Why cheque from the Queen was never cashed

Barbara Tabor, 83, from Thorpe St Andrew, has been proprietor of Constance Websters Florist, for 50 years. (Image: Archant 2022)

But after receiving a cheque to cover the Queen's order Barbara Tabor decided not to cash it but instead hang on to it as a keepsake.

Barbara is celebrating 50 years at the helm of Constance Webster Florists, in Spinney Road, Thorpe St Andrew, 50 years after taking it on from the former .

Barbara Tabor, 83, from Thorpe St Andrew, has been proprietor of Constance Websters Florist, for 50 years. (Image: Archant 2022)

Reflecting on her career, Mrs Tabor, who grew up in Lakenham and now lives in Thorpe, said: "I started working here in 1972 after coming into the shop to buy some flowers for a friend. Mrs Webster suggested she needed a van driver."

After just over two years delivering bouquets around the city she moved to the shop floor and spent four years training in the art of floristry before become the new owner in 1978 when Mrs Webster retired.

"I love this place and love the people around here. As long as my health is fine, I'll stay here.

"I cannot sit at home. I would go crazy," said Mrs Tabor.

Barbara Tabor, 83, from Thorpe St Andrew, has been proprietor of Constance Websters Florist, for 50 years. (Image: Archant 2022)

She added the business also kept her going after the death of her husband in 1988 and she and her staff were very particular in their flower arranging.

"I have customers who bought their wedding flowers from me and have since made their children's and grandchildren's wedding flowers."

She added she treated every customer the same and originally thought the call from a Buckingham Palace official asking for an order of 12 yellow roses, costing £9, from the Queen to a patient at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in February 1980 was a practical joke.

The cheque for the bouquet of flowers ordered by the Queen in 1980 (Image: Archant 2022)

But she soon realised it was a genuine order for who she believed was a staff member of the Queen.

Mrs Tabor added: "I felt proud and remember the bouquet, wrapped with a yellow bow, as clear as day."

Norwich City manager Ken Brown with the Milk Cup trophy in 1985 while wearing a buttonhole made by Barbara Tabor and her staff (Image: Paul Hewitt)

The grandmother and great-grandmother, who can work 10 hours a day, was also proud to make over 20 yellow carnation buttonholes for Norwich City players and staff for the 1985 Milk Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

And despite running a florists, she often does not have blooms in her home adding: "I see them every day."