Judges Representative, Cicely Finnis
The Role of the Judges Representative is to represent Kent Area’s Judges; to communicate news from the National Judges Committee and to report to the Area’s JDSE&P Committee, Area Executive and Kent Area Council. I also help to organise the popular Judge it Yourself table competition at the JDSE&P day. Periodically refresher days are held to ensure Area Judges are kept up to date. These days are instructive, inspiring and supportive.
How to becoming an Area Judge - Area Training is organised by Areas and by the National Judges Committee. The framework is set out by the National Judges Committee. There are six modules which include practical judging, oral judging, plant identification, practical work and a written paper. Attendance at the training days is mandatory. If you are interested in becoming a judge or want an informal chat about show work do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
The Role of the Judges Representative is to represent Kent Area’s Judges; to communicate news from the National Judges Committee and to report to the Area’s JDSE&P Committee, Area Executive and Kent Area Council. I also help to organise the popular Judge it Yourself table competition at the JDSE&P day. Periodically refresher days are held to ensure Area Judges are kept up to date. These days are instructive, inspiring and supportive.
How to becoming an Area Judge - Area Training is organised by Areas and by the National Judges Committee. The framework is set out by the National Judges Committee. There are six modules which include practical judging, oral judging, plant identification, practical work and a written paper. Attendance at the training days is mandatory. If you are interested in becoming a judge or want an informal chat about show work do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Entering and Organising Shows
A useful book titled Putting on a Show and this can be purchased from Area Trading (see Trading page of this website).
A useful book titled Putting on a Show and this can be purchased from Area Trading (see Trading page of this website).
Organisers and competitors should have a copy of the current NAFAS Competitions Manual Fourth Edition 2023). It includes useful information which will help organisers and competitors to understand show schedules. This is also available from Area Trading.
In addition the National Judging Committee has issued a list of products which may be considered to be plant material for the purposes of flower arrangement competitions. A copy of this can be downloaded here:
In addition the National Judging Committee has issued a list of products which may be considered to be plant material for the purposes of flower arrangement competitions. A copy of this can be downloaded here:
| plant-material-in-all-its-forms-july-2016.pdf |
Booking a Judge –It is strongly recommend that a qualified NAFAS Judge should be invited to judge competitions. A copy of the draft schedule should be sent to the judge for comment and advice prior to printing, to avoid problems. A blue form should always be completed in a timely manner for NAFAS Judges. The Judging Code of Practice for Areas, Clubs and Judges gives guidance on making bookings
| judges-code-of-practice.pdf |
Judges
Sylvia Cheeseman - Area Judge
Sylvia, an Honorary Member of Kent Area, is a member of Gravesend and Vanguard Flower Clubs and is a keen competitor who has exhibited at the Nationals, Chelsea and our area shows, she has also represented Kent Area at the WAFA elimination competition. She has held many positions and is a past Judge's Representative, a former JDSE&P Chairman, and former Area Secretary.
Contact details: sylviacheeseman@blueyonder.co.uk
Sylvia, an Honorary Member of Kent Area, is a member of Gravesend and Vanguard Flower Clubs and is a keen competitor who has exhibited at the Nationals, Chelsea and our area shows, she has also represented Kent Area at the WAFA elimination competition. She has held many positions and is a past Judge's Representative, a former JDSE&P Chairman, and former Area Secretary.
