MEMBERS of Wem Flower Club, which is set to fold after 47 years, say it feels like the “end of an era” after an enjoyable event in the town.

Jessel Jones, who has been chairman for 35 years, joined her fellow members for the lunch at the Old Rectory Hotel, in Lowe Hill Road, to celebrate their time at the club.

But she admitted that while it had all been fun, there was a tinge of sadness as they couldn’t find anyone to take up the mantle of being a committee member. 

“It’s the end of an era really and we’re a little bit saddened by that, as it’s been going for 47 years,” she said.

“We finished because of a lack of committee members, not a lack of money. We’ve been giving money to lots of charities, but our eight-strong committee is full of people who are much older now.

“For example, our treasurer is in her 90s and we can’t get members from the floor to help out and join the committee.

“I’d have loved to have carried on, but we can’t. We have been taking part in the carnival for years, and entering the Sweet Pea festival.

“We’ve done a lot for the community, such as fashion shows, and we’re giving our money to a number of youth groups in Wem when we finish.”

Mrs Jones added the Old Rectory had been a great supporter for the Flower Club and thanked all those helped.

She said: “We had a lovely day – next week we’re having an afternoon tea for our members. We have a competition every month – I won the Rose Bowl and my daughter Christina Lea won the cup. The meal was something everyone enjoyed.

“We want to thank the Old Rectory for their help over their years and  Ivy Dyson, who made a lovely cake.”