NAFAS NEWS
AUTUMN 2 02 5
NAFAS NEWS
Get ready for Gloucester
excitement is building for the NAFAS National Show, taking place at Gloucester Cathedral on 19 and 20 S eptember.
Preparations are well underway with more than 200 competitors busy perfecting their floral exhibits ahead of judging. Musicians are tuning their instruments, while Demonstrators and Speakers finalise their presentations. A variety of floral traders have also been confirmed, promising a vibrant marketplace of botanical delights
Tickets are selling fast for the special evening event on 19 S eptember, featuring a spectacular showcase of floral ar tistry by Emily Broomhead and Elizabeth Graham titled ‘Autumn Appassionato’. With dazzling designs and plenty of floral fun in store, it’s set to be a highlight of the show.
NAFAS head office contact details
Phone 020 7247 5567
Email info@nafas.org.uk Web nafas.org.uk
2026 NAFAS diar y
Stay organised and never miss a flo event with the NAFAS 2026 Diary
Compact and pocket-sized, it’s perfect for keeping track of flower club meetings, workshops, and important dates throughout the yea
A thoughtful and practical gif t, it also makes an ideal stocking filler for family and flower friends.
£5.35 plus p&p
O rder now…
oNliNe at the NAFAS website (www.nafas.org.uk)
PhoNe Call NAFAS on 020 7247 5567 to pay by card PoSt by cheque payable to NAFAS Enterprises Ltd.
Address: NAFAS Enterprises Ltd, 1st Floor, 42-44 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AH.
New editioN illustrated Booklet of Basic designs Book 1
The aim of this educational booklet is to provide guidance, for the beginner, on the construction of a range of basic designs. The majority of these, with the exception of the parallel and ver tical designs, are in the traditional style of flower arranging. The original edition, edited by Alwyn Page, has been revised and updated by Jane Rickard and Ann Harding.
Illustrations by Veronica Coe & Anthony Gatrell
£5.50 plus p&p
Available from NAFAS
Advance Notice
NAFAS AGM 2025
The 66th Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 15 October 2025 at 10 30am Details will be published on the NAFAS website nearer the time. www nafas org uk
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 gif ts 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 Gif ts (and notecards)
l NAFAS Handbooks (and NAFAS Competitions Manual)
l Fur ther flower arranging books
don’t miss out! order today.
India
Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety
To celebrate both spring and Easter, Area Judge and former World Champion, Renu Poddar created this design capturing the joy, spirit of renewal and beauty of the season at her home.
WAFA S eminar 2025
the countdown is on for the 14th wAFA
S eminar, 'A Unique tapestry', taking place from 20–31 August in western Australia.
Visitors can look forward to a rich celebration of floral ar tistry set against the backdrop of the region’s stunning flora and fauna. The S eminar promises an inspiring blend of design, culture, and natural beauty.
For the latest updates, head to the NAFAS website. Enquiries can be directed to Jean Shine (S eminar Chair) at: jeanshine4 6@gmail.com
AREA & CLUB NEWS
Dorset & Guernsey
Dorset & Guernsey held their Area Floral Show on 11 April and 12 April and are delighted to announce the 2025 winner of The Flower Arranger Award. The coveted award was presented to Therese Walsh (pictured below), of Broadstone & Corfe Mullen Flower Club, for her stunning arrangement which earned her the Novice Cup. A truly wonderful achievement Congratulations, Therese!
Nor th Midlands
epwor th & district Flower Club
In November 2024, Epwor th & District Flower Club hosted their eagerly anticipated Open Meeting with demonstrator Mark Entwistle at S outh Axholme Academy, Epwor th. Mark captivated the audience with his spectacular ‘Snow Storm’ demonstration, featuring exquisite orchids, vibrant roses, and elegant lilies. The club was thrilled by the fantastic turnout and is deeply grateful for the incredible suppor t received.
A hear tfelt thank-you to everyone who attended and contributed to this wonderful event
O B I T U A R Y
eliZABeth GidMAN
NATIONAL ASSOCIATE OF HONOUR (BERKS, BUCKS & OXON)
elizabeth died on 26 March 2025
Elizabeth began flower arranging in 1970 when she joined Royal Windsor Floral Club, becoming Chair two years later. In 1972, she also became a member of Four Ends Flower Club
She went on to serve as Vice-Chair of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Area, becoming Chair in 1979 She held that post until 1982, when she became Vice-President, subsequently becoming President three years later During this six-year period, Elizabeth also served as the RHS Co-ordinator for NAFAS, overseeing RHS and Chelsea exhibits – a role in which the RHS wrote to NAFAS to express their appreciation and enjoyment of working with her
At National level, she was a member of the organising committee for the 1973 National Festival ‘Flowers Midst the Spires’ in Oxford
Among her many other achievements were chairing the Area’s 20th anniversary festival, titled ‘A Ring of Fair Flowers’, at Hambledon, and leading the BB&O team at Chelsea to win a Gold Medal for NAFAS with their exhibit ‘Inspirations of Colour ’ . She also chaired the NAFAS Isis Conference in Oxford and served as NAFAS Show Consultant for the National Shows in Brighton (1989), Nottingham (1990), and Bournemouth (1991).
