As 2021 comes to an end we are thankful that we were able to restart our meetings back in August.
Let us hope that 2022 will hopefully be the year that we are able to continue to meet up regularly and enjoy
Friendship & Flowers together
Area virtual competition - No Floral Foam
Tuesday 7th December we welcomed 43 visitors to our festive evening with National demonstrator Jacqui Arnold and her title ‘Christmas Unwrapped’.
The sales table was full of festive goodies & as regular floral sundries. Our elves Leoni Braz & Nicky Thompson had a busy time.
Welcome flowers were prepared by Beverly Moore which were included in the raffle at the end of the evening.
Sally was busy with ticket Sales on the raffle table
After members and visitors had made their purchases, enjoyed a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, caught up with a chat, it was time to put the dreadful cold wet weather behind us and settle down to enjoy a beautiful demonstration.
Jacqui was assisted on stage by her husband John. Jacqui has kindly given permission for two of her designs to be shared.
The first design was traditional and created in a huge bowl made from pine cones using garden plant material, berries and tones of red and peach toned flowers.
The second placement was using some of the same plant material but without floral foam in a more contemporary style.
This was made into a hand tie at the end for the raffle.
The second design in 3 sizes. - beautiful arc displays with silver accents and delicate peach tones.
It was a wonderful evening and a great end to 2021. We now look forward to a fun packed programme starting in February next year when we can continue to enjoy flowers and friendships together.
The sales table was full of festive goodies & as regular floral sundries. Our elves Leoni Braz & Nicky Thompson had a busy time.
Welcome flowers were prepared by Beverly Moore which were included in the raffle at the end of the evening.
Sally was busy with ticket Sales on the raffle table
After members and visitors had made their purchases, enjoyed a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, caught up with a chat, it was time to put the dreadful cold wet weather behind us and settle down to enjoy a beautiful demonstration.
Jacqui was assisted on stage by her husband John. Jacqui has kindly given permission for two of her designs to be shared.
The first design was traditional and created in a huge bowl made from pine cones using garden plant material, berries and tones of red and peach toned flowers.
The second placement was using some of the same plant material but without floral foam in a more contemporary style.
This was made into a hand tie at the end for the raffle.
The second design in 3 sizes. - beautiful arc displays with silver accents and delicate peach tones.
It was a wonderful evening and a great end to 2021. We now look forward to a fun packed programme starting in February next year when we can continue to enjoy flowers and friendships together.
Pearl & Betty beautifully decorated one of the Christmas trees at
St.Mary’s church Christmas tree festival in Manuden.
St.Mary’s church Christmas tree festival in Manuden.
Beverly & Leoni are members of Bishop’s Stortford WI and together with Nicky they showed the WI Members how to create a Christmas Star.
All materials were supplied so that was a challenge for Beverly to source everything but it was well worth it. As you can see they all did brilliantly.
All materials were supplied so that was a challenge for Beverly to source everything but it was well worth it. As you can see they all did brilliantly.
2nd November we welcomed back Helen Hare who gave a wonderful demonstration entitled ‘Flowers Bring Smiles’. The hall was full of smiles as each design was created. Helen has given permission for two of her designs to be shared, not an easy task to decide which two to choose.
Our sales table of pre-loved containers was a success with only a handful of items unsold.
Last month the winner of the quarterly cup was Leoni Braz which was presented this evening by our chairman Patricia Pratley
Our sales table of pre-loved containers was a success with only a handful of items unsold.
Last month the winner of the quarterly cup was Leoni Braz which was presented this evening by our chairman Patricia Pratley
The East of England area of Nafas, Cambridge Group AGM was attended by Barbara Collins, Area Chairman, and members of clubs within the Cambridge Group.
The day started with the business of the AGM followed by Brenda Eyres who gave an excellent presentation on hats, their history and trends. Angela Turner gave a fantastic demonstration with so much creativity. The final reveal certainly had the Wow factor. Permission given to show one of the designs incorporating wallpaper crafted to make a container covering.
Congratulations and Well done to our new member Lorraine Gagen who achieved a First for her Elegant Line and Runner up Best in Show and also a First for her craft exhibit A Sweet Releaf.
