Spring was in the air at Ascent College as students and staff marked the beginning of the new season with its annual Spring Fayre on Friday (17 March).
Taking place within the college, situated on Wargrave Road in Newton-le-Willows, students were involved in the whole event from start to finish, helping them to develop essential life skills and social and communication skills.
In the run up to the fayre, students made an array of items to be sold at the event. During their classes, they created decorative plant pots as well as creating Mother’s Day and Easter gifts.
On the day students helped to set up the stalls and the café area where refreshments were sold. They also greeted visitors, worked on the stalls selling items to customers, plus made and served hot and cold food and drinks in the café.
In attendance was the Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Sue Murphy, Cllr Terry Maguire, representatives from the local authority and work experience partners. Other guests included family, friends and school learners from Wargrave House School and Sixth Form.
Attendees were treated to a musical interlude by student, Yanick, who took to the stage with his guitar and performed a number of songs, including two covers and two songs that he wrote himself. College volunteer, Cal Ruddy, also joined in with the festivities.
Julliet Doherty, head of adult services at the college, said: “Our Spring Fayre is a wonderful event that allows our students to be fully involved and enables them to gain experience and learn new skills that will help them in later life.
“There is a lot of planning that goes into ensuring the event’s success and the sense of pride the students have following the fayre is palpable. Well done to everyone involved!”
Cllr Sue Murphy said: “I always enjoy attending these events and the progress that I can see in the young people is remarkable and measurable on every visit.
“The students from LEAP Specialist College are excellent role models for the children in the Wargrave House School and Sixth Form.”