Remarkably, even well into her 90s, Elizabeth continued to contribute. At the ‘Deck the Halls’ festival at the Falklands Chapel in 2022, she created an exhibit and was thrilled to walk around and admire the others. Elizabeth was deeply proud to be a member of BB&O, and the Area –and NAFAS as a whole – were equally proud of her.
In 1995, she moved to Gloucestershire but remained keenly interested in the BB&O Area, where she had made many dear friends She was also a much-loved figure within the wider NAFAS community She will be greatly missed by all
S outh West
highwor th Floral Ar t S ociety
This spring, the society introduced a new initiative –‘Competition Night’, in which 35 members showcased their creativity across three classes: all-round design, leaf manipulation, and petite arrangements. Events like this are growing in popularity, and a full-day workshop with Dutch Master Florist Hans Haverkamp in April was exceptionally well attended. Members approached the first design –a willow Easter egg – with some trepidation, but under Hans’s exper t guidance, their creations were highly successful
AREA & CLUB NEWS
By the afternoon, confidence had grown, and members tackled a willow hear t arrangement with enthusiasm The day was thoroughly enjoyed, and at least two local churches proudly displayed the resulting unique willow designs over the Easter period
Recent club evenings have featured outstanding demonstrators, including Katherine Delve, whose presentation ‘She Came Late for Tea’ explored the principles of flower arranging in a beautiful and engaging way – perfect preparation for Competition Night
The society also visited the S alisbury Flower Festival and is already looking forward to its Christmas Open Evening on 4 December, featuring demonstrator Arnaud Metairie.
leFt Dutch Master Florist Hans Haverkamp with members of Highworth Floral Art Society
AREA & CLUB NEWS
Chelsea success
Congratulations to Jade lof tus (Nor th Midlands), who was awarded a Silver-gilt medal at this year ’s RhS Chelsea Flower Show for her striking design in the Floral Creations category, titled ‘lunar texture’.
Jade drew inspiration from the rugged textures of the moon’s surface, paired with the ethereal colours and flowing striations of the Nor thern Lights. Her design (pictured lef t) featured a circular disc constructed from recycled foam board, beautifully overlaid with a tactile mix of bark, seeds, and natural fibres
The floral selection reflected the charm of an English garden, with elegant accents of Gloriosa superba (glory lily) adding a dramatic flourish
Razzmatazz
last S eptember, NAFAS hosted an exciting elimination competition at the Malvern Autumn Show. the prize? A coveted oppor tunity to represent the Association at RhS Chelsea Flower Show.
Each NAFAS Area was invited to put forward a candidate, selected through local heats, in a special class titled ‘Razzmatazz’ The only restrictions being that candidates had to be members who had never previously competed at Chelsea, whether as individuals or par t of a team – the idea being to encourage fresh talent to step into the spotlight.
The designs did not disappoint In line with the class title, they were bursting with colour, energy and flair. Each was a showstopper, with plenty of razzmatazz to draw the eye.
Emerging victorious was Denise Jones (pictured right) from Dorset & Guernsey, whose innovative and beautifully executed work captivated both the judges and the audience.
Following her success at Malvern, Denise went on to create ‘Ebb and Bloom’ at Chelsea, an exquisite design that earned her a coveted Gold medal
A remarkable achievement, and a fitting recognition of her exceptional ar tistry and vision.
leFt The ‘Razzmatazz’ team (L–R): Delyth Price (Elimination Competition Organiser), Pip Bensley (Judge), floral designer Jonathan Moseley, Jane Rickard (Judge)
RAZZMATAZZ
here, we feature more dazzling designs by NAFAS members at Malvern in the elimination competition to select a finalist to represent the Association at Chelsea.
