NAFASNews The associaTioN of flowerof arraNgemeNT socieTies · memBers’socieTies NewsleTTer TheNaTioNal NaTioNal associaTioN flower arraNgemeNT
SPRING 2026
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETIES
National President’s Northern Ireland Event FOR NAFAS MEMBERS
· Spirıt of theNorth
ENJOY A MIDWEEK BREAK OF FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND FLOWERS
Armagh City Hotel 2 Friary Road, Armagh BT60 4FR Tuesday 18th – Thursday 20th August 2026
Full event cost Single room Two people sharing
£399 £350pp
Day delegate cost PROGRAMME Tuesday
G Afternoon arrival G Evening meal and
entertainment
Wednesday
G Breakfast G Teaching demonstration G Lunch G Gala demonstration by two
National Demonstrators G Drinks reception, Gala Dinner and Ceilidh
Thursday
G Breakfast G Talk by a National Speaker G Close of Conference by
NAFAS National Chairman
Additional attractions G Traders /retail therapy G Tombola and Raffle
(Wednesday) Teaching Demonstration, Lunch, Gala Demonstration £100 Above plus Gala Dinner and entertainment £150
To register your interest and reserve places Please provide your name, contact details and number of places to Email: events@nafas.org.uk Tel: 020 7247 5567
A FUNDRAISING EVENT IN AID OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETIES Registered Charity No. 1101348
NAFAS News New NAFAs CeO Richard Abraham We extend a warm welcome to new CEO Richard Abraham who joined our Association in mid-November Richard joins NAFAS following five years as Chief Operating Officer of Portsmouth Cathedral. He previously led customer relationship management (CRM) implementation for the Diocese of Europe, served as Group Head of UK Public Service Research for two global research firms, and headed research at Southwark Council. We look forward to hearing more from Richard in future issues of NAFAS News. Richard succeeds Steven Lane as CEO. We wish Steven all the very best in his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service to the Association.
Pre-National Assessments & National Demonstrators Tests This promises to be a superb event where you can support our aspiring National Demonstrators and enjoy a day or two of inspiring floral demonstrations. You may even spot exciting new talent for your club events. The venue offers easy access from the M42 motorway as well as nearby train stations. Venue The Shirley Centre, 274 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands BD90 3AD Date Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 April 2026 Time 10.00am to 4.30pm (doors open at 9.30am) Tickets £15 per person, per day To apply, call Vanessa, 020 7247 5567 or email events@nafas.org.uk NAFAS Head Office contact details Phone 020 7247 5567 Email info@nafas.org.uk Web nafas.org.uk
Head Office updates New Appointment: Lisa Spencer Lisa joined NAFAS in September 2025 as an Office Administrator, she works with our Education, Speakers and Judges Committees and Editorial Team alongside Vanessa Keys to ensure the smooth running of Head Office. Lisa previously worked as an Office Manager in Insurance, Law and Accountancy practices before moving to her most recent role where she spent 10 years with a not-for-profit organisation, working on a volunteer membership programme as Office Manager and Team Coordinator, supporting and championing volunteers to achieve their goals, improving and documenting processes, and organising key events.
New Trustee: Graham Weaver Throughout Graham’s career, he has gained extensive experience in both the aircraft and automotive industries. Additionally, he has pursued part-time training as a youth worker and currently works as a freelance outdoor instructor, training Duke of Edinburgh students. Graham holds a qualification in Health & Safety from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health – safety practitioner level. His professional journey includes several years serving as a Trustee Director for General Motors’ pension fund. Beyond work, he is a keen hill walker and has embarked on numerous unsupported backpacking trips across Scotland from west to east. Photography is another passion, particularly large format analogue photography. Graham serves as the Health & Safety Governor for a primary school in Chester, contributing his expertise to ensure a safe environment for the students and staff.
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
3
NAFAS News NAFAs online shop Don’t forget to visit the NAFAS shop. You can order from our wide selection of items with a floral theme, books, show materials, cards and gifts to send to family and friends with a floral flourish. Subscriptions to The Flower Arranger magazine and back issues are also available to purchase.
