Margaret Emms florists celebrate 50 years in business. Owner Mary Murray, centre, with Emily Coe, Matt Ellis and Chris Dearman. Photo: Bill Smith.

When staff at Norwich florists Margaret Emms arranged their first bouquet, the Cuban Missile Crisis was at its height, James Bond was taking on Dr No in cinemas, and Norwich City won the League Cup.

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When staff at Norwich florists Margaret Emms arranged their first bouquet, the Cuban Missile Crisis was at its height, James Bond was taking on Dr No in cinemas, and Norwich City won the League Cup.

And 50 years on, the company is still going strong as it gears up for its golden anniversary year.

From its beginnings in St Stephens Road in 1962, the company has expanded and in 2010 opened a second store in Drayton Road, where the celebrations began yesterday – with staff dressed in period clothing and surrounded by Sixties memorabilia.

Owner Mary Murray said: “Floristry as a whole has not changed a lot in the past 50 years – the styles are different, but the techniques are the same.

“Of course, in 1962 there wasn’t the transport infrastructure to get flowers from the other side of the world to you within 24 hours. You had to rely on seasonal local flowers instead – now you can get any flower at any time of year.”

Mrs Murray took control of the business in 2004, buying out owners who had taken over from the Emms family 15 years before.

She said: “Margaret Emms has always been known for quality and service, and that’s what we have built on.”

The florists is running a golden anniversary competition, offering the winner a free bouquet every month from April to December, or £250 of flowers towards a special occasion. Fifty runners-up will receive a single golden rose.

With greater competition from supermarkets and garages, Mrs Murray believes a crowded marketplace still has room for the expertise of a professional florist.

“Others don’t have the skills to create displays or arrangements for weddings, funerals or even corporate contracts, so we concentrate on that.

“We have a large number of regular customers, some of whom have been coming to us for 25 years or more,” she said.

“Margaret Emms is a well-known and respected name around Norwich and we have tried to continue that. As they say, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

To enter the competition, go to www.margaretemms.co.uk