NFA Community 

Keeping you up to date on what is happening within the community 

Corona Virus / Covid – 19 Virus

Government Guidance On Staying At Home and Away From Others:

Below is the following information :

Announcements – Relevant Findhorn Foundation Community and local area developments

Caring community Support – Community Support and info

Positive response – Positive responses to the current situation

Announcements

Relevant Findhorn Foundation Community and local area developments

22/03/21

1/ Next steps in Easing of Covid Restrictions.

11/03/21

Lockdown update

Dear Friends,

We are grateful to Marc Zozaya for this summary of the most recent changes in the Government guidelines, including groups of 4 adults (from 2 households) being able to meet together, from Friday onwards.

Things are opening up slowly, but they are now starting to open up again.

With love. In Community
David

A firmer updated timeline for exit from lockdown will occur next week.

This coming Friday 12 March
Up to 4 adults from up to 2 households can meet outdoors – you should still stay as close to home as possible. In addition there will be guidance that will make clear that this will allow for social and recreational purposes, as well as essential exercise
Meeting will be possible in any outdoor space, including private gardens.

But please, do stick to the new rules. Gatherings must be a maximum of 4 people, from 2 households. And you should only go indoors if that is essential in order to reach a back garden, or to use a toilet

Adults can take part in outdoor non-contact sport and organised group exercise in groups of up to 15 people

Continue to stay as close to home as possible

Do not meet people from other households indoors yet

Continue to follow the FACTS advice when we are out and about (Face coverings, Avoid crowded places, Clean your hands regularly, Two metres distance, Self isolate and book a test if you have symptoms)

Young people aged 12 – 17
Can meet outdoors in groups of up to 4 people from 4 different households
Take part in non-contact sports and other organised activities in groups of up to 15 people – and travel across local council boundaries to take part in these activities
26 March
Planning to allow communal worship to restart with up to 50 people, while maintaining physical distance – but this will depend on levels of the virus.
Here is a link to a transcription

05/01/21

Moray Health and Wellbeing Forum 

Feeling lonely or isolated, have financial worries? click below to see your local helpers.

Here

Nature and Main Sanctuaries will be closed

09/12/20

Compost project in winter sleep –
please use your brown bin!

The compost project in The Park has been a huge success in 2020. More
and more people have been bringing their food waste!
So much so that the nine (!) hotbins we have are not enough to cope with
the current amounts of food waste. Especially in winter! Because the
composting process slows down considerably during the colder months.
Since the bins fill up so quickly I need to part-empty them almost every
week. This means the food waste is half composted and emptying becomes
a very smelly job.
Buying more hotbins is not sustainable for me. I have not been able to find
help that stays longer term, so it’s been mostly up to me.
I have come to the conclusion that I need to give the bins (and myself…) a
rest over winter, do a big clearout in spring and then reassess in March.
My request is to stop bringing your food waste from now on and to start
using your brown bin again. Using the brown bin for food waste is free.
Also, please don't use the green normal compost bins on the site.
Thank you for your support!
With love, Eveline Rodenburg

07/10/20

BOUTIQUE SHED OPENING

14/09/20

September Community Meeting  – Continuing the listening

Wednesday Night Sacred Dance – Announcement 

As the Covid 19 situation is ever changing we have decided to move Wednesday Sacred Dance to Saturday mornings for the next few weeks and ask if you d like to join please connect with us before at  

Government Covid 19 Legislation Public Consultation

Dear Friends

We would like to share with you two important opportunities to get your voice heard – nationally and locally:

– A Government Public Consultation – concerning proposed legislation for
providing Covid19 vaccines (see below).

– A reminder of Tuesday evening’s further opportunity to share your
experiences of the last 6 months, building on the experience of September’s
Community Meeting.

Government Covid 19 Legislation Public Consultation

Many of you may not be aware that the Government has created consultation documents relating to plans around potential vaccination legislation. We are greatful to a Community member for bringing this to our attention

They have put these on a public website to allow the general public to comment on the legislation, but many feel that they have neither particularly advertised this, nor given us enough context to help us understand what their thinking behind it is.

If you were not aware of this opportunity, and wish to have your voice heard, you can access the survey at this LINK (Click on the photo and then look for the blue ‘response online’ to go to the right place to share your views.)

The Council believes that there is merit for as many of us as possible to fill in their response to this proposal, as would like to. The government needs to know where we each stand on this proposal. Please note that the response deadline is Friday 18th September.

This is a public consultation, so please feel free to share the link with anyone else that you think might be interested in sending in their responses.

Updated 08/09/20

There will be no NFA Sunday Brunch in October 

Updated – 31/08/20

Main Sanctuary Now open

Main Sanctuary Protocol 

• The Sanctuary is open to focalised groups and individuals consisting of FF Coworkers, Guests, and Community members. It will be kept locked for the time being.

• In observance of the current physical distancing guidelines for indoor public spaces there is a limit of 14 people maximum in the Sanctuary and a limit of 4 in the shoe area at any one time to maintain approximately 2 metres physical distance.

• Use hand sanitiser upon entry.

