NAFAS News Summer 2026

NAFAS NEWS

SUMMER 2 026

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

NAFAS Renewal Programme launched at NAC

Flexible and nimble are the watch words for the fourpar t NAFAS Renewal Programme launched in January by the Association’s CEO, Richard Abraham, at National Advisory Council (NAC) in Leamington Spa

The first part is strengthening and streamlining governance. The second is the introduction of a new database to ensure membership data is stored safely and securely.

The third is the development of a new and improved website This will present the Association more effectively to the outside world while giving members better access to information and the ability to update details through secure, password-protected sections. Finally, the programme will include brand and market research This will inform the development of a modern and welcoming brand that respects the Association’s traditions and history.

The programme aims to build on the many strengths found across our clubs and Areas, encouraging innovation to better serve existing members and to introduce more people to the joy of flower arranging.

CEO’s Listening and Communications Tour

CEO Richard Abraham has begun a nationwide tour of Area Council meetings as par t of his commitment to listening to members and strengthening communication across NAFAS

In January he visited Flower Clubs of Cheshire and Wessex & Jersey. Reflecting on the visits, Richard said: “I received such a warm welcome and really enjoyed the Q&A sessions. It was also a huge privilege while in Cheshire to meet past National President Dorothy Irvin. She has made an amazing contribution to NAFAS over the years and it was a joy to meet her ”

The tour continued in February with in-person visits to SAFAS, Dorset & Guernsey, Kent Floral Ar t and NIGFAS with further dates planned this year

The visits are helping ensure that the views and experiences of members across the Areas inform the next stage of NAFAS’s renewal.

Cecilia Sleap, Chair of Kent Floral Art and NAFAS CEO Richard Abraham

NAFAS NEWS

NAFAS on-line

Richard has also been connecting with flower clubs vir tually as par t of his outreach to members.

In January he joined an online demonstration hosted by West Wickham Flower Club He said:

“It was an amazing use of technology and I loved the ‘aerial shots’ of each arrangement during the demonstration It was also wonderfully international –the Demonstrator was a New Zealander presenting from Cork – yet we were all together enjoying the fun of flower arranging.”

In April, Richard joins Friday Flower Fix, an innovative NAFAS-affiliated club that meets exclusively online via Zoom. The club launched in January 2024 with just four members from Three Counties & S outh Wales and has already grown to 33 members –without the costs associated with hiring a hall.

Each meeting begins with a pre-recorded tutorial, followed by a practical session, encouragement and plenty of good fun. “I can’t wait to see the club in action,” Richard said

New video resources for National Flower Arranging Day

To celebrate National Flower Arranging Day on 19 June, a series of five videos will be released featuring NAFAS National Demonstrators showing designs created using bio-foam and, where possible, British-grown flowers.

Aimed at flower arrangers of varying experience, the videos will each run for around 30 minutes and will be available to view on the NAFAS YouTube channel.

Alongside these, NAFAS National Tutors will produce a collection of shor ter ‘How To’ clips for sharing across social media platforms, offering accessible tips and techniques for a wider audience

The project is being overseen by NAFAS Trustee Julie Pearson with fellow Trustee Graham Weaver.

Julie said: “Our varied, inspiring and highly trained NAFAS Demonstrators and Tutors will ensure these videos carry the hallmark of quality associated with NAFAS I have every confidence they will be warmly received by flower arrangers and enthusiasts alike.”

To view the videos, visit www.youtube.com/@NAFASFlowers

A pair of NAFAS National Presidents

On 14 March, the Nor th East Area hosted a Pre-Test Day in York for four aspiring Speakers The event was adjudicated by Alan Beatty, ably assisted by NAFAS National President James Burnside, both from NIGFAS.

Adding a nice touch to the occasion, past National President Janet Hayton was also in attendance, creating a perfect oppor tunity for a memorable photograph (below)

NAFAS AGM 2026

The 67th Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 14 October 2026 Details will be published on the NAFAS website nearer the time. www nafas org uk

India

Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety

On 10 and 11 January, PBFS hosted its Annual Floral Show ‘Emotions in Bloom’ at the Alka Jalan Foundation in Kolkata

Through eight stunning, suspended installations, a rich spectrum of emotions was revealed, mesmerising the senses and stirring a rollercoaster of feelings

The emotions evoked were Anger, Gratitude, Grief, Hope, Joy, Love, Peace and Wonder

S ee our special feature on the following pages.

