 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.
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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.
The Area Show is over for another year. Awards were presented at 4pm on Monday 26th May. There were over 1,300 Peoples' Choice votes which engaged the public in looking closely at the designs. The results are as follows. For photos of all the designs please see our Kent Floral Art Facebook Page or go to the Gallery section of this website. With grateful thanks to our sponsors Chris Thomas Deal and District Flower Club Folkestone Flower Arrangers -Club Herne Bay Flower -Arrangement Society Hythe Flower Club Margate Flower Club Nicola Prior Rainham Flower Club Romney Marsh Flower Arrangers Sevenoaks Flower Club Sue Thompson (President) Vanguard Contemporary -Design Group Verity Prior Whitstable Flower Club WMH Leisure SPECIAL AWARDS Best in Show: Vicki Hodgkiss (Class 2) Runner Up to Best in Show: Helen Hare (Class 6) Most Innovative Design: Helen Hare (Class 6) Best Use of Colour: Anna Ardolino & Sue Zacharia (Class 2) Best Use of Garden Plant Material: Anne Luckett (Class 5) Best Craft Exhibit: Cicely Finnis (Class 4) Novice & Flower Arranger Award: Pamela Beckett (Class 8) Judge's Choice: Susan Shaw (Class 7) People's Choice: Jean Schofield (Class 6) Club with Most Entries: Rainham Flower Club Class 1: Optical Illusion
1st Zoe Hawkins Herne Bay 2nd Anne Luckett Romney Marsh 3rd Carol Springett Rainham VHC Tan Harrington Dover HC Joy Bishop Maidstone Class 2: Balancing Act – may be staged by 2 people 1st Vicki Hodgkiss Canterbury and Vanguard 2nd Anna Ardolino & Sue Zachariah Herne Bay 3rd Maxine West-Burr and Cicely Finnis Dover VHC Pat Potter & David Williams Gravesend HC Pat White Maidstone, Wateringbury Class 3: Hiding Under – petite 1st Helen Armstrong Sevenoaks, Wateringbury 2nd Susan Shears Rainham 3rd Vicki Hodgkiss Canterbury, Vanguard VHC Carol Springett Rainham HC Iris Shaw Sevenoaks, Wateringbury, Vanguard C Verity Prior Rainham Class 4: Nature’s Charms - craft exhibit 1st Cicely Finnis Dover 2nd Dee Hickman Canterbury 3rd Anne Luckett Romney Marsh VHC Helga Cukure Canterbury HC Jill Smith Rainham C Jessica O’Sullivan Maidstone Class 5: Camouflage - an exhibit using predominately foliage 1st Anne Luckett Romney Marsh 2nd Marina Thorne Rainham 3rd Donna Palmer Maidstone VHC Rosina Horton Folkestone HC Nicola Prior Rainham C Verity Prior Rainham Classes 3 and 4 could be brought ready assembled Class 6: Morning Mist – Pedestal 1st Helen Hare Gravesend, Vanguard 2nd Verity Prior Rainham 3rd Jean Schofield Wateringbury VHC Iris Shaw Sevenoaks, Wateringbury, Vanguard HC Jill Smith Rainham Class 7: Floral Interpretation 1st Sue Shaw Maidstone 2nd Zoe Hawkins Herne Bay 3rd Helga Cukure Canterbury VHC Christine Thomas Canterbury HC Maxine West- Burr Dover C Chris Lawrence Herne Bay Class 8: Card Trick (Novice) 1st Pamela Beckett Canterbury 2nd Chris Lawrence Herne Bay 3rd Susan Shears Rainham VHC Jean Haves Dover HC Marina Thorne Rainham C Karen Card Wateringbury Class 9: Shadow Play 1st Iris Shaw Sevenoaks, Wateringbury, Vanguard 2nd Helen Hare Gravesend 3rd Cecilia Sleap Romney Marsh Class 10: It’s All Done by Mirrors 1st Robin White Sheldwich 2nd Pat Potter Gravesend 3rd Rosina Horton Folkestone Class 11: The Unexpected – Imposed 1st Sharon Owen Maidstone 2nd Genista Spencer Canterbury, Sheldwich 3rd Christina Hawes Rainham VHC Rosina Horton Folkestone HC Iris Shaw Sevenoaks, Wateringbury, Vanguard C Donna Palmer Maidstone Class 12: Out of the Hat! (an open Junior class) Could be brought ready assembled Ages 5 to 8 years 1st Sebastian Barter Mayeux Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club 2nd Eddie Spitty Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club 3rd Libby Simmons Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club “ HC Rose Bennett Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Hannah Stramowska Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Georgia Smith Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Seren Gesua Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Penny Wynne Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Willow Baldock Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Ivy Wynne Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Mugilan Balaji Srinivasan Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club Ages 9 to 12 years 1st Freya Wise Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club 2nd Layla Bannister Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club 3rd Molly Simmons Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club HC Summer Baldock Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Rocco Gesua Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Francesca Savin Independent C Evelyn Wise Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Adithi Balaji Srinivasan Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Amelie Smith Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club C Elena Barter Mayeux Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club Ages 12 – 16 1st Jack Barrell Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club 2nd Max Baldock Hamstreet Junior’s Flower Club VHC = very highly commended, HC = highly commended, C = commended. |
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