What’s new recently on this Website

This page is a summary of recent updates, updated whenever new information is added to the website.

Archived versions of this page are accessible via Archive News

Follow the links to find the full information.  This should save you having to keep looking in different places to see what’s changed.

Keep an eye on Area News and NAFAS News to see what’s new there.

 

June 2025

Details of forthcoming events can be found by following the links below:

  • See Area Events for information and links to the booking form for the Blue Sapphire Anniversary celebration on Friday 27th June
  • Also keep an eye on Area Events for information and links about workshops later in the year and the Area AGM on 24th October.

We have already had several successful area events this year

  • The ‘Competing – Enjoy the Challenge Workshop’ on Sat 22 March in Benson was well attended and much enjoyed. See 2025 Competing Workshop for photos
  • The Area Demonstrators tests: 22 Feb for the mock tests, and 5 April for the real tests in Holyport were very successful, resulting in 8 new area demonstrators across BB&O and surrounding areas. See 2025 Area Demonstrators Test for photos of those who took the test.
  • Shirley Sexton, Jenny Langton, Tracy Ray and Julie Druce represented BB&O at the Malvern Spring Show and were awarded Gold. See 2025 Malvern Spring Show for photos of all BB&O entries at this show.
  • The ABBA themed area days on 23 May with title ‘Thank You for the Flowers’ didn’t attract as many people as past area days (maybe the half-term date didn’t help!) but for those who did come it was a brilliant day. We had great feedback on the lunch, the morning floral ‘Guess the Song’ entertainment by Jackie, and the spectacular afternoon demonstration by National Demonstrator Coral Gardiner. Photos to follow.
  • The 2025 Area Show which was part of the Royal Windsor Flower Show on 7th June was an excellent showcase of our talented designers. See 2025 Royal Windsor Flower Show Awards for the full set of results. Photos to follow.

Jan 2025

Details of forthcoming events can be found by following the links below:

  • See NAFAS Events for information about the National Show in Gloucester 19-20 September 2025. This page include links to the schedule, ticket information, ECT offerings for travel and accommodation, and requests for volunteers to act as stewards
  • See Non Area Events for information about the RHS Malvern Spring show 8-11 May, including the schedule. Entries need to be submitted by 28 Feb.
  • See Area Events for information and links to the booking form for the Enjoy the Challenge Area Day on Sat 22 March in Benson
  • See Area Events for information and links to the booking form for the Area Demonstrators tests: 22 Feb for the mock tests, and 5 April for the real tests.  Both events in Holyport

Nov 2024

Details of forthcoming events can be found by following the links below:

Oct 2024

Apologies for confusion regarding the venue for the Arnaud Metairie Christmas Demonstration. This event was planned to take place at Exeter Hall in Kidlington, but this building suffered severe damage in recent floods so an alternative venue has been arranged.  Thankfully the Exeter Hall repairs will be in time for the event so it will take place as originally planned on Wed 4th Dec at Exeter Hall, Oxford Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AB

Details of forthcoming events can be found by following the links below:

  • See Area Events and 2024 AGM Booking Form for details of the AGM on 25 Oct in Benson
  • See Area Events for information of the Christmas Wreath Workshops on Sat 30 Nov in Woodley and Amersham.
  • See Area Events for summary information of the Area Demonstrators tests in early 2025. Put the dates in your diary: 22 Feb for the mock tests, and 5 April for the real tests.  Both events in Holyport
  • See Area Events for summary information of the May 2025 Worcestershire Garden Tour.

Aug/Sep 2024

  • See  Area Events for details of the AGM on 25 October
  • See  Area Events for details of the Christmas Wreath Workshops on 29 and 30 November
  • See  Area Events for details of the 2025 Worcestershire Garden Tour in May
  • Put the following dates in your diary: Feb 22 and April 5 for mock and real area demonstrators tests in Holyport. Also 22 March for a workshop about Shows and Competing.

June/July 2024

  • See  Area Events for details of the Foam Free Autumn Pedestal Workshop on 27 September in Wexham
  • See Publications Officers for the order form for NAFAS Christmas cards and 2025 diaries and calendars

May 2024

  • See Area News for Information on recent events, including JDSE refresher events in March and April, Strictly Flowers Area Day, Malvern Qualifier competition and new demonstrator training.
  • See Online Learning for details of Zoom courses starting shortly
  • See 2024 Sticky Spring Workshop Booking Form – 30 May in this workshop in Holyport – aimed at all levels of experience
  • Foam Free Pedestal Workshop organised for 27 September in Wexham.  Booking form to follow.
  • See Practical Learning for details of NAFAS online training courses and details of area workshops

March/April 2024

January/February 2024