Sorry to always take so long to update this wee forum.  It’s just been very busy around here, lately.  As you can see by the calendar, there’s something happening around here most days.  There are exciting moves afoot in the recovery community.  There is a new craft group (though it needs a name – ideas on the back of a postcard, or in the comments section below) meeting on a Tuesday afternoon.

Obviously, the Links Market is in town this week, so the town is buzzing and an exciting place to be! I hope all of the local families have made their ways down there and have tried out the new log flume, despite the rain and freezing temperatures!  If you haven’t made your way down, go and show the shows some love, spend a wee bitty cash, and make sure the livelihoods of all of the lovely show-families are supported and they keep coming back.

There were some exciting bits of news passed along at the GESTRA meeting tonight.  It appears that a few residents and groups in the area are hoping to put on a street party/garden party up near Overton Mains Community Centre.  Once more details come to light, you’ll find them here!

A few other points: Please welcome the YWCA to the neighbourhood.  They have moved into Overton Community Centre in the day times, and Veronica Halls in the evenings for Fife Young Carers and one of their young ladies’ groups.  Please contact Rachael O’Byrne [Rachael{at}ywcascotland{dot}org] if you are a young woman, girl, or have one you love who is looking for things to do and ways to be empowered. (please insert appropriate punctuation as above)

As always, if you’ve any questions, please let me know by dropping an e-mail or by dropping a wee comment below.

Hope this finds you safe and well.  (Maybe this is the start of a new blogging regularity?)

~~Shanana

Just a wee not to say that the 191 Blog is back up and running. Hopefully, this will be a source of things to do and that are going on in the Gallatown, Sinclairton, and East Kirkcaldy. If you have information you would like to have posted up here, pass it along to me and I’ll paste it up here. Tell your friends, family, etc.

If you’ve got ideas for information you’d like to see on this blog, let me know – I’m happy to have guest posters helping keep the great public knowing how great this neighbourhood can be!

-Shanana

Thursday, 16th June

GESTRA (Gallaton East and Sinclairton Tenants and Residents Association – see the link on the side of the page) is having their monthly meeting.  If you are a resident and want to see what it’s all about, come along at 6:30pm to 191 St. Clair Street (Kirkcaldy Free Church) and listen in and have your say.  It looks like it will be a good meeting, and the more the merrier!  Teas, coffee, and biscuits provided.

Saturday, 18th June

St. Andrews High School will be hosting its annual fun day.  This event is open to the public.  Looks like there are prizes to win, games to play (including a climbing wall and 5-a-side football), and food to eat.  Or just go and soak up the atmosphere…

Saturday, 18th June

Book Sale!!!!  The annual ex-lending stock sale from the Kirkcaldy Libraries is happening from 9:30am-12pm at the Adam Smith Theatre.  Get there early, bag a bargain!  Looks like there will be every genre and age-range catered for.

Saturday, 18 June til September

There is a new exhibit opening at the Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery all about animals (including a unicorn horn, apparently….).  It is aimed at all ages, including dress-up and games.  Worth a look.  As always, these exhibits are free.

Sunday, 19 June

Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Earl of Bothwell are being revivified for a barbecue in Ravenscraig Park, starting at 2pm!  It promises to be fun for everyone, with guided tours of Ravenscraig Castle – including the bits that are usually locked – and craft and weapon demonstrations from Medieval Methil.  £3 for adults, £1.50 for kids under 12 (bargain!!!).  Info: Ann Waters (01592) 266 361

All Week, June 13-18

It’s Forth Road Bridge Open Week.  Yes, the idea was new to me, too, but it looks like there are some pretty cool things on offer, if you can get yourself over to the Bridge, especially on the Saturday.  Maybe worth a wee carpool or bus ride to FerryToll? have a look at the events here.

So I guess all that’s left to say is get out there and do something!

-Shanana

If the weather goes horribly worng, then we’ll meet back up at the church instead, again at 10am, to have an indoor picnic.

Either way, it should be great!

If you are unsure of where to go, contact shanana  - communitywork@kirkcaldyfreechurch.co.uk – or leave a comment below and she’ll keep you right.

-Shanana

Are you looking for support?  Are you looking to support others?

If you answered yes to any or all of the above, please take 10 minutes to fill out this survey.  There is a group looking to see if there is any support for the idea for a service-user-led cafe/activity/social gathering/whatever they want to make of it in Fife.  In order to see if there is any demand for this, the Fife Drugs Forum need people to respond to the survey.

In a previous post, I had mentioned that something exciting in the world of Recovery was brewing here in Fife.  This survey is the first step into hopefully implementing that idea.  And we need your help!

Have a look, and please pass on the link to your friends, or anyone you know in any area of Fife who may be interested in support for those in recovery of substance misuse, or are in recovery themselves.

Thanks so much!

