Hello fellow flower lovers,
As I write, the sun is shining and the roses have started to bloom in my garden. It is the season that promises so much – all the floral delights that are yet to come in our gardens and in our clubs!
Upcoming dates for your diaries.
Malvern Spring Festival
Thursday May 7th – Sunday May 10th
Do not forget to visit the Malvern Spring Festival held at the Malvern Showground for the wonderful display of competitive work. I know of several people from our area competing – why not head over and enjoy some marvellous floral art?
Area Demonstrator Mock Test
Saturday May 16th at St Peter’s Church Centre, Holly Lane, Balsall Common, CV7 7EA.
Doors open at 9am for 9.45am start
Tickets are only £5 from Jo Davis 07896 117368
Please come along and watch the potential Area Demonstrators take their mock tests. Having an audience makes such a difference to the feeling in the hall – the trainees would love to be able to make eye contact with friendly faces. Some of the trainees are not from our area – it is a chance to see people from North Midlands, Home Counties and Three Counties and South Wales – as well as our own. Amongst the trainees are some fierce competitors who have had recent success at Malvern and Harrogate shows – and of course you are likely to meet up with flower friends.
Area Demonstrator Test
Saturday June 27th at St Peter’s Church Centre, Holly Lane, Balsall Common, CV7 7EA.
Doors open at 9am for a 9.45am start.
Tickets are only £10 from Jo Davis 07896 117368
This is it – the big one. Each candidate has 20 minutes to demonstrate two designs. Bring a friend and watch the trainees do their absolute best to entertain and create beautiful flowers. The candidates will be nervous – perhaps your smiling face would make the difference to their confidence? As ever, the hall is bound to include some floral friends – it is a great way to meet up and see something new.
Gardeners World Live at the NEC Birmingham
Thursday June 18th – June 21st
As those of you who attend the Area Council Meeting will remember, I am not leading the team for Gardeners World this year – it is in the able hands of Elaine Hall and her team who are creating a stand with the theme World Cup.
If you have never been to the show, may I highly recommend it, if like me you love gardening. I had not realised just how many plants I would want to buy! Temptation is everywhere with stands by renowned rose grower Peter Beales, glorious Salvias by Middleton Nurseries and wonderful plants, shrubs and trees from extraordinary nurseries from all over the country. There are even small show gardens that you may walk around!
Entry to the gardening show also gives free entry to the Good Food Show also held at the NEC at the same time.
Special Club Events
Thank you to all clubs that have been sending me posters and information. I have been doing my best to put them on Facebook and the website – have you checked it out yet? www.southmidlandsnafas.org
Here are some special events that would be worth considering
Saturday May 9th
Floral Education Association (FEA for short) are holding a workshop titled Urns with Michael Bowyer at Shrewley Village Hall, CV35 7AN. A foam free workshop with the man responsible for organising the wonderful flowers at Salisbury Cathedral amongst many other accolades. Contact Viv Handy at vivhandy@hotmail.co.uk for more details.
Meriden Flower Club are holding a Plant Sale and coffee morning. £2 entry gives you tea/coffee and cake and the opportunity to buy some great plants. Contact meridenflowerclub@hotmail.com
Saturday May 16th
Shrewsbury Flower Club are holding a Flowers and Fizz workshop. Create a Frame and Hand Tied Bouquet with Debbie Wellington while enjoying an afternoon tea and glass of fizz! Held at The Malthouse, Atcham, Shrewsbury – 10.30am – 3.30pm. Tickets are £45 not including flowers. Please contact Jane on 07939 109728 to book a space.
Tuesday June 9th
Henley in Arden Flower Club are running a trip to RHS Bridgewater. The newest of the RHS gardens is based in Salford near Manchester. I went myself in February and there was already a lot to see, so by June it should be stunning! Contact Sue suerack48@gmail.com for more details.
Monday June 15th
Stratford upon Avon Flower Club are holding a gala Open Meeting to celebrate their Platinum Anniversary. With a demonstration by club favourite Emma Remington and special refreshments, tickets are only £15. Doors open at 1.30pm for 2pm start. Tickets available, in advance, from Sarah Irwin 07879 820804
Tuesday June 16th
Sutton Coldfield Flower Club are taking a trip to Woolerton Old Hall
Thursday June 25th
Wylde Green Flower Club will be enjoying their 50th Anniversary with a wonderful lunch held at Fairlawns Hotel, Aldridge, WS9 0NU. As well as a 3 course meal with a welcome drink and coffee/tea there will be a demonstration by Lorena Dyer. Tickets are only £45. Contact Anne on 07885 948164
Saturday August 8th
Floral Education Association will be spending a very entertaining afternoon with Nell Gwynn! AKA Lesley Smith, her historical and hilarious talks tell you all the gossip about the times. Held at Lapworth Village Hall – doors open at 2pm and your ticket includes tea, coffee and a selection of cakes. Well worth an afternoon – but be prepared, she can be bawdy! Well, the Restoration was famous for it! Contact Louisa at louisa.rigden@gmail.com for more information.
Friday 23 October
Stratford Upon Avon Flower Club are running a trip to Rooted Florals – the flower festival organised by Paula Routledge of Floral Media in Newark. There are still a few tickets left, leaving from Stratford upon Avon. For more information contact Sarah Irwin on 07879 820804
That is all for now. I hope to see lots of you at the Area Demonstrator Mock and Test – come and cheer me us on!
Yours florally,
Cathy cathykennedy74@gmail.com 07456 590933
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