We have had an amazing lead into the winter with the wonderful weather. This autumn has yielded a profusion of beautifully coloured foliage, fascinating fungi and many other materials that we can use in our designs.

The Elimination Heats, hosted by the Conna and South Dublin Clubs proved to be an enjoyable social occasion with both clubs providing a warm welcome for competitors and spectators with their generous hospitality.

We all enjoyed the welcome cup of tea and delicious home baking. It is events such as this which demonstrate the team spirit that exists in AOIFA. It was heartening to see so many volunteers involved in the preparation and organisation.

Congratulations to all who participated in the Heats. I hope you found it to be a pleasant and worthwhile experience. It was so interesting to see the various interpretations and designs. I didn’t envy the Judges with the job they had to do. It was very encouraging to see that some participants travelled from as far away as Sligo to Dublin and from Tralee and Kilkenny to Conna. Good luck to all who qualified for the National Competitions.

An Grianán is our next event. It promises to be very exciting with the programme of events that has been planned by the Teachers’ Committee.

I look forward to welcoming you to Cork for the Council meeting on the 8^th November, when we mark our Sapphire Anniversary with a celebratory lunch and demonstration, “Making Spirits Bright”.

The Demonstrators’ course is well under way and it is great to see the candidates availing of the Clubs’ invitations to demonstrate. We wish our dedicated demonstrators safe travels as they traverse the country bringing new and inspiring Christmas ideas to us all.

Mary