The group met in October and decided to rename the monthly coffee morning (now in the afternoon) Café Connect @ Abercrombie Court. This reflects two aims: (1) that people will make connections with each other and (2) that we can support people who would like help to access the internet and use technology. Thanks to Roddy, we now own the domain name abercrombiecourt.com. and Eileen will look at developing content for the website.
The first Café Connect was held on 26 October. On the same day Gerry Goldie from Fife Social Work had arranged two drop-in community mapping sessions in St Monans. Members of the group attended the session and were able to make sure that the group activities were ‘on the map’. The Inkwell portraits were also displayed at the mapping session.
Having run a successful stall at the Arts festival in September, the group were offered (rather than having to ask for) a stall at the local Christmas Fair at the end of November. A group member reflected:
‘It’s like we used to be just ‘the pensioners at Abercrombie Court’ but now we’re really part of the community’.
We held an informal celebration for those involved in Inkwell on Thursday 19th November at the Mayview Hotel St Monans. Around 25 people attended, we had a sandwich lunch and displayed the portraits. Rita and Helen from Bield helped to organise transport for the ladies from Elie to come along. The lunch gave people the opportunity to share and reflect on all of their stories.
Although the group will carry on developing all their ideas, the last meeting related to Plan P, was due to take place on 4 December. Unfortunately due to travel restrictions caused by the Forth Road Bridge closure, the final meeting has been delayed until 18 January 2016. This will be a chance for everyone to discuss their experiences of being part of this project and to plan future activities.