All roads led to the Radisson Hotel in Cork on 8th November for the Council Meeting. It was wonderful that so many came to partake in the Sapphire Anniversary celebrations. After the formalities we were treated to a celebratory lunch and spectacular demonstration which eased us into the Christmas mood. Bríd, Carol, Theresa and Una definitely earned their collective title “The Four Aces” as so aptly described by Christine in her vote of thanks. There was a convivial atmosphere throughout the day as people caught up with all the news and stocked up with supplies from the trade stands.

Time is marching on and our next big occasion will be the Social Weekend in Kinsale and the National Competitions. I hope you will be tempted to choose from the varied classes on the schedule. Good luck to all competitors, especially those entering in the Floral Artist of the Year and Inter-Club Competitions.

Then, it will be on to Cobh, the last weekend in September, for “Splendour in Flowers and Stone” at St. Colman’s Cathedral. You can be assured of a very warm welcome in Kinsale and Cobh - two very picturesque and historic towns with so much to offer visitors.

In the meantime the Floral Art classes will commence in the spring. Preparations are well under way. We wish our trainee Demonstrators every success as they prepare for their exams in May.

As Mary and I were discussing a suitable cover picture for this Newsletter, I thought it might be an idea to invite the keen photographers among us to submit pictures for the cover of our next publication in April. (A photo suited to the season of a scene, flora or floral design, portrait orientation to suit the booklet style, high resolution - 300dpi or more - send entries to Mary Frahill, Secretary by 21st March 2019). We’ll give it a try and see how it goes.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for the way 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 at our AGM in March, which will be followed by a flower demonstration by Joan Lockhart NIGFAS.

With every good wish for a peaceful and happy Christmas season,

Mary