NAFAS NEWS
WINTER 2 024
NATIONAL NEWS
From the National Chair
Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2025!
As we celebrate the holiday season, I want to extend my hear tfelt wishes for a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to everyone. Let’s hope that 2025 brings a good year for us all.
Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of meeting with members from the Nor th Midlands and London and Overseas Areas for Council meetings. These gatherings have been invaluable, providing an oppor tunity for members to directly ask questions about our Association.
One recurring theme during these meetings has been a sense of disconnect felt by many members. It’s clear that the current method of cascading information via the Area Chairs and the club contacts is not sufficiently reaching everyone. This gap in communication has lef t many members feeling isolated from the Association.
To address this, I urge all of you to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. It is a direct way for you to stay informed about all our latest news and events. You can find the subscription link on our website at www.nafas.org.uk. Additionally, our website is regularly updated with current news and events, ensuring you are always in the loop.
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
Effective communication is crucial for any membership organisation, and NAFAS is no exception The Board of Trustees continually seeks innovative methods to connect with our members and facilitate your engagement with us. We are dedicated to finding ways to enhance communication and ensure that our members can easily reach us and stay informed of all that is happening within our Association.
We have also had a very successful President’s Weekend, where our members gathered for a social get-together with many of our SAFAS friends near Glasgow. It was a wonderful event, fostering camaraderie and strengthening our ties
This is the last paper format for NAFAS News. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the end. You will be able to find future news via our website. Please continue to share your news with us. Together, we can proudly shout, “I am a Flower Arranger ”
Thank you for your continued suppor t, and once again, Happy Christmas Let’s look forward to a bright and successful 2025 together.
NICKY WYLIE NAFAS NATIONAL CHAIR
NAFAS News goes online
This is the last printed edition of NAFAS News From Spring, we are going online where you can continue to read and share your news in our new digital edition on the NAFAS website (www nafas org uk) Details and copy deadlines can be found on the back cover of this issue.
Competition update
Head to the NAFAS website (www nafas org uk) to find out which talented member is representing the Association at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 winning the elimination competition at the RHS Malvern Autumn Show held 27–29 September.
The winner will receive practical and financial assistance from NAFAS to stage their Chelsea exhibit.
Highland Fling
A repor t on the President’s Weekend, which took place in Glasgow in July
Everyone should have at least one fling in their lives and NAFAS has just had a glorious one. We met up with existing friends and made new ones all with one thing in mind – having fun with flowers.
The weather was good, the travel was interesting, the piper was on form and the tar tan was beautifully ironed, the company was terrific, and NAFAS knows how to have a good time I was told a long time ago that it’s your own fault if you don’t enjoy yourself and if you set out to enjoy yourself, you will and you will encourage others to as well. You speak to people you didn’t know before in a safe setting and they respond.
Our Association President, Lilias Hoskins, and her hard-working committee kept us on the go from morning to night. The first evening, we had music af ter dinner with Simeon Wood, an excellent flautist, who played a selection of music on different flutes, pan pipes, even an NHS walking stick, all interspersed with his story and the influence of one par ticular teacher, reminding us all that most of us have had someone who encourages us on our path in life. It was an excellent way to get us in the mood
The first morning we had two fascinating and totally different talks – one from Christine Logan (SAFAS) about her life making hats of all sor ts She explained the process of making each kind and why they are so expensive. She brought many of her hats with her and modelled them to great effect. She also made hats for members of the National Conference Committee. The second talk was about Brian Young’s (of Holmes Farm, www.holmesfarmplants.com) passion for irises complete with family tree and beautiful slides to illustrate his love affair. His knowledge of these plants is inexhaustible, and he shared it generously
After lunch and retail therapy, we had a demonstration from Julia Loudon (SAFAS), inspired by the Great Tapestry of S cotland She chose the five things which spoke to her of S cotland and illustrated them very
wittily in flowers: all the while keeping us in stitches with her repartee. I shall never look on the countryside again without remarking on how ‘clean’ it is (you had to be there!).
