Two Bicton College floristry students have won Young Florist of the Year medals at the 2011 Chelsea Flower Show.
Charlotte Murrant, 20, who is studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Floristry, won a Silver-Gilt and Lauren Curry, 22, studying for a Master Diploma of Professional Floristry was awarded a Bronze medal.
Bicton college principal David Henley said, “Bicton College is extremely proud of Charlotte and Lauren, who have worked incredibly hard to achieve medals in a world class competition. Our floristry tutors give students the skills and confidence to enter and succeed in major competitions improving their career prospects and their reputation as florists.”
First time competitor Charlotte qualified for the Young Florist of the Year competition by winning a qualifying round with a bridal bouquet designed for a wedding in an ice hotel. Charlotte said: “It was amazing just to visit Chelsea Flower show, I had never considered myself good enough to compete there so I was just happy to take part.To win the Silver-Gilt medal was incredible and has really given me a taste for competing – I will definitely return next year to see if I can keep on winning. I have had nothing but support and encouragement from my Bicton College tutor Clive Moorhead and my employer Jane Cowling at Eden Taunton Floral Design, who have both played a huge part in my success at Chelsea.”
Competing for the third time at Chelsea, Bronze medallist Lauren achieved a Silver-Gilt medal in the same competition in 2010. She said: “My Bronze medal will keep the Silver-Gilt from last year company, and now I only need a silver, gold and a best-in show to complete the collection. I am learning from this experience and hope to be back next year to try again.”
Bicton College floristry tutor Sarah Hills-Ingyon NDSF FSF, herself a Chelsea medallist, said: “Lauren is a very talented student who has managed to carry on her competition work and start her own business at the same time as attending her course - it is not easy and has been a balancing act for her to achieve this excellence. The Jockey Silks brief was a very difficult schedule indeed, so both women have proved themselves in an incredibly tough competition.”
