NAFAS News - Winter 2025

NAFAS News

WINTER 2 02 5

National President’s

Northern Ireland Event FORNAFASMEMBERS

Spirı·t of theNorth

ENJOY A MIDWEEK BREAK OF FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND FLOWERS

Armagh City Hotel

2 Friary Road, Armagh BT60 4FR Tuesday18th – Thursday20thAugust 2026

Tuesday

● Afternoon arrival

● Evening meal and entertainment

Wednesday

● Breakfast

● Teaching demonstration

● Lunch

● Gala demonstration by two National Demonstrators

Thursday

● Breakfast

● Talk by a National Speaker

● Close of Conference by NAFAS National Chairman

Additional attractions

● Traders /retail therapy

● Tombola and Ra e

event cost

delegate cost (Wednesday)

Above plus Gala Dinner and entertainment

To register your interest and reserve places

● Drinks reception, Gala Dinner and Ceilidh

Please provide your name, contact details and number of places to Email: events@nafas.org.uk Tel: 020 7247 5567 PROGRAMME

A

l ette r f ro m steve n La n e C EO, N A FAS ( 201 9 – 2025 )

Dear NAFAS Members,

As I prepare to retire, I wanted to take a moment to write to you personally, something I haven’t done in a while. This issue of NAFAS News feels like the right time to pause, reflect and say thank you

When I joined NAFAS as CEO in 2019, it was a leap into a new world. Af ter years working with charities suppor ting children with disabilities and lifethreatening illnesses, and time spent in the hospice movement, I thought flower arranging might offer a gentler path. What I hadn’t anticipated was the complexity of the Association, nor the challenges we would face together.

From the financial loss of the Diamond Show in 2019 to the Governance Review, and then the upheaval of Covid, it’s been a journey of resilience. S elling Osborne House and relocating to a more suitable office space was a difficult but necessary decision. The National Shows in 2023 and 2025 brought renewed energy and optimism, especially the financial success of the 2023 event, which helped rebuild trust and morale

I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I feel I’m leaving NAFAS in a stronger position. That’s thanks to the incredible staff who’ve suppor ted me throughout, especially Vanessa, who’s been by my side from day one I’m also deeply grateful to the Standing Committee Chairmen, Area Chairmen, the Finance Team, the Editorial Team (The Flower Arranger) and the many members who’ve offered encouragement and kindness.

The Board of Trustees is the most dedicated, hardworking and suppor tive Board that I have had the pleasure of working with, I thank you all, past and present.

2026 NAFAs diar y

Stay organised and never miss a floral event with the NAFAS 2026 Diary

Compact and pocket-sized, it’s perfect for keeping track of flower club meetings, workshops, and impor tant dates throughout the year.

A thoughtful and practical gif t, it also makes an ideal stocking filler for family and flower friends.

£5.35 plus p&p

But I won’t pretend it’s all been easy. I’ve seen the other side of NAFAS which at times has caused some distress, not just for me but also the staff and Trustees. This level of negativity holds the Association back and is an unnecessary distraction. More recently I’ve asked myself why anyone would want to disaffiliate over a £2 25 annual affiliation fee increase. That’s less than the cost of two first-class stamps Disaffiliation doesn’t just affect finances, it closes doors for future Judges, Demonstrators, Teachers, and Speakers It limits oppor tunity for the next generation of flower arrangers. There are no winners with disaffiliation, just some shor t-term personal and financial gains

This is flower arranging. It should be joyful, creative, and inclusive. Whatever drives negativity within the Association, I know there are far more members who are honest, respectful, and suppor tive. You are the hear t of NAFAS, and you will be the ones to carry it forward.

There is now an oppor tunity to restructure the affiliation and membership fees This will be a good use of the charity’s reserves and will benefit all members Please suppor t the new CEO, the Board, the staff, and each other. NAFAS will thrive if you work together I’ll be watching with interest

With sincere thanks and warmest wishes,

Steven Lane

O rder now…

Online at the NAFAS website (www.nafas.org.uk)

PhOne Call NAFAS on 020 7247 556 to pay by card

POst by cheque payable to NAFAS Enterprises Ltd.