Af ter a wee rest we dressed in our glad rags for drinks and the gala dinner The piper serenaded us on the terrace and then piped us into the dining room, where the tables were decked in tartan and flowers
We enjoyed a main course and dessert with similar colour elements, which was a nice touch
Af ter coffee, we were again serenaded by a singer, Mark Findlay, who regaled us with hits, mainly from the 70s, which encouraged many delegates to dance the night away.
The following morning, we had a very interesting talk from Karen Frew (NIGFAS) about Christian Dior, who, she explained, clearly loved his work, with some examples, including a waspie (a belt to cinch in the waist and create an hour-glass figure).
The proceedings were wound up and we all had to make our goodbyes and say farewell to our Highland Fling. Lilias gave us all her final hurrah as National President. She and her committee (and the backroom team) should be very proud of the results of their hard work and can now relax and have a well-earned rest.
Look out in fur ther editions of NAFAS News for our welcome to incoming National President James Burnside.
Hats by Christine Logan made for the Conference Committee
Lilias Hoskins with Brian Young of Holmes Farm
Overseas delegates pictured with Nicky Wylie (centre)
Karen Frew’s fascinating presentation on Christian Dior
Conference delegates in the demonstration theatre
WORLD NEWS
India
Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety
Demonstration
On 21 June 2024, PBFS member Aman Shukla gave a demonstration on the Indonesian ar t of Janur
Janur involves weaving the young yellow leaves of a big palm tree –of ten a coconut or sugar palm. Originally the woven ar tefacts were used in daily life.
But over the years, the weaving gradually developed into an ar t form and was passed down through generations, carrying cultural and spiritual value Today it is still featured in the ar ts and at ceremonies, such as weddings. It’s believed to invite blessings and create an auspicious atmosphere. The structures created are of ten combined with other decorative elements, such as flowers, fruits or fabric to create visually stunning arrangements.
Annual competition
The PBFS held their annual competition, ‘Encircled Beauty’ at their club on 19 July 2024 Members were very happy to take par t. S ee some of the exhibits on pages 4–6.
LEFT
Arranger: Alka Gupta
Petite Class: An Eye for Detail First Prize, Best Artistic Excellence and Best in Show
PAGE 5
TOP LEFT
Arranger: Ratna Dey
Petite Class: An Eye for Detail No Award
TOP rIGHT
Arranger: Pooja Agrawal
Imposed Class: Encircled Beauty Special Mention
BOTTOM LEFT
Arranger: Bhawani Bansal
Imposed Class: Encircled Beauty First Prize
BOTTOM rIGHT
Arranger: Kavita Poddar
Imposed Class: Encircled Beauty Second Prize
ABOVE Aman Shukla with three beautiful examples of his Janur art
WORLD NEWS
LEFT
Arranger: Preeti Sarda
Pedestal Exhibit: Trends and Techniques
First Prize and Best Interpretation of Class Title and Best Use of Space
BELOW
Arranger: Mita Kanoria
Pedestal Exhibit: Trends and Techniques
Second Prize and Best Use of Colour
TOP LEFT
Arranger: Navvida Bharech
Novice Class: Corrugated Concepts
First Prize
BOTTOM LEFT
Arranger: Alpana Dalmia
Novice Class: Corrugated Concepts Second Prize
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 July 2024, Elwor th Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire) held a Charity Open Garden Event for St Luke’s Hospice It was a typically British summer ’s day, star ting with a downpour making hear ts sink, then the sun came out and everyone felt better, and then more black clouds and more rain. Despite all this, a good gathering of club members, their friends and many others came to visit Joan Beech’s beautiful garden in Brereton to help raise money for such a welcoming and deserving cause
It turned out to be a wonderful day and a very successful event Club members had helped sell the tickets while the committee baked the cakes and provided the refreshments All in all, a total of £1,250 was raised for St Luke’s and a cheque was presented to Joanna Crof t from the hospice at the club’s next meeting Joanna thanked the club and its members for the donation and said a little about the work of the hospice in the local community
Grateful thanks must go to Joan and John Beech for the loan of their most beautiful garden, to all the committee and helpers and to all those who came along to help create such a lovely event for such a wor thy cause.
