Our member Beverly Moore recently took part in the International Friends of Floral Art and Design’s Christmas Facebook competition & has been awarded Very Highly Commended for her exhibit in the class “Sparkling in Style”.
Congratulations Beverly
Congratulations Beverly
A message from the Nafas Board
Delightful designs by Pat Woodward for a stranger to pick up.
Our member Pat Woodward had the idea to spread a little Christmas cheer with her ditty to a stranger by leaving a small arrangement/bunch of flowers to be picked up out and about our town.
We look forward to more photos from our members next week in the meantime Beverly had some flowers left over from her Christmas designs at the weekend so started a little earlier than planned.
We look forward to more photos from our members next week in the meantime Beverly had some flowers left over from her Christmas designs at the weekend so started a little earlier than planned.
A message from our National Chairman
https://youtu.be/WaiijT-W54o
Here are some details of some Christmas videos being released by Wessex and Jersey Area. The last group of videos have been such a success and viewed all over the world, so they have decided to create a few Christmas videos.
Saturday 21st November Demonstration by Emily Broomhead National Demonstrator
Saturday 28th November Demonstration by Angela Turner National Demonstrator
Saturday 5th December workshop by Pip Bensley National Teacher
Saturday 12th December Demonstration by Michael Bowyer MBE President of NAFAS
Saturday 19th December Festive Tales by 4 Area Speakers
You and your Members will be able to view the videos on the following:
https://www.youtube.com/c/wessexnafas
www.facebook.com/WessexNafas
http://www.nafaswessexandjersey.co.uk/
Saturday 21st November Demonstration by Emily Broomhead National Demonstrator
Saturday 28th November Demonstration by Angela Turner National Demonstrator
Saturday 5th December workshop by Pip Bensley National Teacher
Saturday 12th December Demonstration by Michael Bowyer MBE President of NAFAS
Saturday 19th December Festive Tales by 4 Area Speakers
You and your Members will be able to view the videos on the following:
https://www.youtube.com/c/wessexnafas
www.facebook.com/WessexNafas
http://www.nafaswessexandjersey.co.uk/
Beverly subscribes to Floral Design magazine produced in New Zealand and often is asked to contribute her work. In the November issue it cover Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Here you will see the designs created by Beverly & her friends.
Here you will see the designs created by Beverly & her friends.
November 5th - December 2nd
HERE WE GO AGAIN!
STAY SAFE FOLKS
Congratulations to Beverly - her exhibit in the 2020 NAFAS National Photography competition gained a COMMENDED in the class ‘Any Old Iron’ A black & white or grey scale to depict the title.
Beverly took this photo in the Palm House at Kew Gardens last year.
Beverly took this photo in the Palm House at Kew Gardens last year.
Nafas AGM
Hopefully many of you were able to view the Nafas AGM on YouTube.
A different AGM to normal but still very informative and with a great deal of positivity for the future.
Here is the agenda and some screen shots of the meeting.
A G E N D A
1. Opening Remarks
2. Welcome
3. Apologies
4. Minutes of the 2019 Annual General Meeting
5. Presidents Address
6. Chairman’s Report
7. Financial Statements Year Ended 31st March 2020
8. Education Report
9. The Flower Arranger Report
10. Board of Directors, National Advisory Council Members, Standing Committee Chairmen & Special Appointments
11. National Associates of Honour
12. Retiring Directors
13. Incoming Directors
14. Introduction of National Vice Chairman
15. Retirement of President and Introduction of new National President
16. Questions
17. Date of 2021 Annual General Meeting
18. Close of Meeting and thanks
APOLOGIES FOR PHOTOS NOT BEING IN THE CORRECT ORDER
Hopefully many of you were able to view the Nafas AGM on YouTube.
A different AGM to normal but still very informative and with a great deal of positivity for the future.
Here is the agenda and some screen shots of the meeting.
A G E N D A
1. Opening Remarks
2. Welcome
3. Apologies
4. Minutes of the 2019 Annual General Meeting
5. Presidents Address
6. Chairman’s Report
7. Financial Statements Year Ended 31st March 2020
8. Education Report
9. The Flower Arranger Report
10. Board of Directors, National Advisory Council Members, Standing Committee Chairmen & Special Appointments
11. National Associates of Honour
12. Retiring Directors
13. Incoming Directors
14. Introduction of National Vice Chairman
15. Retirement of President and Introduction of new National President
16. Questions
17. Date of 2021 Annual General Meeting
18. Close of Meeting and thanks
APOLOGIES FOR PHOTOS NOT BEING IN THE CORRECT ORDER
Want to try something new?
David Thomson workshops - You might recall back in August last year when David was our demonstrator he mentioned workshops that he carried out at a barn venue in Dunmow . Obviously because of the current situation he had to stop the actual workshops with lunch at the Barn so came up with the idea that he would supply all the materials (as usual) and you would then have a time slot to collect everything either from Dunmow or Chelmsford to do at home but for guidance he would add photos and instructions for the design at different stages so they had something to use as a base idea. You pay for the materials and tuition as if they were actually attending the workshop. If any of you are interested please contact Jo-Anne Josling by emailing : [email protected]
David Thomson workshops - You might recall back in August last year when David was our demonstrator he mentioned workshops that he carried out at a barn venue in Dunmow . Obviously because of the current situation he had to stop the actual workshops with lunch at the Barn so came up with the idea that he would supply all the materials (as usual) and you would then have a time slot to collect everything either from Dunmow or Chelmsford to do at home but for guidance he would add photos and instructions for the design at different stages so they had something to use as a base idea. You pay for the materials and tuition as if they were actually attending the workshop. If any of you are interested please contact Jo-Anne Josling by emailing : [email protected]
Possibly the last of our garden get togethers - Sue Holman welcomed Sue, Margaret & Tricia. Always good to catch up over a cuppa & cake !
