Welcome to our new Ideas & Initiatives page, on this page we will share ideas and initiatives that Areas and clubs have found successful. If you would like to contribute, please email your ideas and initiatives to info@nafas.org.uk
Topic = Training Day (July 2024)
‘Encouraging the Competitive Element’ – Joyce Hearnshaw, Area Judge & Rita Braithwaite, National Judge
“As Judges it is our job to support and encourage members to participate in competitive floral art at show level or to improve their skills for in club practice sessions. At the start of show season in June, Rita and l ran an extremely useful competitors training day for the North East Area members aimed at any level from novice to the more experienced. An interactive event to encompass all aspects of competitive show work was hosted focused on negotiating the schedule, class interpretation, common faults, the competition manual and what the judge looks for. We used a PowerPoint presentation combined with exhibits demonstrating faults and how to rectify them. Group activities on interpreting the class title and a quiz about allowed accessories created a fun and informal atmosphere, where we encouraged the attendees to raise any questions along the way. The day was attended by 29 members of the Area who then received a word document detailing the day’s points. We are delighted that the day has resulted in extremely positive feedback with several attendees entering classes at the Harrogate Newby Hall Autumn Show.”
Topic = Club Ideas (June 2024)
‘Activating your Club’ – Lesley Sturdy MA, National Associate of Honour, Home Counties
“We need more active members not just for committee but also arranging, exhibiting and competing. To encourage members try the following:
Have a dabble club session:
Topic = Club Ideas (May 2024)
‘Spicing up your Club’ – Alison Gillott, Past Area Chairmen of Surrey
Having listened to members ideas in Surrey and surrounding Areas, Alison has penned a document ‘Spicing up your Flower Club’. If you are interested in reading this please click here
Topic = Workshops (May 2024)
Castleford Flower Club, North East Area – Karen and Stuart Trewartha
The Fun with Flowers workshops were introduced over 10 years ago to raise funds for the flower club. Membership had fallen to below 20 and it was becoming more difficult to offer a varied programme. Closure looked imminent. We began with 9 members supporting this venture.
The premise was that for £10, the flowers, foliage and accessories were all provided along with step-by-step tuition. This was, and still is, a winning formula albeit the cost is now £17.50.
For beginners it reduces the worry of bringing the correct materials; for the more experienced it is a chance to play with lovely flowers. Following the success of the workshops, members of the public are now welcome. As a result, we have over 120 keen enthusiasts on the database.
The 3 workshops are held, normally at the weekends with 30 to 35 people attending each session, many of which are of the younger generation.
There are now over 50 club members. The club monthly meetings have a renewed vibrancy and members enjoy a varied programme of demonstrations, workshops, practice nights some with slightly unusual aspects.
The financial position is now stable and we continue to attract more new members as our success increases.
Castleford Flower Club Facebook page is active and updated every 4 days.
Topic = Club Ideas (May 2024)
Beverley Marshall, Rhyl Floral Art Society, Mercia & North Wales
I have arranged and presented several workshops in my local club and would be happy to share my ‘lessons learned’:-
To date, we have made a traditional front facing symmetrical design, a front facing parallel design, a basket, a wreath and most recently handbags.