Latest news with #LauraChow
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Local over 55s try Mandala Painting For the first time
A group of over 55s from Elgin tried their hand at Mandala Painting last week for the first time at a fun, free craft workshop at Roseisle Hall in Moray. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The free event was part of First Time for Everything,a community programmedesigned by Royal Voluntary Service to support physical and mental health and wellbeing. Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, First Time for Everything gives people, particularly those that are older or less mobile, the opportunity to try something new for free in their local community, and to be social and active. Sharon Finlay, Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator for Moray, introduced participants to the art of Mandala Painting. A mandala is a geometric design with deep symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Making Mandala art is often used as a way to meditate and practice mindfulness. Participants learnt the basics, and made their own designs to take home. They also enjoyed free light refreshments afterwards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The First Time for Everything programme launched in 2017. Since then, and with support from Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, over 1,000 First Time for Everything events have taken place across Great Britain. More than 15,200 people have come along to date to try new activities like hot yoga, group singing, open water swimming, forage walking, chocolate making and line dancing. According to a recent participant survey, 97% of respondents said they felt happier after attending a First Time for Everything event and 93% felt more connected to their local community. A group of participants working on their painting Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People's Postcode Lottery, said: 'Being active, getting out and about and feeling part of the local community are important for health and wellbeing, no matter what our age, ability or circumstances. With generous support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, 'First Time for Everything' brings local people together to try something new, to meet new people and have fun.' One participant, Polly Atkinson from Burghead said:'I was very nervous about coming to the workshop as it was my first time attending but everyone was so friendly and kind that I soon felt welcome. I enjoyed the Mandala painting and look forward to attending more activities especially in the winter months. I am my husband's carer and it is good to get out and meet and hopefully make new friends.' Frances Whyte from Hopeman said: 'The afternoon was really enjoyable and relaxing. It was great to spend time doing a creative activity which I found very mindful. Opportunities to socialise can sometimes be difficult to find and spending time chatting with other ladies in a relaxing environment is a real pleasure. These RVS sessions reduce/prevent feelings of isolation. Sharon had planned for the whole session with a friendly welcome, thorough instructions with pre-prepared examples and regular encouragement making everyone feel included. I hope these sessions will continue as they are really appreciated.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Morag Lyons from Roseisle said: 'I cannot stress enough how much I enjoy these events. Not only do I get to try things I'd never get the opportunity to otherwise, more importantly I get the chance to meet new people and make friends which is difficult in a rural community such as ours. I wouldn't be overstating it to say that they give me a huge boost, and I look forward to each event very much. kindest regards' One of the completed paintings Sharon Finlay, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Moray, says: 'Thanks to the generous support of players of People's Postcode Lottery, we have all sorts of exciting First Time for Everything activities for local people to try this year. Participants tell us how much they enjoy trying something new and chatting with new people at these events – they really do make a difference to people's lives.' To register for a place at First Time for Everything events or for more information, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator, Sharon Finlay, by email: Booking for all events is essential as places are limited. For those unable to get out and about to First Time for Everything activities in person, Royal Voluntary Service has designed the Virtual Village Hall. The Virtual Village Hall is a free, online activity hub and community that helps people stay physically and mentally active, socially connected and having fun. It helps people to better manage their health, including long-term health conditions. Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, the Virtual Village Hall offers live online activity sessions every weekday on Facebook and YouTube, from exercise and dance, yoga and meditation to crafts, interesting speakers, creative writing and cooking. There's an extensive archive on YouTube too with more than 3,000 free activity sessions to try, plus shorter- bite-sized activities on TikTok and Instagram. It is free to join and anyone can take part with no sign in or subscription required. Where activities require equipment, ingredients or materials, these are low-cost and easy to source. To find and take part in the Virtual Village Hall, search @VirtualVillageHall. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain's largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting the NHS, adult social care and thousands of vulnerable people in the community. The charity also works in local communities running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport. To find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service, visit To make a donation to support the charity's work, visit:
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Over-55s invited to get active on free walking tour in Moray
