A Level 3 Floristry student from Bridgwater College’s Yeovil Centre gained first and second placements at a recent regional National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies’ (NAFAS) competition.

Amy Shakeshaft placed first in the Strictly Flamenco design category and second with her April Showers design. Amy utilised her extensive industry experience, alongside the new techniques she has learnt during her course at Bridgwater College, to create arrangements that wowed the judges.

Amy has also joined two of her Yeovil peers to design and build a large feature display for the annual Church Flower Festival at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Cannington. This community project raises funds for local and international charities and gives students valuable experience in event decorating. The final design was based around the church’s font and featured hand sculpted angels created by Amy.

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

“I have great admiration for Amy; she has recently undergone an operation on her hand, and despite complications, she has maintained her motivation to drive her career forward. She takes every opportunity to join in with any extra-curricular activities we offer to our students, including competition work. I’m delighted to report that Amy has also won through to the SmithersOasisUK finals to be held at Bridgwater College on 15 June 2016, where she and two of her peers will compete against five other Colleges. We look forward to welcoming students from Colleges all over the UK to compete for a range of exciting prizes and recognition in the SmithersOasisUK National College Competition.”