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Well over 2000 visitors came to view and give their opinion of the beautiful arrangements made by Kent members at the 2026 Area Show - " Cirque Du Fleurs". Despite the heat the flowers held up well. Thanks go to: WMH leisure - especially Richard who provided the space, all the hoarding and tables for us free of charge. Our gratitude is enormous. The organising team, led by Anna Ardolino, who was praised by a previous show organiser for the class titles which produced such a colourful display. Verity and Nicola Prior for the Tombola. They collected for, arranged and were in attendance for most of the time during the three days of the show. The proceeds go to funding the expenses of the show. Our sponsors, who can be found on the results post on 'Whats on'/Area Show All those who came along to steward and chat to the visitors about our great hobby Last but not least- all the competitors who spared the time, energy and considerable expense to compete in the show. Photos of all the entrants are on Kent Floral Art Facebook page. Below are the special awards presented by our President, Sue Thompson and Chair, Cecilia Sleap. Click on the image to view full picture. Best In Show, Jacqui Arnold with her exhibit and Runner up to Best in Show, Zoe Hawkins Best Craft Exhibit, Zoe Hawkins, Best use of Colour, Jill Smith and Most Innovative design, Helen Hare See their designs in the Gallery Novice Award, Marina Thorne. Judges and People's Choice, Sue Shaw. Club with most entries, Vanguard
The Cathedral Flower Guild's brief for the arrangements for the Installation of the Archbishop was for the arrangements to have a mix of greenery which could include some budded branches or some flowering branches coming towards flowering and a sense of new life. We were also requested not to use floral foam. Thus, the arrangements were to be 'sustainable'. The greenery was primarily sourced locally. Members of the Flower Guild collected greenery from gardens in the Cathedral Precincts. We also obtained much from our own gardens and friends' gardens, who generously allowed us to pick. There is a deep sense of pride with some gardeners when they know their greenery is being used in the Cathedral. Since we were only using 'greenery' we looked for vegetation of differing colours and interesting forms. It was also selected carefully, well-conditioned and prepared so that it would last well. This was especially important for the ruff on the pulpit where the greenery was all wired and without water so that the painted wood was not damaged. The different blossoms were observed over the weeks prior to the installation. The result was that some blossom (mainly cherry) in bud and just coming out was included in some of the arrangements. There were 3 huge pedestals, 2 arrangements by the Archbishop’s throne and the ruff. All the arrangements were done without floral foam. Instead, we used structures called Canterburies that had been stored since they were last used by the Cathedral Flower Guild 25-30 years ago. These are metal tubes welded together to create a framework to support the stems within the container. Alongside these we used long poles for height with cones covered in moss, and also wire. This was the first time most of us had used mechanics of this sort so it required thought and team work to get it right but generated good friendships too. When the arrangements were taken down any greenery that was good and would last another 2 -3 weeks was retained to be used in the Easter flower arrangements at the Cathedral. The other greenery was shredded to be used by the Cathedral Gardeners. The whole event was an exciting challenge in which we were very well supported by the Cathedral staff. The outcome was impressive and very well received.' Deal & District Flower Club was proud to host a fundraising sale on Saturday 4th April in support of the Landmark Centre rejuvenation project. As the club has called this much loved venue its home for many years, it felt especially meaningful to help in this way. Drawing on the flower clubs skills and creativity members prepared a beautiful selection of Spring and Easter themed floral items . The event was well supported by members and the impressive grand total raised was over £550! Every contribution big or small helps bring new life to this once grand historic building which sits in the heart of a vibrant community. One that Deal & District Flower Club are very much part of .
 It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Sylvia Cheeseman, Honorary Member of Kent Floral Art.
