Enjoying flower power in Cork for more than 65 years

Cork Flower Club is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year with a Charity Gala Floral Demonstration tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12.

The proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Society and to autism charity As I Am.

The club meets in the Douglas GAA hall. Why has it enjoyed such success and bloomed over the years, with many new members currently joining the club?

“We all enjoy the camaraderie among the members,” says Ann Hester, club president, from Passage West, who has been in Cork Flower Club over 10 years.

Each time the members leave the flower club enthused and smelling of roses.

“We do!” laughs Ann.

“Being in the flower club is a great opportunity to learn new floral art techniques and for educational opportunities.

“It is also a great place to make friends with like-minded people,” says Ann.

“Great friendships have been forged throughout the country through the network of the flower club.”

Not surprisingly, Ann has green fingers.

“I am an enthusiastic gardener,” she says. “And at the flower club I learned a huge amount about flower arranging.

“I was a raw beginner and, as I attended all the meetings with expert flower demonstrators over the years, I became good at flower arranging.”

Ann also enjoys making friendships through flowers.

“The atmosphere is always lovely. Working alongside others with flowers is a wonderful thing, and flower arranging is a wonderful skill to learn,” says Ann.

Has she any tips for would-be flower arrangers?

“Keep it simple,” she says. “Don’t be over-fussy and use good quality flowers in a variety of colours. Give the flowers space, don’t squash them in; flowers love their space.”

What is Ann’s favourite flower?

“I love lilies,” she says. “I love all kinds of lilies.”

Peggy Cashman, from White’s Cross, is one of the ‘elder lemons’ of the Cork Flower Club and has held all the officerships over 50 years.

“I’ve been recycled several times,” she laughs.

Peggy, like Ann, wanted to learn new skills and make new friends. She had another reason to join Cork Flower Club.

“I had small kids and joining the flower club provided a great outlet for me! I’ve always had an interest in the garden and in flowers.

“In the beginning, Cork Flower Club was called the Garden Club and both men and women attended. Back then we met in Academy Street, in the building that is now Meadows and Byrne.”

Then things wilted a bit.

“We were homeless for a good few years,” says Peggy.

“Then we got a place in Grattan Street, in St Anthony’s Hall. We moved to the Methodist Church on the Douglas Road for a time, then Garryduff, before we became homeless again.”

Putting down roots 

Then the Cork Flower Club put down solid roots.

“Douglas GAA Hall became our permanent home. The new venue was great as there is a big population in Douglas and surrounds. A lot of younger people joined us. It’s great they like to bring their friends along to all the big demonstrations.”

People came from everywhere.

“We have 60 members, and we call the Northsiders the ‘four norries!' Others come from Blackrock, The Lough and Ballincollig.”

Peggy always had a grá for greenery. “I love flower arranging and I love the social side of the flower club,” she says.

Like all 60 members of Cork Flower Club, Peggy knows flowers signify love and affection; that bright colours help brighten any atmosphere; that flowers bring joy into our homes, boost our mood and awaken the senses, and make a positive impact on one’s mental health.

Peggy also likes the opportunities being a member of Cork Flower Club brings.

“Flower clubs meet all over the country and all over the world,” she says. “Members of our club have travelled and competed all over the world at the World Flower Show, as far away as Tokyo and Boston.

“Being a member of Cork Flower Club is a ticket to around the world,” says Peggy.

Her world involves lots of gardening and lots of flower arranging.

“I love the garden,” says Peggy. “We live on a farm, and we have lots of space.”

Not much can deter this lady from her passions.

“I broke my hip last year, but I still did what I could.”

What could we be doing to brighten our surroundings, now that winter is threatening to arrive?

“Pot up your pots,” says Peggy. 

“It is time to put in tulip bulbs. To brighten up your surroundings, you don’t need a big garden. You can have some lovely pots inside and outside potted up with colourful flowers.”

Peggy suggests making a ‘lasagne’.

“Put your tulip bulbs at the bottom of the pot. Then put in your soil. Add your daffodil bulbs and then add the crocuses.

“They will bring you weeks of pleasure. Colourful pots are better than any bouquet of flowers.”

Charity gala

Peggy is looking forward to the charity gala night celebrating 65 years of Cork Flower Club.

“It is a big night,” she says. “People from all over the country will attend to support us and to support our chosen charities.”

Cork Flower Club has travelled all over the country.

“We enjoy days out where we go and visit ‘outside gardens’, says Peggy.

“We often have a ‘sleep-over’ so that we can visit a number of gardens.”

What advice has Peggy, the ‘elder lemon’ of the flower club, to offer us?

“Practice makes perfect,” she says. “Be interested. You create something new every time.”

Peggy is a hardy perennial.

“Yes, I am an ‘elder lemon!’”

Along with all the members of Cork Flower Club, flourishing for 65 years, she is looking forward to the festive season.

“Our gala night will be a huge success. We are all looking forward to it and it will put us in the mood for Christmas!”

Peggy, like the flowers of spring, likes to spread the joy.

“Do please come along,” she says. “Everyone is welcome.”

The main demonstrator for the Gala Night is Cherie Nummy from Bangor, Co. Down, a noted floral art demonstrator, judge and teacher. Her theme for the evening is ‘Oh What a Great Panto’ and all the creations will be raffled off.

Tim Mulchinok, floral accessory wizard, will also be present with his eclectic offering of gizmos and gadgets.

Tickets are €20, to include refreshments. Available from Sue 087-6283737 and Ann 087-6169540.