Bunches.co.uk

Last week Commercial Director Dan and Production Director Will flew back to Kande, Malawi to follow up on the progress made in the village following our trip last October. They have returned with glowing reports of positive changes in the area and how Bunches investment is making a real difference.

It was lovely to hear that work has already started building much needed toilet blocks in the village. Seven latrines have been funded by my London Marathon sponsorship, together with a further seven made possible with Bunches financial support. Twenty will be built in total which will serve 20,000 people and reduce the spread of disease.

A water borehole has also been repaired since our last visit and 2 further boreholes are due to be drilled which will improve access to clean, safe water.

Below are a few snaps from their trip, showing work in progress on the latrines. A video from the trip will be available for viewing very soon, so keep an eye on our charity page.

Here at Bunches HQ, we're ignoring this unpredictable British weather and getting ready for the long awaited summer months. Days out at the beach, BBQs with the family and picnics in the park are just some of the things we're all looking forward to.

We haven't just been dreaming of long lazy days in the sun, we have also been hard at work creating beautiful summer bouquets full of bold colours to brighten up any home! We have a perfect bunch of blooms to send to your loved ones or even enjoy for yourself.

My personal favourite is the Summer Roses bouquet. It's a colourful selection of twelve mixed Roses in pink, orange, yellow and cerise shades, beautifully finished with Salal and rattan. It's definitely an eye catcher and won't fail to make your recipient smile. It also needs no arranging, so they can just simply pop it into a vase and enjoy the blooms opening at home!

With only 2 weeks until the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations begin, everyone at Bunches is looking forward to an extended weekend of festivities on 2nd June.

To mark the occasion, we have created a new patriotic bouquet inspired by the Union Jack. The 'Majesty' flower bouquet features an elegant red Rose surrounded by white Chrysanthemums, red long-stemmed Carnations, papery blue Statice and cheerful red Germini - the perfect centrepiece for any Jubilee celebration!

The 'Majesty' bouquet is priced at £19.99 and includes a box of yummy milk chocolates when purchased online. Don't forget to place your order by 3pm on 31st May for delivery in time for the Jubilee!

Every year, a Well Dressing Festival is held in Etwall, Derbyshire on the third weekend in May and has been an annual event since 1970. The Well Dressing Festival is a tradition that each year raises money for local charities and pulls together the community.

For those unfamiliar with the event, Well Dressing is the decoration of walls around springs and wells in villages using materials depending on the time of year, in this case spring blossoms, plants and flowers are used.

Last year Bunches donated flowers for the event and this year was no different! The donation of flowers supported the Scout's and Brownies on their displays, who used the 2012 Summer Olympics as their inspiration.

Take a peak at the photos below of the fantastic finished displays...

The sun is shining, numerous ice creams have been consumed at Bunches HQ and we've got into the Jubilee spirit by creating our own bunting!

Decorate your street party or Bank Holiday celebrations with your free Bunches bunting. It's free to download and all you will need is a printer, stapler, scissors and some pretty ribbon.

Download your bunting here. Don't forget to share your photos of the finished product on the Bunches Facebook wall: www.bunches.co.uk/facebook.

When looking through the Bunches archive last week, I came across another lovely customer poem...

"Bunches is the very best,
of the flower market race,
The staff pack the bouquets with tender care,
In strong boxes safe from wear and tear.
Always arrive on time,
Whether the weather is fog, rain or shine.

On opening it is a real delight,
To see the blossoms fresh and bright,
Not so expensive as you might say,
Which helps it make your day!

In Britain, North, South, West and East,
The bouquets are sent Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter,
Birthdays, Christmas, Easter,
And Mothering Sunday in Lent.

To me, Bunches is a marvellous place,
Served with good care and happy grace,
May in continue along the years,
And keep ahead of the market race!"

Many thanks to Mrs. Brimfield from London for sending it in and making us smile!