New activities and classes for the new year

The booklet is produced by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) and its purpose is to bring together in one publication the details of community learning classes run by groups such as the Lewis Sports Centre, An Lanntair, Harris Sports Centre, Lews Castle College and the Adult Learning and Employability group.

The Adult Learning and Employability Classes and Workshops are run by the team within the Learning and Development Department at CnES. Courses are open to anyone over the age of 16, with those aged 14 to 16 allowed to participate if accompanied by a participating adult.

If there is a charge for a course, it will be noted in the course description and a 50% discount is available for non-accredited courses if you are in receipt of benefits or are aged over 60.

In addition, individual learning accounts can be used for accredited courses.

Some of the classes on offer include Chair Yoga, which is designed for seniors who are less mobile and prefer to remain seated. The classes at Trust Housing take place over eight week starting from January 20th from 2 to 3pm.

Other classes include Digital Zone Hebrides – Basic Computing Level 1 which is suitable for learners with little or no computer skills.

You will learn to use the keyboard and mouse, use Microsoft Word, basic internet searching and an introduction to email. This will take place at Stornoway Library over six weeks from Monday 14th March at 11am to 1pm and at Tarbert Library, which is a 12 hour course with dates and times to be confirmed.

Classes at an Lanntair include Sound and Lighting for Theatre Shows with Mike Adkins. During the lessons students will learn the basic principles of sound and lighting for theatre: how to set up and connect a PA system, how to design and build a basic lighting rig and operate a sound desk and lighting desk.

There will also be a brief section on event safety. At the end of the course each student will be capable of running all the technical aspects of a theatre show and will have the opportunity for hands-on experience setting up an event in an Lanntair. The classes will take place in An Lanntair Auditorium and Art Room from February Feb 1st to 22nd from 7 to 8:30pm.

There is also Gaelic Psalm Singing with Calum Martin and this series of workshops is open to all those who have a genuine interest in this most unique musical form.

The focus will be on learning new and existing tunes and it will cater for all levels of singing and language from the beginner to the more advanced. The classes will be held in An Lanntair Art Room from January 28th to March 3rd from 7 to 9pm. This is a free class, but booking is required.

Sessions at the Lewis Sports Centre include the Jogscotland at Lunchtime session which uses simple, gentle walk/jog/run programmes to encourage everyone to get out and be active.

Everyone is welcome – no matter how fit or unfit they are. The group will be led by Kirsty Wade, former Olympic and trained Jogscotland Leader who will organise the session to suit all abilities and take place on Fridays between 12:45 and 1:30pm.

There is also Body Conditioning which is toning exercises for your upper and lower body, abdominals and back; using dumbells and resistance bands to intensify the workout.

No aerobic co-ordination is required and this is suitable for all levels of fitness it takees place on Tuesdays between 5 and 5.45pm and on Wednesdays between 6 and 7pm.

There is a myriad of courses available at Lews Castle College, some of these include Cook Great Food! An eight week course starting from January 26th from 6 to 8pm.

There is also a 10 week course dedicated to Upcycling starting on February 16th from 7 to 9pm and Beginners Spanish starting date in February (to be confirmed) and running for ten weeks from 5.30 to 7pm.

To find out more details about what is on offer and any costs pick up the booklet from a range of centres and shops throughout the local community.