NAFAS NEWS
SUMMER
2 02 5
NAFAS NEWS
NAFAS online shop
Don’t forget to visit the NAFAS shop. You can order from our wide range of flower arranging books, show materials, 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.
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.
NAFAS Head Office contact details Phone 020 7247 5567
Email info@nafas.org.uk Web nafas.org.uk
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
£1.99 plus 69p postage
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
India
Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety
In December, Society President Kavita Poddar created this enchanting ‘Spice Tray’ design for a wedding trousseau – spice trays are a traditional Indian wedding gif t.
See our special feature on pages 6 to 9. Puspha Bitan Friendship Society held their Annual Show in Kolkata with a movie theme. . .
WORLD NEWS
Kenya
Kenya Floral Arrangement Club
In S eptember, Pritesh Shah and Naina Anju Shah hosted a captivating and inspiring workshop on ‘Mixed Media’ It covered a broad spectrum of approaches to mixed media ar t, from incorporating paint and collage to experimenting with unconventional materials.
The hands-on event offered par ticipants the chance to explore a variety of techniques and materials, blending different ar tistic forms to create unique and expressive pieces.
The atmosphere was vibrant and collaborative, with par ticipants fully immersed in every stage of the creative process. Members were grateful to Pritesh and Naina for leading this exceptional workshop and generously sharing their exper tise with everyone who attended
Pritesh Shah
Arranger:
Arrangers: Naina Anju Shah, Pritesh Shah
Pritesh Shah (lef t) and Naina Anju Shah (right)
Arrangers: Naina Anju Shah, Pritesh Shah
Arrangers: Naina Anju Shah, Pritesh Shah
Arranger: Pritesh Shah
Arranger: Pritesh Shah
Arrangers: Naina Anju Shah, Pritesh Shah
Arranger: Pritesh Shah
SPECIAL FE ATURE
Flowers bring films to life at the Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety annual flower show in Kolkata
The ‘movies’ themed show this January was aptly named ‘Blooming Blockbusters’. Fif ty par ticipating society members were divided into teams to depict seven, mainly Indian, iconic films through intricate floral displays.
the S ound of Music A picnic scene against the backdrop of the majestic Alps is created in plant material to evoke the inspiring story, set in Austria during the Second World War, of love, family bonds and the transformative power of music The main character, Maria, has been created from a mixture of fresh and dried flowers. The Von Trapp children are shown playing with a ball with a fresh floral mat, food hamper, bag and guitar adding to the ambience
the Jungle Book The enchanting story of Mowgli, raised in the jungle and nurtured by animals, is brought to life through a pop-up book-style design. The vibrant hues of the jungle are depicted with fabric, macramé leaves, and intricately craf ted animals Bagheera, the black panther, is adorned with gentle blossoms that reflect his sof t-hearted love for Mowgli, while the fierce Shere Khan prowls in pursuit Baloo the bear joyously feasts on crocheted bananas, and Kaa, the python, coils menacingly The installation displays a fresh perspective on this unforgettable tale, showcasing floral artistry.
SPECIAL FE ATURE
Devdas The installation poignantly captures the sorrow and torment of the eponymous protagonist through the use of white Cymbidium (orchid) and lush green foliage, including expertly manipulated Pandanus (China palm) and Dypsis lutescens (areca palm) leaves The vibrant and joyous nature of his beloved Paro is beautifully symbolised through rich reds and oranges An upper-class family home is evoked through a thoughtful mix of fresh and dried materials while delicately hand-painted paper butterflies flutter throughout the design, symbolising the fleeting beauty of life Paro’s mukut (traditional bridal headgear) is craf ted from Aeschynomene aspera (shola, Indian cork) A floor decoration made from jackfruit leaves adds to the intricate detailing, while coloured Plumeria (frangipani) leaves are used to replicate the effect of coloured glass windows, completing the poignant portrayal of this tragic love story.