Pat Woodward received a Commended for her Elegant Line exhbit. Well done for taking part.
The day started with the business of the AGM followed by Brenda Eyres who gave an excellent presentation on hats, their history and trends. Angela Turner gave a fantastic demonstration with so much creativity. The final reveal certainly had the Wow factor. Permission given to show one of the designs incorporating wallpaper crafted to make a container covering.
Congratulations and Well done to our new member Lorraine Gagen who achieved a First for her Elegant Line and Runner up Best in Show and also a First for her craft exhibit A Sweet Releaf.
Pat Woodward received a Commended for her Elegant Line exhbit. Well done for taking part.
Beverly entered the Nafas National Photography Competition and was pleased to receive a Commended for her entry in Class 3 - Terrific Textures
(This was a class to show manipulation of the original image)
(This was a class to show manipulation of the original image)
Beverly's ORIGINAL Image before manipulation
OCTOBER MEETING
Button Box with Jean Fordham (North Midlands Area of Nafas).
A very entertaining evening with Jean who brought back memories, told amusing stories and created beautiful designs all relating to ‘Buttons’. Permission has been given by Jean to post photographs of a couple of her designs.
The members competition this month was “Blooms & Buttons” well done to all who took part.
Novice Class - 1st Hannah, 2nd Lorraine, 3rd June
Advanced Class - 1st Leoni, 2nd Sally, 3rd Pat, 4th Nicky, 5th Beverly
Maggie Hansford, Sue Holman & Pearl Broad also exhibited.
Button Box with Jean Fordham (North Midlands Area of Nafas).
A very entertaining evening with Jean who brought back memories, told amusing stories and created beautiful designs all relating to ‘Buttons’. Permission has been given by Jean to post photographs of a couple of her designs.
The members competition this month was “Blooms & Buttons” well done to all who took part.
Novice Class - 1st Hannah, 2nd Lorraine, 3rd June
Advanced Class - 1st Leoni, 2nd Sally, 3rd Pat, 4th Nicky, 5th Beverly
Maggie Hansford, Sue Holman & Pearl Broad also exhibited.
Nafas National AGM - You Tube 5th October 2021
https://youtu.be/sDqBCgAOxlc
Our first live demonstration since March 2020 - Members were very happy to be back & we were delighted to welcome 6 visitors.
Our hall is large enough to keep chairs well spaced & still give everyone the chance to catch up over a cuppa in the break.
Ellouise Hasler-Stott, our demonstrator was a breath of fresh air showing 3 designs with and 3 designs without floral foam.
Ellouise engaged with members who were keen to view up close the diverse choice of plant material used.
Permission has been given by Ellouise to post two of her designs.
The Autumn edition of Spotlight East has now been uploaded onto the Area website. - Here is the link
https://www.nafas-east.com/spotlight-east-autumn-2021
https://www.nafas-east.com/spotlight-east-autumn-2021
Our member Beverly Moore and her friend Jayne Lawson from Feering Flower Club have been busy creating these designs for the Coggeshall Flower Festival being held this bank holiday weekend.
Following the bombing of the church during WW2 the church was rebuilt and re-hallowed in 1956. The plaques depict the craftsmen involved in the rebuilding.
St James the Great Church at Thorley annual festival of flowers and music this bank holiday weekend (August 28-30). CM23 4BE
The theme for the celebration is 'A Huge Thank You', marking the contributions of individuals, charities and organisations that supported the community during the coronavirus pandemic.
Five of our members took part Carol Giffen - The Fire Service, Maggie Hansford & Margaret Webb - The NHS, Mary Scales & Julie Pollard - The Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank, Margaret Webb - The Police Service.
Tuesday 3rd August
|
GOOD TO BE BACK MEETING UP WITH FRIENDS
Thankyou Nicky for all these components which made it
a fun and interesting class.