Our member June Rowland submitted a photograph to the National Portrait Gallery of herself with the Ring of Hope she created some months back as part of the "Hold Still 2020" Campaign which was supported by The Duchess of Cambridge.
June's photograph was unfortunately not selected to be included in the 100 images but she did receive a lovely reply from the Gallery together with a Thank you from HM The Queen.
A Message from Her Majesty The Queen
Thank you so much for taking part in Hold Still, a portrait of our nation in 2020. Over 31,000 submissions were received from across the country, with entrants ranging from 4 to 75 years-old. We were overwhelmed by the huge number of incredible photographs that were submitted and selecting just 100 images for the exhibition was not an easy task.
To mark the launch of the Hold Still digital exhibition, Her Majesty The Queen has written a message sending her best wishes and congratulations to all those who submitted an image to the project.
June's photograph was unfortunately not selected to be included in the 100 images but she did receive a lovely reply from the Gallery together with a Thank you from HM The Queen.
A Message from Her Majesty The Queen
Thank you so much for taking part in Hold Still, a portrait of our nation in 2020. Over 31,000 submissions were received from across the country, with entrants ranging from 4 to 75 years-old. We were overwhelmed by the huge number of incredible photographs that were submitted and selecting just 100 images for the exhibition was not an easy task.
To mark the launch of the Hold Still digital exhibition, Her Majesty The Queen has written a message sending her best wishes and congratulations to all those who submitted an image to the project.
Another enjoyable get together hosted by Carol Giffen & Alan (our group photographer).
The weather meant that we were unable to spend as much time as planned in the garden but we still managed to social distance.
The weather meant that we were unable to spend as much time as planned in the garden but we still managed to social distance.
Mid September
Another lovely get together in one of our members garden this week,
Pat Woodward was the host and along with Sue, Rosemary, Mena, Mary & our chairman Tricia they were certainly lucky with the weather once again. Those homemade cakes certainly look quite delicious. Thankyou Tricia for the photographs which we will be adding to this year’s photographic archives.
Another lovely get together in one of our members garden this week,
Pat Woodward was the host and along with Sue, Rosemary, Mena, Mary & our chairman Tricia they were certainly lucky with the weather once again. Those homemade cakes certainly look quite delicious. Thankyou Tricia for the photographs which we will be adding to this year’s photographic archives.
1st week September
This week we have enjoyed get togethers with club members in Hannah & Michael Shine’s beautiful garden.
Monday - our two Pats enjoyed meeting up after so many months of lockdown. I think you can tell my their faces how happy they were to be out and about again.
Wednesday - Nicky, Sue, Ann, Maggie & Beverly joined Hannah once again for an afternoon that was full of fun & friendship.
Beverly had brought along just a few of the projects she had worked on during lockdown accompanied by photographs of the designs she created.
The girls couldn’t resist wearing some of the structures - we’ve not laughed so much in ages.
It is always a delight to visit Hannah’s garden and as always her kindness and hospitality was well received.
We hope to continue our get together garden meetings, subject to weather until the autumn draws in.
This week we have enjoyed get togethers with club members in Hannah & Michael Shine’s beautiful garden.
Monday - our two Pats enjoyed meeting up after so many months of lockdown. I think you can tell my their faces how happy they were to be out and about again.
Wednesday - Nicky, Sue, Ann, Maggie & Beverly joined Hannah once again for an afternoon that was full of fun & friendship.
Beverly had brought along just a few of the projects she had worked on during lockdown accompanied by photographs of the designs she created.
The girls couldn’t resist wearing some of the structures - we’ve not laughed so much in ages.
It is always a delight to visit Hannah’s garden and as always her kindness and hospitality was well received.
We hope to continue our get together garden meetings, subject to weather until the autumn draws in.
BS Flyer September issue.
Thankyou to those members who gave their feedback to how they wished to proceed for the remainder of the year.
We look forward to seeing you all in 2021
Another of Beverly’s designs featured in Floral Design magazine.
Do you remember our meeting some years back where we all created designs with white flowers.
Do you remember our meeting some years back where we all created designs with white flowers.
The August issue of the BS Flyer has now been published. Thankyou to all our members who took part in our 1 Flower/1 Leaf challenge. The two featured in this article are by Nicola Thompson & Carol Giffen.
FOR ALL THE IMAGES OF "PETALS & PROSECCO" PLEASE GO TO THE CORONAVIRUS FLOWER FIX PAGE
Message from Dr, Christina Curtis - NAFAS National Chapman
Dear Members,
Last October, as I began my National Chairmanship with a new Board, much promise was anticipated. Unfortunately, we had a lot to overcome. Many of you will be aware that the Diamond Anniversary Event incurred a considerable financial loss which was a great disappointment to our members. As a member myself, I am extremely sad, too, and want to say how sorry I am that it happened. We have extensively investigated the circumstances and obtained greater insight into running such large events. It was clear that many factors contributed to the loss. The whole Diamond Event was over-ambitious especially when little sponsorship was forthcoming. The competition work, judging, talks, educational workshops, photography and exhibition pieces, of course, were outstanding as they always are at NAFAS competitive events. It was hard to keep track of expenditure. NAFAS was hacked three times in February 2019 and our Company Secretary had officially retired the previous November, though he kindly tried to assist NAFAS for some months afterwards. Unfortunately, Board members saw few detailed updates of finances during the run up to the Show and Dinner and sometimes decisions were not minuted. The high cost of coming to London resulted in poor footfall. Measures have now been put in place to stop losses like that ever happening again. These have been reported to the Charities Commission who have been satisfied with them.
