Florist Annie Blackman's artistic skill keeps on blossoming (From Dorset Echo)
When news happens get involved. Send your pictures, views and video to us by text and email
Florist Annie Blackman's artistic skill keeps on blossoming
3:30pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News By Rachael Burnett
BLOOMING GREAT: Kingston Maurward College floristry student Annie Blackman with one of her arrangements
A BUDDING student has won a gold medal at a national floristry award.
Kingston Maurward College student Annie Blackman was hailed the winner of the intermediate category at the national finals of the WorldSkills UK Floristry Competition.
The 22-year-old, from Blandford, flourished her skills in front of a 100,000 audience at the national finals at the NEC in Birmingham, competing against five other florists from across the country.
Annie, who studies Level Three Floristry at the agricultural college near Dorchester, came first in the regional heat held at the college in April and went on to the Tatton Park semi finals in July.
Course tutor Tracey Nadin said: “We are so proud of Annie, she did amazingly well.
“Her ability to stay calm and focus on the competition really shone through, as well as using her technical skills and commercial knowledge to produce stunning floral designs.”
The competition gave Annie the opportunity to demonstrate her creative and technical skills in a variety of tasks including Christmas Door Wreath, Bridal Headdress, Floor Standing Arrangement, Table Arrangement and a surprise item based upon this year’s theme ‘Winter Wonderland Wedding’. The annual award is run in partnership by the National Apprenticeship Service to reward talent and drive up levels of expertise in apprenticeships, skills and further education.
Jaine Bolton, National Apprenticeship Service Chief Operating Officer, said: “I offer my congratulations to Annie.
“She has demonstrated her skill to the highest level.
“Entering the competitions really does have a tremendous effect on competitors and their employers alike. “Past winners have gone on to secure promotions, launch their own businesses and represent their country in their chosen skill. “We really want to see more people entering competitions to prove to the whole of the UK just how many talented people we have in this country.”
The next cycle of WorldSkills UK Competitions launches in January 2013.
