Christmas arrived early at this year’s Malvern Autumn Show as finalists created festive displays for NFYFC’s Floral Arts final.
The 104 competitors across three categories had just one hour to create their masterpieces, with judges congratulating the entries for their skill and originality.
Eleanor Gassor, from Wiltshire YFC, won the 28-and-under category for her Christmas hand-tied bouquet incorporating roses, chrysanthemums, hypericum berries, eryngium, alstroemeria, spray carnations, lisianthus, holly and eucalyptus.
“I was inspired by wreath designs,” said Eleanor. “So, my design sits in a wreath ring and is kind of framed, which gives it its shape. I didn’t want to go down the line of a traditional hand-tied bouquet.
“I do a little bit of church flowers and church at Christmas uses a lot of purple. And then I had the red, gold and the eucalyptus colour for more traditional Christmas colours.”
Eleanor says that floral art is just one of many opportunities that Young Farmers’ Clubs give members to learn new skills.
“I'm not a florist, I'm a civil servant. Floristry is just something I enjoy but I've only got into it through young farmers.
“There's generally something for everybody. And if there’s something that you don’t know if it’s for you or not, just give it a go and you don't know where it could take you.”
Anna Morley’s decadent Christmas wreath won the 18-21 category.
“It’s just inspired by colour I like, things like blues and greys.
“The succulents make it a bit more modern. We’ve got cactuses, hydrangeas, thistles, pheasant feathers and artificial accessories to brighten it up and modernise it.”
The Cumbria young farmer, whose mum is a florist, loves the wide range of competitions that YFC offers.
“Even if you don’t get to the national finals, you get so many opportunities before you even get here. Without YFC, none of us would be here today.”
Jessica from Pembrokeshire won the 18-and-under category for her Christmas table decoration.
She said: “This is the first time I've ever done flower arranging, but my aunt is really good at it so she gave me some tips.
“But it’s certainly sparked an interest. It’s really fun and you need a good eye for detail, which I enjoy.”
Jessica says that her creation will take pride of place at the dinner table for this year’s big family Christmas dinner.
The competitors were judged by representatives from NAFAS and Senior Judge Margaret Rumens was impressed by YFC talent. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Margaret told a packed marquee that judging the competition had been a ‘rare treat.’
“We have competitors from all over the country and we’ve got an age group that is a joy to behold and needs nurturing,” said Margaret.
“The work we have judged has been on par with virtually any show we have judged in the country, regardless of the age group. The work has been absolutely first class.”
Senior category (28 and under)
1st place – Eleanor Gassor, Wiltshire
2nd place – Katie Hughes, Clwyd
3rd place – Ruby Keast, Cornwall B
Intermediate category (18-21)
1st place – Anna Morley, Cumbria A
2nd place – Daisy Roberts, Yorkshire A
3rd place – Autumn Handscombe, Bedfordshire A
Junior category (under 18)
1st place — Jessica, Pembrokeshire A
2nd place – Isobel, Yorkshire A
3rd place – Poppy, Kent