Group of over 55s enjoy crochet afternoon as part of the First Time for Everything programme
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MORAY'S over 55s crocheted up a storm on Friday after joining together to learn a new skill.
Almost 30 people attended the craft afternoon at Hopeman Memorial Hall on April 14 as part of the First Time for Everything programme which organises free classes designed to give people the opportunity to try new activities for free, and to be social and active.
Alison Stockley has been attending the classes regularly, she said: "It's really great, the number of activities that have been made available to us is fantastic.
"I have been to several classes including mandala painting, yoga and line dancing and I have really enjoyed all of them - Sharon
Finlay [Moray's Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator] is just brilliant and makes the classes so much fun and there has been a different combination of people every time."
The First Time for Everything programme is an initiative created and run by the Royal Voluntary Service and supported by funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Moray group is one of only two in Scotland and currently meet once a month, where they they have tried everything from paddleboarding to salsa dancing.
Shirley Welford who works as a support worker has attended the group many times with service users but decided to attend alone on Friday for the first time. She said: "This is the first time I've been able to come along to one of the classes and actually take part myself and I've really enjoyed it - I've learned how to crochet! My service users really enjoy it too, but it has been lovely to do it for me and I've been able to meet people and have some me time."
Susie Cheeseman said: "This is my first time ever doing crochet, my son bought me a kit a while ago and I really wanted to learn how to do it, so I decided to come along and I've learned a lot.
"It's been a brilliant afternoon, I have been to a few of these now and I love it, it is such good fun and we get to meet lots of different people and to try something completely different."
Next month First time for Everything will have two classes available for over 55s, with a Bollywood Dancing virtual class taking place at Roseisle Hall on May 12 at 2pm. People can also take part in a Singing Workshop which will be taught by Kinloss Military Wives Choir at 10.30am on Friday 19 May at Alves Hall.
For more information visit the Royal Voluntary Service Moray and Orkney Facebook page here.
Booking for each class is essential as places are limited. To register for a place for May's classes contact Sharon Finlay by phone: 07974 415713 or email: sharon.finlay@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
