Bríd Kelleher, Past President
In March 1998 we celebrated AOIFA’s Silver Jubilee, and as the incoming AOIFA
Chairman, I was aware of the many dedicated people who had nurtured our
association through 25 years of growth and change.
Twenty-five years on, we have reached an even greater milestone as we celebrate
AOIFA’s Golden Jubilee. When our Chairperson Ann invited me to say a few
words, I was somewhat daunted by the prospect of looking back 50 years, but
also happy to have the opportunity to reminisce a little, and highlight the many
achievements of our association.
I think it is fitting that we remember and acknowledge the founding members:
Chairman Marjorie Jensen; Vice-Chairman Maud Kelly; Secretary Eleanor Fox;
and Treasurer Nuala Hegarty.
Their chosen motto was “Friendship through Flowers”, and what a marvellous
motto that has proven to be.
I imagine that the executive had dreams and hopes for the fledgling association
at that first meeting in 1973, but they would surely have found it impossible to
predict the growth in our membership in the following ten, twenty and more
years. They were an ambitious group of ladies, and AOIFA’s first charity event
was held that same year.
The formation of sub-committees quickly followed. They were tasked with
setting up courses for demonstrators, judges, teachers and later speakers. Today,
these committees diligently plan and organise courses in all disciplines, and they
are a vital cog in the AOIFA machine.
The first Inter Club competition was held in 1977, followed by the Flower
Arranger of the Year in 1980. Having attended one of the recent heats, I’m glad to
say that these competitions are just as popular today as they were then.
An Inaugural Meeting to consider setting up a World Federation of Flower
Arrangers was held in London in 1980. With great foresight, the AOIFA President
attended that meeting and the following year when WAFA was formed, AOIFA
became a founder affiliate.
From the outset, education has been at the core of our association, with the first
residential course at An Grianan being organised by the Teachers Committee in
1983, and the most recent being held just last month.
In 1990 an Education Fund was established to provide Education Days in
regional centres; these we designed to be inclusive as they catered for beginners,
intermediate and advanced flower arrangers.
Our first group of Speakers qualified in 1995. In that same year, members voted
to change the name of the Association of Irish Flower Arrangers to the
Association of Irish Floral Artists, as it was felt that the work of flower arrangers,
although ephemeral, should now be described as floral art.
As the association evolved, a first meeting exclusively for Club Chairmen was
held in 1998. This was designed to give chairmen an opportunity to discuss their
club’s ideas or indeed their problems with other clubs and the Executive.
Regional meetings were also introduced that year. This was to facilitate members
who were unable to travel to meetings in larger centres.
The Education Board – composed of past officers and sub-committee members –
was established in 1997. This advisory board has since proved to be invaluable
in helping plan and advise on AOIFA courses, competitions, etc.
We’re familiar with the saying “all work and no play...” so every second year, the
AOIFA Social Weekend provided an opportunity for members to travel to lovely
venues, renew friendships and have fun. The National Competitions were often
held in conjunction with the weekend.
Although it would not generate any excitement today, the 1st December 1999
was a most auspicious date for the association, when the AOIFA website was
launched. Most will agree that it is now our go-to source of information.
The AOIFA Advanced Course was first held in 2004. It’s proved to be very
successful and is a marvellous preparatory course for members wishing to
pursue further study in any of the four disciplines.
2008 marked the staging of AOIFA’s first exhibit at Bloom (now Bloom in the
Park). This annual event, together with the Cork Summer Show, attracts keen
competitors and both are invaluable showcases for AOIFA.
Over the years our intrepid members have travelled far and wide representing
AOIFA and bringing home awards from NAFAS National Shows, Canada Blooms
and WAFA Shows, and most recently by competing in international virtual
shows.
AOIFA members have been honoured to judge, demonstrate and exhibit at
international events and to serve on the NAFAS National Judges Committee, the
WAFA Co-ordination Panel and the WAFA Management Committee.
At home, members staged flower festivals in spectacular and beautiful venues
from churches, castles, stately homes, colleges, art galleries and even a historic
gaol! These were always joyful occasions where creativity bloomed.
In 2010 AOIFA was successful in its bid to host the 11th World Show in Ireland.
Three intense years of planning and fundraising followed, and in 2013 the WAFA
Seminar, featuring workshops, competitions and touring, attracted delegates
from many countries. During a gloriously sunny week in May 2014, the world
came to Dublin for the unforgettable 11th WAFA World Flower Show, ‘A Floral
Odyssey’ at the RDS. It is thanks to the hard work and dedication of the WAFA
Committee and the hundreds of AOIFA volunteers that the success of the show
was ensured.
During the term of each executive, members fundraise for a national charity and
it is important to acknowledge the tremendous efforts and ingenuity of the
members in raising these funds. Does anyone remember ‘a Hot Port Evening’ or
‘Come Dine with Me’? Although I was unable to verify sums raised in the early
years, I can confirm that since 1990 well over 1 million euro has been raised for
charity, and this doesn’t include money raised to fund the 11th World Show.
Quite amazing!
Despite the enormous disruption to normal activities during the Covid
pandemic, the executive, clubs & members remained constant in their
enthusiasm and support for online meetings and virtual competitions. As Covid
restrictions continued, the executive was determined not to postpone the
planned Judges’ Course, and it was decided to proceed with the course online.
This was a first for AOIFA and unimaginable just a few short years ago.
Today, our Association remains a dynamic and progressive association with
close links to our friends in NIGFAS, NAFAS and WAFA. We have very talented
and committed judges, demonstrators, teachers, speakers, competitors and
gardeners, who continue to foster a love of floral art.
It would be impossible to name all those who have contributed to our
association – whether as a member of an executive, a sub-committee or as club
members – who have supported AOIFA, by their participation in courses,
competitions, festivals and other events over the past 50 years. It is thanks to
them and to the many unsung heroes that we owe our success.
On this day of celebration we remember those valued officers and members who
are no longer with us, but we acknowledge their enormous contribution to the
association and we carry their memory with us.
I congratulate and thank Ann and her team for planning this special celebration,
and I’m so pleased that our friends from NIGFAS travelled to join with us in our
celebrations.
I wish the executive and members of association continued success in all their
endeavours, and I leave you with this wish:
“May your path be strewn with flowers, memories, friends and happy hours.”
Happy Golden Anniversary!
