Community invited to FACT's Grant Park event
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THE COMMUNITY is invited to an activities day and picnic at Grant Park this month.
Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) has organised an event where attendees will be able to can try their hand at drumming, listen to storytelling sessions and enjoy Highland dancing and piping.
FACT older persons’ project co-ordinator, Kirsty Williams, confirmed the ‘Find Out the FACTs’ event from midday to 4pm on August 21 will also showcase what the trust does and how Forres Town Hall is to used in future.
She said: “We are really looking forward to offering the opportunity for people to come along, have some fun and find out more about what we do.
“FACT works with many different partners and we have a busy schedule of activities that support many different groups in the community.
"At Grant Park we aim to spread awareness of what’s available to do locally -the event has been organised by ourselves and the organisations we work in partnership with to make the area a better place to live, work and visit.”
She added: “Through the pandemic, FACT worked with partners to support those who were vulnerable or struggling during lockdown. Now restrictions are easing, we are promoting our classes and workshops.”
It was announced in March that FACT had taken ownership of Forres Town Hall after a Community asset transfer process. The trust had been managing the building since 2018.
FACT has commenced a fundraising strategy to raise the £3.4 million for a regeneration project to redevelop the building as a venue and facility fit for the 21st century, that will also provide services.
Kirsty said: “FACT is delighted to be the custodian of the Town Hall on behalf of the community.
"Our event will allow us to talk directly to the public about the hall and what the plans are for its future. We will also talk about all the great activities that take place in the hall.”
FACT has secured funding from the Scottish Government Communities Recovery Fund to organise the activities event.
HIE is co-ordinating the fund in the Highlands and Islands for community organisations who are re-introducing services and activities suspended or severely reduced because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, those delivering new services identified as a priority by the community as a result of coronavirus.
Kirsty said: “There will something for all age groups: we have drumming with Active Minds Moray, Forres Online will explain how they can help people improve their digital knowledge; there will bee storytelling from Margot Henderson; Scottish country dancers and pipers from the Forres and District Pipe Band.
“We invite you to come along and bring a picnic and spend the afternoon with us.
"Wave Radio are supporting us by handling the announcing and the organisers of the Forres Highland Games are lending us tables and chairs.
“If a picnic is not your thing, we will be situated near Mather’s so there will be an opportunity to grab something from there as well, and kids can always have fun at the play park too!”
