NAFAS

In the east cloister of Westminster Abbey, just north of the Chapter House, is a small stone with an emblem of a green lozenge with a flower design inside it. This marks the burial on 9th November 1977 of a freeze-dried flower arrangement by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies of Great Britain (NAFAS) in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. A new stone was inserted in 2017 with the addition of the initials on the stone.

The glass container in which the arrangement was buried and the special drying process was prepared by Dr Frost of Reading University. The spring flower arrangement was done by an unknown member. It measures nearly seven inches in height with flowers including forget me nots, primroses and tulips. On the base below the silver dish is a collage of more spring plants with a small crown. Messages from the Dean and Chapter of Westminster and NAFAS were lodged beside the arrangement with a collection of seeds of ornamental grasses, brassicas and angelicas. Mrs Mary Pope, Founder President, covered the container at the short service.

The Society regularly provides flower arrangements for special events at the Abbey. A display was set up to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday outside St Margaret's church.