Flower arranging clubs and societies joined together as the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies in 1959. The Association has since been a unifying and guiding mainstay to thousands of men, women and juniors whose love of flowers has opened up a whole new world of creativity. In 1984 NAFAS was granted charitable status in recognition of its education activities. With about 44,000 members, it ranks among the most notable specialised National Associations.