People will need to plan for and allow extra time to come and go because of these constraints. Hand sanitisers and wipes will be provided in the shoe room.

Temporary register:

• According to current guidelines, places of worship are asked to keep a temporary register of worshipper and staff/volunteer contact details for a period of 21 days for Test and Protect. This is to support contact tracing as part of NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system, in the event of an outbreak linked to a particular venue. Collecting contact details is voluntary, but cooperation with Test and Protect measures will be crucial to national efforts to suppress the virus.

There will be a sign-in sheet in the shoe area, consisting of:

• Names of individuals who enter the Sanctuary.

• Dates and times.

• After each meditation the filled-out sign-in sheet and checklist will be placed and secured in the locker in the shoe area.

• After the period of 21 days, all the sheets will be destroyed, if not requested by NHS Scotland.

• If data is shared with NHS Scotland on the basis of individuals being identified as at risk of being close contacts by the Test and Protect service, NHS Scotland may need to retain the data for longer than the 21 day period and will hold the data in line with NHS information governance processes.

Checklist:

The person holding the meditation and individuals going to the Sanctuary on their own shall:

• • Sign and ensure that everyone else signs and dates the register to track and trace, if needed.

• • Limit the number of people in the entry shoe area and sanctuary.

• • Ensure face coverings are worn (if more than 1 person). This is because of sharing space in an enclosed area.

• • Turn the meditation exterior red light on to indicate the limit has been reached and meditation is in progress.

• • After the meditation, wipe door handles, window handles (The doors can be left open during entry to minimize contact.)

• • Complete the protocol checklist, sign, and place it and the sign-in sheet in the locker in the shoe area.

• • Wipe keycode afterwards, if used

Measures to be implemented

• Windows can be opened to provide ventilation.

• The Sanctuary holder and anyone who would like to use the Sanctuary will be inducted/trained by the sanctuary focaliser or representative. They agree to use the checklist and sign in each time they use the Sanctuary.

• Designated seating in the sanctuary is clearly indicated.

• A laminated copy of the protocol checklist including maximum numbers and other guidelines is posted in the shoe/entry room.

• Upon arrival, each person signs in on the sheet provided in the shoe area to provide information for the hopefully unlikely event of a test, track and trace scenario.

• Uses hand sanitiser.

A review of all of the sanctuary protocols and Scottish guidelines will be done on an on-going basis.

updated  – 27/07/20

Forres and Kinloss – Covid 19 community food project

Furloughed? , Made redundant? Lost work? Struggling Finacially? Click here

07/07/20

Cluny News

Hi Everyone,

‘Minutes of the Covid Action Group meetings  – May 29th – June 18th’

12th-15th CAG Minutes – May 29th – June 18th inclusive

12th Meeting of the Covid Action Group

 29th May 12:30 – 14:00

Participants: David, Lorraine, Andrew (NFA), Lori (THA), Laura, Sue (CCC), Caroline, Marc (FF), Melissa (CYC), Marilyn Hamilton, Gail Shaw.

Location: Teleconference

1. INTRODUCTORY ROUND AND CHECK-IN

2. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Laura reported that the volunteers action group was reducing its services given reducing demand.

The on-call volunteer rota is ending, but requests can still be sent via the spreadsheet. 

Caroline Shaw will continue to “hold” the telephone service, to be used mainly for active listening. 

The town criers will reduce to once per week. 

The CCC thanked the Volunteer Action Group volunteers, the neighbourhood representatives, and will continue working with the ‘neighbourhood hub’ model.

3. LOCKDOWN CHANGES

The Collaboration Circle has established a working group, to set out the principles by which the community could move forward, in an integrated way, to ending the lockdown in line with the programme of the Scottish government. 

Melissa emphasised the need for us all to support the new rules of maximum eight people from maximum two households to get together. Also the continued need to respect social distancing rules. 

4. SIGNAGE

There was a lengthy discussion of the possibility of putting up a sign at the entrance to the Park, with a view to discouraging casual visitors. 

In practice the laundry and toilet block are also open as they are used by residents and Phoenix workers respectively. Apparently the toilets are also being used by external visitors. This is a risk factor. 

Mark indicated that the Foundation would prepare individual signs for all common buildings to indicate that they are closed to visitors until further notice. He will discuss with NFD and Phoenix to put a similar sign on the toilet/laundry block. 

Gail and Melissa raised the possibility of putting specific signs up in front of houses where vulnerable people stay. This was left to the discretion of each householder. 

5. FENCING OFF PLAYGROUND

Mark indicated the Foundation’s intention to fence off the area of the green with playground equipment for safety reasons. Melissa concurred that the playground equipment needs replacing. CYC and FF will discuss further. 

6.COVID TRACKING APP

Lorraine and David have prepared a standard letter, which they will send out to NFA members, inviting them to use the app. There will be a “soft” launch at the NFA monthly community meeting on 1 June.  The letter was shared with other organisations with a view to FF, CYC and CCC sending it out to their individual stakeholders. 