Address: NAFAS Enterprises Ltd, 1st Floor, 42-44 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AH

NAFAS News

Head Office updates

new appointment:

elizabeth simpson

We welcome Elizabeth as the new Digital Marketing and Communications Manager Elizabeth brings a strong background in digital marketing and a wealth of experience from the charity sector. She is eager to grow NAFAS’s online presence, shape effective strategies and deliver inclusive, impactful campaigns.

new trustee:

Julie Pearson

Julie joins the Board of Trustees A long-standing member of NAFAS, Julie serves as both an Area Demonstrator and a member of the National Education Committee Julie is Programme Secretary for the Contemporary Floral Design Education Group (Flowers Nor th West), with strong ties to Flower Clubs of Cheshire. She holds the title of British Master of Floristry (formerly NDSF) and has worked widely as a consultant, international tutor and City & Guilds examiner. Julie is delighted to bring her passion and exper tise to the Board

Farewell:

trustee ellie Meaking

Af ter seven years of dedicated service, Trustee Ellie Meaking steps down from the Board. Ellie reflects on how the work has evolved, now focusing as much on governance, risk and diversity as on flowers themselves She describes her time as a Trustee as both challenging and rewarding, and values the friendships she has made along the way. Ellie assures us she will remain closely connected to NAFAS in the years ahead

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

nAFAs head Office contact details Phone 020 7247 5567 Email info@nafas.org.uk Web nafas.org.uk

l Fur ther flower arranging books

Don’t miss out! Order today.

NAFAS NATIONAL SHOW 202 5

National Demonstrators wow audiences at the Gloucester Guildhall

A sell-out demonstration by national Demonstrators emily Broomhead and elizabeth Graham at the Gloucester Guildhall was a true highlight of this year ’s national show

The demonstration, titled ‘Autumn Appassionato’, was filled with stunning large-scale designs, as Emily and Elizabeth brought their unique flair and creativity to the stage in a programme brimming with laughter, music and inspiration Their arrangements were not only beautiful but also completely captivating, holding the audience’s attention from star t to finish.

Throughout the evening, they generously shared their insights and techniques, taking the audience step by step through their creative process. Along the way, they offered practical tips and ideas to help everyone elevate their own floral designs

leFt Emily Broomhead

RiGht Elizabeth Graham

BelOW leFt Autumnal colours and materials were a feature of the National Demonstrators’ designs.

BelOW RiGht A pair of sumptuous urns was a highlight of the popular demonstration

WORLD News

Canada

Canadian Western Association of Floral Ar t Clubs (CWsFAC)

The Canadian Western Association is the newest member of WAFA .

Valerie Best (London and Overseas) was invited to do an Advanced Course for their Judges which took place on Zoom from October 2024 to April 2025. Many aspects of international judging were covered during the course including schedule writing and vetting, still life, writing comment cards, judging procedures at WAFA shows and much more Here are a few of the Judges with their cer tificates.

Marlene

S ome of the Judges, led by Cindy Tataryn (CWSFAC President) attended the WAFA S eminar in Australia during August and the NAFAS National Show in Gloucester in S eptember.

India

Pushpa Bitan Friendship s ociety

The society held its AGM in May. S enior designers Lily More, Surva Dutt, Dr Arundhati S arkar and S arita Chawchharia displayed Ikebana designs to inspire members.

ABOVe (L-R) Sarita Chawchharia, Suvra Dutt, Lily More, Dr Arundhati Sarkar with their final design.

In June, the society met to explore the ar t of foamfree designing Members created delightful table-top arrangements using only natural and fresh materials –with no floral foam in sight As is of ten the case with foam-free work, members rose to the challenge and found inventive ways to suppor t their plant material. The results were imaginative and inspiring, as shown in the selection of designs featured here.

Devika

Australia

S ave the date for WAFA 2027 ‘Land of Contrasts’, 17–23 March, Sydney, Australia.

