Forres House Community Centre celebrated 50 years open with a packed week of activities

COMMUNITY members of all ages celebrated 50 years of a building at the heart of the town this month.

Former community worker Lorna Creswell BEM helped to organise a week of activities starting on Monday, December 4, to mark five decades since Forres House Community Centre was opened on December 21, 1973.

She said: "The start was disappointing as treacherous, icy weather resulted in most Centre users staying at home! However, as the temperature rose the programme progressed with enthusiasm."

Former senior communication education worker at the Centre, David Millar, confirmed the week was a success.

"Particularly with folk taking guests to their usual activities," he said. "This will result in increased awareness and attendance."

As well as a historic photo display to encourage reminiscing, there were challenges, quizzes, reminiscing socials and opportunities to try sports, games and classes.

There were a few new faces at Badminton Moray for over-60s on the first morning.

"We surprised the head coach and Badminton Scotland Community Coach of the Year Angela Bell," said Ms Creswell, "with cakes and chocolates from Pamela Reid's range at Pamela's Cakes."

A few people attended the forWords writing group on the following evening.

"We created a trail displaying poems and short pieces around the Centre," said Ms Creswell. "Some of the new members read out their work. Former members also re-attended, having been inspired to write again."

On the Wednesday morning, a self help art group invited friends and family in to discuss their paintings and drawings.

Indoor bowls from 10am-noon on the day after was as well attended as ever.

"It has become so popular," said Ms Creswell. "It was great to see such a great turnout."

Organiser Derek Sobey added: "The Centre's indoor bowls is an ideal opportunity for potential new members to try out bowls as a pastime as well as providing a regular facility for established bowlers."

Fitness instructor Pam Watson - who provided photos from the seventies and eighties at the centre for the display in the library corridor - put on an extra class for senior citizens in the afternoon.

Ladies netball on the Thursday evening had an increased attendance allowing three teams to compete.

A large number of young people aged 11-16-years attended youth club The Gaff on the Friday evening.

"They were treated to nachos and ice creams in The Coffee House," said Ms Creswell. "Then they assembled upstairs in the youth area to play table tennis, board and computer games, and to chill out with their friends.

"Eve Mosher from Findhorn Bay Arts laid out a mat depicting the River Findhorn and asked for any stories or memories.

"The sports hall was full of badminton players while the martial arts group continued in the upper games hall - the buzz reminded me of decades ago!"

Mr Millar added: "The Reverend Stuart Finlayson hosted. Everyone agreed it was wonderful to see the area being used again for youth work."

On the Saturday morning, there were family activities including face painting upstairs . A circus skills session and free Santa's grotto where children received a gift was also well attended.

Local author Ewen Watson gave a presentation on his book 'Fantastic Forres.'

Former Centre receptionist Carole Parrott arrived with a lemon drizzle cake she had baked depicting a library book with activities listed on the top 'page'.

Afternoon events continued the arts theme as Forres Academy Music teacher Adam Wilson and musician and skateboarder Mike Robertson hosted an open mic session.

"Mike spent much of his younger years in the Centre," said Ms Creswell. "This was a great opportunity for talented young people to perform in the viewing area and to be heard by visitors to The Coffee House."

Mr Millar added: " The open mic afternoon which was well attended. The participants are keen for it to happen again."

Later, a well-attended archery session was followed by a volleyball tournament in the games hall.

"It was great to see Susan Armour stepping in to arrange the competition at short notice," said Ms Creswell. "A fun time was had by all."

Finally, dancing on the Saturday evening was led by Jane Johnston who runs weekly classes all over Moray, and Brant Bambery who has taught dancing worldwide and featured at Edinburgh Fringe events.

Attendees enjoyed learning new steps before relaxing, sharing memories in The Coffee House and toasting the next 50 years of Forres House Community Centre.

Mr Millar said: "The dance-off was very popular. The teachers demonstrated with subsequent involvement from appreciative participants."

Ms Creswell said: "I've been amazed by stories folk have been telling me about Forres House over the years and there have been lots of encouraging comments about the 50th year celebrations.

"Visitors can say what they want to see next at the Centre by leaving a comment on the 'FUTURES' wall leading to The Coffee House. We'll see what needs funding and can be done by working together."

"The centre is still busy with various groups," finished Mr Millar. "However, there is no longer any youth work at all in the building. There is no out of school club or crèche facility to allow parents to attend activities. The Gaff demonstrated that a youth club can happen again.

"Many Centre attendees commented on its excellent coffee bar. The operator would like to use the enclosed outdoor area adjacent but this is not currently allowed because of a lack of emergency exits.

"Moray Council offices should be moved back out of the upstairs area to enable more groups, adult education and youth provision."