Members of the local community were invited to Fairfield Farm College in Dilton Marsh for their ‘Big Lunch’, a fundraising event for the college’s new building project.
The event, held on Friday 23rd May and supported by the Mothers’ Union, included a lunch of mushroom stroganoff, refreshments and raffle. Local people were also given the opportunity to visit the college’s cafe and shop.
Fairfield Farm College is an independent specialist college and registered charity for students with learning disabilities.
Wiltshire Archdeaconry Mothers’ Union chairman, Jocelyn Short said, “We helped out at the Big Lunch last year and it was a raving success so we are happy to attend again. We are so pleased there’s a cafe here that is well used in the community, with people playing scrabble and hosting meetings.”
Carol Taylor from Fairfield Farm College said, “It was a great opportunity for local people to find out about plans for the redevelopment of the site whilst raising money.
“In September 2011 we opened a new cafe and improved the farm shop where students can learn ‘real work skills’ to prepare them for work experience and post-college employment.
“We are now hoping to raise £1.2million for redevelopment of the college site. This is because student numbers are increasing and we need additional base rooms to teach them. The needs of the students are also changing and to meet these needs the college requires additional facilities.
“The college has an Education Funding Agency grant and needs to raise the matched funding by March 2015. If you would like to get involved in fundraising or make a donation please visit the website at www.fairfield opportunityfarm.ac.uk. We are also seeking volunteers, especially for help with our website.”