ABoVe
Arranger: Jane Tully (Mercia & North Wales) Award: Commended
toP RiGht
Arranger: Melanie Smith (Wessex & Jersey) Award: Highly Commended
BottoM RiGht
Arranger: Susan Oliver (Flowers North West) Award: Commended
toP leFt
Arranger: Katrina Holmes (Devon & Cornwall Floral Art) Award: Second
BottoM leFt
Arranger: Kate Pilton (North Midlands) Award: Third
ABoVe
Arranger: Rosemary McGowan (Berks, Bucks & Oxon) Award: Highly Commended
RAZZMATAZZ
leFt
Arranger: Chris Lynch (Three Counties & South Wales) Award: Commended
PAGe 11
toP leFt
Arranger: Sharon Badger (South Midlands) Award: Highly Commended
toP CeNtRe
Arranger: Yvonne Wagstaff (East of England) Award: Very Highly Commended
toP RiGht
Arranger: Linda Nelson (NIGFAS) Award: Commended
ABoVe
Arranger: Caroline Cooper (South West) Award: Commended
PAGe 11
BottoM leFt
Arranger: Kim Zimmerman (London and Overseas) Award: Commended
BottoM CeNtRe
Arranger: Pamela Grossi (SAFAS) Award: Commended
BottoM RiGht
Arranger: Sylvia Kittle (Home Counties) Award: Highly Commended
ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION S
congratulations to all the Nafas clubs and areas on reaching these milestone anniversaries
30 Ye ARS (Pearl)
Comber Flower Club (NIGFAS)
45 Ye ARS (S apphire)
Crumlin Flower Club (NIGFAS)
herefordshire Flower Guild (Three Counties & S outh Wales)
Rural Chester Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
50 Ye ARS (Gold)
Brampton Flower Club (East of England)
Clophill & district Flower Club (Home Counties)
elgin Flower Club (SAFAS)
erne Flower Arrangement S ociety (NIGFAS)
Greenisland Flower Arrangement S ociety (NIGFAS)
Nor th Pembrokeshire Floral Ar t S ociety (Three Counties & S outh Wales)
55 Ye ARS (emerald)
Bayston hill & district Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Mercia & Nor th Wales)
Streetly Flower Arrangers Club (S outh Midlands) winwick Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
60 Ye ARS (diamond)
Barwick-in-elmet Flower Club (Nor th East)
Mid-Cheshire Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
65 Ye ARS (Blue S apphire)
Jersey Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey)
welshpool & district Flower Arranging S ociety (Flower Clubs of Mercia & Nor th Wales)
70 Ye ARS (Platinum)
Nether Alderley Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
Sudbury Flower Club (East of England)
Stafford Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Mercia & Nor th Wales)
75 Ye ARS
S alisbury Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey)
On 5 March, Camborne & Redruth Floral Club (Devon & Cornwall Floral Art) celebrated their Platinum Anniversary with a lunch at the Penventon Park Hotel at Redruth. It was followed in the af ternoon with a wonderful floral demonstration by Alison Penno, which was enjoyed by many friends from other floral clubs in the Area, who came to help members enjoy their celebrations The photograph shows club members with their beautiful celebration cake
hayling Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey) has been celebrating its 60th anniversary with a dazzling diamondthemed year. Known for its vibrant community and passion for floral artistry, the club marked this special milestone with a series of events celebrating 60 years of flowers, friendship, and fun One of the year ’s highlights was the 60th Anniversary Celebration Show in December The floral programme featured a ‘Diamond Ice Queen’ adorned with a stunning floral headdress and matching sash Designed by Debbie Hick (Chair) and modelled by club member Annabelle Costaras, the display and others were set to music and exuded glamour, glitz, and sparkle. The finale revealed a breathtaking tableau of white floral arrangements, silver trimmings, and twinkling lights
Hayling
ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION S
Camborne & Redruth
At hayling Flower Club further celebrations took place in March with a delicious three-course lunch at a local hotel. The tables and foyer were beautifully decorated with floral arrangements by committee members It was a relaxed and joyous afternoon, with several members receiving floral gif ts in recognition of their contributions to the club over the past 60 years. The photograph on the right shows the celebration cake being cut by Gilly Webster (President) and Debbie Hick (Chair)
Hayling
GOOD CAUSE S
NAFAS-affiliated flower clubs raise money for a wide range of charities and wor thy causes. here are the latest fundraising successes.
In November, epwor th & district Flower Club (Nor th Midlands) was overjoyed to present Weston Park Cancer Charity, which provides vital support and care to those affected by cancer, with a cheque for £1,800.
A further £253 was raised at their Open Meeting sales table, bringing the grand total to £2,053 – a significant contribution to Weston Park’s ongoing effor ts.
if your flower club or Area has raised money for charity, we would love to hear about it at news@nafas.org.uk
Below The photograph shows members presenting the cheque to Weston Park Cancer Charity
Ordering back issues of The Flower Arranger
Back issues of The Flower Arranger are available to NAFAS Areas and clubs at the following prices:
2024 £2 50 per copy + postage 2023 and earlier £1 per copy + postage
Please email: info@nafas.org.uk or contact Nafas head office on 020 7247 5567
Adver tise your event in The Flower Arranger
is your NAFAS Area or club planning a flower show, festival or event?
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.
Arranger Pamela Grossi Photograph Chrissie Harten
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 Johanna O’Brien
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
Information for contributors
NAFAS Area and Club News, Anniversar y 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 to Johanna O’Brien at 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): Johanna O’Brien, NAFAS News, 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
Entries received af ter 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 Johanna O’Brien: news@nafas.org.uk
Photographs
Please supply all photos digitally via email. Photos must be high-resolution jpegs.