Say it with flowers (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Say it with flowers

THOSE looking for a simple, yet enjoyable way to spruce up their homes should look no further than the art of flower arranging.

Calne Flower Arrangers have been running for more than 20 years and have established firm roots in the town.

They have provided flowers for a number of events in Calne over the years, including the 2001 visit by the Queen.

Flower arranging is a fun and easy way to brighten up a home, or provide an attractive backdrop to a function.

Committee member Tina Clifford said: "We try to engender the love of flower arranging.

"We have about 50 members and we meet on a monthly basis at Marden House.

"We invite area demonstrators to our many meetings and they will do a demonstration, which usually lasts about an hour and a half.

"They explain what they're doing, what flowers they're using and then, at the end of the evening, the arrangements are raffled, so members have the chance to go home with a completed arrangement."

Mrs Clifford said it was a hobby that was equally open to experienced arrangers as well as first-timers.

"Beginners are most welcome and that's how you get started," she said. "You pick up tips as you go along. You can be going along for a number of years and see certain things that are new.

"You learn from what other people's experiences are with flower arranging. Some people have an eye for colour and some have a flair for creativity."

The art gives people the opportunity to add attractive decoration to their homes at very little cost. "You've got a lovely floral display for your home, or wherever you want to use it," said Mrs Clifford.

"We do arrangements for Marden House concerts and, if asked, we do arrangements for any function. The cost of the flowers is covered by the people requesting them and we generally give our time for free.

"It's a friendly group that enjoys the art of flower arranging."

More details on the club can be found at the Information Centre at Bank House, Calne.