THE vice-principal of Fairfield Farm College, Debbie Farley, proved to be a most entertaining and informative speaker at Dilton Marsh WI’s October Meeting.
The specialist college, set in beautiful countryside ,is for the benefit of students with learning disabilities and is a registered charity with flexible residential, day and weekend courses. It is set in 26 acres of farmland with all the animals you would expect of a farm.
The principal is empowering young people and having high expectation of them whatever the disability. There is independence training and personal, social and health education, along with vocational learning of many types with communication, literacy and IT skills. As well as this, the college has a popular shop and café where students can gain working skills. Some students also work outside the college in local businesses, gaining experience in many fields.
They come from all over the country, living in village houses, but also there are students who travel in each day. The students also raise money for charity with Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Support and others.
They are very much part of the community, joining in with events such as village day and the flower and handicraft show. The college also has a Post Office which is proving invaluable to villagers.
On December 8th, the college will be holding their annual Christmas Bazaar where people can browse and eat mince pies.
Debbie was given great applause and thanked for her entertainment. President Alison Irving and secretary Beth Carrick reported on their attendance at the WFWI Annual Council Meeting in Salisbury which proved to be a great day. It was announced there are now 467 new members in Wiltshire this year and over 119 WI groups. They also had hilarious entertainment from Mandy Hickman a former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot, who is now a motivational and keynote speaker.
Next month’s meeting is Making Christmas Decorations. Come and join us.
Liz Lee