"BLOOMS WITH MEMORIES" - CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE EXHIBITOR/RESULT
"FUN WITH FOLIAGE" - CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE EXHIBITOR/RESULT
IMPOSED CLASS "It's great to be back" CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR EXHIBITOR/RESULT
EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART RECEIVED AN AWARD CERTIFICATE AND SOME RECEIVED MORE THAN ONE - SOME WERE LUCK TO RECEIVE SPECIAL AWARD CARDS & TROPHIES. CONGRATULATIONS AND WELL DONE TO EVERYONE AND THANKYOU FOR MAKING OUR FIRST MEETING BACK IN SO MANY MONTHS A GREAT SUCCESS. YOU ARE THE BEST !
Your hard working committee have finally been able to meet face to face after so many months of zoom meetings (Definitely no slippers being worn today). Preparations now all sorted for our first meeting since February last year. Looking forward to welcoming our members back for a social gathering and in-house competition and judging by the number of entries it will be a wonderful evening.
Our member Christina Chalk's entry submitted for the National Chairman's June Competition ‘Wedding Time’. Christina's design wasn't selected to go forward by the Area but has said that she really enjoyed creating the design & sends congratulations to the winners.
Our member Nicky created this beautiful bouquet for a friend’s wedding.
A visit to Bishop's Stortford Wildlife Garden - NGS
A report from our member Beverly Moore on her Visit to an amazing wildlife garden in the centre of our town as part of The National Garden Scheme.
Group numbers were limited so members have attended on different days, today I was by myself but the others in the group were all very friendly.
The garden used to be part of the land of the old All Saints vicarage before All Saints Close was developed.
The half-acre plot has been divided into areas with every conceivable aspect of wildlife requirements covered.
As the owner guided us around it was so interesting to learn how the garden had developed over the past few years. A very knowledgable gentleman, his wife too.
At the back of the garden are four large compost heaps and as the cover was lifted we could see several slowworms but we did not linger toolong as there were pregnant females amongst the compost.
There is an ancient yew treat that may have been in this location for over 100 years.
Dotted around the gardens were several stumps and logs,all a fantastic magnet for the insects and other wildlife.
The sun was starting to come out so too the bees and other insects.
The solidarity bees have plenty of places to lay their eggs from tree trunks, old Victorian walls and a rather magnificent bug hotel (definitely 5 star!)
There were so many different aspects of this garden including a non-native area with delphiniums alongside beautifully scented roses. Beautiful seating to sit and relax.
A truly wonderful couple of hours.
You might find this article interesting https://www.hazelwoodlandscapes.com/blog/case-study-wildlife-garden-project-bishops-stortford
Group numbers were limited so members have attended on different days, today I was by myself but the others in the group were all very friendly.
The garden used to be part of the land of the old All Saints vicarage before All Saints Close was developed.
The half-acre plot has been divided into areas with every conceivable aspect of wildlife requirements covered.
As the owner guided us around it was so interesting to learn how the garden had developed over the past few years. A very knowledgable gentleman, his wife too.
At the back of the garden are four large compost heaps and as the cover was lifted we could see several slowworms but we did not linger toolong as there were pregnant females amongst the compost.
There is an ancient yew treat that may have been in this location for over 100 years.
Dotted around the gardens were several stumps and logs,all a fantastic magnet for the insects and other wildlife.
The sun was starting to come out so too the bees and other insects.
The solidarity bees have plenty of places to lay their eggs from tree trunks, old Victorian walls and a rather magnificent bug hotel (definitely 5 star!)
There were so many different aspects of this garden including a non-native area with delphiniums alongside beautifully scented roses. Beautiful seating to sit and relax.
A truly wonderful couple of hours.
You might find this article interesting https://www.hazelwoodlandscapes.com/blog/case-study-wildlife-garden-project-bishops-stortford
A report from our member Beverly Moore on her Visit to an amazing wildlife garden in the centre of our town as part of The National Garden Scheme.
Group numbers were limited so members have attended on different days, today I was by myself but the others in the group were all very friendly.
The garden used to be part of the land of the old All Saints vicarage before All Saints Close was developed.
The half-acre plot has been divided into areas with every conceivable aspect of wildlife requirements covered.
As the owner guided us around it was so interesting to learn how the garden had developed over the past few years. A very knowledgable gentleman, his wife too.