Next Meeting: Friday June 5th at 12:30pm

13th Meeting of the Covid Action Group

 5 June 12:30 – 13:45

Participants: David, Lorraine, Andrew (NFA), Laura, Sue (CCC), Marc (FF), Melissa (CYC), Gail, and Marilyn

Apologies:  Lori (THA), Caroline (FF)

Location: Teleconference

1. INTRODUCTORY ROUND AND CHECK-IN

2. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Laura reported that the volunteers action group now has a WhatsApp group with seven volunteers. Caroline Shaw will continue to “hold” the telephone service for incoming requests (five received in the last week). More volunteers welcome. 

The current CYC grant from HIE will end in July. CYC are looking for additional funding to support the children’s sanctuary.   

3. LOCKDOWN CHANGES

A Collaboration Circle working-group has created a draft document, distilling the basic principles by which the community could move forward through the phases, in an integrated way, and in line with the programme of the Scottish government. 

4. SIGNAGE

Plan to attach a banner underneath the large sign at the entrance to the Park, indicating that there are currently no public toilets available and no tours of the Park. Next to the Phoenix an additional sign with more details. 

The toilet block has been locked and the key is only available to Phoenix co-workers. The laundry remains open to regular Park users  

5. COVID TRACKING APP

Lorraine invited all CAG members to look at and give feedback on a standard letter intended for Community members inviting them to use the app. The aim is to use this letter to launch the app  more widely next week.   

Next Meeting: Thursday June 11th (note change of day) at 12:30pm

14th Meeting of the Covid Action Group

 11th June 12:30 – 14:00

Participants: David, Lorraine, Andrew (NFA), Lori (THA), Laura, Sue (CCC), Marc (FF), Melissa (CYC), Marilyn Hamilton

Apologies:  Caroline (FF), Gail

Location: Teleconference

1. INTRODUCTORY ROUND AND CHECK-IN

2. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

15th July has been  mooted in the Forres Gazette as a possible date for the reopening of the tourism sector. Shielding to be maintained to end-July. 

FACT considering how to respond beyond lockdown. It was felt that smaller groups were most effective and the group was focussing on some themes: food poverty; finance: community culture; mental health. 

Laura, Sue and Cornelia could be part of one of the groups and were reflecting on how to define the borders of the community that CCC should support.    

3. SIGNAGE

Text approved for signage to be placed at the entry to the park. Anna will create the visual images for the signs and Duneland has agreed to print up the signs. THA has offered to cover the cost.  

4. COVID TRACKING APP

Take-up of the App has been extremely low so far. She has revamped the invitation letter to encourage a dialogue with people who are reluctant to use it. It might be better if the tracking app were renamed a mapping app. Noted that people might respond if there is a confirmed case in the Community.   

5. EMERGING FROM LOCKDOWN

Draft document on principles that could guide us in emerging from lockdown was circulated. The CAG agreed that the document was “good to go” to the Collaboration 

6. NEXT MEETING: Thursday June 18th at 12 noon.

15th Meeting of the Covid Action Group

 18th June 12:30 – 14:00

Participants: David, Lorraine (NFA), Lori (THA), Laura, Sue (CCC), Marc (FF), Melissa (CYC), Gail,

Apologies:  Caroline (FF), Marilyn Hamilton, Andrew

Location: Teleconference

1. INTRODUCTORY ROUND AND CHECK-IN

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Laura outlined the significant changes as we move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.

VAG/CCC need to know how many households are shielding (who will have received a formal letter about continuing shielding until the end of July), in order to ensure that there is still adequate resourcing to support them.

Lori will send out a letter to all THA members, and people are asked to send information directly to Laura () , including address and number in the household.

Sue fed back on this week’s FACT meeting. Recognition of support for the mental wellbeing of those volunteers who have been supporting others during this pandemic. Sue is talking with Jo Smithson around provision of counselling and therapy, and exploring the possibility of applying for Lottery funding.

CYC – FAMILIES AND CHILDREN.

Melissa reported that June activities are now finished, and preparations are being made for a Summer Hub starting in the middle of July.

There is a tennis coach available for working with children, and Melissa is in negotiation with one of the Forres Tennis Club members around making this happen.

The website is still coming along nicely.

CYC is currently not facilitating gatherings.

4. FEEDBACK FROM THE FOUNDATION:

The Foundation is strictly following Government Guidelines on their land (e.g. the Village Green), but are not responsible for what people do in their own gardens.

A letter was sent out to their co-workers last week, updating them on the current situation.

They are preparing for a potential re-start of courses in October, including potential ‘hybridised courses’.

With regard to the Holiday Park, NFD are following Scottish Government Guidelines.

SIGNAGE

Signs for entrance and Village Green are now ready, and Melissa and Marc are liaising around putting them up. Gratitude to Anna and Duneland for their support in producing these.

COVID APP

So far, 28 people have registered.

PRINCIPLES

The draft principles (shared at last week’s minutes) have been amended, and circulated to Collaboration Circle members for further comment.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday June 25th at 12:15pm.

Agreed new starting time of 12:15pm.