The 14th World Flower Show promises an extraordinary celebration of international floral ar tistry. Taking place in the vibrant city of Sydney, the event will showcase the very best in design and creativity

Highlights will include breathtaking floral displays, inspiring demonstrations, handson workshops and thought-provoking talks.

Register your interest in workshops, competition classes and events at wafaaustralia com

AREA & CLUB News

Flower Clubs of Mercia & Nor th wales

Bayston hill & District Flower Club

On 28 May the club welcomed Donald Morgan, NAFAS Area Demonstrator and Area Judge, for a special open evening Celebrations began with six members receiving NAFAS long-service awards presented by Ros Anwyl (Area Chair). Sue Harrison received a 40-year award while Ann Pearce, Marilyn Jones, Margaret Ellis, Venice Turrell and Joan Gregory each received a 50-year award Together these achievements represent 290 years of dedication to the club

Following Donald’s inspiring and beautifully presented demonstration, guests enjoyed a delicious selection of cakes generously provided by committee member Maralyn Long. Debbie Harris (club Chair) thanked Donald, Ros, the committee, members and visitors for their suppor t and for making the evening a joyous occasion for all. The photograph below shows L-R: Sue Harrison, Ann Pearce, Marilyn Jones, Margaret Ellis, Donald Morgan, Ros Anwyl, Venice Turrell and Joan Gregory

new Area trading Officer

Debbie Harris has recently taken on the role of Trading Officer for Flower Clubs of Mercia & Nor th Wales. She launched her new role by running the sales table during Alan Beatty’s (National Judges Committee Chair, National Demonstrator, National Speaker) visit to the Area, which included a demonstration and a workshop Visitors from other NAFAS Areas as well as members bought from the table, an exciting star t.

Debbie plans to group sales items in 50p and £1 floral-covered boxes with a seasonal theme for each S ales Table. A poster will be shared on the Area’s Facebook page before each Area Council Meeting inviting donations for that season.

At the June Area Council Meeting Debbie displayed cut roses with five fun facts about roses She will continue this idea with a different seasonal flower at each meeting. She also upcycled three jam jars with felt, wired beads and garden flowers to create three draw prizes at no cost.

For the next Area Council Meeting Debbie is organising a shor t quiz, with everyone receiving a small bar of chocolate for taking par t. She will also

AREA & CLUB

display materials and a checklist for a workshop idea All visitors who buy from the sales table will have their names entered into a hat, with one drawn for a mystery prize Debbie hopes to encourage interaction and increase interest in the sales table.

Debbie welcomes ideas on developing the sales table from other Areas’ NAFAS Trading Officers Her contact email is debbieflower14@gmail.com

BelOW Debbie Harris at the trading table

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.

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

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ANNIVERSARY CeLeBR ATION s

congratulations to all the Nafas clubs and areas on reaching these milestone anniversaries

40 Ye ARs (Ruby)

Beverley Flower Club (Nor th East)

50 Ye ARs (Gold)

Allestree Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)

Fordingbridge Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey)

headcorn Flower Arrangers (Kent Floral Ar t)

Kirriemuir & District Floral Ar t Club (SAFAS) nor th Craven Flower Club (Nor th East) s alford Floral Ar t S ociety (Flowers Nor th West)

55 Ye ARs (emerald)

Marlborough Flower Club (S outh West)

stapleford Flower Guild (Devon & Cornwall Floral Ar t) streetly Flower Club (S outh Midlands)

60 Ye ARs (Diamond)

Cyncoed Floral Club (Three Counties & S outh Wales) haverfordwest Floral Ar t S ociety (Three Counties & S outh Wales)

launceston Floral Art Group (Devon & Cornwall Floral Art)

Malton & District Flower Club (Nor th East)

Steyning Flower Club (Sussex)

65 Ye ARs (Blue s apphire)

Ayr & District Floral Ar t Club (SAFAS)

Bedford Floral Ar t S ociety (Home Counties)

