THE DRAB and dreary weather was firmly forgotten about on Tuesday evening when members of the Carlow Floral Club gathered for their monthly meeting in the Dolmen Hotel.

Given that it's January, demonstrator Anne Archibald made sure that the members' spirits were lifted by putting on a novel floral demonstration.

Members were taken through a series of film classics such as the Sound of Music, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Phantom of the Opera and shown how to interpret them with flowers.

Red and white roses were twisted into shape to form a mask for the phantom while other flowers were manipulated into a guitar frame to reflect the Von Trapp's main interest.

'It's an interesting and fun way to learn about flowers,' Karen Mahon, Secretary of the club, explained.

The club is going strong with guest demonstrators, competitions and trips during the finer weather to keep them occupied. Every two years, the club nominates a charity to support and have made recent donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland and the Carlow branch of the Breast Cancer Society.

Over the next two years, the club will dedicate itself to raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis Association as well as developing their skills and knowledge of all things floral.

Meeting every month in the Dolmen Hotel, the club is still open to new members. For further information, contact Karen on (085)1145361.

- Elizabeth LEE