Forres Area Community Trust launches varied programme of free activities at Forres Town Hall
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FORRES Area Community Trust (FACT) is offering a free activity for everyone this Autumn.
From storytelling, painting, knitting and weaving to singing, Qigong, dancing and yoga, the new programme at Forres Town Hall organised by events and activities development worker, Ilona Wood, aims to support local mental health and wellbeing.
Ilona explained: “We’ve planned a wide variety of activities from favourites like festive wreath making to new courses such as drawing with charcoal and ink.
“Each is planned based on feedback from participants and suggestions from tutors or FACT members.
“They are a great way to meet new people, try something new and have fun in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the town hall.”
A wide variety of art classes feature mediums including ink, bleach, pastels and watercolours.
There are one day workshops on paper basket weaving, needle felting and decorative paper.
In addition to digital courses, there is also an established gentle seated exercise class with drumming.
There are also new classes for babies and children up to five years old accompanied by an adult.
“We’ve just finished a block of storytelling sessions run by Peter and Leah Findlay,” said Ilona. “They created a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where adults and children could learn new songs, stories and skills.
“We also organised a family craft session in the summer holidays and have used these ideas and experiences to help us develop our next project.”
No previous experience is required for the freestyle dance classes being offered.
“They can improve physical and emotional health, as well as boost energy,” said Ilona.
“During ‘Singing with Confidence’ classes with Andrea Turner, participants will learn about vocal technique and sing a mix of songs from contemporary pop to folk and jazz. It’s purely for fun each week - there is no end of term performance or concert involved!”
Using awarded funds, FACT has employed 19 qualified tutors with years of experience over the last 18 months.
Ilona said: “We have embraced talent that is new to Moray, as well as supporting more established local instructors. They are all inspiring, patient and engaging.
“Our activities programme aims to reduce social isolation by offering group activities. The intention is to encourage the community to come together.”
She finished: “It’s great to see the rooms full of people enjoying themselves, bringing life back into the hall. There is something for everyone and we are always happy to see new faces!”
For more information about activities at the town hall, visit forresarea.org/ and click on ‘What’s On’.