From March 2020, the storm of the Coronavirus pandemic has raged, bringing further challenges to the Association. Over the past few months, NAFAS has made many, much needed changes for the better including ways of working through establishing new Board specialist Teams, cutting costs and proposed revisions of the Articles of Association. We have started to plan and prepare new publications, create a new and exciting website and set in place Virtual Meetings with the Board, Committees, Area Chairmen and staff.
In June and shortly after, I was so very sad to say goodbye to lovely friends and colleagues who had brought such hope to NAFAS. We received kind messages after these resignations at such a difficult time in our NAFAS history. I would like to thank them for all they have done for NAFAS and wish them well in whatever they now undertake.
After having the huge losses from the Diamond Events, we once again find ourselves in financial difficulty with a serious cashflow problem and no reserves for 2020/21 which is extremely worrying. A way forward has been discussed at length by the Board, National President and our CEO at regular Virtual Meetings.
We have recently applied for a £150,000 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan from NatWest Bank to help the Association through to the end of next year. Should it be agreed, we can choose how much of the loan we take up, but re-payments will be needed over time and these must be manageable. If this is not approved, we shall have to look elsewhere but application time is short.
The Flower Arranger magazine has always contributed a considerable financial sum to the Association’s income. Due to Government closure of non-essential shops during the pandemic, The Flower Arranger could not be sold to the public. Sales will therefore be down considerably, along with income to NAFAS. As Clubs have not met during lockdown, some members have now subscribed directly to ensure that they are guaranteed to receive their magazines and this may be the preferred method of renewal for members in the coming months. However, Club Subscriptions are hugely discounted – £12.80 rather than £22 for an Individual Subscriber. I would like to encourage you all to subscribe to our inspirational and informative journal. If you haven’t renewed your subscription then you should contact your Club Chairman or your Club Flower Arranger Officer to subscribe.
After extensive consultation within Areas, some have been generous by considering providing a loan to support the National Association after this was suggested by a few Area Chairmen at a Virtual National Advisory Council Meeting. The preferred option is to provide Affiliation Fees and some are also able to pay these early for which we are especially grateful. Personally, I am not very happy with going ‘cap in hand’ for this money but options are few.
You will know that our main source of income is the Affiliation Fee paid annually by each member of the Association, collected by your Club within the Club’s annual subscription. Many Clubs have been unable to collect subscriptions this year due to lockdown and this situation could create further financial problems next year as no one knows how many members will be recruited. We must, as members, save our Clubs and Areas to be able to function through our Affiliation Fees. Please do ensure that your Club affiliates to your Area so that the future of NAFAS is ensured. Today, in the pandemic, wellbeing has been uppermost and creating with flowers and foliage makes us feel better inside. It gives a warm feeling of belonging, combatting loneliness especially in stressful and unhappy times. We need each other – our passion will surely see us through.
We have decided to bring forward the Feasibility Study destined for review in 2022. We need to be ready for all eventualities. NAFAS is in a better state than many Charities. We are fortunate to have Osborne House, our Grade II listed Georgian Headquarters, as an asset. It seems, however, that our asset may have to be realised. There are all sorts of options for the future – selling, renting, leasing or selling and leasing back. Funding from the sale could be used to obtain rented office space or relocation to smaller premises. As a consequence we could, with careful management, be in an improved situation to move forward as an Association. We have two strands of the Feasibility Study working now: the first one regarding existing and future requirements of the Association and the second, a preliminary consultation with a professional Property Company to establish our options on Osborne House. We have received a free report from the Property Company discussing our options. Further detailed and careful discussions, based on this report, will need to take place. Feedback from members is important so let us know what you think via your Area Chairmen.
Can I kindly ask you to, if you haven’t already done so, to pay your Affiliation Fees to keep your Club affiliated to NAFAS and to your Area. Your fees will enable the Association to continue for the coming year.
Coronavirus is not going away. We must learn to deal with it until a vaccine is introduced. That could take time. There is an Unlock Guidance document available from NAFAS now to help you and your Club with the kind of decisions you need to make as things start up once again in our flowery world. Please don’t let NAFAS disappear. It is just too good an Association to lose. New volunteers will be in post shortly including a Vice-Chairman and the Board will resume its important role with fresh enthusiasm.
With your support we can make a brighter future together and spread our passion to ‘Bring People and Flowers Together’.
Thank you.
Dr. Christina Curtis (NAFAS National Chairman)
1 AUGUST 2020
IMPORTANT NEWS FROM NAFAS NATIONAL,CHAR
DOWNLOAD THIS FILE
IT IS A NAFAS NEWSLETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
boardnewsjuly20_final.pdf |
A message from our National President - Sue Brinton.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK
https://youtu.be/t1k1HaByEas
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK
https://youtu.be/t1k1HaByEas
Now here's a challenge that I am sure you will all enjoy
I am a member of a group on Facebook - "Friends of Nafas" and Valerie Best recently suggested that we submit an image of One Flower in Isolation.
