Information

Members can buy a brooch and earrings which were created to wear to our events, or just for pleasure.  These include a daisy motif and can make a good present, perhaps for friends or family who are new members.

To buy these please email Margaret Williamson our Treasurer: m_doig@hotmail.co.uk 

Earrings £60	Brooch £42

In the spirit of St Margaret we use the donations that we receive from visitors to the Chapel to support charities.  These include Scottish charities who support education, religious interest and support for disadvantaged people and we make small scale donations each year.  If you are involved in a charity which you think might benefit from an association with our Guild, please email Margaret Williamson our Treasurer by email m_doig@hotmail.co.uk with your reason for suggesting it.

Each year we announce who donations have been made to at the AGM and we profile them on the newsletter too.

We hope that our members will get great pleasure from placing flowers in the Chapel.   The arrangements are enjoyed by the many visitors to the Castle and Chapel each day.

Flower months

Members are allocated to a month and the supervisor for that month arranges who will place flowers in the Chapel on a Tuesday or Friday.

Guidelines

Here are some guidelines to help you when you visit.

It is usual for flower arranging to take place between 8 am and 9.30 am within the Castle. On arrival at the Castle: when you tell security that you are from the Guild they will direct you to go ahead.  They might ask your name as this will have been provided in advance.

If you wish to drive, or for someone to drive you, you should arrive early as all vehicles must leave by 9.30 am.  You are allowed to drive up through the security gate and tunnel to the north side of the Esplanade and drive up to the Chapel.  New members may want to go with someone the first time!

Existing Flowers: remove previously arranged flowers and take them away either for composting or for another use such as gifting to a member or friend who is unwell. There are cards in the cupboard for this purpose.  You can empty the water carefully into the beds outside the Chapel.

Top tips: some things you will want to bring:

• a plastic bag to take the old flowers away
• a bottle of water to fill the vase / bowl
• your oasis / wire for arranging
• any scissors or secateurs you may need
• your phone or camera to take a photo!

Arranging your flowers: flowers may be of any variety apart from lilies and you can use any colour you like.  Even blue and mauve flowers which do not show up well in large, dark spaces, can be used in the Chapel with its white interior.

You should arrange your flowers into either the Margaret Beattie Bowl or the Commerorate goblet.  The goblet crest should be facing forward once you have finished.   Both should be handled with care and not rubbed or polished as this could remove the lacquer.  They are placed on the flower stand which fits onto some white spots on the floor.  Please do not use your own vases as this creates a security risk.

You can use either oasis, wire or there is a white squared insert which fits onto the goblet which is ideal for arranging.  If using oasis remember to soak it before coming along.

While arranging, you should work in the area behind the rope.  There are folding tables and plastic sheeting which you can use for this purpose and these are kept in the cupboard.  Please do not work on the altar cloth.

There is no fire alarm at the Chapel, if the fire alarm goes off in the area nearest the Chapel it will be checked to ensure there is nobody in there.

Additional request:

While in the Chapel please check that the tap & pay machine is lit up and if not, report it to Fiona Pigott.   If the booklet stand is empty please top it up using the booklets in the cupboard or under the altar.   Thank you.

Before you leave the Chapel please make sure there is no debris remaining and remember to take a photograph of your arrangement to send to  fpigott19@gmail.com for use on the website and in the newsletter.

Contents of the cupboard

• The Margaret Beattie Memorial Bowl and the Copper Goblet
• 2 x plastic sheets
• 2 x folding tables
• Small watering can
• Brush and dustpan
• Kitchen roll
• Scissors and small knife to trim oasis (if using)
• 1 pin holder and 2 glass roses
• Cards to accompany flowers

The notes in this leaflet are written to help you and make your visit to the Chapel pleasurable.  However, should you require any further information please contact the Supervisor for your month who will be happy to help.
Suggestions are always welcome, please send them to your monthly supervisor or

direct to Fiona M Pigott fpigott19@gmail.com

The Castle Stewards are really helpful if you ever have any questions or issues while there.

These are the members who organise each month’s team of arrangers:

January – Anne Croft
February – Margaret Clark
March – Anne Baird
April – Tia Millar
May – Maggie McKenzie
June – Margaret Bennett
July – Margaret Studley
August – Fiona Piggott
September – Fenella James
October – Lindsay Scott
November – Margaret Williamson
December – Margaret Tait