Spring has sprung! It is heartening to see the flowers appear and the noticeable brightness in the evenings.

Time is flying by and we will soon be in Kinsale for our National Competitions and Social Weekend. It promises to be a very interesting and enjoyable few days. There is a varied programme to cater for all tastes. It includes a Demonstration entitled “A Smile as Sweet as Spring” on Saturday night, by Christine Hughes. Tickets will be available at the AGM. Raffle co-ordinator, Eileen O’Brien, has worked her magic and has secured all the prizes for the raffle and discounts in the local shops.

The Demonstrators Course has finished and we wish the candidates the best of luck as they prepare for their exams in May.

The Floral Art classes are proving to be very popular. Venues are in Cork, Naas, Sligo and Thurles. Such was the demand in the Cork area that we are providing two centres.

Our good wishes go to Beverley Buttimer from Clonakilty Flower Club as she represents AOIFA at Canada Blooms.

Plans are well underway for the Flower Festival, “Splendour in Flowers and Stone,” in Cobh Cathedral in September. We will be having the usual stalls – plants, crafts, floral art recyclables and home produce. Now is the time to start gathering in and planting up! Clubs might consider a visit to the Festival which could be combined with a visit to Fota Gardens.

It has been a sad time recently as we have lost two AOIFA stalwarts. Maureen O’Keeffe, The Lough, Cork and Ita Cox, Wexford. May they rest in peace.

I look forward to welcoming you all to the AGM on Thursday 21^st March in the Radisson Hotel. After lunch we will be treated to a demonstration “It’s a Kind of Magic” by Joan Lockhart NIGFAS.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for the way in which you contribute, either at club or at national level, to make AOIFA the successful and vibrant organisation that it is. I look forward to meeting you soon.

With all good wishes,

Mary