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Forres Area Community Trust activities event at Grant re-introduced their services and activities ... and more


By Garry McCartney

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Some of the FACT team who organised and ran the event including Kirsty Williams (bottom left).
Some of the FACT team who organised and ran the event including Kirsty Williams (bottom left).

HUNDREDS enjoyed an open-air community event at Grant Park hosted by Forres Area Community Trust (FACT).

The local development group organised the activities day and picnic to showcase plans for its headquarters at Forres Town Hall - and allow some of the other user groups to chat to attendees about what they offer too.

A section of the Active Minds Moray drummers in action.
A section of the Active Minds Moray drummers in action.

FACT older person's project coordinator Kirsty Williams confirmed the event was "very well received".

She said: "We were delighted our hard work paid off! The day came at the right time for the folk moving out of restrictions.

"People commented that it was lovely to be back out in the community again and how much they enjoyed the afternoon and the relaxed atmosphere.

"They had the chance to see some of the things we do and some of the town hall user groups such as Forres Pipe Band. We think approximately 200 people attended during the course of the afternoon.

"We were reminding everyone of what we do too. We converted to Covid response during the pandemic but now we're moving out of that we are getting back to providing activities and services, albeit in a slightly different way to ensure the safety of attendees."

Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society members demonstrating their skills.
Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society members demonstrating their skills.
There was a good crowd at Grant Park.
There was a good crowd at Grant Park.

Attendees were informed about various volunteering opportunities with FACT, studied their proposed plans for Forres Town Hall and completed a survey on its proposed uses.

Feedback to volunteer co-ordinator, April Charleswort, included: "Saturday's event was a great opportunity to come together again and reconnect with FACT, each other and the wider community".

Stall holders included the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society (RSCDS) ahead of their sessions restarting this month, Finderne Development Trust, Forres Osprey Bus, Moray Council youth workers, Transition Town Forres, Forres Online and Wave Radio.

As well as live music from Forres Pipe Band, RSCDS and Active Minds Moray demonstrated dancing and drumming, and there was storytelling from Sylvia Robertson.

Forres Pipe Band performed three times.
Forres Pipe Band performed three times.

"Stall holders and attendees commented that the event had a community feel," said Kirsty, "and that it was lovely to get out and meet people face-to-face again!"

Liz Stewart cooks a pancake at the Moray Food Plus stall.
Liz Stewart cooks a pancake at the Moray Food Plus stall.

FACT are progressing the reopening of Forres Town hall in accordance with government guidelines. The building is open from 10am-noon, Monday to Friday for bookings and enquiries.

Forres Online provides digital support to attendees on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings by appointment booked via FACT.

FACT's older persons' Cameron Project piloted Active Minds' drumming exercise and hopes to restart on a weekly basis this month.

Children’s storyteller, Sylvia Robertson.
Children’s storyteller, Sylvia Robertson.

FACT and Forres Area Forum are hosting the first coffee morning and raffle at the town hall since lockdown on Saturday, September 4.

"We hope people will come along and support it," said Kirsty. "We are looking for donations of raffle prizes for the coffee morning.

"We are open Monday to Friday from 10am-noon to receive donations and answer queries about any of our activities or projects."

Wave Radio provided music and chat all afternoon.
Wave Radio provided music and chat all afternoon.

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