Welcome
The Association of Irish Floral Artists (AOIFA), which was founded in 1973, is the official organisation of affiliated Floral Art Groups and Flower and Garden Clubs in Ireland.
WAFA Belgium Newsletters
Message from Marie-Claire Nellens, regarding the most recent WAFA Newsletters from Belgium - received by WAFA President Kitty Gallagher.
"
Dear Mrs Gallagher, Dear Kitty,
Following your suggestion to keep you posted on activities taken up by various national entities, it is our pleasure to share with you the following two newsletters which highlight some of the initiatives taken by our members.
Practically all the delegations took part in this project: The launching of the first Belgian bubbles of the Château de Fumal.
Although the newsletter is in French, I am confident that the visual expression on the face of our members is a sure sign of the joy they felt by being able to work together in making these flower arrangements
The language of flowers surely is international and can be appreciated by everybody
This collection of nice photographs was taken by one of our judges, Anne Marie Faehres.
Please find in attachment copy of both newsletters which were circulated to our members and which we leave you to share as you deem fit.
Thanking you beforehand for the care taken and looking forward to hear from you
Kind regards
For the Board of RBFAS
Marie-Claire Nellens, LO WAFA
"
Newsletters for download below:
Newsletter 8 _ Garden Party 1.emlNewsletter 9 _ Garden Party 2.emlInterclub and Floral Artist of the Year Heats
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.
Summer 2021 Newsletter
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
Our Spring Programme on AOIFA Facebook Page
"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
AOIFA and The Flower Arranger say "Thank You" to Nancy McKeever
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 11th 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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Covid -19
A meeting of the AOIFA Executive was held via Zoom on 18th June with a view to regulate for the Association, in these unprecedented and unpredictable times. It was unanimously decided that, due to Covid-19, AOIFA gatherings should cease until the AGM in March 2021 when the new Executive will take over. It is envisaged that such activities will return to normal in 2021.
This decision was made in order to secure the health and safety of our members and to bring some degree of clarity to the current uncertainty. In the interim, the current Executive will remain in place and manage the Association’s affairs with the help of the incoming Executive.
As each club is autonomous, it may make its own decisions regarding its activities and is advised to do so based on HSE and Government Guidelines. Please refer to https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protect-yourself-and-others.html as how to protect yourself and others.
A revised schedule of events will be issued in the autumn.
Canada Blooms 2020
Congratulations to Rosemary Smyth who was awarded Silver at Canada Blooms 2020.
Canada Blooms had to close early due to Covid-19. The competitors had just enough time to stage their exhibits and have them judged before they had to take it down again.
Competition entries from AOIFA members can be viewed here in our gallery.