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The National Judging Committee has consulted with Judges and Competitors and has issued a list of products/items that may be considered to be plant material for the purposes of flower arrangement competitions and demonstrations
Open the list HERE
Madam Chairperson Siobhan and President Ann, Past Presidents, AOIFA Executive, Members and Friends, thank you for the opportunity to share this update on the activities of the Demonstrators & Speakers Committee.
I am delighted to report that our dedicated and hardworking team have been really enjoying the rollout of the AOIFA Accredited Demonstrators Course 2025-27. The course is being co-ordinated by Melanie Harris as our Committee Chairperson and Christine Hughes, AOIFA Past President is our Course Advisor.
The course began with an assessment phase during the months of June, July and August this year and culminated in 23 participants being offered and accepting places on the course. So far, we have held 2 very successful and enjoyable tutorial and practical days in The Anner Hotel, Thurles. At each session there has been a very encouraging and positive atmosphere and whilst there is a good deal of hard work and learning going on everyone seems to be relishing and embracing their learning opportunities. We are looking forward to our next course day on Saturday the 21st February 2026. Participants are already taking up opportunities for practical demonstration and have been encouraged to seek out engagements to practice in their own and surrounding clubs.
Paula Dowling our Committee Secretary is happy to be approached for the contact details of any Trainee willing to be approached for a mini demonstration. Clubs would be expected to cover the flower allowance and mileage expenses for a trainee demonstrator. NAFAS adjudicators have been engaged for both the mock and final tests in the course which will take place in November 2026 and February 2027.
We are delighted that Geraldine McCarthy and Sandra Jackson have achieved their NAFAS Speaker's qualifications and wish them both lots of enjoyment in sharing their skills as speakers within AOIFA and beyond in the years and months ahead.
Plans for the accreditation days during this executive's term of office are in the planning stages and will be announced at the AGM in March 2006.
We wish all our demonstrators the very best of luck, safe travels and inspiration as they perform their Christmas Floral Demonstrations, especially to Lorraine O'Brien as she shares her talents, skills and enthusiasm for the season following today's meeting. As always you can feel free to contact me with any enquiries, issues or matters relating to AOIFA Demonstrations via email to chair.aoifadems@gmail.com and I wish everyone my sincerest compliments for a very Happy and Healthy Christmas.
"May this holiday season bring only happiness and joy to you and your loved ones."
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