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Myerscough students bloom at RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year

Published
Tuesday 23 May 2017

A Myerscough College graduate has been crowned the 2017 RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year, while a current student has also been honoured for her work.

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Vicky Clemson, a Myerscough graduate in 2015 on the BA (Hons) Professional Floristry & Floral Design programme, impressed the judges the most with her take on the final brief of designing and creating a floral kite, to take the title against the most talented florists in the UK.

Meanwhile, Bekki Smyth, who is studying for a Foundation Certificate in Professional Floristry and Floral Design, was awarded Silver for her entry. Both Vicky and Bekki won through national heats in March to be among the sixteen finalists taking part in the prestigious event in London.

27-year-old Vicky, who comes from Blackpool, said: ‘’I literally can't describe how shocked and over the moon I am at being given the title of 'Florist of the Year 2017'. It’s a dream come true.

‘’Thank you so much for all of family and friends help along this journey. I couldn't have done it without them.’’

Vicky’s design weighs almost six kilos and is described as ‘a striking classic, sectioned into four panels. The use of craspedia made for visibly tactile sections that complemented the other materials beautifully. You could almost visualise this kite sailing through the sky, along with the tail and its charming craspedia bows bobbing in the air.’

‘Cross section of bamboo made the perfect base and dominence was created in the centre of the kite. Handmade leaves completed this design that is as striking as it is beautiful, a true work of art.’

To see more photographs and details about Victoria’s design, click here: http://www.bfaflorist.org/2017_RHS_Chelsea_Florist_of_the_year_finalist_d.aspx

33-year-old Bekki, from Carnforth, said: ‘’I've had the most wonderful experience! I'm overwhelmed with everyone's positive comments.

‘’This has been by far my best piece of floristry work, all the time and effort involved has really paid off.’’

Bekki’s kite is described as ‘having a face that has been expertly created giving real character to the face and overall design.  The piercing eye really looks at you, bringing the face to life.’

‘Handmade chicken wire is used to create the frame, whilst stronger wires create the kite framework, beautifully covered with bright cord.’

‘The attention to detail and excellent workmanship is clear to see. No detail has been overlooked. An exception design.’

To see more photographs and details about Bekki’s design, click here: http://www.bfaflorist.org/2017_RHS_Chelsea_Florist_of_the_year_finalist_l.aspx

Sam Cook, Myerscough College tutor in floral art & design, said: ‘’What an amazing journey Bekki has been on. She only started floristry at Myerscough College in September and entered into the heats in March, gaining one of the highest grades in the country to qualify.

‘’Well done to Bekki for wining a RHS Chelsea Silver and congratulations too to Vicky for her overall win.’’

The RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year Competition is held each year at the world famous RHS Chelsea flower show in partnership with the British Florist Association. 

Each year the BFA embarks on a nationwide search on behalf of the RHS to find the finalists for this prestigious competition. Regional heats are held across the UK for florists to compete against each other in the race for the RHS Florist of the Year title.

by Dave Salmon

DSalmon@myerscough.ac.uk