Heats of the Floral Artist of the Year and Interclub Competitions will hosted on October 16th 2021 by Conna Flower Club and Dunboyne Flower Club, in Conna Sports Club & Dunboyne Castle Hotel respectively.

Competition exhibits will be displayed to the public between 3:30pm and 5:30pm. Government guidelines regarding COVID-19 will be observed.

I hope you have been enjoying the fine summer weather we have been having over the last few weeks. We will reap the benefits of the rain when the harvest comes in September.

We are slowly moving forward to having a new normal in the autumn and hopefully we will get to have the Interclub and Floral Artist of the year competition in reality on Saturday 16th October, hosted by Conna Flower and Garden Club, Cork and Dunboyne Flower and Garden Club, Dunboyne, Meath.

The Closing date has been extended to Monday 16th August; I would love to hear from you regarding this competition. Application forms can be downloaded and sent to me - my address is at the bottom of the form.

We must continue to look forward to better days ahead.
Mark Thursday 4th November 2021 in your diaries for The AOIFA Council meeting which will be held in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise, where we will have a wonderful demonstration by Ali Dietrich and Melanie Harris

Looking forward to meeting everyone on the day.

Christine

• "Inspired by" Teaching Demonstrations by AOIFA Teachers

• Favourites through the Gardening Year by Bríd Kelleher, Sutton Floral Art Group

• Spotlight on some AOIFA Clubs who have managed to negotiate Lockdown and stay in touch with their members online

Nancy McKeever, a member of Doddervale Flower Club, Dublin, has ensured that the Flower Arranger magazine was delivered to AOIFA clubs in Ireland since 1986. She is now passing on the baton after 34 years of uninterrupted, dedicated service.

Nancy, who is Life Vice President of AOIFA, has been a staunch member of the Association since the 1970s. She served as Chairperson from 1994 to 1996 and President from 1996 to 1998. During that period she made many friends travelling throughout the country promoting Education Days. She has served AOIFA tirelessly as a Teacher and Judge, encouraging students and competitors along the way. She is a NAFAS National Judge.

Nancy was a member of the WAFA Ireland Committee, when the 11^th World Flower Show was staged in Dublin in 2014. She was editor of the WAFA Ireland Book, “ Duilleoga”.

Now, that Nancy is retiring from this job, she will have more time to devote to her on-line duties as Editor of Doddervale Flower Club Newsletter, the study of Latin and compiling a book on family history.

The Flower Arranger would like to add their sincere thanks to Nancy for her tremendous dedication over so many years. Nancy has always been a pleasure to deal with – cheerful, kind and considerate. We wish her all the best with her future activities.

The photograph below shows Mary O’Brien, Chairperson of AOIFA congratulating Nancy on her long commitment to The Flower Arranger on the occasion of the AOIFA Sapphire Celebrations.