World class flower arrangers compete for top honours

FLOWER arrangers from four continents converged on Torbay to compete for top honours in one of the UK's most important events in the flower arranging calendar.

The annual show for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Society hosted 500 exhibits at the Riviera International Centre.

A spokesman said: "This wasn't flower arranging as we know it — much more art with flowers. And the creativity on display would have done justice to any national art gallery."

Torbay was well represented with competitors such as Barbara Lee, a Chelsea gold medal winner, displaying her skills in the Modus Operandi class with a stunning piece depicting the process of panning for copper.

Another Torquay entrant, Pauline Passmore, was commended in the Beauty of the Night section.

Judge Barbara Harris said: "Every one is a winner when the standard is so high."

Torquay was hosting the show for the first time with competitors travelling from Pakistan, India, Ireland, Malta and Kenya.

Article quoted from Herald Express 29/09.