Plymouth florist Sachiko Smale will be representing Bicton College in the UK Skills Advanced Floristry competition.
Sachiko, who is studying for her Level 5 Master Diploma of Professional Floristry will be competing in the South-west heat this Sunday 12 June in Dorchester.
The highest-scoring competitors from these heats will be invited to compete in the UK final to be held at the RHS Tatton Park Show in July. The winner at that event will represent the UK at the World Skills final in London this October.
Sachiko will be creating a bridal design to be carried by a trendy bride who is getting married in a castle. The judges will be looking for a high standard of technical and design skills.
Sachiko said: “I have chosen an innovative design using many different techniques. Making something unusual is always fun to me and I do like a challenge. I will enjoy making the bridal bouquet using those techniques which can be very tricky to create.I am thrilled to be involved in the competition - it will only be the second one for me, so I am very new to competitions. It will be very interesting to see how far I can go. This relatively new experience – competitions - gives me many ideas in different aspects such as design impact rather than commercial influence. If I can get a good result it would definitely give me more confidence and motivation for my floristry studies. I will do my best.
Bicton College floristry tutor Sarah Hills-Ingyon NDSF FBFA, said: “This is only Sachiko’s second competition and I praise her for entering. She has so much to consider at the moment with her Level 5 assignments,, not to mention practical and theory examination preparations, it is commendable to be taking such strides to improve herself and experience the different challenges of competition work. It is a very different experience and something that takes time and commitment along with determination, I wish her the very best and hope she enjoys the process.”
Another of the level 5 Bicton College students, Lauren Curry, who was awarded a Bronze medal in this year’s Young Chelsea Florist competition, will be demonstrating to the audience while judging takes place.