Nailswor th & District Flower Arrangement S ociety (Three Counties & S outh Wales) were very pleased to present a cheque for £750 to local charity Allsor ts, which works with children with additional needs and disabilities The money was raised at their Golden Anniversary event with a demonstration by Andrew Lloyd followed by an af ternoon tea
If your flower club or Area has raised money for charity, we would love to hear about it at news@nafas.org.uk
Whitley Bay Flower Club (Nor thumberland & Durham) has done it again! In recent years, the club has raised a staggering £9,000 for charity, mainly for those based in the local area. And on 7 May 2024, the latest donation of £1,000 was presented to Ollie Teesdale and Eileen Robinson from Percy Hedley S chool for children with additional needs and disabilities in Killingwor th, Newcastle Upon Tyne Generous club members raised funds by holding cream teas, raffles and tombolas as well as selling hand craf ted cards, plants, and homemade jams and chutney. The money will be used to enhance the outdoor learning area, giving children the oppor tunity to get outside and into nature.
BELOW (L–R) Ollie Teesdale (Parent and Chair of Percy Hedley School PTA), Eileen Robinson (Family Liaison Officer), Mary Bentley (Whitley Bay Club Chair) and Anne O’Sullivan (Whitley Bay Club Programme Secretary)
ABOVE Daphne Turner (Nailsworth & District Arrangement Society founder member) presenting the cheque to Rachael Fletcher from Allsorts
AREA & CLUB NEWS
Dorset & Guernsey
Shaf tesbury Flower Arranging Group
In 1950, Shaf tesbury Floral Group was created as a par t of the Shaston Gardening Association in Shaf tesbury, Dorset The first such floral group had been formed in 1949, in Dorchester, by Mary Pope who also advised and provided guidance for the Shaf tesbury club.
In 2025 the club will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary. It is thought to be the oldest NAFAS club in continuous existence. Dorchester Club was founded prior to them, but it was closed and then restar ted
Like many clubs it has an aging and unfor tunately, dwindling membership. Plans are in place to celebrate next summer with a flower festival at St Peter ’s Church in central Shaf tesbury and a dinner for club members and invited guests. Detailed planning for both events is currently underway and they hope to be able to share photos of the celebrations in a future issue of NAFAS News
Three Counties & S outh Wales
On Friday 31 May 2024, Trish Ducker (Area President) was delighted to present The Flower Arranger Award to Lorraine Costley of Carmar then Flower Club and Connect Design Group, who was the winner of the Three Counties & S outh Wales Area Day competition
Nor thumberland & Durham
Derwent Flower Club
Back in November 2023, the club entered the local Christmas Tree Festival. The inspiration for the design (pictured top right) came from the front cover of The Flower Arranger magazine, Winter 2022 edition, a design with instructions by Linda Porrett The club entered its installation entitled, ‘Stars Looking Down on Our Town’ There were 43 entries and the club, much to their delight, won the overall rosette, which was presented by Tommy Cannon, who was in pantomime at the Empire Theatre, Consett
Nor th East
These exquisite designs featuring skilled craf t work were created by members of the Nor th East Area for their large exhibit in the ‘Style & S ervice: Welcome to the Depar tment Store’ class at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show 2024 As well as drawing many admiring visitors, the Area was presented with a coveted gold medal for its entry titled ‘Womenswear ’
ABOVE Trish Ducker (lef t) presenting The Flower Arranger Award to Lorraine Costley (right) at the Three Counties & South Wales Area Day
DIARY DATES
Womenswear
S ome of the fabulous craf t work by the Nor th East Area
202 4
NOVEMBEr
