On September 14th, we had the immense honour of creating flower arrangements at Westminster Abbey for the Battle of Britain Service, a Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday. As members of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS), representing the Flower Clubs of Cheshire, it was a privilege to be asked to contribute to such a historic event in this sacred place. Theteam composed of Carol Baker, Carole Chia, Debbie Davies and Louise Jones and Debbie and we were excited beyond words.
Debbie Davies Louise Jones Carole Chia Carol Baker
Honouring the Battle of Britain
This year marks the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a pivotal moment in history. Fought
from July to October 1940, this was the first decisive battle ever to be fought entirely in the air. The Royal Air Force, vastly outnumbered, defended Britain against the German Luftwaffe. The courage and sacrifice of these young airmen, who Winston Churchill famously said gave their lives so that “the few” might prevail, played a crucial role in preventing a German invasion. For those of us contributing to the service at Westminster Abbey, it was an honour to create something beautiful to commemorate their bravery.
The service included the Airman’s Hymn, written by John Dykes (1823–1876). The hymn speaks of faith and trust in the Lord, as many of those young pilots did in the face of danger:
O Ruler of the earth and sky
be with our airmen when they fly;
and keep them in thy loving care
amid the perils of the air.
O let our cry come unto thee
for those who fly o'er land and sea.
Strong Son of Man, save those who fly
swift winged across th'uncharted sky;
each anxious hour and lonely flight,
serene, unchallenged day and night.
O'er land and ocean safely bear
all those in peril in the air.
O Holy Spirit, God's own power
give peace in sudden danger's hour:
bring calm of heart, and be thou near
to those who watch and those who fear.
To thee will rise the grateful prayer
of those who serve thee in the air.
O Trinity of love and grace,
true guide of all who fly through space,
mid peace or war, mid friend or foe,
be with them whereso'er they go.
So shall our praise with heaven's blend
and joyful hearts to thee ascend.
Creating in a Majestic Space
Westminster Abbey, with its thousand-year history, has long been a place of national significance. This Gothic masterpiece has stood witness to countless coronations, royal weddings, and memorial services. Since its consecration in 1065, it has become the resting place for kings, queens, poets, and scientists. To be part of this hallowed tradition, even in our small way, was awe-inspiring.
The Team and the Task
Debbie and Louise were tasked with creating two 8-foot pedestal arrangements for the High Altar. Carol and Carole were given the responsibility of crafting two almost all-around view arrangements in the Quire Stalls.
The arrangements were to reflect the theme of remembrance,
and we were provided with a rich selection of flowers in red, white, and blue: white gladioli, roses and Chrysanthemums, red carnations and gerbera and blue agapanthus and gentiana. The colours were perfect for honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of Britain.
We felt a weighty sense of responsibility. Westminster Abbey is steeped in history and majesty. Standing within its ancient walls, knowing our flowers would be seen by so many, was a humbling experience. There was a reverence in the air, not just for the space itself, but for what this Service represented.
A Journey Full of Excitement
The journey to London was full of excitement and camaraderie. We all set off early, meeting on the train, chatting about our plans and the privilege ahead of us. After arriving in the city, we had the chance to take in some of London’s iconic sights, including St. James’s Park, the River Thames, and the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben towering over the river.
That evening, we made sure to get a good rest, knowing we had an early start ahead. Our hotel was only a short walk from the Abbey, and as we strolled over that morning, the sun was rising over the city, casting a beautiful light over the ancient stones of the Abbey. It was a breathtaking sight, and the thought of what lay ahead gave us butterflies.
Setting Up in the Abbey
When we arrived at Westminster Abbey, we were greeted by the lovely NAFAS coordinators, Jilly Griffin and Linda O’Sullivan who had already purchased and conditioned all the flowers we’d be using. The Cheshire team brought along additional foliage to add their stamp to their designs with Louise and Deb bringing some baby blue eucalyptus to add some blue in the foliage. Though we’d been given a plan of the Abbey and the requirements for our arrangements, there was still a sense of nervousness as we set to work. It was such an honour to be creating something within these hallowed walls.
Pedestal in the RAF Chapel created by Linda O'Sullivan
The task of arranging flowers in such a majestic place wasn’t just about creating beauty, it was about creating something that spoke to the heart of the Service and the history it commemorated. As we worked, we were surrounded by tourists who were eager to hear about what we were doing and why. It was wonderful to be able to share our work and its purpose with so many interested people.
Louise and Deb creating pedestals at the High Alter
We had a few hours to complete the
arrangements, and once everything was in place, we were delighted to see our finished work. The towering pedestal designs at the High Altar, with their red, white, and blue blooms, felt perfectly at home in the grandeur of the Abbey.
Carol Baker and Carole Chia's pedestals in the Quire Stalls brought an elegance to the space, maintaining the sense of reverence and reflection needed for the service.
Carol Baker and Carole Chia
A Special Moment in History
Once our work was done, we were given the special treat of visiting the Queen’s Gallery. Walking through the Abbey, taking in the history that surrounded us, we were struck by the sheer age and beauty of the place. In the Queen’s Gallery, we were amazed at the historical details on display—especially the costumes and regalia that had been preserved for centuries. Seeing undergarments and corsets from Elizabeth I’s time was a step back in history.
The experience felt particularly surreal for Debbie as she reflected moving to London from Liverpool at 16 to train as a professional dancer. She used to pass Westminster Abbey regularly on her way to her part time job working in a sandwich bar opposite the Houses of Parliament. Little did she know she would one day be inside, creating with flowers.
A Day We’ll Never Forget
This day will remain one of the most special in all of our memories. The Abbey, the flowers, and the sense of history combined to make it an unforgettable experience. Though we’ve worked at prestigious venues before, nothing compares to the sense of awe and privilege that came with creating flowers for the Battle of Britain Service at Westminster Abbey. It was truly a team effort, full of laughter, shared excitement, and a deep sense of honour for the task we had been given.
Sisters Louise Jones and Debbie Davies run a creative business, louiseanddeb.com specializing in unique floral arrangements, body art, and face painting. Louise has a passion for combining traditional floral elements with modern designs, while Debbie brings her background in professional dance into her creative process, adding movement and grace to each arrangement.
Head to www.louiseanddeb.com to receive updates on our flower arranging and upcoming classes.
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