The NAFAS shop stocks the following: l Christmas cards l Competition award cards l Diaries and calendars l Digital handbooks l The Flower Arranger magazine l Gifts and notecards l NAFAS handbooks
and NAFAS Competitions Manual l Further flower arranging books
Don’t miss out! Order today. 4
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
OBITUARY WENDY DAVIS NATIONAL ASSOCIATE OF HONOUR (FLOWER CLUBS OF MERCIA & NORTH WALES) Wendy died on 22 September 2025 Wendy was a larger-than-life person, enthusiastic in every endeavour she undertook. Her life was defined by a strong commitment and faith. She was the devoted wife of Tony and a loving mother to Emma and Laura. Tony was a stalwart support to Wendy and accompanied her to many NAFAS events. Wendy had been a member of the Flower Clubs of Mercia & North Wales since the early 1990s and was Chair of Wrexham Flower Club and Llangollen Flower Arrangement Society. In 2000, she became the Area Chair for a term of two years. Still working up to the time of her death, Wendy was the Area President and the Area Speakers’ Representative. Wendy was also a National Speaker, Adjudicator and Instructor, being Chair of the National Speakers’ Committee in 2005, a Demonstrator and Judge and an active competitor. In October 2011, Wendy became the NAFAS National Chair, which she found challenging but rewarding. She brought dedication and vision to the role, inspiring colleagues and fellow flower arrangers with her creativity and leadership. Her influence will be long remembered. During her time in office, she was privileged to arrange flowers in Westminster Abbey for the wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, NAFAS’ Golden Anniversary, a Commonwealth Observance Day, for the visit of His Holiness the Pope during 2010 and the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. She was honoured to be invited to attend the funeral of Julia Clements MBE. Living most of her life in Llangollen she was very involved for many years in the floral decorations at the Eisteddfod which is held there every year. Recently she organised and designed a flower festival in her church, the festival finishing the day before her death. Her faith was a constant throughout her life and a source of strength in times of both joy and challenge. It guided her, giving her a sense of hope and comfort in her final days. Wendy had a lifelong love of fashion with a particular fondness for beautiful HATS!!! Her personality was expressed through the way she dressed. Family, faith, flowers, fashion. They may not always be in that order, but always mixed with fun and friendship.
2027 world Flower show The 14th World Flower Show, hosted by the Australian Floral Art Association, promises an extraordinary array of exhibits and events. Whether you're already a WAFA enthusiast or new to international floral art, the 2027 show promises an unforgettable experience. Register to secure your place in workshops, competition classes and events at www.wafaaustralia.com/pre-rego
WORLD News India Pushpa Bitan Friendship Society In October 2025, Preeti Sarda ‘Jutewali’, who works floral wonders with jute, and Renu Poddar, a former World Champion at WAFA Barbados, taught members a contemporary festive design. The photograph on the right shows Renu (4th from left) and Preeti (6th from left) with members displaying their work. In November, Preeti (pictured below) created some more jute-inspired designs to delight members.
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
5
SPECIAL FeATURe Lindi Carrington reports on how flower arrangers from Suffolk got all aboard for a local railway event What are the chances of your flower club being asked to decorate a vintage steam engine and historic railway line? This is exactly what members of Stowmarket Flower Club (East of England) were asked to do last summer – to decorate the ‘Middy’ Light Railway for the grand opening of a new part of the line by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk on 1 August, 2025.
ABOVE (L–R) Petrina Miles, Kate Ager, Kym Denny, Pauline Squirrell, Ann Ross and Julie Head of Stowmarket Flower Club.
The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, affectionately known locally as the ‘Middy’, was a classic case of a railway built too late (1902) for the great railway age. It never paid its way and was effectively broke before it opened. Operating in receivership from the start, the line was never fully completed, the rails petering out in the middle of a field. However, it still managed to struggle on against all the odds for 50 years. Now, the line extension means that the Middy can now operate trains over the full length of the line that is already laid. 6
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
Stowmarket’s enthusiastic and talented arrangers rose to the challenge, producing table arrangements in the historic carriages, a memorial wreath for the station, arrangements for the stage and presentation bouquets for the Lord Lieutenant and officials. In addition, there was a decorative wreath for ‘Sir Berkeley’, the Victorian steam engine. The iconic image of the decorated engine in full steam was captured by committee member Ann Ross and featured in local media coverage of the event. Arrangements in the carriages were by Ann Ross, Memorial Wreath by Kate Ager (Chair), wreath on Sir Berkeley by Kym Denny, stage arrangement by Pauline Squirrell, pedestal by Petrina Miles and presentation bouquets by Julie Head.
