Ayr and District Floral Art Club

Ayr Floral Art Show ‘Earth Song’ with Ayr & District Flower Show 2024

‘BLOOMING MARVELLOUS’

The eagerly awaited second Floral Art Show held in the Princes Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse was by all accounts a huge success by participants and visitors alike. Run as part of the Ayr & District Flower Show 2024.

The free to enter, Floral Art Competition organised by six members from local flower clubs was judged under NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) rules and guidelines by Lilias Hoskins, National Judge, and NAFAS National President.

There was an air of excitement and anticipation fused with the heady aroma from an array of colourful and scented flowers and blossoms, as 25 participants busily created stunning floral exhibits from large Pedestal Arrangements to petite neat Floral Arrangements as they interpretated their chosen Class & Title from the Schedule “Earth Song” produced by Brian White Area Judge NAFAS

The judging took place early Friday morning, prior to the Ayr & District Flower Show opening to the public.

With Along with Awards for 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd places, Lilias awarded several Very Highly Commended, Highly Commended and Commended Awards plus took the time to write ‘Comment’ cards for each floral exhibit, giving invaluable hints, tips with words of encouragement and of course the opportunity for the public to agree or disagree with the Judge’s decision ~ all light-hearted of course.

Along with the Special Awards, sponsored by Scottish Association of Flower Arrangement Societies via the Dorothy Lowrie Award, we were delighted to add an extra Special Award for the ‘People’s Choice’ which proved to be very popular with visitors giving them the opportunity to choose their favourite Floral Arrangement with the winner to be announced at the Presentation of Awards at the close of the Show.

We were delighted to welcome both George Bartling, Chairman and Ian Gibson Vice Chairman of Ayr & District Flower Show who presented the Special Awards to the following :

The ‘Best in Show’ to Caroline Ward who also won ‘The Most Innovative’ For her exhibit ~ Class 4 “4thought”

The ‘Runner-up to Best in Show’ was Linda Soutar, SAFAS Area Chairman who also won the ‘Best use of Texture’ for her interpretation of Class 6 ‘Fruit & Fibre’

The ‘Best use of Colour’ was Johan White for Class 2 ‘Going Green’ ~ she also won the 1^st Prize in this category.

The ‘Best use of Foliage’ was awarded to Pamela Galloway for Class 2 ‘Going Green’

The ‘Best Interpretation’ was awarded to James Gemmell for Class 9 ‘Urban Edge’

Finally, the winner of the ‘People’s Choice, kindly sponsored by the Ayr & District Flower Show was awarded to Johan White for ‘Going Green’ who was delighted to receive the prestigious Ayr & District Flower Show 2024 ‘Cut Glass Bowl’ from George and Ian

Hilda Cameron, Floral Art Co-ordinator commented ‘It was a great couple of days and a very successful show. The public, volunteers and exhibitors have all remarked about how well it was organised; how informative it was for those who had not in the past been associated with competition work; how helpful and friendly they found those at the show.... and how magnificent the exhibits were!

Our very grateful thanks for all the help and support given in many ways from local businesses, community centres, local churches, groups, individuals, not forgetting all the participants along with an army of volunteers who helped to make the Floral Art Show a success which was enjoyed by all who attended either as a participant or visitors.

If you and friends are interested in joining a Flower Club local to you, please contact Floral Art Team member Brenda Johnstone email brendajohnstone1951@icloud.com who will be pleased to help you.

Class 2 'Going Green' 2nd Prize Sandra Robertson