-Shanana

So, here are a few options I’ve gleaned after careful collecting:

Saturday Cafe

It’s Saturday, so the Cafe at 191 is on, as always.  Free, fun, and full of life, it’s not to be missed! (10-noon)

Fife Ramblers

They’re going to Peebles to see Glen Sax and walk the circular route.  Lifts are provided and if you want more information, speak to Brian – 01592 784 553.  Should be good!

The Beach

Head down to Ravenscraig with a picnic, or wander along the Coastal Trail to the tower at Seafield!  With the weather being so glorious and the tides being favourable, it’s a wonderful, free way to spend an afternoon or a day for anyone of any age.  Say hello to the friendly seals if you see them!

Advance notice of Art workshops

Want to try your hand at something creative?  Not sure you want to invest the money for all of the lessons and materials required to be an artist?  There are 116 places for FREE art sessions in May throughout Fife.  If you want to book a place, phone 01592 583213.  (Call sooner to reserve your place)

There is NO Breastfeeding Cafe on Monday, however.  They are taking the week off and enjoying the bank holiday, too.

St. Clair Street Toddlers IS happening on Thursday May 5th, though.  Not all schools are being used as polling places, so we’re going ahead like normal.

(Completely out of the area, but if you’ve got  few pennies to spend, I HIGHLY recommend seeing “The One Man Star Wars Trilogy” in Glenrothes at Rothes Halls on Thursday, 5 May.  I saw this show a couple of years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe and have never had so much fun in my life.  100% family safe.)

-Shanana

Introduction to Play Work is to help you access higher learning/training/employment opportunities in children’s work (nursery/early primary ages).

Introduction to Youth Work Skills does the same, but is aimed for slightly older children (primary/secondary ages) and includes games and activity ideas.

Intermediate Youth Work Skills is for people who have already completed the Introductory course and includes things like drug and alcohol misuse, sexual health, and how to deal with challenging behaviour.

The second two courses are excellent for anyone thinking about starting up a youth club, or for clubs who want to send their members on a bit of extra training.

They are all free, 10 weeks, and happening at Templehall Community Centre.  They will take place on Thursdays, from 28 April.  Phone Leah or Aisha for information or to book a place – 01592 583 363.

-Shanana

So, if you’re 50 years old or thereabouts or over and live around Gallatown or Sinclairtown, you are warmly welcomed to our re-jigged, better-than-ever Over-50′s Easter Celebration!

For all the local Bunnies (click on the picture for full size)

If you’re under 50 but would like to help us prepare a simple high tea, then let me know and we’ll get you on board.

Happy Spring!

-Shanana

Of course there are things to do!  Kirkcaldy may be small, but it’s always heaving with things to do.  Don’t believe me?  Have a look-see!

So, if you have small ones, there’s always our St. Clair Street Toddlers -Thursdays, 9:30am-11am.  Healthy snacks, good fun, plenty of toys, a sing song and lovely parents make it a grea morning.  Free for all parents and pre-school aged children.

Maybe seeing a difference in your community is more your thing?  What about coming along to the Gallatown East and Sinclairton Tennents and Residents Association.  Thursday evening, 6:30pm at 191.  They’re always looking for new people to show interest and to find out what things people want to see happening in the area.  Here’s a great chance to have your opinions aired and be taken seriously!

If you’re feeling a bit peckish and want some new walls to look at, come along to the Saturday Cafe, 10am-noon on Saturday, as the name suggests.  Home Baking.  Teas.  Coffees.  Juice.  Friendly faces.  Everything’s Free.  What more could you possibly want in life?

For the politically-minded of you, hustings for the upcoming MSP elections are taking place at Newcraigs Evangelical Church, Forres Drive, 7pm Thursday evening.  Come ask questions, catch anyone trying to not answer questions, and make up your mind about who to vote for.

There’s some (free!) Easter festivities happening at the Strathearn Hotel (Wishart Place) from noon-7pm on Easter Sunday – egg hunts, face painting, and a bouncy castle!  How much fun does that sound – just bring yourself and your family!

For those who have a couple of pounds to spend, I highly recommend the Easter celebrations at the Ecology Centre (Kinghorn – on the 7 Bus route, 11am-2pm).   There will be games, egg decorating, paper crafts, quiz and a prize draw for an Easter prize!  £2.50 per person.

Not to mention our own John Johnstone will be preaching a doozie of a sermon about Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday, for anyone who wants to celebrate Easter the old fashioned (and my favourite) way.  11am, Sunday morning.  Bring friends and invite anyone who you may not have had the chance to before.  As with every Sunday, there will be coffee, tea, and home baking to enjoy with friends and time to make new ones!!

Whew, all that, and in one weekend!  Who says nothing ever happens here?

-Shanana

E-mail Shanana to say if you’re bringing a pudding, main, salad, or juice.

Thanks!

-Shanana