Bromley & District Floral S ociety (London and Overseas)

Wrekin Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Mercia & Nor th Wales)

Wrexham Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Mercia & Nor th Wales)

70 Ye ARs (Platinum)

Border Flower Club (SAFAS)

Braintree Flower Club (East of England)

Brecon Floral S ociety (Three Counties & S outh Wales) thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group (Home Counties)

Ayr & District Flower Club (SAFAS) celebrated its Blue Sapphire Anniversary on 12 June with a glass of bubbly and a two-course meal followed by a scrumptious cake made and decorated by their Programme Secretary and Vice Chair Members were then entertained by a wonderful floral demonstration from the talented Mark Entwistle His arrangements, including a rocket and a ‘Who shot JR?’ design, took members on a journey through the decades from the 1960s to the present day Almost 100 people attended, including nine past Chairs as well as Irene Young and Heather Black from SAFAS. A fun time was had by all. The photograph shows the cake being cut by Mary McKie (the club's earliest Chair) alongside Christine Logan (current Chair) surrounded by other past Chairs

Border Flower Club (SAFAS) celebrated its Platinum Anniversary in May, marking 70 years since its formation They proudly displayed the original poster from their first meeting in October 1955. As it is now a small club, they held an informal af ternoon tea for present and past members Their longest serving member, Nancy Thompson, cut the cake made by Marion Hamilton.

Brecon Floral Society (Three Counties & South Wales) celebrated its Platinum Anniversary on 26 June with a luncheon attended by 43 members. This milestone honours the club, founded in 1950 by Major and Mrs Murray of Penpont, originally called Brecon Flower Show The inaugural committee meeting took place on 11 December 1950 when members were asked to ‘lend’ £2 to fund the following year ’s Spring Show In the early years the focus was on growing plants and cut flowers, with a first prize of 2/6d. By 1955 the club began enrolling members and adopted the name Brecon Floral Society. In 1960 the Society joined the Three Counties & South Wales Area of NAFAS The anniversary photograph shows the current committee members, the club President and three Honorary Members Members were delighted to be joined by Delyth Price (Area Chair) in the celebrations

ANNIVERSARY CeLeBR ATION s

Bromley & District Floral Society (London and Overseas) celebrated its 65th Blue Sapphire Anniversary on 3 June with cake (cake topper designed by Graham Harmer) and a glass of fizz followed by a colourful demonstration by Vivien Withers The club has longstanding members of 40+ years, 25 years and some honorary award badge holders The year ’s celebrations began on 20 May with a thanksgiving service, tea and homemade cakes, and a demonstration by Sue Tausig at St Mary’s Church, Bromley. In August, members and guests enjoyed a Blue Sapphire af ternoon tea at the Bromley Court Hotel with a demonstration by Graham Harmer The photograph shows 50 of the club’s 90 members raising a glass to celebrate 65 years of ‘Fun, Flowers and Friendship’

haverfordwest Floral Art Society (Three Counties & South Wales) celebrated its 60th Anniversary in June with af ternoon tea and a floral demonstration by Linda Garratt. Cutting the cake: Caroline Phillips (Chair) with Anne Thomas (Programme Secretary) on her lef t, Anna Daye (Treasurer) front right of her, Christine Hancock (Treasurer) back row, seventh from lef t and club members.

Ayr & District

ANNIVERSARY CeLeBR ATION s

Members of Malton & District Flower Club (North East) celebrated its Diamond Anniversary on 17 June. Guests from the North East Area, Rita Braithwaite (Chair) and Sheila Drybrough (President), joined members for a celebratory lunch and anniversary cake Sue Maddocks entertained with beautiful arrangements and stories of her NAFAS experiences, provoking much laughter The photograph shows (L–R) Barbara Adamson (President), Pam Russell (Chair), Rita Braithwaite (North East Area Chair) and Sally Goodrick (Vice Chair) cutting the cake streetly Flower Club (South Midlands) celebrated their Emerald Anniversary in May 2025 They plan to hold a celebratory afternoon tea for members, with Margaret Rumens giving a talk entitled ‘I Just said Yes’ The photographs show club members