01/07/20

Next Steps on the Scottish routemap (June 24th update)

(With gratitude to Marc Zozaya – FF Health and Safety)

Dear Friends,

This is an important update and summary of Nicola Sturgeon’s speech from this afternoon (Wednesday 24 June). She has outlined more specific projected dates for the easing measures in the coming weeks and months. This should be useful to help us inform our decisions and planning as we prepare for our next steps.

With love, Marc.

Indicative dates for amendments to current restrictions planned for the remainder of Phase 2 and early in Phase 3, to assist businesses, individuals and organisations to prepare.

Monday 29 June

•Indoor (non-office) workplaces resume once relevant guidance is implemented.

•Includes: factories, warehouses, labs and research facilities.

•Excludes: indoor workplaces due to open in Phase 3 (e.g. non-essential offices and call-centres).

•Street-access retail can re-open once guidance is implemented. Interiors of shopping centres/malls remain closed for non-essential shops until Phase 3.

•Outdoor markets can re-open once guidance is implemented.

•Relaxation on restrictions on housing moves.

•Outdoor sports courts can re-open.

•Playgrounds can re-open.

•Registration offices open for high priority tasks.

•Marriages & civil partnerships allowed with minimal attendees – outdoors only.

•Zoos and garden attractions can open for local access only (broadly within 5 miles) in this phase

Friday 3 July

•Travel distance restriction relaxed 

•Self-catering accommodation and second homes (without shared facilities) permitted 

Monday 6 July

•Outdoor hospitality (subject to physical distancing rules and public health advice) 

Phase 3

Friday 10 July

•People can meet in extended groups outdoors (with physical distancing)

•Households can meet indoors with up to a maximum of two other households (with physical distancing) 

Monday 13 July

•Organised outdoor contact sports can resume for children and young people (subject to guidance) 

•All dental practices begin to see registered patients for non-aerosol routine care. Work will begin to return aerosol generating procedures to practice safely 

•Increasing capacity within community optometry practices for emergency and essential eye care 

•Non-essential shops inside shopping centres can re-open (following guidance and with physical distancing) 

Wednesday 15 July

•All holiday accommodation permitted (following relevant guidance) 

•Indoor hospitality (subject to physical distancing rules and public health advice) 

•Hairdressers and barbers – with enhanced hygiene measures 

•Museums, galleries, cinemas, monuments, libraries – with physical distancing and other measures (e.g. ticketing in advance) 

•All childcare providers can open subject to individual provider arrangements 

Phase 3 – Advice on dates at 9 July Review (unlikely to be before 23 July)

•Non-essential offices and call centres can re-open following implementation of relevant guidance (including on physical distancing). Working from home and working flexibly remain the default

•Universities and colleges – phased return with blended model of remote learning and limited on campus learning where a priority. Public health measures (including physical distancing) in place.

•Places of worship can re-open for congregational services, communal prayer and contemplation with physical distancing and limited numbers

•Easing of restrictions on attendance at funerals, marriages, civil partnerships, with physical distancing (limited numbers).

Following will be subject to further public health advice:

•Live events (outdoors) – with physical distancing and restricted numbers.

•Live events (indoors) – with physical distancing and restricted numbers.

•Indoor gyms – with physical distancing.

•Other personal retail services – with enhanced hygiene measures.

•Other indoor entertainment venues (e.g. nightclubs, bingo, theatres, music venues).

Public services continue to scale up and re-open safely

Tuesday 11 August: 

•Schools should be preparing for children to be able to return to school full time in August (conditional upon ongoing scientific and health advice). This date may fall in Phase 3 or Phase 4, depending on broader progress. The blended model of schooling remains a contingency plan.

Shielding: 

•The changes set out here do not apply to people who have been advised to shield. Their advice is to continue to shield until 31 July, although outdoor exercise and meeting people from another household in groups of up to 8 people is allowed, provided people follow strict physical distancing. We will continue to review the evidence leading up to 31 July and will continue to refine the advice as and when clinicians recommend it. By 31 July we will have put in place a new approach to shielding that will support people to make more individual decisions based on an understanding of their own risk profile and what matters to them, rather than blanket advice for the whole population.

Marc Zozaya

Findhorn Foundation Health & Safety 

The Park, Findhorn, IV36 3TZ

mobile: 07927 804 796

30/06/20

Cluny news

Hi Everyone,

During Phase 2 in Cluny we can now have an invited guest in the Cluny Garden common area but we are only allowed one guest or family group at a time.  We have a calendar for Cluny residents to sign up to invite a guest for either a meeting or a visit.  If the invited guest needs to use a toilet we open the Pavillion for that purpose where we have a sanitization station set up.

17/06/20

C19 Tracking App Introduction

Introduction to Marks new c19 Tracking app – Click here

05/06/20

For latest information from Findhorn Foundation website about their response to the Covid-19 virus

please go to: https://www.findhorn.org/covid-19-response/

Govt guidance on meeting with others

Click here for Government leaflet

As we move through the different phases of ‘Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis’ (click here), there may be some degree of confusion, as we make the transition between the Phases. 

As our Community moves (with the rest of Scotland) into Phase 1, we are already hearing questions raised, particularly about what is and isn’t ok in terms of meeting up with others. 

