Pick up your paintbrush - Forres needs you

VOLUNTEERS are being asked to help a local group by picking up their paintbrushes to help paint the town red..or whatever the colour of the day is.

In fact they will be painting the railings in Grant Park, to help Forres in Bloom with their 2012 champion of Champions floral event.

The painting on Sunday, July 1 has been organised by local members of SGI-UK - part of Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organisation.

They are inviting people to join them on Sunday, July 1 anytime between 1 and 6pm for the painting event.

The volunteering event, is being held in support of the national Year of Service project, which encourages faith communities to support their local areas by volunteering in some practical, valuable way within their local community.

They are encouraged to invite people of other faiths, as well as those without religious beliefs to join them as a way of marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and appreciating Her Majesty’s commitment to service during her extraordinary reign.

“Due to Forres in Bloom’s inspiring example of tireless commitment in supporting our local town, members of SGI had no hesitation in choosing them as our charity to support at this time of celebration,” said local SGI member Janet Rodriguez, who met chairperson Sandra McLennan, to discuss the possibility of volunteering and to find out what would be the most valuable way of contributing help.

“Painting the railings around Grant Park is a job that has been required for several years now,” explained Sandra.

She said that anyone who has walked to the park, wouldn’t dispute that a coat of paint on the railings will further enhance the town’s beautiful park, increasing its reputation as one of the most attractive towns in Scotland, and preparing it further for the annual awards competition, as well as the European Pipe Band Championships due to take place in Grant Park from 2013.

“This project seeks to encourage pride in our beautiful town through people of all ages, faith or no faith, joining together and working in partnership to have a fun, valuable day in our community,” said Mrs Rodriguez.

If possible, volunteers are asked to bring a suitable paintbrush if they have one. Drinks will be provided, as well as disposable gloves, and bags for taking brushes home.

Please contact Janet Rodriguez on 01343 835859 mobile 07919 955837 or email janetrodriguez4@yahoo.co.uk if you have any queries, or just come along to Grant Park on the day.