Sometimes we misplace our reflections or they can take some time to surface. This reflection from last year seemed timely since we have so many wonderful events happening and workshops running in partnership with Moray Resource Centre. The space is so important to us for group meetings but it is the sense of welcome we wanted to celebrate in this reflection.
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Reflection of Moray Resource Centre, Elgin. – Open Day on 22nd May 2016
When I arrived I met Kenny a member of the staff of the MRC, who is a very pleasant man. I had asked about the music room as there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing from it. They hold Music Nights on a Monday night where everyone who attends has lots of fun, which I know from attending courses
with the Hub on a Monday night. I was advised by Mo to have a look around and have a cup of tea.
There were a lot of people who attend the centre, and a lot of dignitaries whom I did not know and did not inquire about.
Sitting having tea and cake I became aware of the artwork on the wall, that I have seen on various occasions while at the centre, but today I was aware of the Standing Stones which was created in acrylics and the picture of the Cathedral which were both created by the same lady whom I spoke to but never thought to ask her name.
I then noticed the Scottish Terrier dog, which was painted by a lady who is losing her sight, and my heart soared, for someone to create such work and be unable to see clearly what had been created was beautiful. These pictures are created by people with disabilities and still, they all manage to change their lives and others through the work they create when they paint.
I sat for what seemed a long time, looking and these and the photographs next to them, there was a gentleman in the area along from the tables, that we use when in the centre, which seemed to be a place for mending chairs and other items in the centre. They have an Art teacher who creates change and helps everyone who has never painted in any of the mediums in paint, to have confidence to at least try which I found comforting; as a young girl I had a grandmother who was blind and could knit socks and knew how to turn the heel with three knitting pins which used to amaze me.
It finally hit me that though we all have some disabilities and challenges – whether it be mental health, unable to walk, see, hear, speak – we are all the same in how we challenge ourselves to be the best we can be in a world that is constantly changing. I came home feeling honoured, that I was able to spend the day with the people who attend to the Moray Resource Centre along with the staff, I thank them for allowing me to be part of their day.
