Susan Shaw - National Speaker
Sue found her voice through flowers when she agreed to be chairman of Headcorn Flower Arrangers. It
has taken her on a wonderful journey which she is very thankful for. She qualified as an Area Speaker in
2010 and then went on to pass her National test in 2012. In 2015 and 2017, she was a finalist in the
Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC), National Speech Competition. In 2017 she was part of the successful Kent team that won the ASC's National Team Speaking Competition.
Apart from giving presentations Sue is committed to helping others to achieve speaking confidence through training and mentoring. Her talks, illustrated with visual aids are, 'Jungle Tails' about two contrasting trips to India, 'An Adventure in Peru' and most recently 'A Tailor of Tales' linked to Beatrice Potter, which she first delivered in Gloucester Cathedral in May 2023.
Her other talks delivered by Powerpoint are, 'Finding my Voice through Flowers' - a motivational tale of her journey from trembling wreck to National Stage 'The Wonders of Iceland' and 'Tanzania Revealed' and 'Both Sides of the Bench' in which she shares tips and anecdotes both as a competitor and floral judge. Sue can also give a talk about 'The Heart of Kent Hospice' - no fee but donations are welcome. These talks are also suitable for after dinner talks or she can tailor a talk for special events.
Contact: sueshawflowers@btinternet.com
Sue found her voice through flowers when she agreed to be chairman of Headcorn Flower Arrangers. It
has taken her on a wonderful journey which she is very thankful for. She qualified as an Area Speaker in
2010 and then went on to pass her National test in 2012. In 2015 and 2017, she was a finalist in the
Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC), National Speech Competition. In 2017 she was part of the successful Kent team that won the ASC's National Team Speaking Competition.
Apart from giving presentations Sue is committed to helping others to achieve speaking confidence through training and mentoring. Her talks, illustrated with visual aids are, 'Jungle Tails' about two contrasting trips to India, 'An Adventure in Peru' and most recently 'A Tailor of Tales' linked to Beatrice Potter, which she first delivered in Gloucester Cathedral in May 2023.
Her other talks delivered by Powerpoint are, 'Finding my Voice through Flowers' - a motivational tale of her journey from trembling wreck to National Stage 'The Wonders of Iceland' and 'Tanzania Revealed' and 'Both Sides of the Bench' in which she shares tips and anecdotes both as a competitor and floral judge. Sue can also give a talk about 'The Heart of Kent Hospice' - no fee but donations are welcome. These talks are also suitable for after dinner talks or she can tailor a talk for special events.
Contact: sueshawflowers@btinternet.com
Jean Hoar - Area Speaker
Jean is a member of Hartley and District Flower Club for the past 11 years and is their secretary. She is
a retired Primary Assistant Headteacher but has also taught art to secondary and middle school children.
She enjoys the challenge of entering floral competitions and has had success in competitions in Kent, and
the virtual national show. She is the North Kent representative. The title of her presentation is 'Charente,
Colour, Sights and Scents' which takes the audience on a sensory journey through this beautiful part of
SW France.
Contact: jeanhoar42@gmail.com
Jean is a member of Hartley and District Flower Club for the past 11 years and is their secretary. She is
a retired Primary Assistant Headteacher but has also taught art to secondary and middle school children.
She enjoys the challenge of entering floral competitions and has had success in competitions in Kent, and
the virtual national show. She is the North Kent representative. The title of her presentation is 'Charente,
Colour, Sights and Scents' which takes the audience on a sensory journey through this beautiful part of
SW France.
Contact: jeanhoar42@gmail.com
Lesley lannidinardo - Speakers Representative and Area Speaker
Lesley joined NAFAS in 2013 and became a member of Sevenoaks Flower Club, where she is Vice Chair
on the Committee. She has recently taken up the position of 'Speakers Rep' for Kent. She enjoys arranging
flowers in her local church and taking part in flower festivals and shows. Other hobbies include walking
in the Lake District and Morris Dancing. If you would like any information about inviting a Speaker to your
club please do not hesitate to contact her.
