Elgin group hosts 21st anniversary open day
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THE doors to a popular Elgin hangout will be flung open this weekend as it celebrates its 21st anniversary.
Elgin Youth Development Group (EYDG) is running a series of special events at its Francis Place youth cafe on Saturday to mark the birthday milestone.
Over the past few months, youngsters have been busy planning the event which is designed to allow the young and the young at heart to experience the opportunities available at the centre.
The group's social enterprise, The Inkwell, will also be open and will be the location for two cooking demonstrations on sushi and cupcakes.
EYDG was established in 1998 with the vision of providing a safe social space for young people in the Elgin area.
It has operated ever since and in 2006 the group opened its social enterprise – The Inkwell – which includes a room for hire and community kitchen.
Chief executive Clair Ferguson said: "It really is a great achievement and privilege to still be supporting young people in the Elgin area.
"We wouldn’t be able to do this without the unwavering support of so many people who have volunteered their time or have worked for the charity. In addition we have been fortunate that funders have stayed with us.
"This reflects that we are still relevant to today's young people and to ensure this continues to be the case we involve young people in the running of our organisation. They keep us relevant and we appreciate the fantastic work they do."
The celebration will include a showcase exhibit featuring a timeline wall of photos and stories alongside a film, which has been created by young people and features stories from over the last 21 years.
Carola Smith, a former volunteer spoke fondly of her time for the charity.
She said: "I really enjoyed the years I spent as a volunteer. In the seventeen years or so I saw lots of changes and met dozens of young people, volunteers and staff. With training events I continued to learn, something which is always valuable.”
The team are hoping that people interested in helping or supporting the next phase of the life of the charity will come along on the day as well as those who have had a connection with the project in any way.
It runs from noon to 4pm, with cooking demonstrations at 12.30pm and 2pm, and everyone is very welcome.
