Mayor’s bouquet recognition for floral arranger

Edna McLaughlin’s tireless service to the community has been honoured with a Mayor’s Bouquet.

Flowers were an appropriate way of acknowledging the 97-year old’s efforts as much of Edna’s volunteer work involved floral arrangements.

Edna provided the flowers for St Barnabas Church in Stoke from her own garden, as well as providing flowers for countless events such as births, weddings and funerals.

She did this right up until the age of 91.

Edna was also often seen fundraising for the community at the local church fair, arranging flowers for Nayland College, and donating daffodils for the annual hospice fundraiser.

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says Edna’s service to her community is extraordinary.

“To be able to honour Edna’s volunteering is a real joy, and for me personally, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

“It is so important to acknowledge the sacrifice and hard work of people such as Edna, and to be able to do it with flowers, makes it just that little bit more special,” she said.