Forres House participants enjoy Royal Voluntary Service First Time for Everything taster sessions

A FREE painting workshop provided the perfect setting for over-55s to spend time with friends old and new.

The session at Forres House Community Centre was attended by eight participants who created their own mandala paintings as part of the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) ‘First Time for Everything’ programme.

RVS activity co-ordinator Sharon Finlay confirmed mandalas, meaning circle in Sanskrit, are geometric, circular works of art said to induce a calm, meditative state.

She said: “As we worked, we had a cuppa and a good chat. All the attendees mentioned how relaxing the session was. Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ll be offering a wide range of exciting First Time for Everything activities each month at different locations around Moray.”

One local participant added: “I enjoyed meeting new people - that’s what I find most beneficial.”

The free sessions give people an opportunity to try something new, socialise and stay healthy.

So far, there have been Laughter Yoga and Mandala Painting in Forres and music and singing in Duffus. Further sessions planned are Christmas Crafts on Wednesday, December 8 at 2pm in Duffus Village Hall; Christmas Cake Decorating on Saturday, December 11 at 10am in Burghead Community Hall; then An Introduction to Salsa Dancing and The Great Moray Bake Off in the New Year.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities for the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Staying active and connected to our local community is vitally important to our wellbeing. First Time for Everything is a wonderful way for people to come together and have fun. We all need that at the moment.”

First Time for Everythings are taster sessions but if attendees enjoy them they can carry on as most tutors run classes. Booking is essential for all the activities as places are limited. Call 07974 415713 or email sharon.finlay@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk