Dream to become florist comes true through helping celebrity

Northwich mum-of-two Marion Downes has become a qualified professional florist.

It all began six years ago when she was helping out at the RHS Flower Show in Tatton.

The 63-year-old signed up as a volunteer with Knutsford Hosts, which supports charities, events, organisations and activities.

Marion was asked to look after celebrity TV gardener Carol Kline at the show which attracts around 80,000 visitors from all over the country.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Marion, from Cuddington, who used to work in a bank and then became a management tutor at a local college.

Marion Downes with a waterfall bridal bouquet she designed (Image: Public)

“There was a wonderful marquee full of flowers.

“Then I came across a mannequin depicting the Rio Carnival made by students from Reaseheath College. I was absolutely blown away by it.”

Marian signed up for a taster session in floristry and was immediately hooked.

A pretty modern bridal bouquet designed by Marion (Image: Public)

Driven by a love of flowers, she spent the next five years painstakingly working her way up through all the courses available.

She has just completed the level five Master Diploma of Professional Floristry.

This demanding course included completing 10 challenging assignments, mastering advanced floristry skills, techniques used by top international designers, work experience, how to run a business and intensive theoretical knowledge.

In practical tests and interviews, she had to demonstrate her flair, imagination and competence.

Marion dressed in feathers and orchids as a Rio carnival queen for the RHS Show at Tatton Park (Image: Public)

“I can’t believe it,” said Marion, who has four grandchildren. “I’ve gone from being a Knutsford host to having letters after my name.

“I feel I have achieved something.

“I wish I had done this when I was younger.”

This design was created by Marion for the RHS Tatton Flower Show (Image: Public)

Gifted Marion has won countless medals and awards at prestigious RHS shows and various events.

She has competed against florists from all over the world at the renowned Chelsea Flower Show and enjoyed success at the Royal Cheshire Show.

“I remember saying to my mother that I wanted to be a florist but life intervenes,” said Marion, who had to give up her job through ill health.

“I ended up getting married, having a couple of kids and time went by.

“They say that when a door slams shut in your face, a window opens.

"It's not been easy studying and I struggled some days with brain fog but joining Knutsford Hosts can change someone's life forever."

Marion now shares her passion running workshops and demonstrations as a member of Knutsford Floral Design Club.

This community group joined many others in the town at an event called Refresh, to recruit new members.

“It’s a lovely, friendly club and a great way to make friends,” said Marion.

The flower club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm in Plumley Village Hall.

Catherine Baines is the guest on October 19 and Ian Lloyd presents a Christmas demonstration on November 16.

For more details visit knutsfordfloraldesign.co.uk or email knutsfordfloraldesign3@gmail.com

For information about Knutsford Hosts email knutsfordhosts@gmail.com