Rutland Flower Club have had a summer packed with floral activity to mark their 65th anniversary. 

On 8 May 2025, the Flower Club commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day by creating beautiful floral displays to mark the occasion at Oakham Castle, Rutland County Museum and Oakham Library. 

VE Day arrangement at Oakham Castle (Photo: Rutland Flower Club)

This was followed by an invite from Nick Hamilton in July to participate in 'Sweet Pea Sunday' at Barnsdale Gardens. 

The Rutland Flower Club stall was filled with stunning arrangements that were available for people to win on the Tombola. Their stall received lots of attention from visitors and local people, commending them on how pretty the stall looked. 

In August, the club went on their annual trip to Old Oak Farm in Uppingham where 27 members and 7 visitors enjoyed an interesting talk from Emma about their vineyard and flower farm. This was followed by lunch and the chance to arrange flowers in jam jars to take home. 

Display at Rutland Flower Show (Photo: Rutland Flower Club)

Then came the first Rutland Flower Show, which was held between 15th and 17th August at Rutland Showground.  

The club were invited by organiser Tom Mumby to create a flower arch at the entrance to the Competition Marquee. The club stepped up to the challenge and the arch was admired by many visitors over the weekend. 

The Flower Show had a children's flower arranging space which was enjoyed by kids and big-kids alike. This whole weekend was a great opportunity for local people to find out more about the club, meet members and admire their work. 

More recently, the Flower Club celebrated Rutland Day on 13 September by displaying their iconic horseshoe arrangement in Oakham Castle, depicting the Rutland Coat of Arms decorated with acorns and a horseshoe of gold roses.

Flower arrangement to celebrate Rutland Day (Photo: Rutland Flower Club)

The club are not finished with their anniversary celebrations, ending the year with more floral fun. Moving into autumn, the club will hold a special Open Meeting at Rutland County Museum on 7 October. 

This year, the key speaker will be Lynne Sharpe, giving a demonstration on the theme 'Magic Garden.' 

This meeting is open for anyone to attend, with tickets costing £15 per person (phone Jane Illsley on 01572 724191 to book a space).  

They also have two more demonstrations coming in November and December, as well as a Festive Workshop at Wing Village Hall on 6 December 2025. 

If you are interested in joining Rutland Flower Club, their meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday of the month in Oakham Methodist Church, starting at 7.30pm. 

To find out more about the club and their upcoming meetings and workshops, contact Sue Sewell on 07771537705 or email: [email protected]