NAFAS NEWS
SPRING
2 02 5
National President, James B urnside
At the AGM in October, James Burnside (NIGFAS) was welcomed as the new National President
James is a founder member and Life President of Mid-Ulster Floral Ar t S ociety serving as club Chair several times over many years. He is a founder member of NIGFAS’ contemporary design club, Inspirations, serving as Chair and S ecretary. James has also served on the NIGFAS Area Executive Committee as Chair and S ecretary
He has a wealth of knowledge and is a well-respected National Judge, Demonstrator, Speaker and Teacher and an Accredited Adjudicator for demonstrating and judging, plus an Accredited Instructor for demonstrating James has served on the National Demonstrators and National Judges Committees and held positions at National Shows and Assemblies also having demonstrated at several National Shows and events As an enthusiastic competitor he has won numerous awards at Area, National and International level.
James is passionate about sharing his knowledge and has helped many potential Judges, Demonstrators and Speakers over his floral career
He is also a keen gardener and has opened his garden to flower arranging and gardening clubs, sharing his love of plants and how they can be used in flower arranging
James is honoured to become National President and looks forward to meeting and encouraging as many members as possible to enjoy flower arranging and to promote the benefits of NAFAS.
ABOVE & BElOw James’s designs have featured in The Flower Arranger magazine over many years These two arrangements were created for a photoshoot in Northern Ireland in 2021
NATIONAL NEWS
NAFAS B oard of Directors, new Trustee
Paula McAlinden (NIGFAS) has also been warmly welcomed as the newest member of the NAFAS Board of Directors
NAFAS online shop
Paula is currently Chair of lurgan & District Flower Arrangement S ociety (NIGFAS) in County Armagh, Nor thern Ireland She is a retired Consultant Community Paediatrician (CCP), who previously worked in the S outhern Health & S ocial Care Trust in Nor thern Ireland One of her main areas of work was child development assessment and, linked to this, she became involved working as a Tutor of the Griffiths S cales with the Association of Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD). Subsequently, Paula became a Trustee of ARICD and was the ARICD President for six years from 2015 to 2021. She continues to be an ARICD Trustee and is also currently their Treasurer. She is still a Griffiths Tutor, having taught Griffiths Training courses in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Dubai, Doha and S audi Arabia.
Don’t forget to visit the NAFAS Shop. You can order from our wide range of flower arranging books, show materials and cards and gif ts to send to family and friends with a floral flourish You can also subscribe to The Flower Arranger magazine and buy back issues.
As a CCP, Paula recognises the importance of ongoing medical education and over many years has been very active organising training courses for other local community paediatricians She also represented community paediatricians from Nor thern Ireland on committees at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the British Association of Community Child Health (BACCH) She was previously a member of the Finance and Corporate S ervices Committee of the RCPCH and the BACCH Treasurer. Paula is looking forward to working with the other NAFAS Trustees to promote the work of NAFAS and hopes her previous experience as a Trustee and experience in training and financial management will help in her new role
S elect from these shop areas:
l Christmas
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)
S ee the NAFAS website if you would like to apply for the role of Trustee and think you have the relevant experience to make a difference with NAFAS. nafas.org.uk
l Fur ther flower arranging books
Don’t miss out! Order today.
WORLD NEWS
India
Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety
Preeti S arda, founder of the Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety (PBFS), recently unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in sustainable floristry: the DECHORUS Floral Block. At a special demonstration event, S arda showcased this eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral foam, addressing a growing demand for environmentally floral mechanics
In an era where sustainability and environmental conservation have become pressing global priorities, DECHORUS offers a 100% natural, compostable alternative to floral foam.
Unlike conventional floral foam, which is derived from oil and phenol resin and is essentially a type of plastic, the DECHORUS Floral Block is craf ted from jute – a renewable plant fibre – and an eco-friendly binding agent derived from snail shells
The DECHORUS Floral Block was conceived by Preeti herself, whose family has a long-standing history in the jute industry. With her deep understanding of this versatile material and a passion for floral ar t, which she discovered in 2014, Preeti recognized the urgent need for a foam alternative and worked with scientists from the Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association to develop the product
The DECHORUS Floral Block retains all the functional benefits of traditional floral foam, with notable ecoconscious enhancements:
l Water absorption: The block fully absorbs water within three hours when submerged. For faster saturation, hot water can be used Once soaked, it releases minimal water and maintains a firm texture.
l Versatility with stems: Hardy stems can be inser ted directly, while sof ter stems may require wiring or a piercing tool This flexibility accommodates diverse floral arrangements.
l Design-friendly: With its natural colour and texture, the block doubles as a design element, adding aesthetic value to arrangements. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for creating delicate, lightweight structures.
l Cost and time efficiency: Unlike traditional foam, the DECHORUS block doesn’t require wire mesh or an underplate, reducing material costs and assembly time.