The main changes (for further detail click here) that Phase 1 brings to meeting with others, are that we can now:

 – Meet up with one other household at a time

 – That this happens outdoors, with physical distancing  

    maintained

 – A maximum of 8 people meeting at one time

 – With a strong recommendation not to meet more than one

   other household per day.

 – No other public gatherings, except for meetings of two households.

(All with: Physical distancing requirements in place; Frequent handwashing and hygiene measures for all; Cough etiquette is maintained; Face coverings in enclosed public spaces, including public transport.).

CONTINUING TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ACCESSING SUPPORT WITH ERRANDS AND ACTIVE LISTENING:

01/06/20

Updated 14/05/20 -info coming soon

Request for Help from the Volunteer Action Group (VAG)

Please can you consider helping the CCC-VAG as they need volunteers to make face masks/coverings for community volunteer helpers and for vulnerable members of the community. 

Following the recent guidance given by the First Minister for people to consider wearing these when out shopping or using public transport, etc., masks can be expected to become very much more visible as we (hopefully) move towards some easing of the lockdown.

If anyone can and would be willing to volunteer to sew masks VAG would be so grateful. 

VAG have been attempting to obtain the necessary materials to ensure the continued production of masks but would also be grateful for any donations of suitable fabric (strong cotton which can be washed at a high temperature, e.g. sheet material), cord, shoe laces, sewing elastic, flexible wire for nose bridges, etc. 

And maybe you are not able to sew masks but you have a sewing machine that is not being used please would you then consider lending it out to someone who would be able to sew them but does not have a machine to use.

Thank you for everything you do to add support to the community. 

Maria, LauraP, Lorraine, Cornelia and LauraS 

Updated 28/04/30

Mental Health and Emotional Tips for Covid Isolation

For help with mental health and emotional health in this times of change – Click here

Updated 27/04/20

COVID-19 Response – Community Wide Support and Volunteering

As part of our response to Covid-19, we have formed a volunteer
strategy held by the Caring Community Circle and Covid -19 Action
Group to help us navigate self-isolation and possible illness. – Click here

Updated 17/04/20

Update 16/04/20

Collaboration Circle – Social Distancing

Dear All, 

Well, we have completed three weeks now of ‘social distancing’, with some of our Community also in self- isolation. We would like to appreciate you all for your compliance with Government guidelines, and your willingness to alter your lifestyles dramatically, in order to minimise the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. The creativity and caring that has arisen spontaneously within our Community to help get through these ‘unprecedented’ times is inspiring. 

UK Government scientists conclude that ‘social distancing’ has made an impact in slowing down the pandemic and helping the NHS to cope. However, they do not think that the UK is yet over the hump. Consequently, both the UK and the Scottish Governments  are likely to be reluctant to loosen the guidelines on social distancing in the immediate future. This pandemic is global and everywhere there is uncertainty on its behaviour. Some infectious disease epidemiologists believe that we may be only in the infancy of its trajectory. 

One, Renee Strauss, writes:

 “That means, even with the measures we are already taking, we will see cases and deaths continue to rise globally, nationally, and in our own communities in the coming weeks. This may lead some people to think that the social distancing measures are not working. They are. They may feel futile. They aren’t. We need everyone to hold the line as the epidemic inevitably gets worse. Stay strong and with solidarity knowing with absolute certainty that what you are doing is contributing to saving lives [and protecting front line staff in the NHS from undue risk of exposure]. You may feel like giving in. Don’t. Social distancing measures are not about individuals, they are about societies working in unison. These measures may take a long time to see the results. It is hard to conceptualize how ‘one quick little get together’ can undermine the entire framework of a public health intervention, but it does.” 

At the end of this letter is a document that gives more information about self-isolation and social distancing.

We are aware that some of you may have different views on this pandemic and the actions that the UK Government is taking or not taking. Facebook forums provide potential venues to debate such issues. But, we need to remember that this is both a legal and  public health issue. We – as residents living in Scotland – are bound by the directives of the UK and Scottish Government. We need to observe them with our creative, spiritual and humanistic approach as one community. 

In Community

Alex (NFD), Caroline (FF), Cornelia (CCC), David (NFA), Eian (Duneland), Fasil (Ekopia), Lori (THA), Lorraine (NFA) and Mari (Findhorn College), on behalf of  the Collaboration Circle

Updated 14/04/20

Whole Community Meditation this week online  – Click here

A new location for the Cullerne Garden Veggie Cart:

Dear veggie fans

We are experimenting with a new location for our cart. Please come to the bottom gate, and follow the usual guidance (wear gloves, 2m apart). 

Donations very welcome……

Thanks

Cullerne gardeners

Updated 10/04/20

The Coronavirus Scotland Act (2020) is now in force. – Click here

Mens Community Council Online meeting – Click here 

The ethical framework developed by the Committee on Ethical Aspects of Pandemic:

Updated 09/04/20

Findhorn Bakery update

BAKING AS NORMAL – Daily bread available from the Bakehouse and the Phoenix. 

Also by pre-order at Forres Health Food Store & Sky Delights in Nairn. 

