It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Freddie Shaw.  

As Area Treasurer Freddie took over from Pat Hume in 2008 under the then chairman, Christine Thomas, he then worked with Linda Clatworthy and finally Marilyn Marsh before handing over the reins to Michelle Sinclaire.  However, he continued to act as the independent scrutineer of the accounts, a role he continued until 2017.

Whilst it has been said that the treasurer does not have to be a flower arranger this did not hold true for Freddie who, having supported Iris in many competitions as the gopher, accepted the challenge and enjoyed taking part in the Novice class, becoming a familiar face at both the Kent Area and County shows. He also accompanied Iris to many of her demonstrations and got involved in helping with the Junior Flower Club, Hadlow Flower Power.

In 2015 when the Area was in need of a new place to store Area equipment Freddie generously came to our rescue and offered a clean, dry section of his engineering works which even had electricity available and somewhere to repair and build under cover! A great improvement on the previous venue.

Freddie also supported the Kent Area Show by sponsoring the Club Class for a number of years and his large car proved a great help on many occasions to move equipment between the shows and the Store, a great saving to the Area meaning there was no need to hire a van.

We have lost a kind friend who gave generously of his time and expertise to NAFAS and above all was a real gentleman.