A celebration dinner was held in honour of West Wight Floral Arts Society's 45th anniversary.

The group was founded in 1979 under the chairmanship of Sylvia Higgins, known as an excellent teacher in the skills of flower arranging.

Throughout the years the club has had many chairs and has grown from strength to strength.

Members have enjoyed displaying their skills in a wide variety of festivals and contexts, churches, public halls and care homes.  

Isle of Wight County Press: Members of West Wight Floral Arts Society

They particularly enjoy providing floral displays for local weddings.

The group meets fortnightly, alternating between practice evenings and demonstrations from both local and national floral demonstrators.

Isle of Wight County Press: On show, a display by West Wight Floral Arts Society

The 45 anniversary celebration dinner was attended by 51 guests including members from West Wight Floral Arts Society, The Island Flower Club, Northwood Flower Club and Ventnor Flower Club.

It was held at The New Holmwood Hotel, Cowes, and involved welcome drinks and a lunch.

After lunch, attendees were treated to a flower demonstration by Lucy Ellis, a national demonstrator, entitled The Lime Light.

Isle of Wight County Press: Displays by West Wight Floral Arts Society

The floral arrangements were described as "stunning" and "outstanding" - using the most exotic flowers in theatre themed containers.

The day was rounded up with the flowers being raffled, and current chair Corinne Halkyard cutting the celebratory cake.