So I thought you might like to have a go too.
Let's take up the challenge and create something with
1 Flower/1 Leaf or maybe 1 Flower in a container or
maybe 1 Flower/1 piece of driftwood.
Email your images to [email protected] and we can include them in our Covid-fix archives.
Flower of the month - Love & Appreciation - LILY OF THE VALLEY
UPDATE FROM NAFAS HQ - LONELY BOUQUET/NATIONAL FLOWER ARRANGING DAY
MAY 4TH 2020
The Board has agreed that NAFAS will not promote the event this year as they feel that it would not be wise to ask members to leave their homes to distribute bouquets or leave flower arrangements in public places. We hope you will continue to promote flower arranging digitally through your respective personal, club and area websites and social media channels. Stay safe everyone.
MAY 4TH 2020
The Board has agreed that NAFAS will not promote the event this year as they feel that it would not be wise to ask members to leave their homes to distribute bouquets or leave flower arrangements in public places. We hope you will continue to promote flower arranging digitally through your respective personal, club and area websites and social media channels. Stay safe everyone.
Full page article - Bishop’s Stortford Independent
I thought you would like this link to the Bishop's Stortford independent article on our Rings of hope.
Thankyou to everyone who took part, we were unable to feature all of them sadly.
https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/boundary-club-members-say-it-with-flowers-for-the-nhs-9107116/
Thankyou to everyone who took part, we were unable to feature all of them sadly.
https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/boundary-club-members-say-it-with-flowers-for-the-nhs-9107116/
LATEST UPDATE FROM NAFAS HQ
***NAFAS – CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) STATEMENT (Updated 9th April 2020)***
Over the last few weeks, since our last statement, there has been much change to the COVID-19 guidelines set by the Government, the World Health Organisation and the UK NHS.
The health and safety of our members, staff and visitors is our priority.
We, as your National Association’s President, National Officers, CEO, Directors and staff have continued to work on your behalf to provide support for the whole membership. There are two ways that we have enabled our continued support and communication:
1) Our Head Office staff are working from home following the Government Guidelines, so you are still able to communicate with Head Office in the normal way by phone and email.
2) We, your Board of Directors are now holding weekly Virtual Board meetings, every Friday at 11am thereby increasing the frequency of these meetings, so that we can lead the way forwards and respond to the ever- changing circumstances.
After each Board meeting, we are releasing the Minutes from the previous week to the Area Chairmen, to aid swift communication of decisions, guidance and help.
In addition to those meetings, through technology, interim discussions and decision making is taking place. We are constantly investigating how we can aid communication to and from your clubs and Areas to NAFAS, and indeed between your Areas, encouraging peer support. We acknowledge that the website is not functioning at an appropriate level, so we have prioritised the design and build of a new website, about which we will keep you informed.
Recently we have postponed or cancelled NAFAS events for the foreseeable future. This decision has not been taken lightly, but bearing in mind that, even if we were to come out of this period of lockdown, many will initially, quite rightly, be very reticent at coming together in large numbers. We are also not clear of timescales and whether there might be a second wave of infections leading to another lockdown. As you will appreciate, it’s difficult to offer advice about future meetings while the Government lockdown remains in place. Once this has been lifted, we will be able to start making plans again and rescheduling our meetings.”
Please note, all decisions made are the responsibility of the Club or Area. There may be local considerations to be aware of too, for example, a member of a club may contract the virus. Please contact Head Office should you have any concerns or for full information and guidelines about Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit the NHS website – www.nhs.uk.
It is the responsibility of the Club and Area Chairmen to fulfil their contractual obligations to a Demonstrator if a meeting is cancelled at short notice, especially if flowers have already been purchased. Please honour your responsibilities.
In addition to communication, your Board really encourages you to be creative in the strange situation we find ourselves in. There are lots of ways online that we can show to the world our love of flowers to brighten outlooks and lift spirits. Technology is providing an important way of virtually meeting together to share this passion, so please go to the following Facebook Pages:
• NAFAS – www.facebook.com/NafasFlowers
• Friends of NAFAS – www.facebook.com/groups/437261136315986/
• Flower Arrangers – www.facebook.com/groups/616623091721214/
• Your Area
• Your Club
Also follow •The Flower Arranger social media - www.facebook.com/flowerarrmag/
Don’t forget to view your own Area websites and Newsletters.
Stop Press - *The Flower Arranger is out this week. Remember it does come out in digital form as well*
***If there are any changes to the current recommendations from the Government or the World Health Organisation, we will review, react to and communicate their instructions promptly.***
***NAFAS – CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) STATEMENT (Updated 9th April 2020)***
Over the last few weeks, since our last statement, there has been much change to the COVID-19 guidelines set by the Government, the World Health Organisation and the UK NHS.
The health and safety of our members, staff and visitors is our priority.
We, as your National Association’s President, National Officers, CEO, Directors and staff have continued to work on your behalf to provide support for the whole membership. There are two ways that we have enabled our continued support and communication:
1) Our Head Office staff are working from home following the Government Guidelines, so you are still able to communicate with Head Office in the normal way by phone and email.
