The Area Judges' Representative is Joyce Hearnshaw.
Joyce writes: When l started my judge’s training l had no idea of the breadth of knowledge this would allow me to attain, not to mention the opportunities of meeting many of my fellow flower lovers and making new friends. It is with this in mind that l want to evolve the new challenge of Judges Representative and to keep abreast of all things NAFAS and the wider floral world, to promote the role of a judge and the qualities they bring to competitions and practice sessions in encouraging creativity at all levels of expertise. The Role of the Judges Representative is to represent the North East Area’s Judges, to communicate news from the National Judging Committee and to report to the Area’s JDSE&P Committee, Area Executive and the North East Area Council. Periodic refresher days are held to ensure that Area Judges are kept up to date. These days are instructive, inspiring and supportive. 
The new Judges' Representative Joyce Hearnshaw receiving her badge of office from President Janet Ratcliffe at the 2023 AGM
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Judges' Refresher Day 17 June 2023Some images below from the June 2023 Judges' Refresher Day led by Margaret Rumens (South Midlands area) taken by Rita Braithwaite.
Margaret Rumens
The retiring Judges' Representative Janet Hayton
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How to become an Area Judge: The framework for this is set out by the National Judging Committee and Area training is organised by Areas along with the National Judging Committee.
There are six modules which include practical judging, oral judging, plant identification, practical work and a written paper. Attendance at the training days is mandatory. If you are interested in becoming a judge or would like an informal chat about show work please do not hesitate to get in touch with Joyce on 07952 315228 or email joyce.hearnshaw@virginmedia.com.
In August 2023 the "Becoming an Area Judge" paper was rewritten and can be downloaded here:
There are six modules which include practical judging, oral judging, plant identification, practical work and a written paper. Attendance at the training days is mandatory. If you are interested in becoming a judge or would like an informal chat about show work please do not hesitate to get in touch with Joyce on 07952 315228 or email joyce.hearnshaw@virginmedia.com.
In August 2023 the "Becoming an Area Judge" paper was rewritten and can be downloaded here:
| becoming_an_area_judge__1_.docx |
Entering and Organising Shows: A useful book entitled Putting on a Show can be purchased from Area Trading (see Trading page of this website)
Organisers and competitors should have a copy of the current NAFAS Competitions Manual Fourth Edition 2023 (see below). It includes useful information which will help organisers and competitors to understand show schedules. This is also available from Area Trading.
In addition the National Judging Committee has issued a list of products which may be considered to be plant material for the purposes of flower arrangement competitions. A copy of this can be downloaded here:
Organisers and competitors should have a copy of the current NAFAS Competitions Manual Fourth Edition 2023 (see below). It includes useful information which will help organisers and competitors to understand show schedules. This is also available from Area Trading.
In addition the National Judging Committee has issued a list of products which may be considered to be plant material for the purposes of flower arrangement competitions. A copy of this can be downloaded here:
| plant-material-in-all-its-forms-sept-2018.pdf |
Booking a judge: It is strongly recommended that a qualified NAFAS Judge should be invited to judge competitions. A copy of the draft schedule should be sent to the judge for advice and comment prior to printing in order to avoid problems. A Blue Form should always be completed in a timely manner for NAFAS Judges. The Judging Code of Practice for Areas, Clubs and Judges gives guidance on making bookings and can be downloaded below:
| judges-code-of-practice.pdf |
This is the list of plant materials used at NAFAS Judges Tests. It may be useful in providing ideas for your own flower arranging along with plants to consider for your own gardens. (Edition revised October 2023)
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The Competitions Manual
The Fourth edition of the Competitions Manual (2023) is now available.
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North East Area Judges
JUNE BORROWDALE
June is based in North Nottinghamshire and became a NAFAS Area Judge in 2010.
She is happy to take bookings at short notice and is prepared to travel any distance. June always enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for competitive work, believing that the show bench is a wonderful place to learn. In this respect she tutors a popular workshop entitled “What the Judge Looks For”. June believes it is vital for judges to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in floral art and ensures she regularly attends Refresher Days for Judges. June served as Area Judges’ Rep for the North East Area of NAFAS for 3 years and was a member of a team who represented the North East Area at Chelsea where they were awarded a Silver Gilt Medal. June is a recent Past Chairman and Past President of the North Midlands Area and is also an Area Demonstrator and National Teacher.
For further information please visit:
Contact: 01909 731823 or 07767731826
Email: june.borrowdale@gmail.com
Website: www.juneborrowdalefloraldesign.co.uk
Instagram: @juneborrowdaleflowers
June is based in North Nottinghamshire and became a NAFAS Area Judge in 2010.