Food market Open Daily –  10 – 3 

Organic produce, bread, local foods, hot drinks and food. We now also have a range of dried goods available. 

Community Kitchen Open daily – 10 -3
We have a limited selection of hot food to takeaway such as porridge, soups etc. 

Community Resource ONLINE ONLY Available online only for the time being: Click here

We are sending out info & updates to FF (Findhorn.org) & NFA 

Thank you

Bakehouse Communications team

Home Delivery Service from the Phoenix Shop is now available! 

The Phoenix Shop is delighted to announce that our FREE door to door Home Delivery Service is now available to customers (with a Phoenix Account) within the areas of: 

Forres, Findhorn Village, The Park Ecovillage at Findhorn & Kinloss.
Initially, this is how it will work (and we may well refine or expand the service according to demand): 

If you live in FORRES, Order deadline is 14:00 on Mondays. Deliveries on Tuesday afternoons. 

If you live in FINDHORN VILLAGE or KINLOSS, Order deadline is 14:00 Tuesdays. Deliveries on Wednesday afternoons. 

If you live within the FINDHORN PARK ECOVILLAGE, Order deadline is 14:00 on Wednesdays. Deliveries on Thursday afternoons. 

In the first instance, to order and/or set up an account please contact:  Please note we do not yet have an “online store”, so this only works for customers who know what we stock and what they want.
We wish to thank all of our customers for their patience and warm positivity at this time! 

The Phoenix team

Update 07/04/20

GOOD NEWS FROM  THE CULLERNE GARDEN TEAM:

Dear Co-workers, Community Members and Friends of Cullerne,

All is going well with the propagation and field work. With mantra and reverent prayer, with the support of our subtle allies, core principles and our angel of Expansiveness, vegetables are thriving. We thank you all for your energetic and physical contributions to the food security of our community. Our team—small, fit and strong—is committed to supply the Foundation kitchens, the co-workers, and the community residents. We are also coordinating with the local suppliers who are working tirelessly to deliver food to the most vulnerable people who are in isolation. We will communicate what we have and how to get it as we go along. You are welcome to walk through the garden. To protect the health of the team and their families, we ask that you please not approach the gardeners as they work, keeping generous social distance from both humans and vegetables. Please close the gates as you enter and leave. While we have all the help we need right now, the list of people who are kindly willing to support this community food effort is growing. If you are in good health, physically fit, and would like to volunteer please send your details to  and we will get back to you when things get busy. We urgently need lots of plant pots, especially small ones (2-3 inches, 5-8 cm). If you can give us some, please leave them at the top of the runway or outside a garden gate. Please contact us by email if you need a pick-up at your house. We have sowed lots of extra vegetables and some flowers to help anyone who wants to do their own growing. When they are ready we will let you know. As a team we intend to serve as best we can, in the spirit of being part of a beneficial ‘land army’. We are totally committed to continue co-creating in harmony with the intelligence of nature and the guidance of our subtle allies. We give special thanks to all who have supported our efforts with prayers, encouragement and offers of support. Every appreciation brings us much light and strength in these times. We are open to financial donations to help us keep running in the spirit of abundant co-creation and shared community generosity. May you all be healthy, happy and safe.

Much love and gratitude,

Cullerne Garden Team ps : More news in positive news below 

Updated 06/04/20

LATEST FINDHORN FOUNDATION GUIDANCE FOR THOSE RETURNING FROM AREAS WITH HIGH NUMBERS OF COVID-19 CASES:

This updated (30.03.2020) returning traveller information is in response to the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases within and without the UK.

I believe we are entering a critical period now in preventing and minimising the spread of this virus in Scotland. As a temporary precautionary measure, all Coworkers and guests of the Findhorn Foundation returning from international travel or travel to areas within the UK with high numbers of COVID-19 cases will be asked to stay at home and practice Coronavirus (COVID-19):

Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection for 14 days. Please note that these measures go further than the current UK wide social distancing guidance for those in households with no symptoms.

Please refer to the NHS inform website link above for stay at home guidance and other information for Scotland. Thank you for your patience and consideration.

A REMINDER OF SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS:

Read this link first – Click here – for information

That is why we have introduced three new measures:

• requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes

• closing certain business and venues

• stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public

Every person in Scotland must comply with these new measures, which came into effect on 23 March 2020. The relevant authorities, including the police, have been given the powers to enforce them – including through fines and dispersing gatherings. These measures are in force for 6 months in the first instance, unless all, or parts are revoked. They will initially last for the 3 weeks from 27 March 2020, at which point we will review and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible. 

Undated – 02/04/20

Updated 01/04/20

RECORD OF LAST FRIDAY’S COVID ACTION GROUP MEETING – 3rd Meeting of the Covid Action Group

Click here for more details for meeting which took place on – 27 March 12:30 – 14:15 

Grampian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance Hub launched

A new website and phoneline was launched today, providing people all across Grampian with information on how to access social, practical and emotional support on Coronavirus (COVID-19). The new Assistance Hub pulls together links to the latest advice from a range of partners including all three local authorities, Police, Health, Red Cross, volunteers and community information. It is a site for anyone in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, with information for residents and businesses alike.