2) We, your Board of Directors are now holding weekly Virtual Board meetings, every Friday at 11am thereby increasing the frequency of these meetings, so that we can lead the way forwards and respond to the ever- changing circumstances.
After each Board meeting, we are releasing the Minutes from the previous week to the Area Chairmen, to aid swift communication of decisions, guidance and help.
In addition to those meetings, through technology, interim discussions and decision making is taking place. We are constantly investigating how we can aid communication to and from your clubs and Areas to NAFAS, and indeed between your Areas, encouraging peer support. We acknowledge that the website is not functioning at an appropriate level, so we have prioritised the design and build of a new website, about which we will keep you informed.
Recently we have postponed or cancelled NAFAS events for the foreseeable future. This decision has not been taken lightly, but bearing in mind that, even if we were to come out of this period of lockdown, many will initially, quite rightly, be very reticent at coming together in large numbers. We are also not clear of timescales and whether there might be a second wave of infections leading to another lockdown. As you will appreciate, it’s difficult to offer advice about future meetings while the Government lockdown remains in place. Once this has been lifted, we will be able to start making plans again and rescheduling our meetings.”
Please note, all decisions made are the responsibility of the Club or Area. There may be local considerations to be aware of too, for example, a member of a club may contract the virus. Please contact Head Office should you have any concerns or for full information and guidelines about Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit the NHS website – www.nhs.uk.
It is the responsibility of the Club and Area Chairmen to fulfil their contractual obligations to a Demonstrator if a meeting is cancelled at short notice, especially if flowers have already been purchased. Please honour your responsibilities.
In addition to communication, your Board really encourages you to be creative in the strange situation we find ourselves in. There are lots of ways online that we can show to the world our love of flowers to brighten outlooks and lift spirits. Technology is providing an important way of virtually meeting together to share this passion, so please go to the following Facebook Pages:
• NAFAS – www.facebook.com/NafasFlowers
• Friends of NAFAS – www.facebook.com/groups/437261136315986/
• Flower Arrangers – www.facebook.com/groups/616623091721214/
• Your Area
• Your Club
Also follow •The Flower Arranger social media - www.facebook.com/flowerarrmag/
Don’t forget to view your own Area websites and Newsletters.
Stop Press - *The Flower Arranger is out this week. Remember it does come out in digital form as well*
***If there are any changes to the current recommendations from the Government or the World Health Organisation, we will review, react to and communicate their instructions promptly.***
A letter from our National President, Sue Brinton.
Dear All
I hope you are keeping safe and well. How quickly life has changed for us all, just a few weeks ago along with many other NAFAS members I was in India at the WAFA World Flower Show, and now like all of us I have an empty diary and home is my safe haven.
I am looking out onto my small garden feeling very satisfied that there’s hardly a weed in sight. Is this a sure sign I’ve too much time on my hands or that we have been blessed here in King’s Lynn with some beautiful weather that has enabled me to spend time noticing little treasures peeping through and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.
You will recently have received news from the NAFAS Trustees that offers help and suggestions in these troubling times. The trustees have been assigned a few Areas each as a point of contact so you can share your Area’s and clubs’ experiences, this helps us all to stay in touch and offer support.
I am sure you were interested to read about the launch of Let Hope Bloom from The Flower Council of Holland, do log onto their website flowercouncil.co.uk the thousands of flowers used to portray their message is a magnificent sight and it certainly resonates with that of NAFAS bringing people and flowers together.
These are really challenging, difficult and stressful times the like that none of us have seen before, please be assured that we are all here for you in whatever way we can help.
Take good care of yourselves
Best wishes
Sue
NAFAS National President
Dear All
I hope you are keeping safe and well. How quickly life has changed for us all, just a few weeks ago along with many other NAFAS members I was in India at the WAFA World Flower Show, and now like all of us I have an empty diary and home is my safe haven.
I am looking out onto my small garden feeling very satisfied that there’s hardly a weed in sight. Is this a sure sign I’ve too much time on my hands or that we have been blessed here in King’s Lynn with some beautiful weather that has enabled me to spend time noticing little treasures peeping through and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.
You will recently have received news from the NAFAS Trustees that offers help and suggestions in these troubling times. The trustees have been assigned a few Areas each as a point of contact so you can share your Area’s and clubs’ experiences, this helps us all to stay in touch and offer support.
I am sure you were interested to read about the launch of Let Hope Bloom from The Flower Council of Holland, do log onto their website flowercouncil.co.uk the thousands of flowers used to portray their message is a magnificent sight and it certainly resonates with that of NAFAS bringing people and flowers together.
These are really challenging, difficult and stressful times the like that none of us have seen before, please be assured that we are all here for you in whatever way we can help.
Take good care of yourselves
Best wishes
Sue
NAFAS National President
NAFAS UPDATE
March Newsletter
During the last few weeks, having been plunged into uncertainty, we have all been focusing on keeping our membership safe and well as our priority. We are aware of members concerns about the future of the Association. It’s true, these are testing times for us all, but we want to reassure you that the Association has the resources to come through this crisis and we will be there throughout to support our Areas, Clubs and Members.
Here for You
As your NAFAS Board of Directors, we have held our first Virtual Board meeting via an online conference facility.
The meeting was very constructive and positive, where we looked at how, as a oard, we can support you.
Step one – each of the Board Directors will be in touch with 3 Areas and so will be contacting your Area Chairman to help and support them through this uncertain period. To hear your issues, then work on how we can help you.