She is happy to take bookings at short notice and is prepared to travel any distance. June always enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for competitive work, believing that the show bench is a wonderful place to learn. In this respect she tutors a popular workshop entitled “What the Judge Looks For”. June believes it is vital for judges to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in floral art and ensures she regularly attends Refresher Days for Judges. June served as Area Judges’ Rep for the North East Area of NAFAS for 3 years and was a member of a team who represented the North East Area at Chelsea where they were awarded a Silver Gilt Medal. June is a recent Past Chairman and Past President of the North Midlands Area and is also an Area Demonstrator and National Teacher.
For further information please visit:
Contact: 01909 731823 or 07767731826
Email: june.borrowdale@gmail.com
Website: www.juneborrowdalefloraldesign.co.uk
Instagram: @juneborrowdaleflowers
MARGURITA (RITA) BRAITHWAITE (NATIONAL JUDGE)
Rita has loved showing and competing since growing up with her Fuschia growing, Gold Medal winning Grandfather, Father, Uncles and Brother. You might call The Flower Show her ancestral home! A keen exhibitor she thoroughly enjoys being on either side of show bench. Be it in a small country show, a club competition/practice evening, a county show or NAFAS National competitions all delight her. Rita can be contacted at braithwaite48@btinternet.com.
Rita has loved showing and competing since growing up with her Fuschia growing, Gold Medal winning Grandfather, Father, Uncles and Brother. You might call The Flower Show her ancestral home! A keen exhibitor she thoroughly enjoys being on either side of show bench. Be it in a small country show, a club competition/practice evening, a county show or NAFAS National competitions all delight her. Rita can be contacted at braithwaite48@btinternet.com.
SHEILA DRYBROUGH
Sheila qualified as an area Judge in September 2017 and attended the last judges’ refresher day in March 2019. Sheila has loved flowers since childhood, through gardening, growing plants from seed and visiting many other gardens. She is a member of three flower clubs and has helped with workshops, arranging flowers at flower festivals and at the Harrogate flower shows. She is willing to travel anywhere within the North East Area, to share the knowledge she has gained over the years. She is very approachable and is willing to be contacted at short notice. Sheila can be contacted on 07443 629269 or by e-mail sheiladrybrough@hotmail.co.uk
Sheila qualified as an area Judge in September 2017 and attended the last judges’ refresher day in March 2019. Sheila has loved flowers since childhood, through gardening, growing plants from seed and visiting many other gardens. She is a member of three flower clubs and has helped with workshops, arranging flowers at flower festivals and at the Harrogate flower shows. She is willing to travel anywhere within the North East Area, to share the knowledge she has gained over the years. She is very approachable and is willing to be contacted at short notice. Sheila can be contacted on 07443 629269 or by e-mail sheiladrybrough@hotmail.co.uk
JOHN HAWKRIDGE
John qualified as an Area Judge in September 2017, but eighteen months later, covid 19 resulted in most flower clubs and associations closing down for over two years. Following a life in graphic design and printing, John changed course 23 years ago and opened “Leaves and Linens” in Ilkley, an iconic flower, interiors and gardenalia emporium. John was the first man in the UK to pass the City and Guilds Contemporary Floral Design course with the wonderful Craig Bullock and the late and much missed Carol Firmstone, back in 2004. John’s obvious love of flowers has since escalated, resulting in his gaining many first prizes and Best in Show at Harrogate and enjoying many other exhibits in both traditional and contemporary work.
John and husband, Barry, have now been opening their well-loved garden at Cobble Cottage, Whixley, near Knaresborough, for over 26 years in aid of the National Gardens Scheme. It has featured in many magazines and on BBC TVs “Gardeners’ World” .
Now, fully retired from mainstream work, flowers, gardens, floral designing and judging remain John’s main interests in life. He is able to travel any reasonable distance to shows or flower clubs. He last attended a Judges’ Refresher Day in June 2023.
John may be contacted on 01423 331419 or by email at cobblecottage@outlook.com
John qualified as an Area Judge in September 2017, but eighteen months later, covid 19 resulted in most flower clubs and associations closing down for over two years. Following a life in graphic design and printing, John changed course 23 years ago and opened “Leaves and Linens” in Ilkley, an iconic flower, interiors and gardenalia emporium. John was the first man in the UK to pass the City and Guilds Contemporary Floral Design course with the wonderful Craig Bullock and the late and much missed Carol Firmstone, back in 2004. John’s obvious love of flowers has since escalated, resulting in his gaining many first prizes and Best in Show at Harrogate and enjoying many other exhibits in both traditional and contemporary work.
John and husband, Barry, have now been opening their well-loved garden at Cobble Cottage, Whixley, near Knaresborough, for over 26 years in aid of the National Gardens Scheme. It has featured in many magazines and on BBC TVs “Gardeners’ World” .
