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’tis the season of community events: here are a couple which caught your editor’s eye:
Participants from Dance North’s Community Dance Programme are gearing up to perform a Festive Dance Show at 6pm tonight, 7 December, at Findhorn’s Universal Hall.
The evening will feature solo and ensemble performances by Dance North Youth Fochabers (ages 8-14), Dance North YouthElgin (ages 11-19), professional dancers Sarah Dabell and Sharon Took-Zozaya,and special guests Gordonstoun Junior Dance Company.
Also spreading festive cheer will be the Sing,Exercise and Tea Groups (ages 60+) from Lossiemouth, Elgin and Buckie, and films from recent Dance North projects, including Silent Discos for residents of Abbeyside Care Home and Dr Gray’s Acute Ward for the Elderly.
This is the third Festive Show that Dance North has run, celebrating the achievements of the wide range of individuals who have participated in the organisation’s Community Dance Programme over the last year.
The event will also feature a raffle (raising money to provide transport for Dance North’s elderly participants to attend future performances) and refreshments. Tickets, costing £3, are available on the door.
Dance North is a Community Interest Company (previously known as Bodysurf Scotland) that provides participatory dance activities for people of all ages and abilities. Based in Moray, the organisation’s Community Dance Programme (titled “Everybody Dance Now”)achieves around 3,000 participations per year from pre and primary schoolchildren, young people, adults, older people and people with additional support needs, many of whom are performing in the Festive Show.
More information available from 01309 691661, info@dancenorth.scot and www.dancenorth.scot
In the meantime, St John’s Church, in Forres is experimenting with a Christmas Tree Festival and a Christmas Fair.
Local businesses, charities, voluntary groups and schools have sponsored trees, which will be decorated in individually designed themes to show the work and activities of those taking part. Visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite tree. Trees have been donated and supplied by Christie Elite of Forres and Hopeman Christmas Trees.
Reverend Dr Hamilton Inbadas, Priest at St John’s, is inviting local communities to visit these two events saying: “This is a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit and find those special gifts. Come and sample mulled apple juice or hot chocolate while perusing the quality gifts, crafts, cards and decorations made by the St John’s sewing group. Preserves, chutneys and Christmas baking are also on offer.”
The event takes place in the church and church garden over this weekend, 7 to 9 December. There is also a special appearance by Anderson’s Primary School choir at 1.45 today.
The Christmas tree festival is in the church today 12 – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm, and Sunday 12 – 5pm.
The Christmas Fair is in the garden tomorrow, Saturday 8 December 10am – 4pm.
More information available from clergy@stjohnsforres.org.uk
Those more interested in events linked to current affairs, and concerned about David Attembourgh’s stark warning to world leaders about the potential impact of climate change at the UN talks in Poland, might want to consider another Findhorn event.
Concerned community campaigners and political activists will gather for a participative evening of ideas sharing and discussion about the many, complementary approaches we can take in our efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change. The organisers are looking forward to hearing about a full range of approaches, including environmentally-friendly personal choices, political engagement, community-based activity, protest marches and joyful dances.
The event will run from 7.15pm to 8.45pm tonight,Friday 7 December, in the Sunshine Room, East Whins, The Park, Findhorn, and feature special guest, Green MSP for Highlands & Islands John Finnie.
More information available on https://greens.scot/highlands-and-islands