Two students from Ascent Autism Specialist College were invited to Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club for an exclusive lunch where they discussed future plans for the college’s learning hub at Lyme and Wood.
After a tasty lunch with Rotary club members, the two students took to the floor to share plans for the hub.
The students shared details on some of the new initiatives at the hub including the Kabin Shop, Kabin Café, Kabin Kitchen, Market Garden, and the animal enclosure.
At the Kabin Shop, students will sell a variety of items including fresh vegetables grown at the Market Garden, goods handmade by students, including jams and chutneys, and flowers and planters.
Over at the Kabin Kitchen, students make and serve some delicious options including freshly made sub rolls, jacket potatoes, soups and toasties.
The Market Garden is where students test their green thumbs and get involved in horticulture, growing their own fruits and vegetables.
The Lyme and Wood hub is home to an animal enclosure where ducks, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and a tortoise are cared for by Ascent students.
During the presentation, Tarren and Will both confidently spoke about their experiences at the hub and what Ascent College means to them.
Student Will shared his achievements while at the college. He said: “I achieved a personal award for my first year at Ascent College, this was the aspirational award which demonstrates my attitude towards challenges at college.
“I have also helped organise public events by creating menus, looking at price strategies, shopping, cooking and providing customer service.”
President of the Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club, Ray Edwardson, was delighted to welcome the students and enjoyed hearing about the college’s ambitious plans for its new site.
Ray said: “The presentation by both staff and students of Ascent Colleges was both informative and inspiring, demonstrating their joint commitment to developing skills that might lead to paid employment for the students.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with them on this environmental project that will benefit both students and the wider community. We wish them every success.
Head of adult services at Ascent College, Julliet Doherty, said: “We are thrilled two of our students could attend an exclusive lunch with our long-term supports, Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club, and share upcoming plans for the hub.
“Not only was this an excellent opportunity for our students to share their experiences, but it was also a chance to develop their communication skills further in a new setting. We are extremely proud of both students; they were a credit to our college.”