The first WI meeting of 2018 welcomed speakers from two local organizations which help the community in different ways.
Rosie and Wendy from Larkrise Community Farm spoke of the children of all abilities who are welcomed to the farm to interact with the animals and have a fun stimulating experience.
Goats, sheep, rabbits, calves, poultry, horses and donkeys are available to visit by school parties and individuals, with members of the public welcomed. There are also placements for clients and accredited courses with work experience for school and college students.
A Farm Club is held every other Saturday morning for children age 5 – 16 years. A lovely cafe for a cup of coffee and other refreshments is on site and farm produce for sale.
Trustee and instructor, Rosie, spoke of Riding for the Disabled, which has a highly trained team of staff to help children and adults with special needs enjoy the multi-sensory experience of horse riding and carriage driving. There is a local school intake of special needs students and also provided is experiences for those in supported living and private lessons.
There are eight very special horses of varying sizes which provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment for almost any level of disability. Those with progressive diseases can retain mobility and remain active for longer. Each student has four helpers and is carefully assessed at each lesson and matched with a suitable horse, it is very personalised.
At Larkrise it is what you can do that counts. After thanks were given to Rosie and Wendy, WI member Helen Bolwell presented them with a cheque for Larkrise, the result of a bingo night Helen had held and also a collection by members.
The second speaker of the evening, Carol Coates, was welcomed from the Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Warminster, another deserving charity who in this case provides therapies, support and social contact for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), their families and carers and also other serious conditions.
The success of the centre is down to a band of hard-working staff and volunteers. The therapies on offer include physiotherapy, reflexology,yoga, kinesiology, massage, hypnotherapy, oxygen and counselling. There are also lunch clubs, workshops and lots of other fund raising activities such as talks and outings.
This Wessex centre also won the prestigious ‘Innovation in Care Award’ the judges saying they were blown away by the simplicity of the idea. It is important to note that the centre is self-referral, so anyone who needs help can pop in and be assured of a welcome. Carol was given great applause and it was noted by members that in both talks, it was stressed how essential volunteers are in the community.
President Alison Irving reminded members that in February votes were being cast for 2018/19 officers and the new programme for the year had been decided. Why not join us? Next month’s meeting is February 8th at 7.30pm.
Liz Lee
