The North East Area is in one of 21 Areas in the UK who form the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS). Our aims and objectives are to promote public knowledge of and training in the art of flower arranging and related subjects within the North East Area. A key priority for the Area is a greater involvement of members in the decisions affecting NAFAS at National and Area level. To facilitate this, Clubs are invited to participate in actual or virtual meetings.
The NE Area is made up of 50 Clubs across Yorkshire and Teesside, who meet once a month for flower arranging demonstrations, talks and workshops. They organise competitions, visit places of floral interest, fund raise and hold social events. All of great importance to mental health and wellbeing particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Area Council is the governing body of the North East Area and meets four times a year. Two members represent each club and the day-to-day management of the Area is delegated to the Executive Committee who meet on a monthly basis and consists of Chairman, 1st Vice Chairman, 2nd Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Projects Officer, each of whom may be re-elected every two years. The Area President also serves a two year term and acts as an ambassador but has no voting rights. The Area organises training, testing and regular refresher days for its demonstrators, judges, speakers and teachers and publishes a bi-annual list of these disciplines, (details available from the Area Secretary) as well as a regular newsletter which includes Area and club information and activities. Education is of paramount importance due to the charitable status of NAFAS and the North East Area’s Education Association holds two workshops a year for members. In addition the Area organises weekend symposiums, an annual lunch and various other events which facilitate education in the art of flower arranging and related subjects for the benefit and enjoyment of all. Members of the Area make a major contribution to the Northern Horticultural Society shows in the flower arranging competitions as well as showcasing large exhibition pieces. For several years the area has been invited to hold public floral art workshops for the general public along with a large Yorkshire themed exhibit at the Great Yorkshire Show. The Area Chairman represents the North East Area on the National Advisory Council and representatives for the disciplines of Judging, Demonstrating, Speaking, Education, Photography, Media and The Flower Arranger attend National meetings on behalf of the Area. If you enjoy flowers and would like to learn more about floral design there is a club near you waiting to welcome you to share their friendship and love of flowers, plants and nature. |