The latest Fareham Oakley Reunion (now including Southsea, Richmond and Brighton Oakleyites) took place in historic Petersfield, once home to the world's first Teddy Bear Museum, Sir Alec Guinness and George Best and still conveniently located on both the A3 and the A272.

The South’s finest Oakleyites were all present to enjoy a fantastic selection of activities arranged by Lewis. We began with a demonstration of Flower Arranging from the very knowledgeable and patient Daphne, before we embarked on building our own special arrangements using plenty of oasis but no frogs. Some of the men, like Andy Jones, Greg Asher, Michael Falconer, Barney Walker and Matt Linney went for the robust architectural approach, Jack Hopkins, George Potter and Josh Rowe were enthusiastic, whilst a more precise style was used by Lauren Elmer, Hannah Croad, Rachel Skinner, Sarah Kay and Aimee White. Horticultural knowledge was in short supply and typically many of us thought that the decapitated Chrysanthemums stems really were Celery. The finished display of arrangements was surprisingly good and we then moved on to a short quiz prepared by Beverley on the plants in the Physic Garden where Gareth Watson, Izzy Printer, Stephen Falconer (incognito) and Josh Rowley looked studious and Natasha Pitt and Amie Fairs looked cold yet glamorous.

The next daunting challenge was to create a unique record of our flower arrangements with a good supply of acrylic paints, brushes and canvas. Impressionist, Cubist and Surrealist – none of these terms could be used to accurately explain the broad range of styles that were on show. Sam Rowley (Turner sunset), Dan Hodgkin (minimalist), Charlie Potter (Abstract), Mike Jones (Jones-esque) and Maria Bowles (just good) proved this.

Matt Pitt led the way on the next event, Sandwich and Cake eating, narrowly beating a selection of Potters, Falconers, Rowleys and Jones. The final event of the afternoon was a chaotic 27 chair game of Matthew Mark Luke and John, where Hosea, Haggai and Habakkuk proved to be the hot seats. A very good time was had by all.

Many thanks to Daphne for introducing us to flower arranging and most of all to Lewis and Beverley for the organisation of a very enjoyable and memorable afternoon.