SPECIAL FE ATURE

Emotions in Bloom

The floral show mounted by Pushpa Bitan Friendship S ociety in Kolkata in January explored human emotions through floral ar t

SPECIAL FE ATURE

SPECIAL FE ATURE

AREA & CLUB NEWS

Kent Floral Ar t

Kent Floral Ar t 65th AGM

Kent Floral Ar t celebrated its 65th Annual General Meeting in November with a day full of friendship, creativity, and inspiration The morning began with refreshments, offering members a chance to catch up with friends, browse information tables, and collect club packs. Visitors also learned about the many disciplines suppor ting the Area, including Judges, Demonstrators, Speakers, Education, and Photography. The Flower Arranger magazine stand was popular, offering discounted subscriptions, while the raffle added an extra touch of fun with a generous selection of prizes

During the AGM, repor ts from Area representatives reflected on an inspiring and creative year. Hear tfelt thanks were given to those retiring from their roles, and new members stepping into positions were warmly welcomed Congratulations were also extended to newly qualified Area Demonstrators, who received their badges and cer tificates and to the winners of the Photography Competition, whose images beautifully captured the spirit of floral ar t.

Af ter a delicious lunch, members enjoyed an af ternoon demonstration by National Demonstrator Dawn Weaver. Her presentation, ‘Ar tistic Licence’, showcased striking willow structures combined with exquisite floral designs. Dawn’s creativity and skill delighted the audience, and many lucky members went home with stunning arrangements.

The AGM was a wonderful reminder of what Kent Floral Ar t represents – friendship through flowers, creativity, and community.

AREA & CLUB NEWS

Deal & District Flower Club

Deal & District Flower Club was delighted to take par t in a ‘Hobby Day’ organised by Dover District Council at Deal Town Hall in January The event showcased a wide variety of local clubs, hobbies, and community activities

The club’s brightly coloured daffodil display attracted plenty of attention. Many members visited the stand, and the club also welcomed new faces, enjoying the oppor tunity to answer questions, share information about its programme and talk about club activities

The event proved highly valuable, sparking meaningful conversations and generating interest from potential new members and visitors.

The event provided the perfect platform to promote the club’s ethos of ‘Friendship through Flowers’, highlighting the creativity, joy, and social connection that being par t of a flower club can bring.

Sheldwich & District Flower Club

The club held its annual AGM in November. Af ter the AGM, there was a mini demonstration Marilyn Marsh, S arah Williams and Jenny Spencer each created an arrangement for the enjoyment of the members

AREA & CLUB NEWS

Surrey

Banstead Flower Club

At the end of November 2025, Banstead Flower Club held a wreath-making workshop for local residents, inspired by the success of a similar event the previous year.

Promotion began in S eptember and all 31 places were quickly filled S ome par ticipants had enjoyed the workshop in 2024 and were keen to return, while several new faces joined for the first time.

Attendees were asked to bring only a pair of scissors or secateurs. On arrival, each person received a wreath-making kit containing an instruction sheet, wreath ring, moss, wires, dried fruits and cones. Foliage was available in the hall for everyone to

select from, and par ticipants could choose a ribbon to complete their wreath at the end of the session

Experienced club members provided guidance throughout the two-hour workshop. By the end of the morning, everyone had created a beautiful wreath to take home and display on their door.

S everal par ticipants asked if the workshop could be repeated next November Banstead’s committee agreed that while the event required a great deal of preparation, it was both enjoyable and wor thwhile It also offered an excellent oppor tunity to introduce new people to the ar t of flower arranging and to the club itself.

As well as welcoming new members, the club has seen some attendees join its Facebook page, helping them stay in touch and keep up to date with meetings and future events

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

GOOD CAUSE S

NAFAS online shop

Don’t forget to visit the NAFAS shop. You can order from our wide selection of items with a floral theme, books, show materials, cards and gif ts to send to family and friends with a floral flourish

Subscriptions to The Flower Arranger magazine and back issues are also available to purchase.

The NAFAS shop stocks the following:

l Christmas cards

l Competition award cards

l Diaries and calendars

l Digital handbooks

l The Flower Arranger magazine

l Gif ts and notecards

l NAFAS handbooks and NAFAS Competitions Manual

l Fur ther flower arranging books

Don’t miss out! Order today.

NAFAS-affiliated flower clubs raise money for a wide range of charities and wor thy causes. Here are the latest fundraising successes

In January 2026, during its Emerald Anniversary year (55 years), Bayston Hill & District Flower Club welcomed the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Alex Wagner, to present cheques of £220.25 each to two well-loved local charities: Shropshire Cat Rescue, based in Bayston Hill, and S evern Hospice, serving Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid-Wales

The funds were raised at a Christmas wreath workshop, a mystery £1 Christmas parcel stall, and a 50:50 raffle in November 2025.

Representatives from the charities explained how the donations would suppor t their work with leaflets circulated to members on arrival. Councillor Wagner spoke warmly about the impor tance of the flower club in the local community and highlighted the invaluable contribution of volunteers.