Moray's over 55s are invited to attend a fun, free Walking History Tour of Elgin's High Street and Closes. The walk will start from the Elgin Cathedral Gates, King Street, Elgin IV30 1HU on Wednesday, August 13 at 6pm. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The free tour is part of First Time for Everything,a community health and well-being programmedesigned by Royal Voluntary Service. First Time for Everything is supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery and gives people opportunities to try something new for free, to socialise and be active, particularly those that might be older or less mobile. The tour will be led by Lynda Dean from Elgin Ghost Tours, who will guide participants through the intriguing places, people and events of Elgin's past. There will also be some light refreshments afterwards. Participants are encouraged to please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some of the tour is over uneven ground and will take around an hour, so unfortunately may not be suitable for less mobile people. Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People's Postcode Lottery, said:'Being active, getting out and about and feeling part of the local community are important for health and wellbeing, no matter what our age, ability or circumstances. With generous support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, 'First Time for Everything' brings local people together to try something new, to meet new people and have fun.' To register for the Walking Tour or other First Time for Everything events, or for more information, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator, Sharon Finlay, by email: [email protected]. Booking for all events is essential as places are limited. For those unable to get out and about to First Time for Everything activities in person, Royal Voluntary Service has designed the Virtual Village Hall. The Virtual Village Hall is a free, online activity hub and community that helps people stay physically and mentally active, socially connected and having fun. It helps people to better manage their health, including long-term health conditions. Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, the Virtual Village Hall offers live online activity sessions every weekday on Facebook and YouTube, from exercise and dance, yoga and meditation to crafts, interesting speakers, creative writing and cooking. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There's an extensive archive on YouTube, too with more than 2,500 free activity sessions to try. It is free to join, and anyone can take part with no sign-in or subscription required. Where activities require equipment, ingredients or materials, these are low-cost and easy to source. To find and take part in the Virtual Village Hall, search @VirtualVillageHall. Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain's largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting the NHS, adult social care and thousands of vulnerable people in the community. The charity also works in local communities, running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport. To find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service, visit
South Wales Guardian
05-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Conservationists abseil into 60-metre gorge to tackle invasive plant species
Rope access specialists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) dealt with invasive plants which had grown in crags in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross. The gravity-defying feat is part of efforts to tackle invasive non-native species (INNS), including Japanese knotweed and rhododendron ponticum, under NTS's new Plan for Nature, which identified it as the main driver of nature loss in Scotland. Property and conservation staff surveyed the gorge, identifying sites where invasive plants had established themselves on the cliff sides before applying a targeted dose of herbicide. The project aims to protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitats. NTS plans to remove the six most troublesome non-native invasive plants from its estate: rhododendron ponticum, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, salmonberry, skunk cabbages and New Zealand broadleaf, and to gradually remove non-native invasive shrubs where they are protecting gardens from coastal spray. It will also review emerging invasive species, targeting those which are most invasive and have the highest ecological impact. Rob Dewar, the trust's INNS project officer, said: 'Our work at Corrieshalloch is part of our ongoing nature conservation to remove invasive non-native species and demonstrates the extreme lengths we go to, to protect the places in our care. 'These gravity-defying feats are undertaken by our rope access specialists who support our conservation efforts in these hard-to-reach places where these species can quickly establish themselves, like on the vertiginous sides of the gorge. 'The INNS work is focused on eradicating invasive non-native plants, including Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage and rhododendron ponticum. 'The work helps to tackle these species and protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitat to safeguard the biodiversity of Scotland's wild landscapes. 'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at this special place for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.' Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported NTS's Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefited from £900,000 last year, and have raised more than £3.4 million since 2014 to support the charity. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight national nature reserves cared for by the trust. Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: 'Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be delighted to know they are supporting the important work of NTS to protect the biodiversity of our beautiful landscapes. 'Tackling invasive non-native species is vital to ensure the survival of our native plant-life by protecting the natural habitats in which they thrive.'