At the back of the garden are four large compost heaps and as the cover was lifted we could see several slowworms but we did not linger toolong as there were pregnant females amongst the compost.
There is an ancient yew treat that may have been in this location for over 100 years.
Dotted around the gardens were several stumps and logs,all a fantastic magnet for the insects and other wildlife.
The sun was starting to come out so too the bees and other insects.
The solidarity bees have plenty of places to lay their eggs from tree trunks, old Victorian walls and a rather magnificent bug hotel (definitely 5 star!)
There were so many different aspects of this garden including a non-native area with delphiniums alongside beautifully scented roses. Beautiful seating to sit and relax.
A truly wonderful couple of hours.
You might find this article interesting https://www.hazelwoodlandscapes.com/blog/case-study-wildlife-garden-project-bishops-stortford
Group numbers were limited so members have attended on different days, today I was by myself but the others in the group were all very friendly.
The garden used to be part of the land of the old All Saints vicarage before All Saints Close was developed.
The half-acre plot has been divided into areas with every conceivable aspect of wildlife requirements covered.
As the owner guided us around it was so interesting to learn how the garden had developed over the past few years. A very knowledgable gentleman, his wife too.
At the back of the garden are four large compost heaps and as the cover was lifted we could see several slowworms but we did not linger toolong as there were pregnant females amongst the compost.
There is an ancient yew treat that may have been in this location for over 100 years.
Dotted around the gardens were several stumps and logs,all a fantastic magnet for the insects and other wildlife.
The sun was starting to come out so too the bees and other insects.
The solidarity bees have plenty of places to lay their eggs from tree trunks, old Victorian walls and a rather magnificent bug hotel (definitely 5 star!)
There were so many different aspects of this garden including a non-native area with delphiniums alongside beautifully scented roses. Beautiful seating to sit and relax.
A truly wonderful couple of hours.
You might find this article interesting https://www.hazelwoodlandscapes.com/blog/case-study-wildlife-garden-project-bishops-stortford
6 members were able to sit outside in Beverly & David Moore’s garden for quite some time enjoying a cuppa and cake together. A few spots of rain took us inside so we could continue our catch up.
Upon Hannah’s recommendation we decided to taste some begonia petals. Yes they were quite tasty Hannah!
Summer Garden Blooms.
Our member Sue is thrilled at the size of her delphinium this year. The seeds were bought from the Delphinium Society at the Chelsea Flower Show 4 years ago and although they have been good they have never been over 6ft.
Well done Sue.
Our member Sue is thrilled at the size of her delphinium this year. The seeds were bought from the Delphinium Society at the Chelsea Flower Show 4 years ago and although they have been good they have never been over 6ft.
Well done Sue.
SUMMER GARDEN BLOOMS CHALLENGE
Our member Hannah has these beautiful wild orchids growing in her garden. Isn’t nature wonderful.
Tricia, our Chairman has used plastic milk bottles to create this effective flower wall.
Well done Carol Giffen on your entry in the Nafas Chairman’s May challenge - Carol’s entry was for East of England as Cambridge Group Chairman
Well done Beverly for taking part in the May East of a England area virtual competition. 2nd for the Pave design & VHC for the door hanging.
1st June 19 members enjoyed a zoom demonstration by Gill McGregor. 6 Beautiful designs with lots of interesting tips and techniques.
Gill kindly judged our Roses, Roses competition, a competition our club has held in June for many many years. Here are the entries. Thankyou to Gill’s husband Ian who was able to share the designs with the members at the end of Gill’s demonstration. |
Congratulations Sue on your award & for taking part in the Virtual National Show 2021.
Friday 7 May 2021 - National Flower Arranging Day
An inspring evening with Nina Tucknott - Sussex Area of Nafas Demonstrator - “Colour Me Beautiful”
As we are still unable to meet with members physically, for our May meeting 22 members enjoyed Nina’s colourful demonstration. Nina sends a link for the video to be seen on YouTube. As not all members are keen or familiar with zoom this was a lovely way to watch the demonstration without fear of losing signal, fumbling around with the mute or the video buttons!
Following the demonstration Nina hosted a Q&A session on zoom of which 13 members did manage to sort out their mute & video buttons and enjoy chatting to Nina and other members.
