Fortnightly After-School Supper Club run by Moray Food Plus and St John’s Church starting at Forres Town Hall

LOCAL children and families are being welcomed to new, free after-school sessions in the centre of town.

Moray Food Plus and St John’s Church are starting a fortnightly ‘After-School Supper Club’ at Forres Town Hall, for children and their parents or carers, offering recreational and educational facilities, as well as nourishing meals.

St John’s Rector, Reverend Hamilton Inbadas, confirmed the club will run on every second Monday from 3.30-5.30pm.

He said: “The initiative will provide a nurturing environment. We aspire to create a sense of belonging and unity, where diverse individuals support one another. It is hoped that this collaborative effort paves the way for long-term social harmony and shared wellbeing.”

The first session will take place on Monday, August 28, featuring arts and craft activities. A soup and sweet, with an extra option for children, will follow. There is no need to book - children accompanied by an adult - are encouraged to just go along after school.

Initially the activities will include board games, jigsaws and opportunities for quiet time for reading or homework. Future activities will be tailored to suit attendees’ needs. The first meal will be lentil soup and sponge pudding with custard, with another course specifically for children. Soup and sweet will be the standard format with a varying menu, dependent on what is most popular. The meals will be prepared and served by volunteers.

The initiative has been developed following a series of community meetings looking at ways to offer family-oriented meeting space after school, particularly for younger families.

Moray Food Plus project manager, Mairi McCallum, is delighted to be helping to develop the club.

She said: “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone along for lots of fun and great food.”

If you can help, email events@stjohnsforres.org.uk.