Making connections

Our group met again on 12th June, at Abercrombie Court. Andy Archer from IRISS joined us and took photos of some of the group and the garden.

Abercrombie Court

Today we discussed what has happened since our last meeting  and what we want to do next.

We also looked back and updated a profile for each of us, with 2 sections:  ‘Why I am here’ and ‘What I bring’. The profiles showed a whole range of talents, skills and enthusiasm. We will be able to use this later in the project to look back at what we expected and what we have achieved. Below is a summary

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Since our last meeting

Coffee Morning

Another successful coffee morning was held in Abercrombie Court Lounge on 25th May. Other tenants came along as well as some neighbours from the village. The group were able to speak to some visitors, who were keen that the coffee mornings continue. There was also some discussion about the Inkwell  portrait exhibition planned for the Arts Festival in September.

We have advertised our next coffee morning on 22 June in the local newsletter ‘The loaves and fishes’. Again posters will be displayed around the village.  Margaret, Sandra and Eileen are encouraging other tenants to become involved.

Through Wayne’s contacts at Fife Elderly Forum, we have been in touch with other local initiatives supporting older people. These links  may help us reach some people who have fewer social connections within the community.

St Andrew’s library loan boxes
Peter has arranged to borrow 2 ‘loan boxes’ for the group to look at our next meeting. One box is titled ‘50’s/60’s’ and the other is ‘Night out’ each with memory items to be discussed.

We decided that it would be difficult to set up the discussion at the monthly coffee morning, so we will try an afternoon session using the boxes. Dates to be decided and flyer/invitation designed at next meeting.

Generations Working Together (GWT)
Wayne had forwarded an email about GWT, Fife group. Their next meeting is in September, we will aim to liaise with this group.
Arts Festival
For the St Monans Arts Festival in September, we have agreed that Roddy’s photos will be displayed in the Town hall. Handicrafts will be displayed in the Church Hall and the Inkwell exhibition will be in the Town Hall.

Andy and the group discussed the Inkwell idea. The exhibition in September, would be a starting point,  aiming to celebrate local older people and help make new connections. After the exhibition, we could build on the portrait idea, for example involving young people or a group having a go at making portraits of each other.

Rita will speak to some Bield tenants about being part of the exhibition. Rita would be able to go along with Andy to meet people and begin work on the portraits. Other group members will speak to people at the coffee morning or in the village to identify people who might like to be involved.

Alan ‘volunteered’ to have his portrait done, Andy took some photos and will make up a portrait. We all look forward to seeing Alan’s portrait!

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The group discussing Inkwell

 

Community Café
Roddy had noticed that the premises previously operating as a community café were again advertised as ‘to let’. We discussed the possibility of a community café, emerging from the work of this group. Roddy will make enquiries about the lease.

Transport
We again discussed the issue of transport as we recognised that this might be a barrier for people taking part in activities. Possible options are RVS, who are available on request but can be expensive. ‘Continuing Care’ at Kingsbarns can also provide transport, but charge by the mile, including miles from Kingsbarns. For those with visual impairment the ‘Lady Skiffington Trust’ provides free transport. ‘Go-flexi’ and ‘Dial-a-ride’ are other providers that can be used for shopping.

Other Ideas
Rita described some work that was previously planned with Abercrombie Court residents and the Byre Youth Theatre, this involved an event where Bield tenants shared their stories. The work was not completed but could link with the Inkwell portraits or with other intergenerational strands of work. Rita will discuss informally with the Byre Theatre and feedback on possible links for our group.

On Saturday 13 June, was the annual St Monans Sea Queen Festival. The group ran a stall, displaying their art work and crafts. It stayed dry for most of the day and this was also an opportunity to make connections in the community. The Sea Queen was reported in the  Fife Courier,  including a photo of our own Peter, Margaret and Roddy!  Here’s a link to the story.  http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/fife/picture-gallery-st-monans-sees-new-sea-queen-crowned-1.884162

We agreed a list of actions before our next meeting, which will be on Friday 24 July.