Now, fully retired from mainstream work, flowers, gardens, floral designing and judging remain John’s main interests in life. He is able to travel any reasonable distance to shows or flower clubs. He last attended a Judges’ Refresher Day in June 2023.
John may be contacted on 01423 331419 or by email at cobblecottage@outlook.com
JANET HAYTON
Janet qualified as an Area Judge in 1986 and still thoroughly enjoys judging, particularly at Club Practice Meetings when there is the opportunity to give help and encouragement to prospective competitors. In November 2019 Janet took over as Judges’ Representative for the North East Area and is looking forward to her time in office. She attended the last Area Refresher Day in January 2019 and feels that it is very important to keep up to date with current trends. Janet lives in York and is happy to travel any distance and to take bookings at short notice.
Janet qualified as an Area Judge in 1986 and still thoroughly enjoys judging, particularly at Club Practice Meetings when there is the opportunity to give help and encouragement to prospective competitors. In November 2019 Janet took over as Judges’ Representative for the North East Area and is looking forward to her time in office. She attended the last Area Refresher Day in January 2019 and feels that it is very important to keep up to date with current trends. Janet lives in York and is happy to travel any distance and to take bookings at short notice.
JOYCE HEARNSHAW
Joyce qualified as an Area Judge in September 2017. Her interest in flowers began when she was made flower monitor at junior school at the age of ten. She is the President of Huddersfield Flower Club, having held the role of show secretary for a number of years, then she was Chairman until September 2021. Joyce is a great believer in gaining and sharing knowledge with others and she actively encourages and motivates members to experience the fun and rewards of competitive work. She is happy to give advice on all aspects of staging a show. Joyce can be contacted on 07952 315228 or email joyce.hearnshaw@virginmedia.com. Joyce attended the June 2023 Judges’ Refresher Day.
Joyce qualified as an Area Judge in September 2017. Her interest in flowers began when she was made flower monitor at junior school at the age of ten. She is the President of Huddersfield Flower Club, having held the role of show secretary for a number of years, then she was Chairman until September 2021. Joyce is a great believer in gaining and sharing knowledge with others and she actively encourages and motivates members to experience the fun and rewards of competitive work. She is happy to give advice on all aspects of staging a show. Joyce can be contacted on 07952 315228 or email joyce.hearnshaw@virginmedia.com. Joyce attended the June 2023 Judges’ Refresher Day.
PAT HUTCHINSON
Pat qualified as an Area Judge in 1979. After she retired from full-time employment as an Education Manager, she was successful in achieving recognition as a NAFAS National Judge in 2003. She subsequently qualified as an Instructor of trainee judges, an Adjudicator for judges’ tests and an Assessor of trainee adjudicators. Pat has served two terms of office on the National Judges’ Committee as the Judges’ Training Co-ordinator where she was responsible for developing the new modular training programme for judges.
As a keen competitor at Flower Shows, Pat has gained numerous awards including Gold and Best in Show at Chelsea Flower Show, several awards at National Shows and Best in Show at Harrogate Spring Show. She believes it is essential for judges to continue to stage competitive exhibits to understand the evolving styles of floral art.
Pat also considers that experienced judges have a responsibility to support both competitors and show organisers in ensuring that show schedules and show organisation are compatible with NAFAS guidelines. Wherever Pat judges at shows and competitions she is always pleased to support exhibitors by providing verbal feedback or written assessment of the floral designs exhibited.
Pat can be contacted to provide advice or to judge competitive designs - phone: 01423 780456 or email: pat@yorkehouse.co.uk
Pat qualified as an Area Judge in 1979. After she retired from full-time employment as an Education Manager, she was successful in achieving recognition as a NAFAS National Judge in 2003. She subsequently qualified as an Instructor of trainee judges, an Adjudicator for judges’ tests and an Assessor of trainee adjudicators. Pat has served two terms of office on the National Judges’ Committee as the Judges’ Training Co-ordinator where she was responsible for developing the new modular training programme for judges.
As a keen competitor at Flower Shows, Pat has gained numerous awards including Gold and Best in Show at Chelsea Flower Show, several awards at National Shows and Best in Show at Harrogate Spring Show. She believes it is essential for judges to continue to stage competitive exhibits to understand the evolving styles of floral art.
Pat also considers that experienced judges have a responsibility to support both competitors and show organisers in ensuring that show schedules and show organisation are compatible with NAFAS guidelines. Wherever Pat judges at shows and competitions she is always pleased to support exhibitors by providing verbal feedback or written assessment of the floral designs exhibited.
Pat can be contacted to provide advice or to judge competitive designs - phone: 01423 780456 or email: pat@yorkehouse.co.uk
JOAN McBURNEY
Joan qualified as an Area Judge in September 2017 and attended the refresher days on 28 October 2017 and 16 March 2019.