Our dear member Pat who is 99yrs young watched & enjoyed the demonstration which just goes to show so whatever age you are you do not have to miss out enjoying your flower demonstrations during these unprecedented times.
As we are still unable to meet with members physically, for our May meeting 22 members enjoyed Nina’s colourful demonstration. Nina sends a link for the video to be seen on YouTube. As not all members are keen or familiar with zoom this was a lovely way to watch the demonstration without fear of losing signal, fumbling around with the mute or the video buttons!
Following the demonstration Nina hosted a Q&A session on zoom of which 13 members did manage to sort out their mute & video buttons and enjoy chatting to Nina and other members.
Our dear member Pat who is 99yrs young watched & enjoyed the demonstration which just goes to show so whatever age you are you do not have to miss out enjoying your flower demonstrations during these unprecedented times.
Meeting up in Sally’s garden - wow just look at those beautiful tulips.
Five members able to enjoy cake with a cuppa and collect their Flower Arranger Magazine. Coats on, Coats off was the order of the day as the sun popped in & out from behind the clouds.
£2.95 a bunch Nina created flowers for Manuden church and two designs for herself. The lilies were a bargain at Aldi
Rosemary & Tricia - Easter Flowers Manuden church
Claire created this for her local church.
Beverly has created something for the passers by at Easter
A lovely design by Nicky, Nicky works at the local primary school and one of the children gave her some flowers. A friend who Nicky helped get a new job also gave her some flowers.
Recycling for Easter - coloured paper straws, cardboard inner loo rolls, yogurt drink bottles, coloured paper bits & bobs from the garden. Thankyou Beverly
Christina has created great movement in her design for our March Challenge.
Beverly created a foam free design, one has added Midelino within the plant material, the other the Midelino just added to the frame. The tulips were an extra using recycled packaging.
February challenge - Create a design incorporating the two Pantone colours of 2021.
Nina's design incorporating Pantone Colours of the Year
Christina Chalk brought a touch of Africa to her February Challenge.
June’s February challenge design in a pretty hat box
Another two designs for our January Challenge to create a design using Pantone a colours of the Year 2020.
Apart from the yellow roses, all of the other components are from Carol’s garden.
A plumber working at Carol’s found it amusing when she asked him for a piece of grey piping that was going to be discarded. Recycling at it’s best. Well done Carol.
Nicky's designs in our February Challenge
Leoni also hand crocheted the cute bunny.
Beverly’s February challenge designs
Beverly entered a virtual competition of IFFAD Facebook group. "Boxed Beauty" was the title - Beverly used 3 varieties of beautiful lilies for her design - No award this time. The design in the pot is using leftover lilies from the competition entry.
A couple of bunches of Daffodils (£2) utilising a cardboard/tube structure made at Christmas time, a few coloured sticks and pussy willow made for a non floral foam spring design.
Inspired by Mig Kimpton’s flowers for the weekend YouTube video Beverly managed to create these using 3 bunches of daffs plus bits & bobs from her stash!
MARCH AGM VIA ZOOM
Tonight we would normally be holding our AGM at Manuden Community Centre, but this year of course with lockdown restrictions the meeting was held via zoom.
19 members were able to attend but all members had been sent via email
The Presidents report, The Chairman’s report & The Treasurers Report & our proposed programme from May onwards (subject of course to Covid recommendations.
Usually at the AGM our photo year book is available for members to look through.
Not this year so here are just a few memories from March - December.
Members decorated their doors with Rings of Hope in support of NHS & Key workers.
Our member June Rowland submitted a photograph to the National Portrait Gallery of herself with the Ring of Hope she created 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.
We enjoyed several afternoon teas socially distanced in member’s gardens.
Members took part in several virtual competitions and gained several awards.
Weekly quizzes and puzzles were given to members, mostly flower or garden related but interspersed with lots of other topics.
Members were able to view Nafas Demonstrations via Zoom or Youtube – we so miss our monthly meetings when we watch these talented designers arrange flowers in such a beautiful way. We are just thankful that technology is able to bring our love of flower arranging to a wider audience.