Photographs: courtesy of Stowmarket & District Flower Club
LEFT & BELOW The decorative wreath created by Kym Denny for the ‘Sir Berkeley’ steam engine.
SPECIAL FeATURe
ABOVE Presentation on stage: pictured Ian Meigh, Chairman (right) & Tony Alston, President MSLR (left). The pedestal was arranged by Petrina Miles.
ABOVE Carriage arrangement by Ann Ross BELOW The Memorial Wreath created by Kate Ager
ABOVE Presentation bouquets by Julie Head
Photographs: courtesy of Stowmarket & District Flower Club
BELOW One of the stage arrangements by Pauline Squirrell
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
7
This design featuring Gloriosa (glory lily), Protea and Heliconia (false bird of paradise, lobster claw) by Jane Belcher and Angela Edmonds (Berks, Bucks & Oxon) won Very Highly Commended in the Area Class, ‘Nature’s Challenge’ at the 2025 NAFAS National Show at Gloucester Cathedral.
Photograph: Assaf Frank
The popular class was open to a maximum of two competitors per exhibit. These were displayed on a 120cm square base and viewed and judged all round. Displayed in the central nave, they drew many admiring visitors.
AREA & CLUB News Berks, Bucks & Oxon Newbury Floral Society One late Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, the worst nightmare of any flower club Programme Secretary came true. The Demonstrator booked for the following Tuesday phoned to say that she was too ill to demonstrate. With less than 48 hours until 50+ ladies would be arriving expecting a demo – what to do? Luckily, the NAFAS National Speakers Chair, Bronda Dossett, came to the rescue, agreeing to come and give her brilliant talk, ‘Tales from Downton Abbey’. It was the first time the club has had a Speaker, but after five minutes, members were absolutely enthralled – more engaged and interested than ever, in fact. Questions were asked and the little bit of audience participation, halfway through, had them all joining in with enthusiasm. Bronda’s presentation was professional, interesting and entertaining. The talk was accompanied by slides. The committee managed to muster tea and cakes, which completed the afternoon, with many members not wanting to go home!
Margaret began her journey in flower arranging more than 50 years ago when she attended a course led by John and Bett Wareing – the rest, as they say, is history. Over the decades, Margaret has become well known for her competitive floral work. Among her many achievements, she has twice exhibited with the Area Team at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, proudly gaining a Gold medal. The pinnacle of her career came when she was chosen to represent NAFAS internationally at WAFA in Japan and Boston. Always supported by her husband, Brian, who crafted the metal stands for her exhibits, Margaret’s creativity and dedication have been the hallmark of her success. Margaret continues to share her passion through her flower arranging class, which has been going for more than 50 years. She has inspired and encouraged countless students to enter shows both Nationally and within the Area, always offering guidance and friendship along the way. BELOW Margaret Whittaker won First Prize and People's Choice Award in the 'Woodshavings' class in the Area competition at the 2025 Country Fest show.
A Speaker is highly recommended for all clubs to add a different aspect to the programme – members may well enjoy the experience more than expected.
Flowers North west Longton with Hutton Flower Club A friend to many, Margaret Whittaker’s commitment, talent, and generosity of spirit make her a most deserving recipient of The Flower Arranger Award 2025. BELOW David Ryland (past Chair, Flowers North West) presenting Margaret Whittaker with The Flower Arranger Award.
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
9
AREA & CLUB News Kent Floral Art
Sevenoaks Flower Club
Deal & District Flower Club
In July, Sevenoaks Flower Club was treated to a lovely warm and entertaining afternoon demonstration titled ‘A Bucket Girl’ by their very own club member and past Chair Patricia Ellis. Members were fascinated to learn how Patricia became involved in flower arranging, her participation in festivals and shows as well as her work at Southwark Cathedral. Her little stories and anecdotes about her journey were told with such good humour and modesty with her passion for flowers and friendship shining through. Refreshments were served and all Patricia’s flower arrangements raffled off to the delight of lucky members.
Recently Deal & District Flower Club held a practical meeting where Penny Barnes (club Chair) hosted a workshop titled ‘Fairies, Pomanders and Stars’. Making use of nature’s finest, with a little imagination and creativity some fabulous innovative designs emerged. It was also a way of inspiring members to create unique pieces for the annual festive sale. This event is well supported by members and customers alike with funds raised to boost the flower club’s coffers, allowing it to have a varied, interesting and entertaining programme throughout the year.