The other communication tool which has been dysfunctional for some time is the NAFAS website, As this is our main form of communication we have decided to proceed with the design of a new site that we hope will bring flowers and floral design back into all our lives. Our grateful thanks go out to those Areas who have made contributions to this project.
We were inspired to see on Wednesday evening an online demonstration by John Paul, a member of Londonderry Flower Club in the NIGFAS Area. Members of the club were joined by many of us from around the world. What an excellent initiative. We are certain that knowing how creative you all are, as we settle into isolation you will come up with many innovative ideas. The strength of our Association is the creativity of the membership.
Ideas
So, start letting us know your ideas so that we can circulate, enable peer support, and as one big NAFAS Team we can work together.
Concern
We are obviously concerned about our Demonstrators, Speakers and Teachers whose work has been severely affected by the call from the Government to isolate ourselves. We hope that the recent information regarding the ‘self-employed’ will help to support those who earn a living from our industry. We will keep abreast of all Government initiatives to support you.
Communication
In this period, when we cannot physically meet, all forms of communication are even more important than normal. By reinforcing this national process, we want to encourage you to do whatever you can to keep in touch, remember for many you might be a lifeline.
We are certain that, with the kindness and generosity of spirit in this world, in drastically changing times, we can make a floral mark on our communities to show that flowers and nature lift our spirits and become the medicine we all need.
We ask clubs and Areas to keep your Facebook and website pages up to date with comments about your club and flower arranging pictures, maybe from your clubs past events.
Chrissie Harten’s latest video, “Alternative Mechanics – Using Chicken Wire” is available on the NAFAS website.
Finally, let us draw your attention to Let Hope Bloom. Launched by the flowercouncil.co.uk this project fits well together with our own ethos of bringing people and flowers together.
Keep safe
From the Directors of NAFAS,
Dr Christina Curtis, Craig Bullock, Ellie Meaking, Peter Mathers,
March Newsletter
During the last few weeks, having been plunged into uncertainty, we have all been focusing on keeping our membership safe and well as our priority. We are aware of members concerns about the future of the Association. It’s true, these are testing times for us all, but we want to reassure you that the Association has the resources to come through this crisis and we will be there throughout to support our Areas, Clubs and Members.
Here for You
As your NAFAS Board of Directors, we have held our first Virtual Board meeting via an online conference facility.
The meeting was very constructive and positive, where we looked at how, as a oard, we can support you.
Step one – each of the Board Directors will be in touch with 3 Areas and so will be contacting your Area Chairman to help and support them through this uncertain period. To hear your issues, then work on how we can help you.
The other communication tool which has been dysfunctional for some time is the NAFAS website, As this is our main form of communication we have decided to proceed with the design of a new site that we hope will bring flowers and floral design back into all our lives. Our grateful thanks go out to those Areas who have made contributions to this project.
We were inspired to see on Wednesday evening an online demonstration by John Paul, a member of Londonderry Flower Club in the NIGFAS Area. Members of the club were joined by many of us from around the world. What an excellent initiative. We are certain that knowing how creative you all are, as we settle into isolation you will come up with many innovative ideas. The strength of our Association is the creativity of the membership.
Ideas
So, start letting us know your ideas so that we can circulate, enable peer support, and as one big NAFAS Team we can work together.
Concern
We are obviously concerned about our Demonstrators, Speakers and Teachers whose work has been severely affected by the call from the Government to isolate ourselves. We hope that the recent information regarding the ‘self-employed’ will help to support those who earn a living from our industry. We will keep abreast of all Government initiatives to support you.
Communication
In this period, when we cannot physically meet, all forms of communication are even more important than normal. By reinforcing this national process, we want to encourage you to do whatever you can to keep in touch, remember for many you might be a lifeline.
We are certain that, with the kindness and generosity of spirit in this world, in drastically changing times, we can make a floral mark on our communities to show that flowers and nature lift our spirits and become the medicine we all need.
We ask clubs and Areas to keep your Facebook and website pages up to date with comments about your club and flower arranging pictures, maybe from your clubs past events.
Chrissie Harten’s latest video, “Alternative Mechanics – Using Chicken Wire” is available on the NAFAS website.
Finally, let us draw your attention to Let Hope Bloom. Launched by the flowercouncil.co.uk this project fits well together with our own ethos of bringing people and flowers together.
Keep safe
From the Directors of NAFAS,
Dr Christina Curtis, Craig Bullock, Ellie Meaking, Peter Mathers,
Each month our Flower Club features a report in the local FLYER magazine.
The Flyer has been published every month for 12 years. The magazine will continue to publish and support local community groups and businesses.
Our report can be found on Page 20 but feel free to share the link below on your social media feeds, with your colleagues, friends and family: www.flyeronline.co.uk/bishops-stortford/april-20/
The magazines takes over a week to print! Obviously this affects any events within this magazine that are out of date or cancelled.
UPDATE FOR COMING MONTHS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
Dear Member
As the situation with the current coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold we will be following the guidelines laid down by by HM Government & of course NAFAS.
It is there with regret that ALL Flower Club meetings/events during April, May, June & July will now be suspended. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly but one of necessity to ensure the safety of all our members, family & friends.
This means that our May/June & July monthly meetings, the June workshop, Coffee morning and Garden meeting have been cancelled.
At the moment have not heard if the Sandringham Flower Show at the end of July is still going ahead but we are in touch regularly with Richmond’s Coaches and will keep everyone who showed an interest advised.
