Once again, NAFAS was invited to arrange flowers at Westminster Abbey this time for the ANZAC Day Service held on Thursday 25th April 2024. At this Service it was members from Dorset & Guernsey and NIGFAS who had the privilege of arranging the flowers.
We had 5 creative designers, their title, “Dancing Rhythms” a no foam exhibit. They were competing for the Dorset & Guernsey New Talent competition at President’s Day. A great day of Fun, Food, Flowers and Friendship. Many Congratulations to Denise Jones from Weymouth Floral Group who took 1st Prize in the competition with her stunning design. She will go on to represent the Area at the National competition being held at the Malvern Autumn Show. 2nd Prize went to Lucille Street from Verwood a very worthy runner up. Congratulations to all those who took up the challenge and competed we were so pleased with all their wonderful work. Whilst the competitors staged their designs the other visitors enjoyed a very interesting and passionate talk from Simon Goldsack of Holme for Gardens with “The Making of a Public Garden”.
After a good lunch, we had fun and lots of laughter with “ready steady flower arrange” the arrangers being Allison Finch and John Astley who certainly entertained us with designs in an old boot and a set of kitchen scales. Meanwhile the judging had taken place and the competitors had time with the judge and then we were able to view the fantastic exhibits. Although the numbers attending were low it was a good day for socialising and catching up with friends, buying a little treat from Sheila’s mixed bag stall and just relaxing. Carrie our President thanked all those who attended and all those friends who helped and supported her.
The Spring edition of The Flower Arranger is now available and will give you lots of ideas for Spring arrangements and the latest in our floral world. The discounted subscription is a great benefit to members of NAFAS affiliated flower clubs. So, subscribe through your club now.
About 70 members attended the annual Area Carol Service held at St. Nicholas’ Church in Corfe Mullen. It was a cold day but after a warming coffee we had a traditional service of carols and readings. Pat & Clive produced a tasty hot soup and a time for friends to chat and to make new friends from other clubs. In the afternoon our own Allison Finch created some beautiful flower designs and entertained us with her lovely humour. Thanks to all those who helped in making this such a good day.
Twelve members of the Area joined Chloe Bryan-Brown the Editor of our National magazine, The Flower Arranger, for a shoot in the beautiful setting of Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens on Monday. The Area was invited by Chloe to create designs with an Autumn theme to be published next year. It was an interesting and very enjoyable day with another supportive and talented team showcasing our skills.
Here’s Chloe and Oliver the photographer, with some of the team, lining up a shot of one of the designs. Make sure you order your editions of The Flower Arranger magazine to see them!
Many thanks to our retiring Area Chairman, Sylvia Preston, for organising a fabulous day of Fun, Friends and Flowers. During the morning AGM we said farewell and thanks to Sylvia, presenting her with a gift voucher for a special tea at The Priory in Wareham plus flowers. We welcomed Karen Boyce from Weymouth and Dorchester clubs, into the role of Area Chairman and Alison Yeates from Verwood into the Vice Chair role. We send our Congratulations and best wishes to them both. Our Area Secretary, Sheila Bendall is staying in that role and Clive & Pat Cherrett continue as our Treasurer and Assistant. Area President, Carrie Diamond thanked all the Officers and Area Representatives for the work they have done throughout the year.
After the hot lunch we were treated to a beautiful demonstration by Alison Penno from Devon & Cornwall Area. Her designs were super and here’s one of the special blooms she included in her demonstration.
