BATTLE of Flowers stalwart Florence Bechelet celebrates her 70th year of taking part in Jersey’s floral parade this year.
Seven decades after designing her first float at the age of 16, Miss Bechelet, at 86, is looking forward to the parade as much as ever.
‘I was ten years old when I saw my first exhibit,’ she said.
‘I thought to myself, it would be nice to do something like that.’ Although she is no longer able to walk with her float on the day, due to back problems, she has once again taken up the challenge, producing a float for this year’s Battle.
The 37 ft x 9 ft float called ‘The Pride of India’, based on four life-sized Bengal tigers, prowling around a cage, will be on show for all to see at next week’s parade.
It is made entirely out of harestails and marram grass - which Miss Bechelet has always used on her floats - and has been made almost single-handedly but with a bit of help from her friends.
Article posted on 3rd August, 2004 - 12.00am
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