Forres House Community Centre to hold a boot sale and craft fair to raise funds for outdoor space access

STAFF at a much-loved local building are organising a fundraising event to help provide disabled access.

Forres House Community Centre assistant Eileen ‘Hammi’ Greig and colleagues hope everyone enjoys a car boot sale and craft fair in the games hall from 10am-2pm on Sunday, November 20.

Hammi said: “Stalls will be selling a variety of products including clothing, toys, dishes, ornaments etc. There will be a bottle stall and crafters. We have 14 stalls booked but hope more will sign up. There will be a raffle - tickets are available at the centre. The event will be ideal for Christmas shopping!”

The mini market is in aid of a new door and disability access ramp for the outdoor area in the centre next to Forres Coffee House. Access was stopped when the previously occupying business opened in 2015. Customers are still currently informed they cannot go outside for safety reasons.

Hammi explained: “We need disabled access to the patio. There’s only one door so we can’t allow folk outside in case of fire - we need another from the games hall viewing area with a ramp for wheelchairs for which we’ve had estimates costing in the region of £30,000. We’re looking for other ways to raise the funds. We’ve already had a sales stall at the Toun Mercat, run a Christmas hamper draw and other raffles.”

Hammi has fond memories of the sheltered patio sun trap being well used, particularly in the warmer months.

She said: “Centre users and staff enjoyed sitting out there. There were tables and chairs for folk to enjoy teas and coffees. It was a play park until the equipment was removed. The centre playgroup leaders would read stories to toddlers and it was also a popular hang-out for the youth club. There would be a barbecue in it at the end of Hi-Jinx.

“It’s a waste of a good space at the moment.”

For more information call 01309 672838.