Its biodegradability ensures it decomposes fully without leaving harmful residues, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious floral ar tists and event planners
All the information on this product has been supplied by Preeti Sarda, NAFAS has yet to see the product, and the product has not been tried or tested in the UK.
lEFT Preeti Sarda created these beautiful designs at a special demonstration to showcase her brainchild DECHORUS Floral Block
‘Molten Moods’ Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety also enjoyed an amazing demonstration titled, ‘Molten Moods’ by World Association of Floral Ar tists (WAFA) Best in Show-winner Renu Poddar who delighted members with festive designs all using different forms of wax and other natural materials. Each design spoke 1,000 words.
RIGHT & BElOw Renu Poddar demonstrating some of her stunning designs using different forms of wax
WORLD NEWS
Singapore
Singapore Flower Club
The Singapore Garden Festival recently blossomed into more than just a showcase of floral ar tistry it became a vibrant celebration of global camaraderie and shared passion. Members of Singapore Flower Club embraced this unique opportunity, collaborating with world-renowned designers, competing with grace, and even stepping into the spotlight as models Their creativity and enthusiasm were front and centre, with three stunning demonstrations that captivated audiences and earned resounding acclaim.
Offstage, the club’s beautifully curated booth became a hub of connection and inspiration This incredible effor t was powered by a dedicated team of 20 volunteers and nine committee members, whose hard work ensured every detail radiated the club’s ethos The festival also marked the arrival of 11 new members into the club’s growing floral family.
This year ’s event was a milestone, celebrating not only the beauty of floral ar t but also the enduring international friendships that continue to flourish through shared love of creativity
Adding to the club’s vibrant calendar, the club recently hosted workshops led by celebrated designers. Harijanto S etiawan inspired members with his masterclass on horizontal and ver tical designs, pushing creative boundaries to new heights. Equally memorable was Christina Yew’s workshop on structured bouquets, which lef t par ticipants brimming with fresh ideas and techniques.
Together, these experiences affirm the Singapore Flower Club’s commitment to ar tistry, learning, and global bonds
lEFT Singapore
cultivating international friendships
TOP ‘Wabi Sabi’ design by Teo Siet Lim
CENTRE Singapore Flower Club booth with members and friends
Flower Club members
AREA & CLUB NEWS
Dorset & Guernsey
The Blandford & District Floral Group hosted an engaging Beginners’ Workshop on 10 August 2024 at Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall. Led by the Dorset & Guernsey Education Representative, Carrie Diamond, the workshop guided 22 enthusiastic par ticipants through the fundamentals of floral arranging. The free session, made possible by an education grant from the Dorset & Guernsey Area, was designed to showcase the ar t of floral arrangement and attract new members to local clubs.
Par ticipants not only honed their creative skills under Carrie’s exper t guidance but also enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, camaraderie, tea, and cake Each attendee proudly lef t with a beautiful floral design of their own making. The event was a resounding success, and the group hopes to welcome some new members to its fold soon.
BElOw Workshop participants proudly display their stunning floral creations
Wessex & Jersey
In S eptember, Andover Flower Club embraced a new challenge by par ticipating in the Longparish Village Fete with an eye-catching stall The club’s offerings included charming saucer table arrangements for sale, a raffle featuring a large floral display, and a second-prize voucher for two to attend a club meeting.
Adding an interactive element, the club hosted a mini workshop where visitors could try their hand at creating a small arrangement or posy. This hands-on activity proved to be a hit with the public
Thanks to the generosity of club members who contributed flowers, foliage, and pre-made arrangements, the day was a success. Despite the cloudy weather, members enjoyed sharing the joys of floral design with fete-goers While the modest profit was a welcome bonus, the primary goal of promoting the club and engaging the community was fully achieved.
ABOVE Andover Flower Club’s vibrant stall draws in visitors at Longparish Village Fete
AREA & CLUB NEWS
Home Counties
In S eptember, Home Counties Area transformed the historic St Mary’s Church in Hitchin, Her tfordshire, into a floral wonderland for a breathtaking flower festival. Themed ‘Abundant Blessings,’ the festival featured 44 exquisite large-scale exhibits, each inspired by blessings such as family, joy, the Holy Spirit, and the natural world. Contributors ranged from seasoned floral arrangers to newcomers trying their hand at large-scale designs.
Clubs generously sponsored many of the displays, while the Area raised additional funds to suppor t the event. Visitors also had the oppor tunity to explore a NAFAS information area, showcasing exhibits, posters, and details about Area clubs.