Mughal-e-Azam
This was the largest installation and recreating a tragic love story with flowers while avoiding a bright and happy tone was a challenge Red roses were chosen to symbolise Prince Salim’s (Shekhu’s) love for Anarkali, while the harshness of Emperor Akbar ’s decision to entomb Anarkali alive is depicted using varying thicknesses of ropes Anarkali’s veil, craf ted from Centella asiatica (gota) and flowers symbolises her silent acceptance of her fate. The veil is displayed alone to evoke her resignation without protest The dupatta (shawl) is made from wire rings wrapped in gota and leaves
AREA & CLUB NEWS
East of England
Stowmarket & District Flower Club
On the occasion of their Blue S apphire Anniversary, the Stowmarket & District Flower Club celebrated 65 years of floral ar tistry and community The club’s first official meeting took place on 25 August 1959 at Stow Lodge, and since 1991, members have gathered at Woolpit Village Hall. To this day, the club meets on the four th Wednesday of every month, offering a diverse range of demonstrations, workshops, and talks to inspire and engage its members.
Over the years, the club has earned a distinguished reputation with members making notable contributions at prestigious events, such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Suffolk Show, Hadleigh Show, and cathedral flower festivals at Bury St Edmunds and Ely, as well as national and international competitions. In 1961, the club had the honour of arranging flowers for the late Queen’s visit to Stowmarket, and in 2002, they created floral displays for Her Majesty’s visit to Bury St Edmunds as par t of her Golden Jubilee Tour. One of the club’s members also co-designed the floral arrangements for the 900th Anniversary of Westminster Abbey in 1966. Additionally, club members have won countless competition prizes and trophies since it star ted all those years ago.
The club places great emphasis on engaging its members, even at its Annual General Meetings, which of ten feature talks from various organisations, such as Narey’s Nursery, Notcutts Garden Centre, Suffolk Wildlife, East Anglian Air Ambulance, and Medical Detection Dogs There was even a memorable talk on ‘A Day in the Life of a Wimbledon Umpire’!
Beyond their floral creations, the club has organised visits to renowned gardens, including the Beth Chatto Gardens, RHS Wisley, Otley Hall, and Fuller ’s Mill, fur ther enriching the members’ appreciation of the hor ticultural world.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club embraced the power of email to maintain regular contact To bring a touch of nature into their homes, members shared captivating photographs of their gardens with one another These shared images of natural beauty not only lif ted spirits but also reflected the passion and dedication each member invests in their gardening endeavours.
Looking back on the club’s vibrant 65-year journey, it is evident that this community of flower enthusiasts has not only celebrated a legacy of floral creativity but has also cultivated a strong sense of camaraderie and shared passion. As the club continues to thrive, here’s to many more years of blooming success!
Wessex & Jersey
Brockenhurst Flower Club
Members were delighted to welcome the multitalented Robin White who presented them with his ‘Farewell Tour ’ demonstration at their October open meeting, aptly named ‘Looking Back’. Robin was the 2019 NAFAS Designer of the Year winner and has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He will be missed not only for his dramatic designs but for the hilarious narrative and delivery on stage. His designs are clean cut, strong and full of colour. He prefers to use tones and shades from a single colour palette or to keep the colours complementary. The arrangements are so striking the images speak for themselves.
Colourful designs created by Robin White, Kent Floral Art Demonstrator and the 2019 NAFAS Designer of the Year
AREA & CLUB
Knowle
Dursley & District
Gosport
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.
thames Valley Flower Club (Berks, Bucks & Oxon) suppor ted Reading Family Aid for a second year and Sheila Bryant presented a cheque for £700 00 to Wendy Howell, which will help their charity ensure children receive a gif t at Christmas The photograph shows (L-R) Sheila Bryant and Wendy Howell.
if your flower club or Area has raised money for charity, we would love to hear about it at news@nafas.org.uk
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
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
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
Front cover and above
‘Education’, an arrangement at the ‘Abundant Blessings’ themed 2024 Hitchin Flower Festival, held in the historic St Mary's Church dating from the 14th and 15th centuries
Arranger Karen Harwood
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 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 2025 Registered charity no
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 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.