Rosemary, our programme Secretary will be contacting Rekha Naidoo and Eleanor Bracken (June/July demonstrators) in the hope that they will be available to be included in our 2021 programme.
On a positive note we are hoping that we can re-start on August 4th with our Petals & Prosecco Show. This will also be a social evening with Prosecco/Nibbles/Light Supper to hopefully cheer us all up after the long break.
More details of the show schedule and what you can expect from the evening will be advised later, by then we will probably all be dancing in the streets so make sure you look out for further updates.
Those of you who have subscribed to The Flower Arranger Magazine – The Summer edition is due our Early April, Beverly will be posting these to you or if local you may find it popped through your letter box but no contact will be made with you.
You will all be missing your “Flower Fix” over the coming months but we will do our best to keep you updated on what is happening around the Flower Arranging World.
Technology is a wonderful thing which will keep us all sane over the coming months so check out
https://www.facebook.com/boundaryflowerclub/ Here we will share anything of interest from around the UK and the world.
http://www.hertsessexboundaryflowerclub.weebly.com 2 additional pages have been set up -“Video Links” on YouTube for Flower Arranging tips and designs
“Coronavirus Flower Fix” where will try and post as many photographs of various flower arranging events from the past
If you would like to send any photographs of anything flower related that you are doing at home then please email them to Beverly at [email protected] and we will share with the rest of our members.
Don’t worry if you are not on Facebook. Youtube or the Internet we will be keeping members updated via email of the current situation as it unfolds.
Stay safe dear friends, heed all the advice given, we will get through this and re-kindle once again our wonderful NAFAS Club through Flowers & Friendship.
Tricia Pratley Chairman & Your Committee
Dear Member
As the situation with the current coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold we will be following the guidelines laid down by by HM Government & of course NAFAS.
It is there with regret that ALL Flower Club meetings/events during April, May, June & July will now be suspended. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly but one of necessity to ensure the safety of all our members, family & friends.
This means that our May/June & July monthly meetings, the June workshop, Coffee morning and Garden meeting have been cancelled.
At the moment have not heard if the Sandringham Flower Show at the end of July is still going ahead but we are in touch regularly with Richmond’s Coaches and will keep everyone who showed an interest advised.
Rosemary, our programme Secretary will be contacting Rekha Naidoo and Eleanor Bracken (June/July demonstrators) in the hope that they will be available to be included in our 2021 programme.
On a positive note we are hoping that we can re-start on August 4th with our Petals & Prosecco Show. This will also be a social evening with Prosecco/Nibbles/Light Supper to hopefully cheer us all up after the long break.
More details of the show schedule and what you can expect from the evening will be advised later, by then we will probably all be dancing in the streets so make sure you look out for further updates.
Those of you who have subscribed to The Flower Arranger Magazine – The Summer edition is due our Early April, Beverly will be posting these to you or if local you may find it popped through your letter box but no contact will be made with you.
You will all be missing your “Flower Fix” over the coming months but we will do our best to keep you updated on what is happening around the Flower Arranging World.
Technology is a wonderful thing which will keep us all sane over the coming months so check out
https://www.facebook.com/boundaryflowerclub/ Here we will share anything of interest from around the UK and the world.
http://www.hertsessexboundaryflowerclub.weebly.com 2 additional pages have been set up -“Video Links” on YouTube for Flower Arranging tips and designs
“Coronavirus Flower Fix” where will try and post as many photographs of various flower arranging events from the past
If you would like to send any photographs of anything flower related that you are doing at home then please email them to Beverly at [email protected] and we will share with the rest of our members.
Don’t worry if you are not on Facebook. Youtube or the Internet we will be keeping members updated via email of the current situation as it unfolds.
Stay safe dear friends, heed all the advice given, we will get through this and re-kindle once again our wonderful NAFAS Club through Flowers & Friendship.
Tricia Pratley Chairman & Your Committee
Our member Hannah Shine & her husband open their garden every year in aid of Grove Cottage(MENCAP)
With great reluctance and disappointment, they have had to make the difficult decision to cancel their Open Garden this year (May 23/24) in view of the corona virus situation. Hannah & Michael want to thank everyone for all their support and look forward to welcoming you once again. |
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION***
Following advice from NAFAS regarding the safety of our members during the Coronavirus outbreak together with the recent advice given by the Government, the Committee has taken the decision to cancel our next meeting on April 7th, we will keep everyone advised on all future meetings.
These are unprecedented times which affect everyone. We will keep monitoring the evolving situation and keep you fully informed. Stay safe everyone, please follow all the advice that is being given.
Tricia Pratley - Chairman
Check out the Video Link Page where you will find the links for YouTube videos to enjoy during the coming weeks.
Stay safe and continue to enjoy Flowers & Friendship through technology.
There is no charge to subscribe
Stay safe and continue to enjoy Flowers & Friendship through technology.
There is no charge to subscribe
March meeting - Hazel McGregor
The first meeting of our new year programme tonight was a demonstration by Hazel McGregor entitled ‘Floral Fusion’. The stories that accompanied each of Hazel’s designs were so full of interesting facts.
Hazel’s husband was a great support on stage, so too in the making of some of the staging but we’ve not featured his work so as not to spoil it for others who may be seeing Hazel demonstrate at a later date.
Hazel has given permission for two of her designs to be shared. The picture frame gave the illusion of a wooden frame but was actually created by threading yarn through mesh. Very clever.
