Young Flower Arranger, Jack Barrell makes his mark

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.