Bridgwater & Taunton College Floristry students have made it through to the very prestigious RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year competition, to be held at the Chelsea Flower Show in May. After months of national heats across the whole of the UK, only 16 finalists have been selected to compete.

Laura Williams and Amy Shakeshaft competed in the South West regional heat held at the College’s Cannington campus, against 18 other florists. The brief was to design and make a floral stole for a bride to wear at a winter wedding in a Scottish castle. This was no mean feat, and the judges praised the extremely high standard of workmanship that day.

After hearing that she had got through to the finals, Amy said:

“I am in shock; this was my first ever Chelsea heat and to be into the finals I am overwhelmed with excitement and pride, plus plenty of nerves, but am looking forward to the journey.”

Laura is no stranger to competing at high-level competitions, as she was one of only eight finalists in the WorldSkills UK finals at the NEC in November 2017. After hearing she had won through to the top again, she said,

“It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication both personally and financially, but what a journey! I’ve pushed myself to the limit and it has all finally paid off. I would recommend any students studying floristry to get involved in competitions as you learn so much from everyone, even if you don’t place. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Staff and students at Bridgwater & Taunton College eagerly await the results from the Chelsea Flower Show in May.

For more information about Floristry courses at Bridgwater & Taunton College, call the Information & Guidance team on 01278 441234 or email info@btc.ac.uk