St Mary’s Church worked in par tnership with the Home Counties Area, handling publicity, refreshments, and stewarding, while providing a delightful musical backdrop for the 1,600 visitors who attended across the weekend. The church raised over £16,000, a significant contribution toward improving its facilities.
Special guests included Ellie Meaking, NAFAS Trustee, and Kim Wilde, who officially opened the event during the Preview Evening. National demonstrators, local press, and The Flower Arranger magazine photographer were also present, fur ther spotlighting the exceptional skills and talents of the Home Counties Area members.
See future issues of The Flower Arranger for more original photography from the event and coverage
SAFAS
October marked a highlight for SAFAS with its busy and successful Area Show. Among the many talented par ticipants, S andra Halkett of Elgin Flower Club & Nor thern Lights stood out, winning The Flower Arranger Award for her exquisite exhibit in the class ‘Minaudière’. S andra also received the award for ‘The Most Innovative Exhibit’.
Congratulations to S andra for her inspiring achievements!
ABOVE Sandra Halkett’s award-winning exhibit shines in the Minaudière category
Vibrant floral arrangements bring the blessings theme to life in St Mary’s Church
ABOVE ‘God’s House’: Hatch End Flower Arrangement Group (Jan White, Angela Pattison)
ABOVE Club members showcased their craf t skills in support of the church
ABOVE Members also staged a NAFAS Information Area with designs from The Flower Arranger magazine
AREA & CLUB NEWS
‘Land, Sea and Water ’: Hitchin Flower Club (Jenny Stutley and others)
‘Promise’: Stoneycroft Flower Club (Anne McPherson, Judy Wortley, Jean Frith, Jilly Weymouth)
ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION S
congratulations to all the Nafas clubs and areas on reaching these milestone anniversaries
35 YE ARS (Coral)
Horncastle Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)
Tutbury Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)
40 YE ARS (Ruby)
Calne & District Flower Club (S outh West)
Fakenham & District Flower Club (East of England)
whitley Bay Flower Club (Nor thumberland & Durham)
45 YE ARS (S apphire)
Devizes Flower Club (S outh West)
Nantwich Flower Club (Mercia & Nor th Wales)
S eaford Evening Flower Club (Sussex)
50 YE ARS (Gold)
warminster & wylye Valley Flower Club (S outh West)
55 YE ARS (Emerald)
Marshfield Flower Arrangement Club (S outh West)
Stockpor t Af ternoon Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
60 YE ARS (Diamond)
Holland on S ea Flower Club (East of England)
Horwich Floral Ar t Club (Flowers Nor th West)
Musselburgh Floral Ar t Club (SAFAS)
New Brighton Flower Arrangement Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
Skegness Flower Lovers Club (Nor th Midlands)
Urmston Floral Ar t (Flowers Nor th West)
wolverhampton Flower Club (Mercia & Nor th Wales)
65 YE ARS (Blue S apphire)
Disley & District Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
Gainsborough & District Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)
Melton Mowbray & District Flower Club (North Midlands)
Mold Flower Club (Mercia & Nor th Wales)
Romney Marsh Flower Arrangers (Kent Floral Ar t)
Rutland Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)
York Flower Club (Nor th East)
70 YE ARS (Platinum)
Parbold & District Flower Club (Flowers Nor th West)
Peterborough Floral Decoration Club (East of England)
Truro Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall Floral Ar t)
woodford & District Floral Arrangement Group (London and Overseas)
On Saturday 10 August 202
Bourne & District Flower C (East of England) held a ve successful af ternoon tea to celebrate its 40th year Som 42 guests including membe past Chairs, Area President and Group Chairs enjoyed meeting up with old friends The photograph shows L–R Pat Gray, Marie Whiten Mary Jacobs, Carol Titley, Ann Northen, Mavis Notley, Mary Trumble, Freda Dodd and Ann Woodward
On 1 October 2024 Embsay with Eastby Flower Club (North East) celebrated their Ruby Anniversary with a fabulous demonstration, ‘Autumn Splendours with a Ruby Twist’, given by National Demonstrator Vanessa Wellock. Sheila Drybrough (Area Chair) joined them for the celebration, where 70 members and guests were treated to supper and prosecco in a café setting The club has two of the founder members still attending meetings while many others have also served on the committee and supported the club for its 40 years. The photograph shows Sheila Drybrough (Area Chair), Vanessa Wellock (Demonstrator) with the committee including one founder member.
