NAFAS
What is NAFAS?
The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies is a voluntary organisation for those interested in flower arranging.
Founded in 1959 with the help and support of the Royal Horticultural Society, NAFAS grew rapidly to encompass a national network of flower clubs, societies and groups.
In 1984, NAFAS was granted charitable status in recognition of its educational activities.
Today it has 100,000 members within 1500 clubs; a growing number of which cater for junior members aged 8 –17. It is one of the most notable specialised national associations.
NAFAS aims to:
- Encourage the love of plant material and to demonstrate their decorative value
- Advance education in the art of flower arranging
- Instruct, train and qualify judges, demonstrators, teachers and speakers in order to raise the standard of flower arranging
- Support worthy causes and charities by organising exhibitions and competitions
- Encourage the conservation of rare and endangered species of plants
Education
NAFAS aims to provide training to help members qualify as demonstrators, speakers and judges to Area and National proficiency standards. Residential courses on judging, demonstrating and teaching are frequently arranged in universities and colleges.
NAFAS Diploma of Floral Art & Design
A three module (Introduction, Extended and Advanced) Qualification course is taught at several regional colleges.
Details available from NAFAS Headquarters
Annual NAFAS Flower Show
The NAFAS National Show is organised by a NAFAS Standing Committee comprising representatives from all over Britain. The show moves venue each year to try to allow members from different parts of the country local access to a National event. All members are welcome to enter the competitions or just to view the exhibits.
Assemblies & Conferences
All members are eligible to attend NAFAS Annual Assemblies.
A full Conference is also held every three years when members debate and vote on a number of topics.
International Activities
A number of national flower arranging societies and individual clubs from overseas are International Affiliates of NAFAS and entitled to attend its competitions, assemblies and courses. Hospitality is often exchanged between them and UK members.
NAFAS was also a founder member and initial administrator of The World Association of Flower Arrangers, founded in 1981, WAFA now has 26 member countries.
Club Events
There are nearly 1500 NAFAS affiliated clubs and societies across the UK. Meetings are usually held monthly and may include demonstrations by visiting experts or talks on plants, gardening and allied subjects.
Clubs organise social events, exhibitions and competitions in flower arrangement. Practical sessions and day schools are held for both beginners and more advanced members and visits arranged to garden and flower shows. Many clubs have libraries and sales tables.
Area and National Activities
Club members may pursue their particular interest to Area or National level – whether it is judging or demonstrating, editing newsletters or sitting on committees.
Publications
The Flower Arranger Magazine, published four times a year, is available to every member by subscription. A wide range of educational leaflets, booklets and other merchandise is available through the Publications Distribution Officer at headquarters.
NAFAS Headquarters
The Headquarters of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies in London includes conference facilities for Standing Committees. Club visits are welcomed. Publications are available and may be purchased.
Osborne House
12 Devonshire Square
London EC1M 4TE
Tel: 0207 247 5567
Fax: 0207 247 7232
Charity registration No. 1101348
VAT registration No. GB239 8888 88
Affiliated to The Royal Horticultural Society – Membership no. 10568232