Congratulating West Plean and Auchenbowie Ladies Club on Centenary and Raising Funds for Forth Valley Sensory Centre

That the Parliament congratulates West Plean and Auchenbowie Ladies Club on marking its centenary and raising funds for Forth Valley Sensory Centre; understands that the group was set up in 1923 by the Bolton’s of West Plean House, and the Munro’s of Auchenbowie House, near Stirling, to support the women of the district’s farming community; notes that they marked the occasion by handing over a cheque for £175 to Forth Valley Sensory Centre to support British Sign Language; further notes that members of the group have met regularly, helping to provide services from their own resources, as well as receiving useful information on health and domestic issues; understands that, over the years, they have gone on excursions, and run helping hands projects to look after poorer and infirm neighbours; further understands that, before the Second World War, they raised funds towards the cost of the then new Stirling Royal Infirmary, supplying sheets, and for many years eggs from their own hens; believes that with fewer agricultural workers locally the membership changed, but the club remains active, with 48 members at present, and continues to meet every month in Larbert Old Church; recognises what it sees as the valuable contribution of the group to the local area over the years, and extends its very best wishes for the future.