Dover Flower Club A recent recruit to flower arranging teamed up with an experienced club member to enter the NAFAS National Show at Gloucester Cathedral in September. Maxine West-Burr and Cicely Finnis (pictured below) worked together to create an exhibit in the class ‘Metamorphosis’ (pictured on the opposite page). It was Maxine’s first National Show, having only started flower arranging three years ago. She and Cicely have become great friends through the experience embodying the phrase ‘Friendship through flowers’.
10
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
At the October meeting, Tessa Forbes, a longstanding member and past Chair presented Shirley Brewster with the Forbes Trophy. Members voted her all-foliage arrangement (pictured below) as their winner! The trophy was first presented to member Barbara Olley in 1993 by Tessa Forbes, who remains a cherished member of the club.
Photograph: Assaf Frank
Maxine West-Burr and Cicely Finnis (Kent Floral Art) created this design showing a beautiful floral butterfly for the Club Class ‘Metamorphosis’ at the 2025 NAFAS National Show. A maximum of two competitors per exhibit was tasked with interpreting the class to be staged on a decorative tiled floor in the presbytery. The space allowed was width 80cm, depth 80cm, height optional, to be viewed all round and judged from the front.
ANNIVERSARY CeLeBRATIONs congratulations to all the Nafas clubs and areas on reaching these milestone anniversaries
25 YEARS (Silver)
60 YEARS (Diamond)
Loftus & District Flower Club (Northumberland & Durham) Presteigne & Borders Floral Art Society (Flower Clubs of Mercia & North Wales)
Denbigh Floral Art Club (Flower Clubs of Mercia & North Wales) Frimley Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey) Lenzie & District Flower Club (SAFAS) Wallsend Floral Art Club (Northumberland & Durham)
35 YEARS (Coral) Innovations (South West)
65 YEARS (Blue Sapphire)
50 YEARS (Gold)
Birstall Flowers (North Midlands) Epworth & District Flower Club (North Midlands) Hitchin Flower Club (Home Counties) Island Flower Club (Ryde) (Wessex & Jersey) Preston Flower Club (Flowers North West) Saltford & Keynsham Flower Club (South West) Spalding District Flower Club (East of England)
Baldock Flower Club (Home Counties) Stock Flower Club (East of England) Winterslow Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey)
55 YEARS (Emerald) Bispham with Blackpool Flower Club (Flowers North West) Colehill Floral Arrangement Club (Dorset & Guernsey) Lydney & Severnside Flower Club (Three Counties & South Wales) Manx Floral Art Luncheon Club (Flowers North West) Radcliffe Floral Art Group (Flowers North West) Sunderland Floral Art Club (Northumberland & Durham)
Frindsbury Floral Art Group (Kent Floral Art), celebrated its Diamond Anniversary in June 2025. Jean Hoar, North Kent Rep, held a workshop for members, making a framed floral arrangement. It was great fun and everyone had a good time. A few weeks later members enjoyed an afternoon tea in a
70 YEARS (Platinum) South Cheshire Floral Society (Flower Clubs of Cheshire) Stourport Floral Art Club (Three Counties & South Wales)
75 YEARS (Diamond) West Dorset Flower Club (Dorset & Guernsey)
local tea shop with a couple of glasses of bubbles beforehand. The photograph shows (L-R) Jan Merritt, Kay Lakin, Tessa Woodward (club Treasurer), Tina Claydon, Elaine Nutton, Sue Bumpstead (club Secretary), Leigh Powis (club Chair), Ann Green, Kay Hunt, Jean Hoar (North Kent Rep).
Frindsbury
ANNIVERSARY CeLeBRATIONs Ordering back issues of The Flower Arranger
Back issues of The Flower Arranger are available to NAFAS Areas and clubs at the following prices: 2025 £2.50 per copy + postage 2024 and earlier £1 per copy + postage Please email: info@nafas.org.uk or contact Nafas head office on 020 7247 5567
Ashtead
Your very own The Flower Arranger Apron Need a sensible cover-up while you work? our unique apron was designed with flower arrangers in mind. makes a great gift for flower arranging friends. l stylish and practical
especially for flower arrangers l Useful length to
protect you from mess and spills l handy pockets
James Burnside, National President, visited Ashtead Flower Arrangement Group in the Surrey Area to help celebrate the club’s remarkable 70th anniversary. He joined members and reflected the club’s long history, creativity, and strong community spirit. His visit marked a proud milestone for one of the Area’s most established and cherished clubs. Members enjoyed a scrumptious cake, pictured above, made and beautifully decorated by Alison Honor.
