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Kilkenny Flower Club has announced that the demonstrator for its gala demonstration this year will be Richard Haslam, NDSF, FSF, AIFD.

Where: Springhill Court Hotel
When: Wednesday, November 5 at 8.00pm.
Admission: €20 and all proceeds will go to the Club's charity - the Alzheimer Association of Ireland. This is a very worthy charity as Alzheimers affects nearly every family.

Richard comes from Birr, Co Offaly. He is a freelance florist, designer & consultant to the flower trade. He began his career in horticulture in 1973, then progressed to floristry, serving apprenticeships in Dublin and Paris. The influence of continental design was evident when he established "Branch Flowers" in Galway in 1986.

Richard's passion for flowers and nature have brought him all over the world to demonstrate and tutor in the art of flowers. He holds two gold metals from Chelsea Flower Show and one from Hampton Court Flower Show.

You may have seen Richard on the popular "Brides of Franc" as he is the one who creates all the stunning floral arrangements for the TV programme.

All flower arrangements on the night will be raffled, giving you a chance to own a Richard Haslam creation. There will also be many Christmas items for sale.

Directions to the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny City

From Carlow/Dublin
Coming in the N10 take a left at the first roundabout heading for the Waterford Road. Go straight through the next two roundabouts. At the fourth roundabout take the first exit (left) heading for Waterford. The Springhill Court Conference Leisure and Spa Hotel is on the left-hand side along the Waterford Road.

From Clonmel/Cork
Coming in the N76 take a right at the first roundabout heading for the Waterford Road. Go straight through the next roundabout. At the third roundabout take the third exit heading for Waterford. The Springhill Court Conference Leisure and Spa Hotel is on the left-hand side along the Waterford Road.

From Waterford
The Springhill Court Conference Leisure and Spa Hotel is on the right hand side before you come to the first roundabout on the ring road.

From Wexford
Coming in the R700 take a left at the first roundabout heading for the Waterford Road. At the next round about go straight through. At the third roundabout take the first exit (left) heading for Waterford. The Springhill Court Conference Leisure and Spa Hotel is on the left-hand side along the Waterford Road.