JDS & E
Judges, Demonstrators,
Speakers & Education
Supporting Excellence in Floral Art Across Northern Ireland
JDS&E is the Judges, Demonstrators, Speakers and Education group of NIGFAS, the Northern Ireland Group of Flower Arrangement Societies.
We support the development of floral art throughout Northern Ireland by encouraging creativity, building confidence and helping members develop the specialist skills required to become judges, demonstrators, speakers and teachers.
Whether you are beginning your floral art journey, developing an existing skill or working towards an Area or National qualification, JDS&E provides encouragement, guidance and opportunities to learn from experienced NIGFAS members.
Who Are We
JDS&E brings together experienced and aspiring floral art judges, demonstrators, speakers, teachers and educators from across Northern Ireland.
Our role is to support high standards within flower arranging and floral design while ensuring that knowledge, experience and creative skills are shared with future generations.
Working as part of NIGFAS, we help members expand their knowledge, develop their presentation skills and explore new ideas within the continually evolving world of floral art.
What is JDS&E?
This sub-committee exists to promote Education within NIGFAS. Any member of NIGFAS who wishes to advance their skills and knowledge can become a member of JDS&E for a small annual fee.
What do we stand for?
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J - Judges
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D - Demonstrators
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S - Speakers
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E - Education
JUDGES - Training and testing is provided to members who wish to acquire the skills needed to become Area Judges
DEMONSTRATORS - We provide training and organise the necessary tests to qualify as Area Demonstrators
SPEAKERS - Training and testing of potential Area Speakers is provided
EDUCATION - Members are encouraged to upgrade their skills through a variety of Work shops, Teaching Demonstrations and Residentials. Knowledge is also advanced through tours organised biennially, visiting gardens and places of historic interest.
Each of the four disciplines listed above also provide periodic Refresher training enabling Continual Personal Development and upskilling.
An Area Representative has oversight of each discipline. They are responsible for the organisation of training and testing at Area level and liaise with NAFAS, thus enabling the flow of information. The Representatives also offer encouragement to members qualified at Area level to step up to National qualification.
What JDS&E Offers
Floral Art Judging
Our judging programme helps members develop the knowledge, confidence and observational skills needed to assess floral art exhibits and competition work.
Training may cover design principles, interpretation, technique, presentation and the fair and constructive evaluation of exhibits. Support is also available for members preparing for relevant assessments and qualification pathways.
Flower Arranging Demonstrations
Floral art demonstrators combine creativity, technical knowledge and presentation skills to educate and entertain audiences.
JDS&E supports aspiring and experienced demonstrators as they develop their floral design techniques, stage presentation, planning, communication and ability to engage with flower clubs and event audiences.
Speakers and Presenters
Speakers play an important role in sharing knowledge, experience and inspiration with flower clubs throughout Northern Ireland.
We help members develop informative and engaging talks on subjects connected with flowers, gardens, floral design, horticulture, creativity and other areas of interest to NIGFAS clubs and members.
Education and Training
Education is central to the work of JDS&E.
Through workshops, training sessions, refresher days and other learning opportunities, we help members improve their practical abilities and deepen their understanding of floral art.
These activities support everyone from enthusiastic flower arrangers wishing to learn new skills to experienced judges, demonstrators, speakers and teachers maintaining their professional development.
Developing Floral Art Skills at Every Level
You do not need to be an experienced floral designer to become involved with JDS&E.
We welcome enquiries from NIGFAS members who are interested in:
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Learning more about floral art judging
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Becoming a flower arranging demonstrator
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Developing talks or presentations for flower clubs
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Improving their teaching and communication skills
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Preparing for assessments or Area qualifications
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Attending workshops and professional development events
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Refreshing or expanding their existing floral art knowledge
Our aim is to create a supportive learning environment in which members can exchange ideas, benefit from experienced guidance and progress at a pace that suits their individual interests and ambitions.
Supporting NIGFAS Clubs and Events
The skills developed through JDS&E help support flower clubs, floral art competitions, demonstrations, workshops, flower festivals and special events throughout Northern Ireland.
By investing in training and education, we help NIGFAS clubs access knowledgeable judges, inspiring demonstrators, engaging speakers and experienced teachers.
This ensures that high standards of floral design are maintained while creating new opportunities for people to discover and enjoy the art of flower arranging.
Be Inspired. Develop Your Skills. Share Your Knowledge.
JDS&E offers a welcoming pathway for NIGFAS members who want to take their interest in floral art further.
Whether you would like to judge competition work, demonstrate flower arranging, deliver an engaging talk, teach others or simply develop your creative abilities, we would be delighted to help you explore the opportunities available.
Our Upcoming Events
A Wonderful Programme of Floral Inspiration for 2026/2027
We are delighted to share an exciting and varied programme of floral workshops and events for 2026/2027. Whether you enjoy exploring new floral techniques, discovering the history and traditions of flower arranging, or simply spending time with fellow flower enthusiasts, there is something to inspire everyone. Save the dates and join us for a year of creativity, learning and floral friendship!
7 November 2026 – AGM, Demonstration & Workshop
Venue: Dunsilly Hotel
Our programme begins with the JDS&E AGM, followed by a teaching demonstration from the very talented Julie Pearson. Members will then have the opportunity to put inspiration into practice with a follow-on workshop. A wonderful way to start the new programme year!
20 January 2027 – Workshop with Angela Merrifield
Venue: Killead Presbyterian Hall
Join us for an inspiring and creative workshop with Angela Merrifield, offering members the opportunity to develop their floral skills and enjoy a hands-on day of flower arranging.
26 June 2027 – Petites & Miniatures
With James Burnside
Venue: Killead Presbyterian Hall
Following feedback from our members, we are delighted to introduce a workshop dedicated to the fascinating world of Petites and Miniatures.
Something for Every Flower Arranger
From traditional techniques and historical styles to contemporary interpretations and miniature designs, our 2026/2027 programme offers plenty of opportunities to learn, experiment and be inspired.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing another enjoyable year of flowers, creativity and friendship. Please save the dates – we look forward to seeing you!