Surviving these cold, gloomy days at the end of winter certainly requires a little hope. But that’s nothing compared with surviving breast cancer, which affects thousands of women in the UK. Ace Flowerz managed to provide a ray of hope on both accounts, with their Breakthrough Breast Cancer fundraising event today at the Swallow Coulsdon Manor hotel.
London, UK (PRWEB) March 17, 2006 -- Surviving these cold, gloomy days at the end of winter certainly requires a little hope. But that’s nothing compared with surviving breast cancer, which affects thousands of women in the UK. Ace Flowerz managed to provide a ray of hope on both accounts, with their Breakthrough Breast Cancer fundraising event today at the Swallow Coulsdon Manor hotel.
Guests arrived at 10.30am to the cosy respite of the Blenheim room in the award-winning Swallow Coulsdon Manor while temperatures plummeted outside with a decidedly un-spring like dusting of snow.
Article by Catherine McCormack
Pictures by Functionpix -- Pascal Molliere
At least the theme indoors was Spring, and guests were greeted by the scent of stunning floral displays by hosts Ace Flowerz, raising the spirits despite the frosty weather.
Host Neil Bain proceeded to give his impressive flower arranging demonstration, and was full of handy hints on creative flower arranging for all manner of events from barbeques to cocktail parties. Neil charmed the guests with his creative styling of crystals, tulips and feathers while his topiary of lemon and lime roses provoked an audible ripple of glee from the audience.
Ace Flowerz was set up last year by Gillian White and Neil Bain, two very experienced professional florists from Surrey, who are now concentrating on charity events. This is their third event for Break Through Breast Cancer, and they are seeking to expand their event work with charities such as the Children’s Trust. The fight against breast cancer however is one close to both Gillian and Neil’s hearts. ‘We’ve both had friends who have suffered, so it’s nice to do something actively’ Neil said.
After Neil’s demonstration there was an opportunity for the guests to have a go themselves and create a ribbon corsage for the bunch of daffodils that were on each seat, while Neil, Gill and their lovely assistants were on hand to help, one perplexed guest was even heard to shriek ‘It’s worse than the Generation Game!’
Throughout his presentation Neil received questions, gave plenty of tips and delivered the odd witty comment, to very positive effect.
‘I’m fired with enthusiasm’ one guest and fellow flower arranger said. ‘Neil uses flowers I’ve never had thought of before and his tips were so useful.’
Mary Klimpke, another keen flower arranger who often arranges village displays in Waldingham said ‘Neil is very inspirational. I’d come back to another Ace Flowerz event without a doubt. It’s very impressive.’
Neil and Gill are planning to offer some flower arranging workshops and one-day courses in floristry at the Swallow Couldson Manor hotel. They are also planning more evening events, possibly with a more glamorous James Bond theme to bring a touch of drama to their craft.
To get the coffers over-flowing for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, there was of course a chance for some shopping, and not just for flowers. Jewellery and accessories from Julie Rainer-Seath, giftware from Villandry and mouth-watering chocolates made it a good excuse to indulge in a little shopping for Mother’s Day gifts.
‘It’s all about getting the ladies who lunch to spend spend spend spend’ said Pat Grafton, who was assisting with the silk flower stand. With 10% of all proceeds going to the charity it became a guilt-free shopping spree.
Head of the committee for breakthrough for Breast Cancer, Pat Tanner also attended the Ace Flowerz event and said ‘The aim is to eradicate breast cancer. I cannot stress enough how important it is for women of all ages to check their breasts and to go to their mammogram check-ups. The government is ploughing a lot of money into breast cancer research and a speedy diagnosis saves lives.’
She also urged the importance that young women and even men are aware of the threat of breast cancer, and mentioned pop star Kylie Minogue’s recent experience of breast cancer as bringing the disease to the media forefront.
Peter Bevan, the Corporate Fundraising Manager from St Christopher’s Hospice also attended the event and had a few things to say about charity fundraising.
‘You can have a little girl who sends in her pocket money because her nan died of breast cancer, every little bit helps, it’s not just the big events.’
Lunch was a merry affair as the 50 guests got stuck in to the award-winning cuisine from the Swallow Coulsdon Manor hotel.
Richard Ackland, the regional sales manager for the Swallow hotels group confirmed the previous successes of the Ace Flowerz events and is looking forward to their next event in June.
After lunch the raffle for sought after table decorations designed by the nimble hands of host Neil Bain got underway accompanied by giggles and laughter from the contented guests.
Nora Grant concluded the day’s proceedings with a few words about the work of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, which has raised over £500,000 in the past four years through the charity work of groups such as Ace Flowerz.
It seems that the only way is up in the battle against breast cancer, and what better way to say it than with flowerz.
You can buy images from this event by going to http://www.functionpix.com -- All profits will be donated to Breakthrough for Breast Cancer -- thanks!
Functionpix covers all events with original news, images in order to raise money for charity. We are the only UK News/photographic organisation of our kind.
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