Congratulations to Sylvia Kittle – Chairman of Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group & Spectrum member

‘Razzmatazz’ Exhibit – Awarded Highly Commended 

This exhibit featured as the Home Counties Area entry for the RHS Malvern Show NAFAS New Talent Competition on 27th September 2024. 

‘I was selected after winning a Home Counties elimination competition entitled ‘Shaped by Nature’ in June 2024. Following this selection, I discussed the forthcoming Razzmatazz title with many ‘flowery friends’ to gain ideas. Two themes emerged; bright colours and 1920’s dance/jazz. Planning began to encompass both ideas using a central pole with ‘rhythm and movement’ round it. Daisy, my granddaughter, suggested using the old Christmas tree which was missing a few branches. So, the tree was brought down from the loft in July! It was stripped, branches removed, moulded and wired into shape. The whole structure was then covered with bandages and then 120m of string wrapping the branches whilst adding tubes for flowers. Himali straw features were created to lead the eye from the top, through the tree, to the top hat and tap shoes at the base. Flowers ordered, car packed, and a small flat booked for the Malvern experience.  Trepidation occurred as everything was dropped off at the showground the night before the competition and the reality of the enormity of the competition was realised. The big day arrived, 15 competitors met and many nerves were shared. The competition began and the time started ticking. Two and a half hours sounds a long time, but it wasn’t. The last half hour was manic not just for me but many other competitors felt similar. The tension and urgency was palpable in the room. We all finished, cleared away and judging began an hour later. Everyone gathered again to hear the winners announced. Denise, the winner, was ecstatic to win and now begins the planning for Chelsea 2025. I was extremely pleased with my result. The standard of competition was very high, and I hope I did the Home Counties area proud.

(Sylvia Kittle – Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group & Spectrum member)