THE Victoria Halls attracted hundreds of people to the two events it played host to a few weekends ago.

The Helensburgh and Gareloch Horticultural Society, saw people queuing outside the door for the opening of their Plant Sale at 9.30am while upstairs in the Pillar Hall the Helensburgh art Club saw over 100 people attend their one day art sale.

With summer fast approaching members of the public were keen to get their hands on the variety of plants on sale including bedding plants, shrubs, perennial, house plants, vegetables and sweet peas which sold out in just half an hour.

Almost all the plants had sold out by 11.30am which saw the Society make a grand total of £2,300.

Alison Balance, of the Helensburgh and Gareloch Horticultural Society, said: “We were too busy to count the number of people who attended but it was very well attended as you can see by the money taken in., which was worth all the hard work put in by our members.

“We had very good day with everyone delighted at the result.”

The money raised from the plant sale will help to cover the cost of speakers at the society’s monthly meetings, the School Bulb Competition and The Annual Flower and Vegetable Show in August.

Also delighted with the turnout on the day was Brian Weston, president of Helensburgh Art Club. He said: “Over 100 people visited the art sale and were impressed with the quality of the work which resulted in very satisfactory sales.”

The Art Club which hosts special group meetings for portrait, life and general painting sessions and caters for the talents of other members including craftwork, textiles, pottery, jewellery and sculpture, is keen to attract new members to the group.

Brian said: “The club is very active and holds lectures, demonstrations and workshops during the winter months.

“The club is keen to attract new members who provide new techniques and styles which bring fresh displays to the exhibitions. In particular, younger members who enjoyed art when at school and would now like to pick up their brushes again would be most welcome.”

The Art Clubs next big event is their annual exhibition, set to be held in August. The Horticultural Society’s next big events are the 167th Annual Flower and Vegetable show, which will be held on Saturday, August 26 in the Victoria Hall. That is set to be followed by the Bulb Sale on Saturday, September 9, in the United Reform Church.

For more information on the Art Club and how to get involved visit www.helensburghartclub.co.uk