She lives North East of York. She is happy to take bookings at short notice but is not available during the Great Yorkshire Show week. She loves to compete at the Harrogate Flower Shows and at local agricultural shows and is keen to encourage others to enter these shows. As a competitor, Joan appreciates the amount of effort that goes into creating a show exhibit. Club practice competitions give an excellent opportunity for members to gain confidence and `practice’ with informal feedback and help from the judge before tackling an open show. Joan is happy to give advice on exhibiting, show planning and schedule writing, and can be contacted on 01347 878544 or email joan.mcburney@btinternet.com.
Joan qualified as an Area Judge in September 2017 and attended the refresher days on 28 October 2017 and 16 March 2019.
She lives North East of York. She is happy to take bookings at short notice but is not available during the Great Yorkshire Show week. She loves to compete at the Harrogate Flower Shows and at local agricultural shows and is keen to encourage others to enter these shows. As a competitor, Joan appreciates the amount of effort that goes into creating a show exhibit. Club practice competitions give an excellent opportunity for members to gain confidence and `practice’ with informal feedback and help from the judge before tackling an open show. Joan is happy to give advice on exhibiting, show planning and schedule writing, and can be contacted on 01347 878544 or email joan.mcburney@btinternet.com.
DAWN MEAKIN
Receiving the ‘Best in Show’ title, three times consecutively, gave Dawn the great thirst for her judging knowledge. Dawn has been judging flower shows, locally now for many years and more recently has qualified as a NAFAS Area Judge. Regular attendance at Judges’ refresher days are very important to Dawn, so she can keep up to date by adding to her skill set any changes, trends and informative techniques. Dawn has had a few roles within her flower club Pennine Borders, where she delivers many workshops a year, sharing her knowledge. The role of webmaster, role of chair and now has the role of President are other positions Dawn has fulfilled within her club. Judging and teaching runs side by side for Dawn and she is very keen to share her knowledge whether it be judging flower shows, other competition work on club practice nights, giving schedule advice, setting imposed classes, or just giving thoughts and inspiration for competitive titles. Dawn is available at short notice and is willing to travel. Contact: 01484 304641 dawnsfloralheart@btinternet.com
Receiving the ‘Best in Show’ title, three times consecutively, gave Dawn the great thirst for her judging knowledge. Dawn has been judging flower shows, locally now for many years and more recently has qualified as a NAFAS Area Judge. Regular attendance at Judges’ refresher days are very important to Dawn, so she can keep up to date by adding to her skill set any changes, trends and informative techniques. Dawn has had a few roles within her flower club Pennine Borders, where she delivers many workshops a year, sharing her knowledge. The role of webmaster, role of chair and now has the role of President are other positions Dawn has fulfilled within her club. Judging and teaching runs side by side for Dawn and she is very keen to share her knowledge whether it be judging flower shows, other competition work on club practice nights, giving schedule advice, setting imposed classes, or just giving thoughts and inspiration for competitive titles. Dawn is available at short notice and is willing to travel. Contact: 01484 304641 dawnsfloralheart@btinternet.com
SHEILA RODGERS (NATIONAL JUDGE)
Sheila has been a judge since 1987 and became a National Judge in 1992. She is a qualified Judges’ Instructor, Adjudicator and Assessor, and has had the honour of judging abroad several times and also competing with success at World Shows in South Africa and Dublin. During her time as Chairman of the National Judges Committee, it was her duty to arrange events and training for National Judges.
Sheila has been a judge since 1987 and became a National Judge in 1992. She is a qualified Judges’ Instructor, Adjudicator and Assessor, and has had the honour of judging abroad several times and also competing with success at World Shows in South Africa and Dublin. During her time as Chairman of the National Judges Committee, it was her duty to arrange events and training for National Judges.
JAN TRAVIS
Jan has been a NAFAS Area Judge since 1997, has been the Judges Representative for 4 years and has been a member of the National Show Committee for 4 years as Staging officer. She enjoys competing and encouraging other arrangers to compete. She really enjoys judging at club practice nights, as it is an opportunity to explain the reasoning behind the decisions and encourage members to take part, and at Shows she tries if possible to meet the competitors. Jan attended the June 2023 Judges’ Refresher Day.
Jan has been a NAFAS Area Judge since 1997, has been the Judges Representative for 4 years and has been a member of the National Show Committee for 4 years as Staging officer. She enjoys competing and encouraging other arrangers to compete. She really enjoys judging at club practice nights, as it is an opportunity to explain the reasoning behind the decisions and encourage members to take part, and at Shows she tries if possible to meet the competitors. Jan attended the June 2023 Judges’ Refresher Day.