Sylvia was truly a fixture of Kent Floral Art. Her contribution to the Area, to clubs, and to the wider NAFAS community was immense. A devoted member of Gravesend Flower Club, as both Chair and President. She later became Area Secretary, Area Chair, Judges Representative and held the role of JDSE & P Chair, organising the original Picnic in the Park, History of Flower Arranging and Floral Fashion. Her passion, knowledge, and commitment helped encourage so many members. Sylvia’s love of flower arranging was evident in everything she did. Having completed the NAFAS Diploma at Mid-Kent College, she developed into an exceptional arranger, winning numerous competitions at Club, Area, National level and competing at WAFA Glasgow. Her achievements included many Best in Show awards and a medal with the Kent Team at the National Show Bournemouth. Beyond her impressive list of accomplishments, Sylvia was interested in what others were creating, always ready with encouragement, thoughtful advice, and practical help. Her presence at events, shows, and tests was a constant and reassuring one. Right up to November, Sylvia was at the Kent AGM, engaged as ever, asking questions and taking a keen interest in the future of NAFAS. Sylvia also brought great sense of fun to our floral world. She adored music, was a devoted Barry Manilow fan, having seen him perform countless times, even travelling to the USA! Sylvia delighted in outings with friends to concerts and floral events… always finding something to laugh about, her recent 90th birthday celebrations, including a special lunch she organised for her dearest friends at Claridge’s, reflect the joy and friendship she cultivated throughout her life. Even when faced with challenges, Sylvia’s positivity never wavered. Following a fall last summer at the Area test, in which she broke her arm, she remained smiling, gracious, and deeply appreciative of the care and kindness shown to her. That resilience and good humour defined her. Sylvia gained so much from NAFAS, but more importantly, she gave so very much in return through service, talent, friendship, and unwavering enthusiasm. She will be sorely missed by her flower friends across Kent and beyond. We will remember with affection her smiling face, her kindness, her wisdom, and her joy for life. A truly lovely and dear lady. Sue Shaw provided two lovely examples of 'Still Life' arrangements, Love Blooms and Rustic Charm for Maidstone Flower Club on February 12 and explained the mysteries of components, containers, spacing and plant material. The other title given was Sweet Dreams. When all are gathered together harmoniously it makes a very pleasing arrangement which would look good in a spare corner at home or even win you a place in a competition.
 A Hobby Day on 17th January 2026 was arranged by Dover District Council. It was advertised in the local community magazine where it was seen and highlighted by our Treasurer. After discussing at our committee meeting it was agreed that we would apply to attend. Luckily we were able to secure a pitch as space was limited. We arranged a bright , cheerful daffodil filled table , with photographs, floral examples , posters, leaflets etc . It was a great way of promoting our club, meeting and chatting with many potential new members and visitors. It also helped meeting other clubs and gaining inspiration from them, and possibly even future collaborations. The Hobby Day event was a productive, uplifting, fun experience and we very much spread the joy of “ friendship through flowers” by Angela Sheehan
Retiring officers were thanked. New officers welcomed. New demonstrators awarded their certificates. Sheldwich and District Flower Club held their annual AGM yesterday afternoon. After the AGM there was a mini demonstration. Marilyn Marsh, Sarah Williams and Genny Spencer each did an arrangement for the enjoyment of the members, aren't they beautiful? The images were processed using Photoroom app, you can download a free copy. Thanks to Helen Hare and Jenny Spencer for the information    Please download the form from the Flower Arranger section (Under the news section) and bring to the AGM or send to Dee Hickman.  Gravesend Flower Arrangers (and Robin White) at our recent meeting to celebrate 65 years as a Club. The Committee dressed up (hence the tiaras and David's dinner jacket). Robin White demonstrated his brilliance with a theme of Blue and White flowers to represent this Blue Sapphire anniversary. We shared a beautiful cake (seen in the photo) and toasted the Club with fizz.  After Jack's successes at the Kent Garden Show and Kent County Show, he was invited to a "Cake at Break". The "Cake at Break" is hosted by the Headteacher of The Norton Knatchbull School for pupils who have made an outstanding achievement. Prior to the event Jack had provided pictures of many of his arrangements. These were discussed at the meeting and the Headteacher along with the other staff present were very impressed with Jack's arrangements. A few days after the "Cake at Break", Jack's father was contacted to see if Jack would be willing to create a display for the annual "march" of year 7 pupils to Mersham church on 21st July. There followed some research into the connection between the school and the church. Jack soon discovered that the church is the final resting place of Sir Norton Knatchbull the founder of the school in the 1630s. Based upon Jack's initial research, it was decided to create a school crest as the display. During the next stage, Jack learnt a lot about the materials available for floral art. This was particularly important given the size of the piece, approximately 60cm by 45cm. Over the weekend prior to the march Jack cut the base to shape, prepared and dyed the flowers. The assembly of the display took over 3 hours. It was taken to the school first thing on Monday 21st July where it was displayed in the school reception area where is was greatly admired. The weather was very bad so the march became a trip on the school minibus for just a teacher, a representative of each year 7 class and Jack. At the church, it was received and admired by the vicar and the church warden.  We are delighted that Jacqui Arnold has been asked to do one of the demonstrations at the National Show being held at Gloucester Cathedral which takes place on the 19th to 20th September. 
  Kent Floral Art are delighted to announce that six candidates passed their Area Demonstrators Test on 26 July at Sutton Valence. The successful candidates were Vineta Forstmane, David Williams, Marion Matharu, Elaine Boobier (E of E), Biddy Lall (L&O) and Donna Palmer. Thank you to all the candidates for stepping up and providing a day filled with colour, friendship and flowers. Thank you also to all the helpers, instructors and adjudicators.
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