60 years of Highwor th Floral Art Society (South West) were celebrated throughout 2024 beginning with a Diamond Dinner for 50 members. Years of memories were recalled before talk turned to the flower festival. Brenda Savill (Chair) thanked the many people who had contributed and supported a very successful community event The festival, a sparkling floral journey through 35 displays in Highworth Church, showed a creative, talented club flourishing and attracting new members ready for the next decade The photograph on the right shows ‘Cider with Rosie’ – one of the exhibits from the festival.
Knutsford Floral Design Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire) celebrated their Emerald Anniversary in August at the Abbeywood Estate in Delamere Following a tour of the wonderful gardens, they were treated to the stunning designs created by demonstrator Mark Entwistle. Members then enjoyed a delicious af ternoon tea. The beautiful weather made this the perfect day to celebrate 55 years The photograph shows Felicia Dykstra (Chair) with Mark Entwistle
Knutsford
Highworth
Bourne & District
Embsay with Eastby
ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION S
Sturminster Newton
Sutton Coldfield
Woodford & District
Sturminster Newton Floral Group (Dorset & Guernsey) celebrated their 60th Anniversary last year To commemorate the event, at their September meeting they invited the international flower arranging Judge and Demonstrator Michael Bowyer to create several stunning flower arrangements The club provided a delicious af ternoon tea and a stunning 60th Anniversary cake accompanied by a glass of fizz. Karen Boyce (Area Chair) and Sheila Bendall (Area Secretary) attended as well as past members of the club The af ternoon was a great success and will go down as a day to remember. The photograph shows the happy event
Sutton Coldfield Flower Club (South Midlands) marked their 60th Diamond Anniversary with a luncheon at Fairlawns Hotel and Spa on 19 September 2024 60 members and friends, including the club’s Honorary Chair and Founder Member, came together to celebrate, culminating in the cutting of the anniversary cake and flower raffle Guest speaker John Chennel (NAFAS Demonstrator) talked through his own flower journey, which was both informative and entertaining. The club looks forward to their next celebration soon. The photograph shows John cutting the beautiful cake
woodford & District Floral Arrangement Group (London and Overseas) celebrated their Platinum Anniversary with lunch and celebratory cupcakes at Wanstead House, followed by a spectacular demonstration by international designer Derek Armstrong The photograph shows committee members (L-R) Ken Law, Jan Law, Kathy Stangaard, Linda Neat (Chair), Pauline Hinton (Treasurer), Derek Armstrong, Sheralyn Duhig, Edie Tinker (Programme Secretary)
GOOD CAUSE S
Ordering back issues of The Flower Arranger
Back issues of The Flower Arranger are available to NAFAS Areas and clubs at the following prices: 2023 £2.50 per copy + postage 2022 and earlier £1 per copy + postage
Please email: info@nafas.org.uk or contact Nafas head office on 020 7247 5567
calling all flower arranging and floristr y teachers
we’re offering your students the oppor tunity to purchase an annual subscription to the nation’s favourite floral ar t magazine at a special discounted rate of £17.50 saving 32% on the UK annual rate of £25.75 for four issues. all you have to do is send us the details of par ticipating students and receive the magazines.
The Flower Arranger a treasure trove for learners –packed with inspirational designs, seasonal projects, ideas and step-by-steps for every level
“My favourite magazine, great inspiration, good quality pictures, interesting, love it.”
“I love the arrangements and the articles Photos are beautiful Lots of great ideas.”
“Informative ideas
Excellent presentation and easy to follow.”
(Facebook reviews)
For more details on ordering for your students and opening the door to a world of floral art, please email info@nafas.org.uk
NAFAS-affiliated flower clubs raise money for a wide range of charities and wor thy causes. Here are the latest fundraising successes.
Last October, Sue Whittaker finished her two years in the role as Chair of Ashtead Flower Arrangement Group (Surrey) and presented a cheque for £4,100 to Jan Read, the local representative for Alzheimer ’s S ociety Over her two years in office, the club had raised money for the charity, which is close to Sue’s hear t af ter seeing her mother live with the disease. Money was raised by taking par t in the Ashtead Village Day, selling flowers in baskets and mugs, a summer tea par ty and donations from members and friends. There was also a wonderful flower and fun-filled charity evening with the very creative Stephen McDonnell-Daly demonstrating.
If your flower club or Area has raised money for charity, we would love to hear about it at news@nafas.org.uk
Adver tise your event in The Flower Arranger
Is your NAFAS Area planning a floral event?
If so, contact Jayne Perry to discuss our exclusive discounted rates for Nafas areas, 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 Pat Knight
Photograph Mike Bond
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 Sylvia Loader
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 Sylvia Loader 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): Sylvia Loader, 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 Sylvia Loader: news@nafas.org.uk
Photographs
Please supply all photos digitally via email. Photos must be high-resolution jpegs.