Group enjoy fun tour of city art

ARTIST LEADS TOUR OF MASSIVE MASTERPIECES

A GROUP of over 55s took a walking tour with a difference around the city centre.

Graphic designer and spray can artist Sam Grubb led a tour of murals and graffiti installations that were created by artists from all over the world during the recent Bring the Paint festival.

The walking tour was part of First Time for Everything, a programme designed 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 who are older or less mobile, the opportunity to try something new for free in their community, and to be social and active.

Hugh Lord, from Leicester, attended the art tour. He said: “I really enjoyed it. It gave me a new way of thinking about graffiti, and I realised the artwork and talent involved.”

Mary Cufflin, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Leicester, said: “We had a fabulous morning learning all about the art of graffiti.

“Sam Grubb gave an incredible, insightful and funny tour of Leicester city centre’s amazing array of graffiti art. We have lots more sessions planned this year for people to enjoy and are grateful for the continued support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery who make these events possible.

“They mean so much to the people taking part.”

The First Time for Everything programme launched in 2017. Since then, and thanks to support from

Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, more than 700 First Time for Everything events have taken place across Great Britain.

More than 10,000 people have tried activities like hot yoga, group singing, open water swimming, forage walking, chocolate making and line dancing.

For those unable to get out and about to First Time for Everything activities, RVS has designed the Virtual Village Hall, an online activity hub and community.

It helps people stay physically and mentally active, connected and having fun.

From crafts to Zumba, singing to meditation, there are more than 800 sessions available to view ondemand, with new content added regularly.

Sessions are live-streamed daily on Facebook. Search @VirtualVillageHall.

Upcoming activities in Leicester include a Men’s Yoga class at Space to Breathe Yoga on July 18, from 11am to 1pm. For more information, call Mary Cufflin on 07771 641113, or email: