SALISBURY CATHEDRAL APPOINTS ITS FIRST CREATIVE FLOWER DIRECTOR

Michael Bowyer, internationally renowned floral judge, demonstrator, speaker, teacher and Chelsea Gold Medalist (2009), has been appointed Creative Flower Director at Salisbury Cathedral.

Mark Elcomb, Chapter Clerk, said “We are delighted that Michael has accepted our invitation to join the marvellous volunteer team here at Salisbury Cathedral. He is a well-known figure in the cathedral community and Salisbury, as well as in the national and international flower world. He masterminded and designed our hugely successful 750th anniversary Flower Festival and is doing the same for our Flower Festival in June 2011. Not only is he an expert floral designer, he is also a charismatic leader enthusing everyone he works with.”

Michael Bowyer said “I am honoured to have been offered this wonderful opportunity and very pleased to accept the role. Having met the flower team, I look forward to working with them, developing their artistic potential and building on all the good work which has been done over the past years providing the cathedral with beautiful flower arrangements week by week. It is a great responsibility but I know I will be more than ably supported by my new colleagues there, in particular Susan Branch the indefatigable flower administrator.

“Currently there are just under thirty flower arrangers who, working in a rota in small teams, arrange the flowers on Friday mornings. I am keen to expand this group and will shortly be embarking on a recruitment drive so if you would like to join the cathedral’s volunteer community and have your flower designs admired by thousands, this is your opportunity! Training will be offered to those who are enthusiastic but who lack confidence in their ability. For further information please contact Susan Branch on 01794 340204.”

Michael Bowyer is the President of Salisbury Floral Arrangement Society, an Associate of Honour of the Wessex and Jersey Area of NAFAS and a NAFAS National Special Associate of Honour. He is an accredited adjudicator and instructor for demonstrators and speakers. He has served on the NAFAS national judging, speakers and show committees. In 2008 Michael gained an individual silver medal at Chelsea Flower Show and in 2009 was a member of the NAFAS gold medal winning team. He has designed flower festivals in many cathedrals, the next will be Salisbury in June 2011. Michael has demonstrated and spoken at several NAFAS National events and in July 2010 is one of the demonstrators for the national competitions in Harrogate. The RHS awarded an Award of Garden Merit to Pulmonaria `Vera May` grown in his garden. Michael has demonstrated all over the world including Canada, New Zealand and Barbados. He has judged at major shows across the UK and in Estonia. He appeared as a judge on the BBC series The Great British Village Show presented by Alan Titchmarsh. In Salisbury Michael runs The Flower Cellar, a floral sundries business.