In March 2021 Forres Town Hall changed owners – thanks to a successful community asset transfer – and is now owned by the community. As many of you will know there are plans for a significant regeneration project for the building.
As part of this process, and in light of the Covid-19 pandemic which has meant huge changes for so many of us, we have to know more about what the community now needs from the Town Hall. The regeneration proposal transforms the Town Hall into multipurpose flexible spaces for a wide range of activities and services.
We’re keen to know in what ways the community would like to see these spaces used and what the likely demand will be. That’s why we’re sending out this short survey.
You can either complete it online on SurveyMonkey, download a digital version or pick up a printed version from the Town Hall Office or the Grant Park Event on 21st of August 2021.
An activity day where people can try their hand at drumming, listen to children’s storytelling sessions and enjoy a spot of Highland dancing and piping is taking place this month.
Forres Area Community Trust is staging a ‘Find Out the FACTs’ event in Grant Park on 21st of August.
The event is to showcase what the Trust does and how the Forres Town Hall is used.
Kirsty Williams, who is the Old Persons’ Project Co-ordinator with FACT and who is organising the day explained: “We are really looking forward to Find Out the FACTs which is really an opportunity for people to come along, have some fun and find out more about what we do.
“FACT works with so many different partners and we have a very busy schedule with loads of activities that support many different groups in the community. All we want to do at our Grant Park event is spread awareness of what’s available to do in the area, not just by ourselves but those organisations and groups we work in partnership with to make the area a better place to live, work and visit.”
“Through the pandemic, FACT really came to the fore and we worked with a range of partners to support those who were vulnerable or struggling during the lockdowns, but now things are getting better and restrictions are easing, we are working on promoting our classes and workshops and just want to showcase what we and our partners have to offer the people of the area.”
In March, it was announced that FACT had taken ownership of Forres Town Hall after a successful community asset transfer process. The Trust had been managing the building since 2018.
It is now pushing forward with a fundraising strategy to raise the £3.4 million for a regeneration project to redevelop the building as a thriving venue and facility fit for the 21st century and to provide services and resources for the area into the future.
Kirsty said: “FACT is delighted to be the custodian of the Town Hall on behalf of the community, and our event will also allow us to talk to the public about the hall and what the plans are for its future. We can also share with attendees about all the great activities that take place in the hall.”
Find Out the FACTs will take place between midday and 4pm on 21st of August.
FACT secured funding from the Scottish Government, via Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), from the Communities Recovery Fund.
Kirsty said: “HIE is co-ordinating the Communities Recovery Fund in the Highlands and Islands, on behalf of the Scottish Government, for all eligible community organisations, who are implementing changes to reintroduce the delivery of existing services and activities that have been suspended or severely reduced because of COVID-19 and/or deliver new services identified as a priority by the community as a result of COVID-19.”
“We are delighted that our event is able to go ahead after securing this funding. There will something for everyone. We have some great entertainment lined up and there is something for all age groups. We have drumming with Active Minds Moray, Forres Online will be there to explain how they can help people improve their digital knowledge, we will have storytelling from Margot Henderson, Scottish country dancers and pipers from the Forres and District Pipe Band.
“We invite people to come along and bring a picnic and spend the afternoon with us. It’s a real community event. Wave Radio are supporting us by handling the announcing and the organisers of the Forres Highland Games which have been hit hard by the pandemic 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 for kids to not only enjoy what we have on offer but have fun at the playpark and in Grant Park too.”
Got any laptops, pcs, tablets or phones you don’t use? Why not donate to Supportive Solutions? A local project with FACT & ReBOOT, supporting people in the Highlands & Moray with refurbished devices. Further details below.
Looking for something to do? Learn a new skill? OUR FREE ONLINE SESSIONS in Knitting, Crocheting, Paper Crafts and Drumming Exercises are suitable for all ages.
If you are worried about getting on Zoom get in touch with our Forres Online on 07536 978396 or janice@forresarea.org who is happy to help.
Classes start on the 5th April with Sharon Finlay getting fit and getting digital. Don’t be disappointed, book your space and get the zoom link to join by contacting kirsty@forresarea.org or lorretta@forresarea.org.
Forres Area Community Trust would like to buy equipment and crockery to stock the kitchen in Forres Town Hall, for use at community meals and coffee mornings.
Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) is a development trust that works within the Forres area to support community development and empowerment. We run various projects that include befriending for older people, digital connectivity and running Forres Town Hall to benefit the community. This includes support groups, charities and activities including coffee mornings and events.
How this cause brings people in the community together
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have worked with many groups to reach those that are the most vulnerable and isolated. Going forward we know the Town Hall will open again to the public. We know many people will be looking forward to meeting friends and getting out. We aim to provide a safe and comfortable space for this to happen and having equipment to ensure changeovers will be essential
Forres Area Community Trust have been awarded a Highly Commended High Street Heroes award in an initiative which recognises the people, businesses and local organisations who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the coronavirus lockdown and re-opening. This initiative is run by the Scotland Loves Local Campaign, which is managed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
In each local authority area of Scotland one Regional Champion and a few select Highly Commended titles have been awarded. These entries have received prior notification and will receive a certificate of recognition. Meanwhile all eligible entries are being celebrated and thanked with the title of High Street Hero in the Scotland’s Towns Partnership Roll of Honour.
FACT are thrilled to be recognised and highly commended for their work in responding to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown. Volunteers and staff stepped up to help those who needed support at this time and worked with a range of local businesses and organisations to meet the needs of our community.
FACT was also pleased to see that other organisations and individuals were recognised for their efforts during this time and beyond. Well done everyone.
Joanna Taylor who is a director of FACT said:
“This is a well-deserved recognition for the work that was done, and is being done, in difficult circumstances.”
With congratulations to the other award winners in Moray who are as follows:
Moray Regional Champion
Ian and Rena Watson, of Cullen Bay Hotel, Cullen
Highly Commended
Forres Area Community Trust (FACT)
Vince Lyon & Bert Logie, Forres in Bloom
Juliette Buchan, Moray Shop Local
High Street Heroes
Findhorn Bay Arts, Forres
Gordon Brailsford & Colleagues, Mosset Tavern, Forres
Medine Duff, Café Medina Pop-Up Café, Forres
Sarah Holmes, Pencil Me In, Elgin
All nominees have received the heartfelt thanks of both Scotland’s Towns Partnership and the Scottish Government’s Communities Secretary.
Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell praised each and every award nominee for their efforts, saying:
“I would like to thank these High Street Heroes for going the extra mile to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support these awards through our funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They typify the kind of community spirit that has supported people and improved lives.
“This has been a difficult year for all of us, and the only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed. The fact that these awards received more than 1,200 nominations just shows how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another.”
STP’s Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said:
“The dedication with which people across Scotland have supported those around them during the pandemic has been remarkable. We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the amazing difference that our High Street Heroes have made and thank them for all they have done.’’
“They are an inspiration – local people helping their communities and customers like never before. They highlight the vital part that high street businesses play in our lives and why we must support them to ensure they continue to be there for us.”
Here at Forres Area Community Trust we are delighted today to receive this letter of Commendation for our efforts in assisting the community over the past months! A big thank must go to all staff, Board Members, Volunteers and members of the public for their contribution!
