“Let the nature embrace each and every day of your life with warmth and love…. Happy Winter Solstice.” (Anon)

For our last Friday Forum meeting of the year we decked out a table with natural matter to acknowledge the forthcoming Winter Solstice.

Flowers, bark, twigs, seashells, pebbles, moss and lichen were included on the nature table and candles were lit in the traditional manner

Members produced their own seasonal arrangements, sharing ideas and materials. Sandra introduced us to Agra Foam, an all-natural product which can be used wet or dry as an alternative to Oasis.

Peter taught us how to make paper angels

Suzanne attended a weaving workshop and made this amazing deer

Liz provided delicious mince pies and ginger Christmas trees

Some of our members attended the funeral of the multi-talented Dr Carl Denton who passed away peacefully at age 95. A beautiful tribute was given by grandson, Ross, and we passed on our condolences to Carl’s family.

Trillium expert.  Some of our members have plants donated by Carl

Marquetry of his home

Spinning wheel

Carl, together with Margaret, founded Friday Forum in 1993 and made a significant contribution over many years. At today’s meeting, the original document of his idea was read out.

Next Meeting:

Our first meeting of 2024 will be 19^th January when Brian Denison will present “Creating an Inspirational Garden over 25 years”

"At the darkest time of year, Lord Yule laid down his beard of snow and cloak of frost and ice to illuminate the gloom.”—Stewart Stafford

Presentation

As ever, Peter Williams gave us an interesting, illustrated talk entitled In the not so bleak mid-winter. Although the coldest meeting (so far), we were cheered by the scenes of colourful plants and lights from various winter gardens. This gave us ideas for our own gardens as well as places to visit.

Display Table

A posy created by Judith for the Welcome Table

Ann's cheerful pot of tête-à-tête daffs, Pittosporum Tom Thumb and Arum leaves

Suzanne brought these which are still flowering in her garden:  Skimmia japonica rubella, Salvia pink lips, Nandina Fire power, Gaura linclheimeri Rosyjane, Erigeron karvin skiarius, Rosa Gabriel oak, Polypodium vulgare, Geranium phaeum Margaret Wilson which has yellow variegated leaves and purple flowers

Kate brought Edgeworthia chrysantha, the scented Japanese paperbush known for its bark and a seed head of Clematis Helios

Judith brought a branch of variegated  prunus laurocerasus Marbled White, useful in flower arrangements

Next Meeting

Friday 15th December.  This is our Christmas "do" so dress accordingly.  We will be creating a communal Winter Solstice table from natural materials plus festive table decorations.