There was a very welcoming atmosphere with tables laid with flowers, wine and photo albums.
The albums weren’t just there for browsing, but to help with the questions on the quiz sheets. The quiz was an ideal ice breaker as people arrived and chatted not only with their fellow table guests, but with other tables to find the answers.
Liphook in Bloom president Terry Burns gave a most interesting and entertaining presentation about the organisation’s history.
Entertainment was provided by Luke Evans and his cousin Jake; two talented young men who wowed the audience with their juggling and unicycle skills. This was followed by a buffet prepared by Barbara Frost and helpers, which was another chance for guests to mingle.
The guests then enjoyed a video produced by Jan Roles, Russel Ellis and Paul Johnson showing highlights of the Liphook in Bloom year.
Then came the answers to the quiz, and the person with the highest score was Phil Jordan.
Liphook in Bloom chairman Irene Ellis said a few words and said how pleased she was to see everyone there and thanked them for their help and support throughout the year. She stressed that she hoped that would continue as and when a few longstanding members of the organisation stepped down and new team members took over.
The evening finished with the presentation of the Chairman’s Award. This went to vice-chairman Keith Tipping who is stepping down from his role in charge of the watering team. His enthusiasm and dedication will be sorely missed.
As a final goodwill gesture everyone was given a bag of bulbs to take home.