STIRLING & District Floral Art Club are celebrating their diamond jubilee this year with an anniversary lunch and demonstration on Sunday, May 28.

The club started with small numbers; seven founder members who were keen amateur flower arrangers attended a meeting in the Golden Lion Hotel in June 1957. A syllabus was devised and committee elected.

Fees paid by members have ensured that the club was self-financing from the start. As more clubs were founded in Scotland, training for demonstrators and competitions were established.

Stirling members contributed both locally, regionally and nationally establishing a reputation as a friendly and outgoing group. There was a link with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders too, with floral decorations provided at functions in the castle.

Club meetings were held in the afternoon and evening to accommodate increasing numbers in the 1960’s and 70’s in several different venues. Nowadays the club number is about 50 members, who meet monthly from September to May on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm in the Lesser Albert Hall, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, which has comfortable, accessible accommodation.

The members continue to be welcoming and friendly, keen to reach out to those who are unable to attend meetings because of caring duties. The club provides several flower arranging workshops for carers and those with mental illness. These are very enjoyable sessions for the floral art members and workshop participants.

There is an annual UK-wide initiative supported by the members entitled the 'Lonely Bouquet'. This involves club members placing a flower bouquet in a public place for someone to find on May 5 and take home. The bouquets have a label inviting you to join your local floral art group to enjoy further flowers and friendship.

If you would like to attend the special diamond anniversary lunch on May 28 with a floral demonstration by David Ryland entitled 'Shine Bright', please contact Mrs Sarah Murdoch, honorary secretary, on 01786 473087. Tickets are £30 each and must be purchased by Friday, May 19 to allow for catering.