for loose items while you work Only £15.99. Buy online at nafas.org.uk
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
13
SPECIAL FeATURe Next generation flower arrangers at the NAFAs National show Several eager young flower arrangers took part in the 2025 NAFAS National Show. The craft class title was ‘Bug Hotel’ and exhibits were displayed outside the Lady Chapel in two sections, young people aged 7-12 years and 13-17 years. The space allowed was width 35cm, depth 35cm, height optional with entries staged on open tabling covered with natural hessian.
ABOVE Award: First Prize Arranger: Amelia Bradner (Devon & Cornwall Floral Art) TOP RIGHT Award: Second Prize Arranger: Daniela Clark (SAFAS) BOTTOM RIGHT Award: Third Prize Arranger: Evalina Kotliar (SAFAS)
14
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
Photographs: Assaf Frank
Exhibitors in the 7 to 12 age group created an array of bug hotels filled with small spaces of different shapes and sizes. Using a variety of natural and recycled materials, they produced inviting hideaways perfectly suited to welcoming a wide range of creepy crawlies seeking a cosy rest and protection from predators and poor weather
SPECIAL FeATURe Designs in the 13 to 17 age group suggested homes from home for small creatures. These displays featured crevices in bark, holes in dead wood, piles of fallen leaves, gaps in rocks, hollow plant stems and spaces in old logs, all echoing the natural habitats where mini beasts can shelter
TOP LEFT Award: First Prize Arranger: Florence Scannell (South Midlands) BOTTOM LEFT Award: Second Prize Arranger: Aerith Possart (South Midlands) ABOVE Award: Third Prize Arranger: Betsy Scannell (South Midlands)
Advertise your event in The Flower Arranger Is your NAFAS Area or club planning a flower show, festival or event?
Photographs: Assaf Frank
If so, contact Jayne Perry to discuss our exclusive discounted rates for Nafas areas and clubs, 01778 391189/ 07876 658498, jayne.perry@warnersgroup.co.uk The Flower Arranger is the UK’s favourite floral art magazine with the widest circulation of flower lovers including NAFAS members and the general public. By advertising in it, you will achieve the best possible targeted publicity for your event. Whether a festival, show or social event, we are happy to discuss the best way of publicising it.
NAFAS NEWS · SPRING 2026
15
Information for contributors NAFAS Area and Club News, Anniversary Celebrations and Good Causes Areas and clubs affiliated to NAFAS can send in the above for inclusion in the online edition. All text and photographs should be supplied using the email below. Email: news@nafas.org.uk (please state name of club in the subject line of email message) Postal address (if you are unable to supply by email): NAFAS News Editorial, 1st Floor, 42-44 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AH. All copy to arrive by the deadlines listed below. If your entry refers to a club – please include the Area of NAFAS to which your club belongs. Deadlines: 3 November for the Spring issue 3 February for the Summer issue 3 May for the Autumn issue 3 August for the Winter issue
Front cover and above This suspended exhibit was Commended in the ‘Enigmatic Entanglement’ class at the 2025 NAFAS National Show ‘Nature’s Challenge’ held at Gloucester Cathedral Arranger Patricia Murphy Photograph Assaf Frank NAFAS News is published quarterly by NAFAS Enterprises Ltd. 1st Floor, 42–44 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AH Tel: 020 7247 5567 Web: www.nafas.org.uk Email: info@nafas.org.uk Editor Chloë Bryan-Brown NAFAS NEWS Co-ordinator Lisa Spencer Email: news@nafas.org.uk Acknowledgements Ann Harding, Linda Lyons, Christine Saunders NAFAS National Chair Nicky Wylie Design Amanda Hawkes Printer Warners, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH © NAFAS 2026
Registered charity no. 1101348
Photographing or copying any pages of NAFAS News is strictly forbidden without the express permission of the Editor.
Entries received after the deadline will run in the following issue.
Submitting a special feature If you have something of interest to NAFAS members that you would like featured, please send a suitable image and text (not exceeding 500 words) to NAFAS News Editorial: news@nafas.org.uk
Photographs Please supply all photos digitally via email. Photos must be high-resolution jpegs.
Enjoy your flowers