“Where Wonder Blooms” is now history. The Competitions and Social weekend are over for another two years. I hope you enjoyed your weekend in Kinsale. I want to thank you all for supporting the competitions so enthusiastically providing a great spectacle for the very appreciative public which visited in large numbers. Congratulations to all the prize winners and especially to those who won the coveted FAY, Inter- Club and Best in Show awards.

During my brief visit on Friday afternoon I was most impressed by the amazing creativity displayed throughout and by the high standard. I want to thank most sincerely the members of the Executive for the trojan work they did in implementing my plans in my absence at such very short notice. I truly have an amazing team – thank you girls!

Kinsale pulled out all the stops – thanks to the many businesses, Kinsale Flower Club and Actons Hotel for their generosity and welcome.

The trainee Demonstrators have worked hard in preparation for their exams. We wish them every success. Members are very welcome to form an audience for the exams on 10^th and 11th May in the Order of Malta Hall, Thurles.

Our next opportunity to meet will be at the Charirpersons’ meeting which will provide a forum for us all to share ideas. This time we have decided to have a garden visit in the afternoon rather than the customary talk. I know that you will find this garden well worth a visit. Let’s hope that the weather will be kind to us.

From then on the focus will be on our Flower Festival “Slendour in Flowers and Stone”in Cobh. There is a small number who need final details of their titles and niches and I will be in contact with them shortly.

Finally, I want to thank you all for rallying to help and support me and my family at this difficult time. Your thoughtfulness and kindness are much appreciated.

Mary