Contact details: sylviacheeseman@blueyonder.co.uk
Cicely Finnis - Area Judge
I have been interested in the history of flower arranging and new trends for a long time and by training as a judge felt that my interest would be furthered. The training was very interesting but hard work but has given me a great sense of achievement. Going to different clubs and societies has widened my friendship through flowers. Cicely is a keen competitor and is always willing to share her knowledge with those new to competition. Contact details: cicfin@hotmail.co.uk
I have been interested in the history of flower arranging and new trends for a long time and by training as a judge felt that my interest would be furthered. The training was very interesting but hard work but has given me a great sense of achievement. Going to different clubs and societies has widened my friendship through flowers. Cicely is a keen competitor and is always willing to share her knowledge with those new to competition. Contact details: cicfin@hotmail.co.uk
Carol Loft - Area Judge
Since joining my club in Gravesend, I have always enjoyed competitive work. I was delighted to be awarded the Margaret Newman Award, following completion of the NAFAS Diploma Art & Design Course, which led me into judges training, and qualifying as an Area Judge in 2005. I was pleased to accept the position of Judges Representative for the Area and enjoyed my time in office. I have been an active member of Vanguard Contemporary Design Group as well as my own club in Gravesend, and I continue to compete whenever I can. Contact details: c.loft@sky.com
Since joining my club in Gravesend, I have always enjoyed competitive work. I was delighted to be awarded the Margaret Newman Award, following completion of the NAFAS Diploma Art & Design Course, which led me into judges training, and qualifying as an Area Judge in 2005. I was pleased to accept the position of Judges Representative for the Area and enjoyed my time in office. I have been an active member of Vanguard Contemporary Design Group as well as my own club in Gravesend, and I continue to compete whenever I can. Contact details: c.loft@sky.com
Marilyn Marsh - Area Judge
I have been flower arranging for over forty years and decided to take the City & Guilds in Flower Arranging when I retired. I then went on to take a Teaching Certificate in Floral Art and qualified as a Kent Area Judge in May 2017. I enjoy all aspects of flower arranging and particularly meeting members of the Kent Area in their own clubs. Contact: marsh_J1@sky.com
I have been flower arranging for over forty years and decided to take the City & Guilds in Flower Arranging when I retired. I then went on to take a Teaching Certificate in Floral Art and qualified as a Kent Area Judge in May 2017. I enjoy all aspects of flower arranging and particularly meeting members of the Kent Area in their own clubs. Contact: marsh_J1@sky.com
Jenny Nye - Area Judge
Jenny Nye has been an Area Judge since 1997 following a completion of a 3 year City & Guilds course in Flower Arranging and subsequent Floristry course. Over the years she has greatly enjoyed the many competitions she has been invited to judge and gained a wealth of experience along the way.
Contact: jennynyeflowers@talktalk.net
Jenny Nye has been an Area Judge since 1997 following a completion of a 3 year City & Guilds course in Flower Arranging and subsequent Floristry course. Over the years she has greatly enjoyed the many competitions she has been invited to judge and gained a wealth of experience along the way.
Contact: jennynyeflowers@talktalk.net
Sue Shaw - Area Judge
Sue is an Area Judge, Area Demonstrator and a National Speaker. She qualified as a judge in the Sussex Area of NAFAS in 2013. Sue considers it a real privilege to be asked to judge a NAFAS competition. You, the judge's steward and a whole roomful of wonderful flowers. What a treat!
Contact: sueshawflowers@btinternet.com
Sue is an Area Judge, Area Demonstrator and a National Speaker. She qualified as a judge in the Sussex Area of NAFAS in 2013. Sue considers it a real privilege to be asked to judge a NAFAS competition. You, the judge's steward and a whole roomful of wonderful flowers. What a treat!
Contact: sueshawflowers@btinternet.com
Gill Smaggasgale - Area Judge
After several years competing, I decided to train to be a judge to extend my own knowledge and performance but more importantly to give back to our wonderful organisation. Competing pushes the exhibitor to excel and on occasion to push the boundaries and judging certainly keeps you on your toes! Gill is also a demonstrator and a speaker
Contact: gillsmaggasgale@yahoo.co.uk
After several years competing, I decided to train to be a judge to extend my own knowledge and performance but more importantly to give back to our wonderful organisation. Competing pushes the exhibitor to excel and on occasion to push the boundaries and judging certainly keeps you on your toes! Gill is also a demonstrator and a speaker
Contact: gillsmaggasgale@yahoo.co.uk