The phoneline is 0808 196 3384 (8am-8pm 7 days a week). The number will complement other helplines, including Aberdeen City Council’s Crisis Support Line, which was launched last week and can be reached directly on 0800 0304 713.

The website is full of links with up-to-date information. The main objective is as a focal point for information and assistance for anyone affected by coronavirus anywhere in Grampian. It is also a way for residents to offer their support which they can safely deliver in their communities. Staff are on the phone to provide callers with up to date information, or to link them up with the right person who can quickly answer questions. Another important feature is that the site can be used to request help on behalf of someone else, allowing friends and neighbours to signpost to someone in need.

Amanda Croft is the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian and is chair of the Grampian Local Resilience Partnership, which set up the new Assistance Hub. She said: “These are unprecedented times for people across Grampian and the community resilience we are seeing is outstanding. Partner agencies who are providing first line care for people came together (virtually) and as a result we have, together, established a single source of support.”The main aim of the website and phoneline is to allow people to reach out for help, as well as providing a way for people to offer their help safely in their own communities. “In a pandemic, we know that people feel isolated and scared, and I am hopeful that they will see this virtual Assistance Hub as somewhere they can go to get the help they need.”  The site and phoneline have been set up in partnership between members of the Local Resilience Partnership, principally: Aberdeen City Council; Aberdeenshire Council; The Moray Council; NHS Grampian; Police Scotland; Scottish Fire & Rescue Service; Scottish Ambulance Service; HM Coastguard; SEPA; MOD; and SSEN.

Update 30/03/20

SUSPENSION OF MORAY COUNCIL COLLECTION OF RECYCLING BINS:

Update 27/03/20

Announcement from the Bakehouse – Click here

Update 25/03/20

New announcement from the Findhorn Foundation – Click here

Updated 24/03/20

Foundation buses no longer running:

To minimise risk and cut costs on running (almost) empty buses we decided to cancel all regular bus runs starting coming Monday 23 March until further notice.

For any essential work related transport needs please contact me directly via this email address or phone 07903380875 and we can see how we can find creative solutions!

FF

Looking after the Living Machine: As chemical usage increases

Dear Friends, 

A respectful reminder that waste water continues to flow out to the Living Machine, BiomatrixWater staff  are working with the millions of friendly beneficial microbes treating the community’s  waste water – especially Pineridge and The Field, everything east of Main Runway. 

With an increase in chemical usage in The Park, please remember it is the surface around your home, door handles, tools, bikes, etc that need disinfection.  There is no need to pour sanitisers down the drain where they won’t do you any good and may cause indigestion, (and death) to our friendly microbes. 

Also, Wet Wipes must never go down the toilet, as they may cause a blockage in the pipe work, resulting in an interruption to your sanitation service at an inconvenient moment. 

Sending warm wishes to everyone from your local ecological waste water treatment team. 

Galen, 

Biomatrix Water

Holiday Park closed to tourists until further notice:

Holiday Park is closed to tourists until further notice.

Our web site has been updated to that effect and online bookings have been suspended.

The NFD office is also closed but we are contactable by e-mail, .

In the case of an emergency the warden can still contacted

Moray Art Centre closed for 6-8 weeks:

The Moray Art Centre has taken the difficult decision to postpone all classes, workshops and events for the next 6 – 8 weeks. As an arts charity our livelihood depends on our event income and your generosity so it is with a very heavy heart we have to extend our hibernation. We appreciate all your support and hope to see you all when this uncertain time has passed.  

If you have any queries or need any clarification please get in touch with us at , we will respond as soon as we are able.

No Paper Copies of Rainbow Bridge

 For Foreseeable Future:

Howard has informed me that Big Sky ‘halted business’ on Tuesday March 24th, and so there will be no paper copies for the foreseeable future.

We were coming to that conclusion anyway, in order to minimise risk of transmission with people coming into the General Office to pick up their copies.

Where possible, we will send electronic copies to those of you who usually receive paper copies.

Whole Community Meditation 

Please join from your homes: 25^th March, 5.15 – 5.45PM

Intention: Pausing in deep stillness we awaken as the emergent light

Dear Community, with the UK being now on lockdown, let´s keep our connections vibrant, loving and open even though we can´t come together physically anymore.  Synchronised hearts can do magic, also from a distance. 

The WCM will still take place, but instead of coming together in the Universal Hall we will meet virtually from our homes, 5.15 – 5.45PM, tomorrow Wed March 25th. 

The meditation will be live-streamed. You´ll find the live streaming via the Findhorn Foundation Facebook page, it will appear there around 4:55PM on Wednesday. 

If you are not on Facebook, you are warmly invited to use your intention to connect with everyone who is joining the WCM, and if you wish, take a moment at the end to bless the world, the community of all beings, with the light that you gathered.

Thank you for the gift of your presence! Building and maintaining coherent fields of embodied presence, peace and stillness can make a big difference during this time.

