Successful After-School Supper Club at Forres Town Hall needs more volunteers
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MORE than 60 people attended the first new after-school club at Forres Town Hall.
Primary-age children and their parents or carers enjoyed a range of activities, followed by a three-course meal at the fortnightly After-School Supper Club organised by Moray Food Plus and St John’s Church.
Church spokesman, Alasdair Joyce, was thrilled with the event’s success, while explaining that the first meal was lentil soup, sausage pasta, and jam sponge with custard.
Mr Joyce said: “There was an excellent, friendly atmosphere, with plenty of interaction between the attendees and the volunteers. There was plenty of positive feedback.
“The children voted the jam sponge and custard the best pudding of 2023 – so far! Eleven volunteers worked hard to prepare and serve the meal while overseeing activities.”
Attendees enjoyed colouring handicrafts, Lego and other construction models, playing Snap and Jenga amongst other activities. There was also a quiet area set aside for reading and being read to.
Mr Joyce said: “The feedback was positive, with the food being particularly appreciated.
“We plan to arrange a better separation of activities from the meal area, perhaps grouping tables together for larger groups.”
Feedback from attending parents included: ‘I really appreciated the ability to speak to kitchen staff about specific child dietary requirements’; ‘It was a lovely event’; ‘It’s something different on a Monday afternoon’; and ‘My boy enjoyed playing with the Lego.”
The club is on every second Monday from 3.30-5.30pm. There is no need to book, children - accompanied by an adult - are encouraged to just go along after school.
“Adults can bring all their own children, even if some are above primary school age,” said Mr Joyce. “We are aiming to make this as family-friendly as possible. However, the activities are aimed at primary age group children.”
The organisers are already looking forward to the next meeting of the After-School Supper Club on Monday, September 11. There will be plenty of room for even more attendees.
However, the organisers are looking for more volunteers to help.
“Volunteering is a rewarding opportunity to help young people in our community,” said Mr Joyce. “Volunteers do not have to commit to the whole event. For example, if they want to come just for the final hour to help clear up, or at the start to help with activities, that is fine.”
She finished: “Inevitably some volunteers will not be able to manage to come to every meeting. It’s essential that we have a large pool to draw on. The future success of the event depends on it. We would be so delighted if any parents coming along were to volunteer where they can as well.”
Email events@stjohnsforres.org.uk for more information.
