Congratulations to the three young florists who took medals in today’s grand final of the WorldSkills UK competition this afternoon (Friday 26th November).
Catey Burn of Old Oak Florist in Ascot took Gold, with Jane Sked-Connop and Emily Wykes, both from Moreton Morrell College, taking the Silver and Bronze respectively.
The winners learned of their victory during a special live programme from Channel 4’s Packed Lunch studios, presented by Steph McGovern.
An engaging and totally supportive presenter, Steph said: “This is just brilliant. Everyone should be jumping for joy, what an early Christmas present that is. They must have put in some graft to smash it like that.”
And hard graft it was! Competitors underwent a seven-month process of regional heats and intensive training before stepping up to pit their skills against the best of the best earlier this month.
For floristry contestants this was a two-day session at Moreton Morrel College who not only hosted a well organised event but produced two medal winners from their own ranks.
For the Gold Medal winner it was a thrilling end to a long process and the reaction in the shop as the whole team watched the live broadcast could be heard throughout Ascot.
Not that Catey had much time to celebrate as she explained. "I am just over the moon ... obviously I wanted to win but to actually do it .....!! I admit I was so shocked I just stood there when it was announced and then squealed!! But then it was back to work as we had a Christmas wreath class to get ready for as I am leading my first solo one next week and wanted to make sure I was fully prepared! Celebrations will have to wait till later but to say I am happy would be an understatement!"
Speaking about the win, which could see Catey go on to represent the UK in the Grand World finals, Catey’s boss and mentor, Morgan Douglas Nuth, an Advisory Panel member of Good Florist Guide and Floral Fundamentals Ambassador, said “We are over the moon and I don't think I have ever seen anyone smile so broadly!! Catey worked so hard to achieve this win and put her heart and soul into the competition.
To win is amazing and we are so grateful for the support of the WorldSkills team who helped Catey so much. Not only are we proud of Catey but this is clearly the start of an amazing career for such a talented young florist.”
Catey and her winning wellies at the finals.
