Banff Vinery’s carnival event celebrates community hub’s anniversary
A community hub that helps people facing challenges in their lives has celebrated its anniversary.
The Vinery in Banff assists individuals with the aim of reducing poverty, inequality, rural disadvantage and enabling inclusive growth.
Grow@The Vinery is based around delivering training, learning, and wellbeing for a wide variety of community members.
There is a particular emphasis on school-leavers with no positive destination in mind, people seeking employment or a change of career, and individuals experiencing challenges to living well including poor mental health, long-term mental and physical health conditions, poverty (including in-work poverty), loneliness, and isolation.
Its mission is to be a positive, dynamic space that generates a sense of hope and pride in the local community.
It recently celebrated two years since it opened its doors in the heart of the town at Airlie Gardens.
A carnival event was held which featured a wide variety of activities and community groups.
The bicentenary of General José de San Martín’s visit to Banff was also marked as part of a number of events that saw the link between the town and Argentina celebrated.
Project lead Clare Bancroft said: “It was such a joyous day celebrating our birthday.
“We were also able to commemorate the bicentenary of General José de San Martín’s visit to Banff.
“More than 30 organisations supported our day and we're truly grateful to each and every one of them for attending.
“Also a massive thank you to our volunteers who helped out at the event and made everything possible.”
Organisations that were involved with the event included the Let’s Dance group, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Forge, Friends of Duff House, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, and Friends of Tarlair.
The Vinery is managed by Aberdeen Foyer and the community space provides opportunities for adults, children, young people, and families to take part in activities.
Increasing employability skills, digital skills, learning opportunities, accredited training and work experience are all key aspects of The Vinery’s vision.
The Vinery and garden provide both indoor and outdoor space for growing and gardening opportunities.
This ranges from planting seeds to harvesting fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits and herbs.
The open-plan kitchen space and café area provide opportunities for community learning, cooking and workshops and the activities make good use of the fresh produce to create healthy nutritious foods.
