We had a good number of members come and celebrate  our love of flowers at our Carol Service at Corfe Mullen. The service had the usual readings and carols and gave us all time to reflect on the gift we have to work with flowers. After a social and tasty lunch we were entertained by Sara and Wendy two of our new demonstrators. They demonstrated 2 lovely designs each, and certainly brought a smile to the audience with their banter. Well done and thanks to them both for taking on the challenge. Following this they were presented with their Area Demonstrator badges.

It is with great delight that Irene Hickson, Demonstrators Rep, was able to tell the 3 trainee demonstrators from Dorset & Guernsey Area that they had all passed their Area Test which were held on Saturday. The training, facilitated by the Area JDE&S committee has been going on for the past 10 months and culminated with the Test in front of an appreciative audience. Many Congratulations to them all.

Wendy Hammersley (Purbeck), Lucille Street (Verwood) Sara Brooker (Lytchett & Upton)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a very good number attend our AGM on Tuesday.  We were also delighted to welcome the CEO of NAFAS Steven Lane. After all the formal part of the meeting Area Chairman Karen and Area President Carrie read the commendations for two new Area Associates of Honour, Irene Hickson and Annette Parker. These awards are in recognition of all the work and support they have given to the Area over many years.

Many Congratulations to Denise Jones from Weymouth Floral Design Group who took First Prize at the NAFAS New Talent Competition at the Malvern Autumn Show this weekend.

Denise, representing and sponsored by Dorset & Guernsey Area, competed against 14 other members representing their Areas. 

Denise will now go on to represent NAFAS at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2025. Good Luck Denise.

 

Good Luck to Denise Jones from Weymouth Floral Design Group as she prepares to represent us at the NAFAS New Talent competition at the Malvern Autumn Show tomorrow. 

The class title is Razzmatazz and pictures of Denise’s entry will be posted at the weekend.

Wessex & Jersey Area have invited us to join them for another 2 day Basic Teaching Workshop tutored by National Tutor Mala Williams.

Dates: Saturday 25th January and Saturday 8th February at Colbury Hall, Ashurst.

The course focuses on providing the basics of good teaching practice for those who currently have no formal teaching qualifications; it does not provide any flower arranging tuition.

Cost is £50 for the 2 days. 

If you are interested and need more information please contact Area Education Rep Carrie Diamond via email: carrie4flowers@gmail.com

 

Irene Hickson, Colehill club and Chairman of the Area JDE&S committee took two 1st Prizes at the New Forest Show recently.

1st Prize “High Tide”

Her petite design also won a prize for  “best condition of foliage at end of show”

 

Blandford & District Flower Club hosted a very successful free beginner’s workshop on Saturday at Tarrant Keyneston for over 20 people. Allison Finch, Chairman, explained to visitors and members that the free workshop was possible due to the Education grant being offered by Dorset & Guernsey Area to showcase our craft and encourage new members to our clubs. Workshop Leader Carrie Diamond led them through the basic skills. There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere, we had fun, and everyone went home with a beautiful arrangement. They all said how much they had enjoyed the afternoon.

The annual Dorset Arts & Crafts Association Show is open to the public at Purbeck School, Wareham from 2nd-6th August. Owermoigne Flower Club have provided these delightful displays again this year.

“It’s Hot” by Sue Legg.  “Eastern Fantasy” by Penelope Lane and “Floral Fun” by Christine Hazard & Elizabeth Jolliffe.

 

These pictures were taken the day before National Flower Arranging when we were preparing our posies.