Nearly 100 members and visitors celebrated the Platinum Anniversary (an impressive 70 years!) of thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group on 9 May at the local St Augustine’s Hall Formed in May 1955 as part of the Horticultural Society by Mrs D Peters, membership fees were 4/6d annually with 2/6d deferred for horticultural membership. Over the years the group has enjoyed many outings, including in 1959 when they chartered a plane to attend the Paris International Floralies Expo

Today the group is affiliated to the NAFAS Home Counties Area and meets monthly to watch floral arrangements created and raffled The group thrives with 105 members who also enjoy quarterly workshops, exhibitions and social events Members decorate St Augustine’s Church for major celebrations, most recently its 90th Anniversary in May 2025.

The celebrations included a demonstration by NAFAS Area Demonstrator Robin White titled ‘Anniversaries’ On arrival each guest donned a homemade buttonhole and was welcomed with sparkling wine, raising a toast to the group’s future before the meeting began Hannah Padbury (President) cut the cake with Robin Christine Hughes compiled two boards of photographs and archive material for members to reminisce. Many photographs were taken and the best, along with a video, will join the archives. The photograph shows L-R front: Carol Hughes (Treasurer) & Sylvia Kittle (Chair) L-R back: Barbara Millbank, Christine Hughes (Vice Chair & Exhibition Secretary), Wendy Shipperley (Vice President), Patricia Brett-Pitt, Hannah Padbury (President) Naomi Clark (Exhibition Secretary), Pauline Howat (Workshop Secretary), Margaret Bultitude (Programme Secretary) & Robin White. Absent: Linda Ford (Secretary) & Ena Worsfold.

Thorpe Bay

Sparkleand shine

Gill Griffin’s entry in the ‘tis the s eason to sparkle’ class at the Wessex & Jersey Area of nAFAs Area show truly caught the Judges’ eye

The design combined strong contrasts in texture and form with an unusual yet pleasing palette of pink orchids and a variety of green garden foliage, all brought together for Christmas with accents of gold plant material. These golden touches added sparkle, rhythm and clever links between the placements.

Although the suppor ting wood piece was visually dominant, the overall composition impressed the judges enough to earn Gill a Very Highly Commended award.

GOOD CAUse s

nAFAs-affiliated flower clubs raise money for a wide range of charities and wor thy causes. here is a report of a recent fundraising success shrewsbury Flower Club was delighted with the success of its recent Flower Festival, held at St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury this June Four days of preparation and about £2,500 wor th of premium flowers, generously supplied by sponsors, produced the stunning arrangements on display.

A real buzz and sense of excitement carried through the weekend with strong attendance and excellent feedback. The festival raised £2,300, of which £1,100 was donated to St Chad’s, the remainder suppor ting the 67-year-old club.

Standout displays included a pedestal arrangement by Debbie Wellington in memory of Percy and Connie Thrower, a memorial tribute by Lynda McCormack in the Military Chapel, a fairyland window by Hannah Edwards with help from her daughters Rosie and Molly, and two fur ther pedestal arrangements by long-serving club members Thelma Hall and Anne Flint Jane Williams (Chair) said it was a truly fabulous weekend of flowers. She thanked all who attended and sponsors J Van VLIET, Birmingham for supplying such high-quality blooms and making the festival possible

tOP A fairyland window design by Hannah Edwards, our youngest member of the club

RiGht Pedestal by Debbie Wellington in memory of Percy and Connie Thrower Percy was one of our founder members and Connie was very involved with Shrewsbury Flower Club

ABOVe Anne Flint standing beside her pedestal. leFt Thelma Hall seated beside her pedestal Thelma still serves on the committee BelOW Memorial designs by Lynda McCormack in the Military Chapel

Arranger Christine Curzon-Lewis

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

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 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

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 NAFAS News Editorial: news@nafas.org.uk

Photographs

Please supply all photos digitally via email. Photos must be high-resolution jpegs.