30 Aldershot Floral Design Club Show (Surrey), ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’, Normandy Village Hall, GU3 2DT. 11am-4pm. Admission: £5. Cash only. Enquiries: janetarm@btinternet.com
APrIL
1 1 –12
Dorset & Guernsey Area Show Poole Grammar School, Dorset, BH17 9JU. Demonstration by Tracey Griffin. Free entry to NAFAS members
AUGUST
2 0 –31 14th WAFA S eminar Perth, Western Australia
Enquiries to Seminar Chair Jean Shine: jeanshine4 6@gmail com
SEPTEMBEr
1 9 –20
NAFAS National Show ‘Nature’s Challenge’, Gloucester Cathedral www nafas org uk
202 7 MArCH
1 6 –23
WAFA Australia Sydney Olympic Park Precinct
website
nafas org uk)
ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION S
congratulations to all the Nafas clubs and areas on reaching these milestone anniversaries
35 YE ArS (Coral)
Bush Bank Flower Club (Three Counties & S outh Wales)
Little Common Village Flower Club (Sussex)
40 YE ArS (ruby)
Colneis Flower Club (East of England)
Cookstown Floral Ar t Group (NIGFAS)
Embsay with Eastby Flower Club (Nor th East)
Holswor thy Hamlets Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall)
Omagh Floral Ar t S ociety (NIGFAS)
S ampford Cour tnay Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall)
Topsham Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall)
Whalley & District Flower Club (Flowers Nor th West)
45 YE ArS (S apphire)
Stanway & District Flower Club (East of England)
50 YE ArS (Gold)
Bugbrooke & District Flower S ociety (S outh Midlands)
Henley-in-Arden Flower Club (S outh Midlands)
55 YE ArS (Emerald)
Houghton Flower Guild (Flowers Nor th West)
Longton with Hutton Flower Club (Flowers Nor th West)
Ottery St Mary Flower Arrangement S ociety (Devon & Cornwall)
Sidmouth Flower Arrangement Club (Devon & Cornwall)
Tunstall & District Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
Wroxham Flower Club (East of England)
60 YE ArS (Diamond)
Barrow in Furness Flower Club (Flowers Nor th West)
Devon & Cornwall Area
Knowle Flower Club (S outh Midlands)
Mid S omerset Flower Club (S outh West)
St Dorothea Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall)
65 YE ArS (Blue S apphire)
Carlisle & District Floral Ar t Club (Flowers Nor th West)
Eddisbury & S andiway Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)
Gospor t Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey)
S carborough Flower Club (Nor th East)
70 YE ArS (Platinum)
Dursley & District Flower S ociety (Three Counties & S outh Wales)
East of England Area
Oswestry & Borders Flower Club (Mercia & Nor th Wales)
Ashford Flower Club (Kent Floral Art) celebrated their 65th Anniversary (Blue Sapphire) at Godinton House with an af ternoon tea on 19 July 2024. Club members were pleased that Sally Vaughan (Area Vice Chair) and Cecilia Sleap (Chair of Kent Floral Art) were able to join them The photograph shows club members at Godinton Village Hall, Ashford, af ter an imposed class competition, held as part of the celebrations on Wednesday 24 July 2024
Dorridge Flower Club (South Midlands) has had a wonderful year celebrating its 50th Anniversary. It started with an af ternoon tea (prepared by the committee) and a demonstration. A Golden Raffle was held at each meeting with gold prizes as well as the usual flowers Many further demonstrations took place during the year, all of them incorporating gold in some way One of the new National Demonstrators Sara Barrow put on the most memorable evening for everyone encapsulating gold in her designs and outfit. Af ter its AGM, the club celebrated with prosecco and cake and will be completing the year with another af ternoon tea, this time at a local hotel so that everyone can relax and enjoy the culmination of the 50th celebrations The photograph shows some of the committee and members just prior to the toast which was given by Sarah Wood (President)
Haxby & Wigginton Flower Club (North East) members celebrated their Ruby Anniversary at The Grand Hotel, York. The photograph shows the happy event.
