Little did she realised what that decision would lead to!īy 1986 Sheila was the Club Chairman and have been introduced to the Cambridge Group, the Area and the wider world of NAFAS. Shortly afterwards she joined the club and in 1981 when they needed a Secretary, Sheila volunteered. The demonstrator was Derek Bridges, his title was “Maytime” and Sheila remembers being enthralled at what she saw. In 1979 a keen flower arranger friend invited Sheila to an Open Meeting at Burwell Flower Club (later to become Burwell & District). This has led to Deborah being invited to demonstrate or lead workshops in many countries including Italy, Switzerland, Bermuda, Japan, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil where Deborah was invited to open the Annual Flower Show.ĭeborah is passionate about teaching and promoting both floral art and horticulture and her numerous skills and talents gained over many years enable her to continue to do this not only with the East of England but farther afield. She has judged on several occasions in Nice and Italy as well as being invited to judge the Special Awards at WAFA Japan in 2005. Internally, Deborah has judged at the Argentina 80thAnniversary Show which was followed by an invitation to demonstrate in Buenos Aries and Cordoba. A passionate gardener and horticulturalist, Deborah has lived in Suffolk for over 45 years, forty of which was in an old Suffolk farmhouse here she created a flower arrangers garden from a two-acre meadow. Indeed, The Flower Arranger magazine held a shoot in the house and garden.Īn International Judge and Teacher as well as an Area Demonstrator, Deborah was awarded a Licentiateship of City & Guilds of London Institute in 1993 for achievements in education and was at that time the first member of NAFAS to be recognised to receive this prestigious award. She has represented the East of England in the WAFA elimination class and has led a team at the Gateshead Garden Competition on behalf of the Area. Deborah posses a wealth of experience in administration as well as practical flower arranging skills. Her passion for floral art and her dedication to the East of England Area led to her being appointed our Area Chairman in 2003 and Deborah served a three-year term of office.ĭeborah has always been a keen and successful competitor both internationally and nationally. She became an individual member of London & Overseas Area in 1982 and went on to found the High Suffolk Flower Club in 1985. It’s difficult to know where to begin when we record Deborah’s numerous achievements throughout her long association with NAFAS whether at International, National or Area level.
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