Leader Live
05-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Conservationists abseil into 60-metre gorge to tackle invasive plant species
Rope access specialists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) dealt with invasive plants which had grown in crags in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross. The gravity-defying feat is part of efforts to tackle invasive non-native species (INNS), including Japanese knotweed and rhododendron ponticum, under NTS's new Plan for Nature, which identified it as the main driver of nature loss in Scotland. Property and conservation staff surveyed the gorge, identifying sites where invasive plants had established themselves on the cliff sides before applying a targeted dose of herbicide. The project aims to protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitats. NTS plans to remove the six most troublesome non-native invasive plants from its estate: rhododendron ponticum, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, salmonberry, skunk cabbages and New Zealand broadleaf, and to gradually remove non-native invasive shrubs where they are protecting gardens from coastal spray. It will also review emerging invasive species, targeting those which are most invasive and have the highest ecological impact. Rob Dewar, the trust's INNS project officer, said: 'Our work at Corrieshalloch is part of our ongoing nature conservation to remove invasive non-native species and demonstrates the extreme lengths we go to, to protect the places in our care. 'These gravity-defying feats are undertaken by our rope access specialists who support our conservation efforts in these hard-to-reach places where these species can quickly establish themselves, like on the vertiginous sides of the gorge. 'The INNS work is focused on eradicating invasive non-native plants, including Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage and rhododendron ponticum. 'The work helps to tackle these species and protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitat to safeguard the biodiversity of Scotland's wild landscapes. 'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at this special place for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.' Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported NTS's Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefited from £900,000 last year, and have raised more than £3.4 million since 2014 to support the charity. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight national nature reserves cared for by the trust. Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: 'Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be delighted to know they are supporting the important work of NTS to protect the biodiversity of our beautiful landscapes. 'Tackling invasive non-native species is vital to ensure the survival of our native plant-life by protecting the natural habitats in which they thrive.'
Powys County Times
05-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Conservationists abseil into 60-metre gorge to tackle invasive plant species
Conservationists have abseiled down a 60-metre gorge in the Highlands to tackle invasive species such as Japanese knotweed in a bid to protect biodiversity in Scotland. Rope access specialists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) dealt with invasive plants which had grown in crags in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross. The gravity-defying feat is part of efforts to tackle invasive non-native species (INNS), including Japanese knotweed and rhododendron ponticum, under NTS's new Plan for Nature, which identified it as the main driver of nature loss in Scotland. Property and conservation staff surveyed the gorge, identifying sites where invasive plants had established themselves on the cliff sides before applying a targeted dose of herbicide. The project aims to protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitats. NTS plans to remove the six most troublesome non-native invasive plants from its estate: rhododendron ponticum, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, salmonberry, skunk cabbages and New Zealand broadleaf, and to gradually remove non-native invasive shrubs where they are protecting gardens from coastal spray. It will also review emerging invasive species, targeting those which are most invasive and have the highest ecological impact. Rob Dewar, the trust's INNS project officer, said: 'Our work at Corrieshalloch is part of our ongoing nature conservation to remove invasive non-native species and demonstrates the extreme lengths we go to, to protect the places in our care. 'These gravity-defying feats are undertaken by our rope access specialists who support our conservation efforts in these hard-to-reach places where these species can quickly establish themselves, like on the vertiginous sides of the gorge. 'The INNS work is focused on eradicating invasive non-native plants, including Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage and rhododendron ponticum. 'The work helps to tackle these species and protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitat to safeguard the biodiversity of Scotland's wild landscapes. 'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at this special place for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.' Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported NTS's Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefited from £900,000 last year, and have raised more than £3.4 million since 2014 to support the charity. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight national nature reserves cared for by the trust. Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: 'Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be delighted to know they are supporting the important work of NTS to protect the biodiversity of our beautiful landscapes. 'Tackling invasive non-native species is vital to ensure the survival of our native plant-life by protecting the natural habitats in which they thrive.'
