The Association and how it is managed
The Sussex Association is run by a Council made up of one representative from each of the member clubs. The day to day Association management is delegated to the Executive Committee, comprising the Association Chairman, Association Vice Chairman, Association Treasurer, Association Secretary, together with the chairman of The Education Committee (Judges, Demonstrators, Speakers and Education), Media, Ticket and Programme Administrators. Various administrative positions (Newsletter Editor and Website) are appointed.
The Council meets 4 times a year either physically or by Zoom. The Association organises several members’ days each year as well as competitions and shows.
Past Presidents
The position of President recognises the commitment, involvement and support members have given to the Sussex Association over the years. They are essential to the running of the Association and do not necessarily have to have held an Executive position to be appointed, but have assisted the Association in other ways.
Ruth Collingridge
Area President
Ruth has been an active member of Crowborough Flower Club for the past 40 years. She has been a tutor in crafts and flower arranging for the last 30 years. She enjoys competitive work, gardening, cooking, needlework/crafts and reading. Her greatest pleasure is spending time with her 3 grandchildren.
Vanessa Jeffries
Area Vice President
Vanessa is a member of Willingdon Flower Club having spent 20+ years running Eastbourne Flower Club until it was forced to close down. She is leader of her local Church Flower Guild and enjoys gardening, sewing, reading and travelling especially to France where until recently she had a second home.
Jose Allen
Area Life Vice President
Jose has been involved for many years. She was National Chairman 1983-1985, National Demonstrator and Adjudicator, National Judge. Was the Chairman Nat. Festival & Competitions (Flight of Fancy) 1978 and National Show Consultant 1980-1983. She served on National Judges Committee late 1990s. WAFA was formed when she was Vice Chairman and the first Show was held in Bath (1984) when she was Chairman. She was Sussex Area Chairman 1976 to 1979 and holds both a National Associate of Honour and a Sussex Award of Merit.
Past Presidents (from 2000)
Sue Seath (2022 - 2023
Jean Plaskett (2017 - 2022)
Colette Archer (2014 – 2017)
Pam Gibson (2011 - 2014)
Barbara Harris (2008 - 2011)
Margaret Dunkerton (2005 - 2008)
Anne Lee (2002 - 2005)
Joyce Hogan (2000 - 2002)
Association Chairmen (from 2000)
Gaenor Circus 2022 -
Jilly Griffin (2019 - 2022)
Angie Hyde (2016 - 2019)
Doreen Nuttall (2013 - 2016)
Jean Plaskett (2010 - 2013)
Pam Gibson (2007 - 2010)
Elsie Chaplin (2005 - 2007)
Sue Flight (2005)
Brenda Forrester (2002 - 2005)
Barbara Harris (1999 - 2002)