Her tford Flower Club (Home Counties) celebrated its 70th Anniversary on 27 June 2024 Members at the club meeting were treated to a wonderful demonstration by Lee Berrill titled ‘Back to the Future’, depicting many anniversaries up to and including 70th. Celebratory refreshments of a slice of cake and a glass of bubbly were enjoyed by all. The club will continue to meet on the fourth Thursday of the month up to and beyond the next big milestone! The photograph shows (L–R) Eri Armes, Irene Fleetwood, Jill Oliver, Fran Wallis (Secretary), Sue Vyse, Gill Rayment, Eileen Redwood (President), Gillian Budworth (Chair) and Barbara Kiln (Treasurer)
Her ts & Essex Boundary Flower Club (East of England) celebrated its 65th Anniversary in style. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, members enjoyed catching up and a chat over a cuppa, followed by a two-course luncheon, the table arrangements were beautiful sapphire blue hydrangeas in glass bowls Members were also asked if they would like to create a ‘sapphire’ coloured corsage and many chose to wear blue to boot. Archives spanning 65 years were on display and enjoyed by members, some of whom have been coming along for over 50 years. These archive displays were also of particular interest to the club’s newer members Following lunch, members were in for a treat with National Demonstrator Lorena Dyer ’s, ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably?’ She created wonderful floral arrangements and everyone enjoyed her stories
The final stage looked stunning and as each of her designs had second placements there were many happy raffle prize winners. The photograph shows club members enjoying their milestone anniversary celebrations.
Haxby & Wigginton
Dorridge
Ashford
Hertford
Herts & Essex Boundary
ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION S
Hexham & District Flower Club (Northumberland & Durham) celebrated its 60th Anniversary in June with a demonstration by National Demonstrator
David Ryland, titled ‘A Little Bit of Sparkle’, followed by an excellent celebratory cake (pictured right) made by one of its members. The following month, each committee member did a demonstration through the decades from the 1960s until the present day As well as arranging the floral designs the committee made food from the decade and spoke about the club, local information and world events as well as music of the time. A fun af ternoon was had by all.
Lowestof t Flower Club (East of England) celebrated 70 years in June with an open day lunch and demonstration at Park Hill Hotel in Lowestof t with members and guests Gloria Goodley (Area Chair) attended with members from Gorleston, Bungay, Caister and Loddon flower clubs joining too Af ter a twocourse lunch, the af ternoon demonstration was by Arnaud Métairie titled ‘Lets Celebrate’ Margaret Crisp, who is a longserving member of 55 years, cut the celebration cake that was made by committee member Ann Walpole. The marquee was decorated with pink bunting and table and flower arrangements by committee members in the same colours
The photograph shows the Committee (L–R) Valerie Solomon, Elisabeth Edwards, Ann Walpole, Sandra Rees (Chair), Jackie Dyball, Linda Friston, Jean Frost (seated) Sally Moon, Margaret Cole, Julia Brabben, Helen David and Carol Wigg
Knaresborough Flower Club (North East) celebrated their 50th Anniversary on 19 June 2024 with a visit to Allerton Castle Honoured guests were Sheila Drybrough (North East Area Chair), Ann Simpson (North East Area Secretary) and Avril McDonald (founder member) together with 23 members A delicious cake (pictured right) made by Lesley Dalton (Chair) was enjoyed by all and accompanied by a hot beverage and non alcoholic bubbles. Members dressed to impress, wearing hats or fascinators which was a sight to behold! The wonderful af ternoon culminated with a tour of the castle conducted by a riveting guide
The photograph below lef t shows (L–R) Avril McDonald (founder member), Jean Locke (President), Lesley Dalton (Chair), Sheila Drybrough (Area Chair), Ann Simpson (Area Secretary).
Malden & Coombe Flower Arranging Club (Surrey) celebrated its 70th Anniversary in May this year. The celebrations started with a buffet supper with table arrangements in styles which have been popular over the last seven decades, created by Brenda Faulkner (President) with assistance from Pauline Dobbie This was followed by a demonstration by Jennifer Thompson titled, ‘Let’s Celebrate’, which she had designed especially for the occasion. The photograph shows members at the end of the evening.
Nailswor th & District Flower Arrangement Society (Three Counties & South Wales) held their Golden Anniversary event ‘Let’s Celebrate’ at Wycliffe College on 9 April 2024 There was a demonstration by Andrew Lloyd followed by af ternoon tea with 194 people in attendance The club was founded by Daphne Turner with the first meeting held in Nailsworth Town Hall on 5 June 1974. Fif ty years later on 5 June 2024, the 50th Anniversary meeting was held in the same place. The club celebrated with a glass of prosecco and a slice of delicious fruit cake made by Rowena Wilks and beautifully decorated by Denise Gasan This was followed by a fabulous demonstration by Elizabeth Gordon Celebrations continued with a meal out for members at a local restaurant The photograph shows the Committee (L–R) Rowena Horton, Jill Robbins, Linda Foreman, Alice Burr, Denise Gasan, Rosemary Pegler.
