A flower arranging group has honoured a former chairman with life presidency for her almost 50 years of hard work in the club.

Bemerton Afternoon Flower Arrangers honoured Doreen Till with life presidency of the club for all her hard work and dedication to the club over the past 47 years.

The award was issued via the NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) and she was delighted to win the award, having served as chairman for many years - at times without the aid of a committee.

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Doreen has also been a very active member of the community, when in October 2007 she was awarded Pillar of the Community Award, running a 50+ group, Nicknamed the 'Nifty-Fifties' at Five Rivers Leisure Centre.

Once a month she organised coach trips: theatre visits, shopping trips & other events including holidays/breaks away, as well as hosting fundraising events for charities and supporting neighbours.

She also became involved with the hospice after the death of her husband in 2007, raising funds and helping the end-of-Life team by making Compassion Roses, which she still continues to do with the Flower Club.

'Doreen's enthusiasm is infectious''Doreen's enthusiasm is infectious' (Image: Linda Goddard)

In 2010, Doreen organised the Wilton Church Flower Festival with supporters of the club along with creating other arrangements at many other flower festivals in the region over the years.

Along with many other flower arrangers in the area, Doreen did flower arrangements for the Chapel at the Salisbury District Hospital. 

In 2012, she organised the Flower Arrangers club to raise funds for The  Stars Appeal - Little Lives, and by 2015, she raised over £1600 with sales from her book ‘My Love Story’ about her life with Brian, (her husband) for the hospice.

Fellow flower arrangers described their fondness of Doreen in their group.

Marianne described her as "a warm hearted person who is unique", and Linda said: "Her warmth, enthusiasm and creative ability with flowers continues to enhance our club”.

Mary said: "Doreen’s enthusiasm is infectious, and she loves to welcome and help anyone who needs it. We are truly fortunate to have her.” 

Bemerton Flower Arrangers meet on the second Wednesday of each month at St Gregory's Church Hall. For more information, click here.