Dip into project that helps keep skills alive
Traditional SWI focus
Blairgowrie’s Scottish Women’s Institute group has launched a scheme to allow members to share their traditional talents and skills with local youngsters.
The project is one of three in the region, along with one in Kinross and one in Perth, which was set up as part of the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People in 2018.
The initiative, known as Junior Dippers – named after the bird and because the children can ‘dip in and out’ of activities and skills – is run by volunteers and helpers from the local SWI groups in the area.
This is the first time it has been tried in Blairgowrie.
It is free and open to boys and girls aged from six to 12 years old.
It takes place in the Adult Resource Centre on Jessie Street in Blairgowrie on the second Saturday of every month from 10am to noon.
Youngsters can try out arts and crafts and enjoy juice and biscuits.
Christine Fleming is one of the organisers of the new sessions.
She said: “The Junior Dippers was started to give young people a chance to try different crafts and also keep traditional crafts going.
“We like to include basic sewing, knitting and crochet as part of the class for those who would like to try them, along with a variety of other crafts on the second Saturday of every month.
“This is free to boys and girls between ages of six to 12 years.
“We’ve run a couple of sessions so far and it has proved to be very popular.
“The aim is for the boys and girls to have fun, enjoy themselves and learn different skills.
“And in the future they may choose to become members of the SWI organisation.”
The next session takes place on Saturday, December 10.
For more information see the ‘Blairgowrie Junior Dippers’ Facebook page or contact Christine on christinefleming@hotmail.co.uk