Neston Flower Society (Flower Clubs of Cheshire), having already held a very successful public exhibition ‘Flowers Galore’ to celebrate their Blue Sapphire 65th Anniversary year, treated members and guests from across Wirral to a lunch at the Neston Civic Hall Cutting the cake are (L–R) Pam FlemingWilliams (Chair), Kate Russell (President) and Irene Pugh (immediate past Chair).
Oswestry & Borders
Malden & Coombe
Oswestry & Borders Flower Club (Mercia & North Wales) enjoyed special celebrations for its 70th year with entrance flowers in platinum colours by Kath Thomas and Belinda Jones and an af ternoon tea and demonstration by National Demonstrator Sarah Fenton June Arridge (Founder Secretary) attended and a presentation of a 50-year NAFAS badge was given to Tricia Lea by Kate Edwards (Vice President of Mercia & North Wales Area) The photograph shows one of the arrangements from the special celebrations.
ravenshead Flower Club (North Midlands) celebrated their Emerald Anniversary in June with a special demonstration by National Demonstrator Jacqui Arnold from Kent Area Chairman Andrew Key joined the club for the evening The photograph shows (L–R) Club Committee: Jane Rudge, Fay Harrison, Jeanette Olivia, Diane Adcock (Secretary), Jill Bewick (Chair), Andrew Key (North Midlands Area Chair), Liz Clarkson and Patricia Harman (Treasurer).
Thames Valley Flower Club (Berks, Bucks & Oxon) celebrated their 70th Platinum Anniversary in May – what an achievement! Lesley Henderson (Chair), the committee, members and visitors all raised a glass of bubbly in celebration, followed by an af ternoon tea with a selection of delicious sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and copious amounts of tea. The photograph shows Leslie Henderson (Chair) in the centre with some of the committee members
Yorkshire Flower Club (North East) celebrated their 70th Platinum Anniversary on Friday 24 May 2024. The photograph shows Sandra Harder (newly elected Chair) and Pat Daley (newly elected President) together with the celebration cake
Ravenshead Nailsworth & District
Yorkshire
Thames Valley
NAFAS REP ORT S
Demonstrators
Chair: Beryl Cotton
At this time of the year our Demonstrators are exceedingly busy with Christmas demonstrations. We wish them all safe travels as they spread floral joy and seasonal happiness to our flower clubs’ members.
As we head into a new year, we look forward to meeting up with our Demonstrators at the Demonstrators Symposium to be held at the Telford Hotel, Golf & Spa Resor t, Great Hay Drive, Sutton Way, Telford TF7 4DT, which will take place from Friday 28 February through to Sunday 2 March 2025 There are 10 places available (including one workshop, sandwich lunch and a demonstration in the af ternoon) for those Demonstrators who can only attend on the S aturday. National, Area and trainee Demonstrators are all welcome It will be an informative and innovative weekend to enhance personal development but there will be time for plenty of fun and chatter
On S aturday 1 March 2025 at 2pm all NAFAS members are welcome to join us at the hotel for a demonstration by Dawn Weaver, NAFAS National Demonstrator, which will be held from 2pm to 4pm. Your club might consider a coach trip, or you may wish to attend in a small group and perhaps car share Admission by ticket only
Application forms for the full weekend, the S aturday places for Demonstrators (10 available) and individual tickets for the demonstration (open to all) are available from Vanessa Keys at NAFAS Head Office (vanessa@nafas.org.uk, 020 7247 5567).
Education
Chair: Jane rickard
A really good time was had by all at the July Teachers Conference held in Leamington Spa. There was a full programme that covered just about everything related to teaching within NAFAS We also had an interesting Speaker, Simone S quire, who spoke to us about the history of Belgium (very useful for period flower arranging). There was also a tutorial by Linda Knights on various wiring techniques and delegates could ‘have a go’, if they wished. There was plenty of time for mixing and discussions in a wonderful venue. The food was excellent and the rooms very comfor table. The feedback forms were very encouraging and suggestions were given for improvements as well as many compliments.
The National Education Committee continues to promote the NAFAS shor t courses which have been available since October 2024 S even courses have successfully been completed and cer tificates awarded We know there are more classes in the pipeline. We continue to encourage NAFAS National Teachers to apply for approval to run the courses and we really need the Area Education Reps to pass on enquiries for these courses to their National Tutors so we proceed
We do our best on this committee, to embrace change and move Education on, keeping up with all the regulations that are now required in Education We are always open to new ideas and suggestions from NAFAS Teachers, but you do have to let us know
Speakers
Outgoing Chair: Brenda Eyers
Incoming Chair: Bronda Dossett
As I write my first repor t as Incoming Chair, the sun is shining and the garden is looking at its best. I can’t believe I am submitting my first repor t for the last printed edition of NAFAS News
As the new Chair of the National Speakers Committee, I would like to thank Brenda Eyers, Rita Braithwaite and Simone S quire who have now completed their terms of office. We thank them for the time and suppor t they have given I know they are all busy ladies; we wish them good luck for the future.
The new Committee after the AGM in October will be me – Bronda Dossett (Chair), Irene Manson (Secretary) and Valerie Best – who have both agreed to continue for a fur ther year We will be joined by Peter Mathers and Karen Frew – two newly-qualified National Speakers Tony Cleaver has also agreed to continue giving us his invaluable suppor t.
We are proud to add that Peter Mathers will be hosting this year ’s National AGM in October
The new Committee is keen to embrace the use of technology to enhance our training and suppor t for Speakers and we are excited to be invited to produce 15-minute slots of PowerPoint presentations at the National Show at Gloucester Cathedral next year. More information will follow shor tly.
I am looking forward to the challenge of being the Chair of the National Speakers Committee and welcome both National and Area Speakers to contact me if they have any questions, ideas or concerns. Email: speakerschair@nafas.org.uk
Judges
Chair: Alan Beatty
Here is an update of our judges training under taken
National
On the 4 June 2024, 14 enthusiastic Area Judges par ticipated in Accredited Training at Shrewley, near Birmingham, as par t of their training to become National Judges It was an intensive day with emphasis on practical judging. A follow-on session by Zoom took place in July and fur ther training will be provided by Zoom.
Area
A few Areas have held or are holding Taster Days. At present, I am only aware of two Areas proposing to hold Area Tests. It is vital that Areas recognise the impor tance of offering training to members as par t of their Continual Personal Development (CPD), and as a means of gaining new Judges. We are all aware that judging opportunities are few but the knowledge and skills learned through the judges’ training are invaluable to competitors, to Judges and to Areas This training needs to be regarded as an investment not an expense
Other judging news
The National Judges Committee met in Gloucester Cathedral on 3 June 2024 to get plans moving for ‘Nature’s Challenge’, the 2025 NAFAS National Show The schedule is well underway, utilising the cathedral in a way that is significantly different from last time. In fact, there are only two locations where the staging will be the same as the previous show. We hope the schedule, which will launch in early January, will excite competitors – look out for it and plan your entries.
At the time of writing, a Zoom meeting for Judges with Adjudicators and Instructors was planned for 5 S eptember 2024, with a follow-on meeting the same day for Assessors
NAFAS REP ORT S
Get ahead for Christmas
Visit the NAFAS website for a stunning range of flower arranging and festive-themed Christmas cards.
The cards pictured below are all £3.99 (plus p&p) for a pack of 10 cards. S ee www.nafas.org.uk and look for Christmas.
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
Calling all flower arranging and floristry teachers and tutors
we’re offering your students the oppor tunit y to purchase an annual subscription to the nation’s favourite floral art 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
Front cover
Detail from an arrangement in the ‘Celebrating Courage’ class at the NAFAS National Show 2023
Arranger Elizabeth Dowey Photograph Oliver Gordon
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 2024
Photographing or copying any pages of NAFAS News is strictly forbidden without the express permission of the Editor
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.
NAFAS News will be published online on the NAFAS website, www.nafas.org.uk