Where we started and what's new

We are members of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arranging Clubs and Societies)  - which was formed in 1959  with help and advice from RHS

Within the United Kingdom there are 21 Areas, each autonomous with its own Area Chairman and Committee.  Each Area is affiliated to the parent Association and each Area Chairman attends National Council four times a year, usually in London when policy and other NAFAS matters are discussed.

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With about 44,000 members NAFAS ranks amongst the most notable specialist National Associations in the UK.

Each of the 21 Areas within the UK is organised on similar lines to the parent association and arranges their own events such as educational facilities, flower festivals, demonstrations and training for Area judges, demonstrators and speakers.

Within each Area there are clubs which again are responsible for their own organisation.  The clubs usually meet monthly when there might be a flower arranging demonstration, talk, workshop, competition or other social event.  Clubs often organise flower festivals and garden visits for their members.

Since its inception NAFAS has had teachers who have taught flower arranging skills at National, Area and club level.  The NAFAS Teaching Manual is available as a digital download from our on-line shop along with a selection of education handbooks for the beginner to the more advanced student.  

NAFAS is a very large organisation, hence it is broken down into regions.   Chippenham Flower Club belongs to the South West Area of National Association

To find out more about SWAofNAFAS, click the link 

Since 2023 we have been encouraging children and young people to join our membership, and for just £1.00 a year, accompanied children can come along and enjoy our demonstrations, festivals and events.    

Children are also welcome at our practice class where for just £5.00 per person per session they can learn  a new skill

• 15th January  - Annual General Meeting
• 5th February - ’Limelight' with Lucy Ellis from Bratton
• 4th March - 'She came late for tea’ by Kathryn Delve   from Bristol Goes' 
• 8th April - 'Our way with flowers’ with our own Dorryta and Pippa
• 13th May - 'Twixt spring and summer’ by Michal Bowyer, MBE from Salisbury.

     Additionally our PLANT STALL for club funds

• 3rd June - ‘View from my window’ with Stephanie Cornwall from Bramley, Hants
• 1st July - Annual Outing 
• 5th August - 'Just for you’ by Jo Jacob’s from Weston Super Mare
• 2nd September - A harvest themed workshop 
• 7th October - ‘Out of Africa’ with Jenny Yorke from Bristol

      Additionally, Cake Stall for Club Funds

• 4th November- ‘Circles and Spheres’ with Selena Denham from Calne
• 27th November - Annual Dinner 
• 2nd December - our  OPEN EVENING * with the very entertaining Nick Grounds from Cambridge with his demonstration - ‘ Jingle a Partridge, with tinsel ’

Additional Events

Our subscription is £45.00 per annum or as a visitor at £6.00 per visit

At each meeting we have a raffle where for £1.00 per strip of tickets you have chances to win one of the wonderful displays created that night.

* This is a wonderful evening with a NAFAS National  demonstrator.   Tickets are sold for this event from October onwards.

• 23rd January  - A Valentine Arrangement using a pin holder.   Using something else other than fresh flowers as the focal plant material.  Incorporating someting red.
• 27th February - Jump into spring.  A design using tulips and and the principle of rhythm
• 26th March -  'And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.' (Wordsworth).   A design using daffodils
• 23rd  April - Firstly making the mechanics for an arrangements using tubes.  Use of plant material thinking about scale.
• 28th May - More practice of a Hand Tied Bunch making a suitable gift for a 30th birthday.   Frames can be used.
• 25th June - A celebration of the Rose.   A design using roses giving physcal and visual Balance.
• 23rd July - Class lead
• 27th August - Class lead
• 24th September - Class lead
• 22nd October - Class lead
• 26th November - Class lead
• No December Meeting

Practice class is £5.00 per tutorial which includes refreshments.   We meet at Pewsham Community Centre 7pm - 9.30pm.