Having star ted with a lively flower demonstration, Strictly Come Flower Arranging, by Area and National NAFAS Demonstrator S arah Fenton, the af ternoon concluded with a raffle for the beautiful arrangements, sending several lucky winners home with stunning floral designs

ABOVE Pictured (L–R) NAFAS Demonstrator Sarah Fenton, Debbie Harris (club Chair), Councillor Alex Wagner (Mayor of Shrewsbury), Marion Micklewright (Shropshire Cat Rescue), Phil Haigh (Severn Hospice)

If your flower club or Area has raised money for charity, we would love to hear about it at news@nafas.org.uk

ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION S

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

10 YE ArS (Tin)

Dorchester Floral Group (Dorset & Guernsey)

25 YE ArS (Silver)

Maidstone Flower Club (Kent Floral Ar t)

35 YE ArS (Coral)

Over & District Flower Club (East of England)

wensleydale Flower Club (Nor th East)

40 YE ArS (ruby)

Burnley & Pendle Flower Club (Flowers Nor th West)

Ferryhill & S edgefield Flower Club (Nor thumberland & Durham)

lakenheath Flower Club (East of England)

45 YE ArS (S apphire)

Dalton Flower Club (Nor thumberland & Durham) Fownhope Flower Club (Three Counties & S outh Wales)

50 YE ArS (Gold)

Auchincruive Floral Ar t Club (SAFAS)

Broadstone & Corfe Mullen Floral Decoration S ociety (Dorset & Guernsey)

Dereham & District Flower Club (East of England)

rainford Flower Club (Flowers Nor th West)

S andy Flower Club (East of England)

55 YE ArS (Emerald)

Alresford Flower Club (Wessex & Jersey)

Dinnington Flower Club (Nor th East)

60 YE ArS (Diamond)

Harpenden Evening Floral Ar t Group (Home Counties)

Hatch End Flower Arrangement Group (Home Counties)

65 YE ArS (Blue S apphire)

Benfleet Floral Ar t Group (Home Counties)

Bur ton Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)

Chadder ton Floral Ar t S ociety (Flowers Nor th West)

Cleethorpes Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)

Frisby on the wreake Flower & Garden Club (Nor th Midlands)

Ilkley Flower Club (Nor th East)

linlithgow Floral Ar t Club (SAFAS)

Plymstock Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall Floral Ar t)

S cunthorpe Flower Club (Nor th Midlands)

Stanwix Flower Arrangement Society (Flowers North West)

Tavistock Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall Floral Ar t)

wistaston & District Flower Club (Flower Clubs of Cheshire)

70 YE ArS (Platinum)

SAFAS Area

Exmouth Flower Club (Devon & Cornwall Floral Ar t)

Malton Flower Club (Nor th East)

Swansea Floral Ar t S ociety (Three Counties & S outh Wales)

S alisbury Flower Club has spent the past year celebrating its 70th anniversary with a series of memorable events

In the summer, Martina Coleman staged a delightful evening of demonstrations set to music, with members showcasing arrangements representing each decade of the club’s history October marked the official anniversary, celebrated with a glittering demonstration complete with bubbly, a delicious cake, and plenty of sparkle, making it a truly special occasion for all involved

The photograph shows (L-R) Helen Hardy, Michael Bowyer (club President), Elaine Lunt, Pip Bensley, Anne Bailey, Liz Richards, Sharon Chalk

Ordering back issues of The Flower Arranger

Back issues of The Flower Arranger are available to NAFAS Areas and clubs at the following prices:

2025 £2.50 per copy + postage 2024 and earlier £1 per copy + postage

Please email: info@nafas.org.uk or contact Nafas head office on 020 7247 5567

Your ver y own The Flower Arranger Apron

Need a sensible cover-up while you work?

our unique apron is designed with flower arrangers in mind. makes a great gif t for flower arranging friends.

l stylish and practical especially for flower arrangers

l Useful length to protect you from mess and spills

l handy pockets for loose items while you work

Only £15 99

Buy online at nafas org uk

Butterfly beauty

This seasonal design by Janet Arm and Valerie Clark from Aldershot Floral Design Club (Surrey) was awarded Commended in the club class ‘Metamorphosis’ at the 2025 NAFAS National Show, held at Gloucester Cathedral

Front cover and above

This exhibit won Third prize in the ‘Metamorphosis’ club class at the 2025 NAFAS National Show ‘Nature’s Challenge’ held at Gloucester Cathedral

Arrangers Sandra Snell & Sue Jones, Fownhope Flower Club (Three Counties & South Wales) Photographs Assaf Frank

NAFAS News is published quarterly by NAFAS 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 Lisa Spencer

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 2026

charity

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 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.