With love

Ilona, for the WCM team

Any questions or suggestions: 

Updated 23/03/20

General Office Reduced Hours

NFA AGM MEETING

Dear Friends,

After much discussion in our Council this week, we have come to the conclusion that, given:

 – The current closure of the Universal Hall,

 – The need to avoid large gatherings, 

 – The need for us to give our full attention to the needs of our Community,

    as we respond to the issues arising from Covid-19,

we will be postponing the NFA AGM, currently planned for April 6th. 

We feel that this is the responsible decision at this particular time, under these particular circumstances. 

Our current intention is that we will reschedule our AGM, once it is possible again to hold a large gathering in the Universal Hall, and will give our membership 3 week’s notice, when we have a new date.

Things are changing rapidly at the moment, so we will continue to review the situation, and explore alternative ways of dealing with the business of the AGM, if it becomes clear that a physical meeting will not be possible in the near future.

In the meantime, we will continue to run last year’s budget proportionally, until the new budget is agreed. 

In Community

David, Lorraine and the NFA Council

FF / GO Park Laundry

Undated 20/03/20

Universal hall – News – Click here

Updated : 18/03/20

Findhorn Community centre – Update

You may also have already heard that the CC is now closed to all NFA members, who are not co-workers and/or committed volunteers:

Cluny Hill update –

Beginning Monday, 23rd March we are cancelling all Taize and meditations in Cluny until further notice.  We are grateful and appreciative to everyone who has supported these functions at Cluny and we welcome you back in the future when the programs return.

CARING COMMUNITY SUPPORT

01/07/20

From VAG/CCC –

your neighbourhood Covid support group

As we are easing out of Lockdown the support systems we have set up need to adapt.

The Volunteer Action Group continues with our helpline – Pinkie – 07395 305233 and the spreadsheet on https://tinyurl.com/vbm7y8e to match volunteers with errands for shopping, prescription etc. We also have ‘active listening’ volunteers to have a friendly chat with, when need arises.

Shielding households have been asked by Scottish Government to continue to shield until the end of July. In order to provide sufficient support structures we need to know 

How many shielding households are there?

How well resourced they are at present to get their needs met? Do they need additional support right now?

May these resources wear thin as time stretches into July? How much additional support may be needed?

If you live in a shielding household, please send an email to our Caring Community Coordinator, Laura Shreenan,  with answers to these questions. This will help us to ensure that we are prepared to support you should the need arise.

The Community Tracking App will help us to support individuals who experience Covid symptoms and most importantly allow us to adjust our local adherence to measures to contain the spread of the infection. This helps to keep our community as safe as possible, esp. those at high risk (which we have quite a large number of in The Park!). Please register with the App on https://covid19.findhorn.cc

Sources of support 

Covid 19 response – community wide support and volunteering  

For more information please –  click here 

New Community Asset Map 

Important information

Please see the NHS video for information – Click here

Moray council – Click here 

Covid – 19 Virus Mutual Aid Groups uk – Find your area – Click here

SUPPORT GROUPS – below exist on Facebook groups search for names below:

Covid- 19 Mutual Aid Forres 

Coronavirus Volunteering Findhorn Area 

Positive response

We will be bringing you community wide positive responses to the current situation – 

Update 20/04/20

Anna Barton Sacred Dance legacy Celebration 

Dear Friends,

I hope you are all well and healthy. Thank you for attending “The Centrepiece” session 2. It was a great night with over 250 people in attendance for Anna Barton’s Legacy Celebration. We have been very moved by your positive feedback and are grateful that so many of you have enjoyed both the dances and connections during the sessions. And to answer the question, yes we will be back with Session 3 – a date will be advertised very soon on this page and Facebook.
We look forward to seeing you all there.

Blessings
Brant Bambery ps – Thanks to all who made it happen – please subscribe to peter Vallance YouTube (he is trying to get to 1000 subs)  – Click here

Updated 14/04/20

‘Voices of the Findhorn Foundation’ – A daily YouTube series:

Dear friends,

please see below the announcement for the new video series

Voices of the Findhorn Foundation, a daily YouTube series, which will start on Wednesday 15th April with the first video to be uploaded at 3:30pm. Please share this introductory video with others and share with your friend to let them know about this project. 

Updated 07/04/20

GOOD NEWS FROM  THE CULLERNE GARDEN TEAM:

Hi all,

Each Monday and Thursday lunchtime Cullerne greens on the runway (spring greens, orientals, salad and spinach)

 Please use gloves and observe social distance. 

Generous donations welcome

Thanks  

With love

 Cullerne Garden team.

Update 31/04/20

Town/ Community Criers Come to The Park:

Updated 26/03/20

NHS Clap for our fantastic NHS staff – Click here

updated 24/03/20

There has been many people going online with groups temporarily which is positive news in this current situation. We will keep you updated.

If you can t get out and go to Taize why not tune into this playlist online – Click here or connect with Hanna Morgan in The park for online Taize via Zoom (see Announcements above – dated 02/04/20) 

please think about tuning in online:

Whole Community Meditation special 25th March, 5.15 – 5.45PM Intention : Pausing in deep stillness we awaken as the emergent light – For more information click here (live stream – Join from your home)