Lesley has produced a talk entitled 'Welcome to the Morris'. It covers life as a Morris Dancer, a bit about the history, some of the styles, festivals and traditions as well as the benefits of Morris dancing. She reveals a number of hand crafted visual aids as part of the talk and speaks with passion about her love of this dance form and even shows you some of the steps!
Contact: iannidinardo@btinternet.com
Lesley joined NAFAS in 2013 and became a member of Sevenoaks Flower Club, where she is Vice Chair
on the Committee. She has recently taken up the position of 'Speakers Rep' for Kent. She enjoys arranging
flowers in her local church and taking part in flower festivals and shows. Other hobbies include walking
in the Lake District and Morris Dancing. If you would like any information about inviting a Speaker to your
club please do not hesitate to contact her.
Lesley has produced a talk entitled 'Welcome to the Morris'. It covers life as a Morris Dancer, a bit about the history, some of the styles, festivals and traditions as well as the benefits of Morris dancing. She reveals a number of hand crafted visual aids as part of the talk and speaks with passion about her love of this dance form and even shows you some of the steps!
Contact: iannidinardo@btinternet.com
Gill Smaggasgale - Area Speaker
Gill is a member of Sevenoaks Flower Club and has been Chairman of Kent Floral Art for the last 3 years.
In her professional life as a patent attorney, Gill spoke all over the world on intellectual property but has
now turned her skills to more fun topics. Her current talks are 'Walking 1000 Miles' and also 'Travels
through Colour' - all based on her own experience. Gill can also present a tailored talk for your special
event.
Contact: gillsmaggasgale@yahoo.co.uk
Gill is a member of Sevenoaks Flower Club and has been Chairman of Kent Floral Art for the last 3 years.
In her professional life as a patent attorney, Gill spoke all over the world on intellectual property but has
now turned her skills to more fun topics. Her current talks are 'Walking 1000 Miles' and also 'Travels
through Colour' - all based on her own experience. Gill can also present a tailored talk for your special
event.
Contact: gillsmaggasgale@yahoo.co.uk
Jean Schofield - Area Speaker
Jean's journey into flowers began in the 90's when she joined Wateringbury flower club. Since then she
has held many positions at her club and in the area and is a past Area Chairman. Jean now belongs to
Wateringbury and Vanguard clubs. Gardening and a love of animals have inspired her journey into
speaking. She is involved with the local bee club and Village Hall committee and has many other interests
hence her talk, 'The Magical and Mysterious World of Bees'. New talks for 2024 are 'Roaming in the
Gloaming - a Journey through the Trossachs' and 'The Power of Flowers'.
Contact jean.e.schofield@btinternet.com / 01622 814264
Jean's journey into flowers began in the 90's when she joined Wateringbury flower club. Since then she
has held many positions at her club and in the area and is a past Area Chairman. Jean now belongs to
Wateringbury and Vanguard clubs. Gardening and a love of animals have inspired her journey into
speaking. She is involved with the local bee club and Village Hall committee and has many other interests
hence her talk, 'The Magical and Mysterious World of Bees'. New talks for 2024 are 'Roaming in the
Gloaming - a Journey through the Trossachs' and 'The Power of Flowers'.
Contact jean.e.schofield@btinternet.com / 01622 814264
| a4_kent_floral_art_speakers.pdf |
This YouTube video from Brenda Eyres explains what a NAFAS speaker is. If you are interested in training to be a speaker, please do contact me iannidinardo@btinternet.com to find out what is involved.
Of course, many of us find we have to make short speeches at clubs or event whether it is to introduce the demonstrator or speaker, give a vote of thanks or just giving the announcements. The National Speakers Committee have prepared some guidelines and videos to help give us confidence.
| speakers-handy-hints-for-members-building-confidence.pdf |
| speakers-handy-hints-for-members-introductions.pdf |
| speakers-handy-hints-for-members-reading-reports.pdf |
| speakers-handy-hints-for-members-votes-of-thanks.pdf |