Projects were set for members to create designs at home.
‘IN ISOLATION’ an arrangement using just one flower/one leaf.
‘CREATE A DESIGN USING ITEMS YOU WOULD RECYCLE’ members came up with creative ideas using cardboard packaging, tin cans, bubble wrap, light fittings, shoes, coffee jars to name a few.
‘RULE OF 6’ create a design using just 6 pieces of plant material.
'LEAF MANIPULATION' create interesting designs using garden foliage.
Halloween designs proved a popular project and of course Christmas is always a lovely time to have flowers around the home.
In December members left flowers in and around the town to bring a little cheer to a stranger.
So whilst it may have been a “different” year we have managed to stay in touch with all of our members.
19 members were able to attend but all members had been sent via email
The Presidents report, The Chairman’s report & The Treasurers Report & our proposed programme from May onwards (subject of course to Covid recommendations.
Usually at the AGM our photo year book is available for members to look through.
Not this year so here are just a few memories from March - December.
Members decorated their doors with Rings of Hope in support of NHS & Key workers.
Our member June Rowland submitted a photograph to the National Portrait Gallery of herself with the Ring of Hope she created 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.
We enjoyed several afternoon teas socially distanced in member’s gardens.
Members took part in several virtual competitions and gained several awards.
Weekly quizzes and puzzles were given to members, mostly flower or garden related but interspersed with lots of other topics.
Members were able to view Nafas Demonstrations via Zoom or Youtube – we so miss our monthly meetings when we watch these talented designers arrange flowers in such a beautiful way. We are just thankful that technology is able to bring our love of flower arranging to a wider audience.
Projects were set for members to create designs at home.
‘IN ISOLATION’ an arrangement using just one flower/one leaf.
‘CREATE A DESIGN USING ITEMS YOU WOULD RECYCLE’ members came up with creative ideas using cardboard packaging, tin cans, bubble wrap, light fittings, shoes, coffee jars to name a few.
‘RULE OF 6’ create a design using just 6 pieces of plant material.
'LEAF MANIPULATION' create interesting designs using garden foliage.
Halloween designs proved a popular project and of course Christmas is always a lovely time to have flowers around the home.
In December members left flowers in and around the town to bring a little cheer to a stranger.
So whilst it may have been a “different” year we have managed to stay in touch with all of our members.
Supporting the NHS once again with blue door rings - Beverly revamped her ring from last year with what she had available.
Our January challenge is "Welcome to 2021 incorporating a glass (+a drink which is optional).”
Christina Chalk thought she would do something a bit different for our January challenge to create a design incorporating a glass. Not being able to get out to buy flowers she had made her own flowers from florist ribbon. Well done Christina.
Everyone is looking forward to being able to meet up again but in the meantime we can reflect on 2020 - A very different year.
Another design by member Carol Giffen in our January challenge to create a design incorporating a glass.
Another design by member Carol Giffen in our January challenge to create a design incorporating a glass.
Thankyou Pat Woodward for your lovely design in our January Challenge.
Another addition to our January challenge "Welcome to 2021 incorporating a glass (+a drink which is optional).”
Thankyou Carol Giffen. Carol has used midelino canes to give rhythm to the design.
Thankyou Carol Giffen. Carol has used midelino canes to give rhythm to the design.
These designs have been created by Beverly Moore.
1. In a tumbler glass with aluminium wire/sisal as the mechanics and a scouring pad as decoration.
2. A pint beer glass again with aluminium wire as the mechanics inside the glass & yarn covered wire & tubes for the outside.
1. In a tumbler glass with aluminium wire/sisal as the mechanics and a scouring pad as decoration.
2. A pint beer glass again with aluminium wire as the mechanics inside the glass & yarn covered wire & tubes for the outside.
Nina’s designs incorporating a glass.
Design by June using glass
Pearl Broad’s design incorporating a glass.
Julie Pollard created this design in a wine glass - probably sparkling wine !
Our 2020 Archive book is now complete and will be ready to view when we are able it safely meet up again.in the meantime here are a few of the pages. APOLOGIES IF NOT IN 0RDER.