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

• 13th January  - Annual General Meeting
• 3rd February - ’A Flower Prescription' with Cathryn Brown from Bristol
• 3rd March - 'Talk on National Garden Scheme' with Roz Ford
• 7th March - SW Area Council Meeting 
• 7th April - 'The Wonders of the Wye’ with Caroline Cooper from Gloucester with
• Easter Chocobola
• 12th May - 'On the Cusp of Summer’ by Beverley Short from Stratford on Avon
• Additionally our PLANT STALL for club funds
• 13/18th May - Salisbury Cathedral Flower Festival
• 2nd June - ‘Club Outing to Cadenham Gardens in Foxham with supper
• 20th June - SW Area Council Meeting
• 7th July - 'Celebrations!' - Club Competitions 
• 4th August - 'A Life of Hospitality' by Lesley Hunt from WSM
• Bring a Friend along for 1/2 price
• 1st September - 'My Somerset' with Fleur White from Taunton 
• 19/20th September - NAFAS Show at Gloucester Cathedral
• 6th October - ‘Little Green Orchard' with Katherine Kear from Gloucester
•  Additionally, Cake Stall for Club Funds
• 10th October - SW Area Council Meeting
• 3rd November- ‘With Christmas in Mind’ with our own Dorryta Hayward and Pipper Lovering
• 15th November - SW Area AGM and Demonstration by Nick Grounds at Conigre Hall Timsbury
• 26th November - Annual Dinner 
• 1st December - our  OPEN EVENING * with Tracey Griffin from Hampshire and her demonstration - ‘ Snowflakes' *

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 or this event from October onwards.

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