Our competition this month was well supported - ‘A box of Delights’ was the title.
Well done to all who entered & congratulations to those who were placed.
Novice Class - 1st June Rowland, Joint 2nd Nina Wing & Hannah Shine.
Advanced Class - 1st Maggie Hansford, 2nd Pearl Broad, 3rd Leoni Braz, 4th Betty Deeks & 5th Beverly Moore who also won the Quarterly Cup. This cup is awarded for the design that the demonstrator/judge would most like to take home.
Our new 2020 programme card was available and we also welcomed several new members this evening. Thankyou to everyone who attended.
Photos are in the gallery.
Hazel’s husband was a great support on stage, so too in the making of some of the staging but we’ve not featured his work so as not to spoil it for others who may be seeing Hazel demonstrate at a later date.
Hazel has given permission for two of her designs to be shared. The picture frame gave the illusion of a wooden frame but was actually created by threading yarn through mesh. Very clever.
Our competition this month was well supported - ‘A box of Delights’ was the title.
Well done to all who entered & congratulations to those who were placed.
Novice Class - 1st June Rowland, Joint 2nd Nina Wing & Hannah Shine.
Advanced Class - 1st Maggie Hansford, 2nd Pearl Broad, 3rd Leoni Braz, 4th Betty Deeks & 5th Beverly Moore who also won the Quarterly Cup. This cup is awarded for the design that the demonstrator/judge would most like to take home.
Our new 2020 programme card was available and we also welcomed several new members this evening. Thankyou to everyone who attended.
Photos are in the gallery.
As advised at our AGM in February. Annual subscriptions remain unchanged at £50.00
We continue to include August in our programme so for just over £4.50 each month you can enjoy a variety of events; demonstrations by qualified NAFAS demonstrators, working evenings, workshops, outings, competitions, social gatherings, access to Nafas area and national events too.
We look forward to the year ahead, our 61st so let’s make it another successful year for our club.
We continue to include August in our programme so for just over £4.50 each month you can enjoy a variety of events; demonstrations by qualified NAFAS demonstrators, working evenings, workshops, outings, competitions, social gatherings, access to Nafas area and national events too.
We look forward to the year ahead, our 61st so let’s make it another successful year for our club.
The first meeting of 2020 was our AGM which was well supported. The Spring edition of The Flower Arranger magazine was available to those members who had subscribed. An archive photo book was available for members to browse through over the coming months. 2019 was our diamond anniversary so there was a lot to celebrate.
Our chairman Tricia welcomed members and 3 visitors. Reports were given by Ann our President, Tricia our chairman and Sue the Treasurers report.
Marigold Hodge was elected as President and was presented with her badge by outgoing president Ann.
The competition cup presentation was to Amanda Anderson (Novice) Alba Rodrigues (Intermediated) and jointly Beverly Moore & Maggie Hansford (Advanced).
The presentations continued with a planted bowl to Ann for all her dedication and hard work over the last three years as President.
Our long standing member Pat Bryceson celebrates her 98th birthday this month and we all wish her a very happy birthday.
There was time to catch up with friends over a cuppa and biscuits before our mini demonstration by Anne Bell.
Anne is a regular visitor to Herts & Essex Boundary Flower Club a d this evening as always Anne gave lots of tips and ideas as she demonstrated four designs, one of which she used sand as the water retaining material thus avoiding the use of floral foam.
As this was a one off special demonstration for us, Anne has given permission to post all of her designs.
Our 2020 programme will be issued at our next meeting in March and the committee have worked hard to give a variety of demonstrators, workshops, classes, outings,events and competitions.
A big thank you to our members for being so supportive as we take our club into the next decade.
Our chairman Tricia welcomed members and 3 visitors. Reports were given by Ann our President, Tricia our chairman and Sue the Treasurers report.
Marigold Hodge was elected as President and was presented with her badge by outgoing president Ann.
The competition cup presentation was to Amanda Anderson (Novice) Alba Rodrigues (Intermediated) and jointly Beverly Moore & Maggie Hansford (Advanced).
The presentations continued with a planted bowl to Ann for all her dedication and hard work over the last three years as President.
Our long standing member Pat Bryceson celebrates her 98th birthday this month and we all wish her a very happy birthday.
There was time to catch up with friends over a cuppa and biscuits before our mini demonstration by Anne Bell.
Anne is a regular visitor to Herts & Essex Boundary Flower Club a d this evening as always Anne gave lots of tips and ideas as she demonstrated four designs, one of which she used sand as the water retaining material thus avoiding the use of floral foam.
As this was a one off special demonstration for us, Anne has given permission to post all of her designs.
Our 2020 programme will be issued at our next meeting in March and the committee have worked hard to give a variety of demonstrators, workshops, classes, outings,events and competitions.
A big thank you to our members for being so supportive as we take our club into the next decade.
Spring Edition of The Flower Arranger will be available at our meeting on 4th February to those members who have subscribed this year. Lots of inspiration inside.
4th February is our AGM meeting. This will be followed by a demonstration by Anne Bell.
Minutes of last years AGM & Agenda will be emailed to members in good time before the February meeting.
Nomination forms for Committee members and the next Chairman will also be emailed to members.
Minutes of last years AGM & Agenda will be emailed to members in good time before the February meeting.
Nomination forms for Committee members and the next Chairman will also be emailed to members.