealand and orange Asiatic lilies to suggest the heat of Australia.

The theme song for the Rugby World Cup World in Union for New Zealand and Waltzing Matilda were the obvious musical choices here.

The final destination was Peru and the brightly clashing colours of South America were skilfully arranged by Sue in a large copper urn, with snake grass used to create shape, purple lisianthks, vibrant red azalea and bright orange roses setting the scene.

The evocative Gabriel’s Oboe from the film The Mission provided a wonderful finale and end to our journey.

The vote of thanks was given by club secretary, June Harry.

Members will be enjoying their annual outing in June - a trip to Castle Hill Gardens on Friday, June 23. Some spaces are left so anyone interested in going should please telephone June as soon as possible on telephone 01392 875615.

The next meeting, in the Boniface Centre on Thursday, July 13 at 7.15pm, will be a demonstration by Christine Harrington entitled “Anything Goes”.

Visitors and new members are always welcome.

GM