A student studying Floristry at Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre recently entered the British Florist Association’s (BFA) FleurEx 2015 Show at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Kirsty Ashton, who joined the Level 2 Diploma Floristry course in September 2015, was so enthused by the amount of skills she had acquired within the first few weeks of her course that she decided to enter the competition for fellow students from across the UK.

The show featured trade stands, demonstrations, workshops and business seminars. The highlight was the BFA Gala Dinner & Industry Awards. The Industry Awards recognise the achievements of businesses and individuals who are nominated by their employees, customers and peers.

Jacqui Weaver, Course Leader for Floristry at Bridgwater College said,

“The British Florist Association, which is now celebrating its 100th year, represents 8000 professional florists and flower shops across the country. The floral industry provides over 29,000 jobs to the local economy and is an essential part of many high streets in British towns, villages and cities.

“Flowers require trained florists to work with them, not only for the artistry, but for their knowledge of flower meanings and emotions which supermarkets and large retailers cannot convey. The judges were amazed at the standard of Kirsty’s work considering she was so new to the course and despite not winning the top prize we are all very proud of her first attempt at competition work.”

Floristry students from the College’s Cannington and Yeovil Centres are currently planning for the next round of national competitions and are hoping to have as much success as the teams from the College last year.

The next Introduction to Floristry course at Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre is due to commence on 6 January 2016, with wedding floristry courses coming soon. For more information please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 44123.