Over the last couple of years we’ve been able to renew and update a number of facilities at our stables thanks to the generosity of local businesses, funders and volunteers.

These refurbishments include demolishing an old leaking portacabin and installing a new log cabin in its place where children visiting us can eat, complete activities and have quiet time if needed.  We also have installed a fully accessible disabled toilet facility and turned two disused areas into gardens –a beautiful sensory garden complete with reflection area and a small kitchen garden in raised planters.

None of these amazing facilities would have been possible without the support from;

Lloyds Bank – Managers and staff members from branches across the Midlands demolished the old portacabin, cleared the area, painted buildings and created the sensory garden.  They also donated £3300 for materials.

Harlow’s Timber provided substantial discounts on materials

TW Wholesale Swadlincote has supplied all paint and equipment at significant discount.

We can’t wait to see all these facilities in full use during the coming months.

Our gardening project is flourishing beautifully now thanks to the generosity of funders and supporters, the children who have worked so hard on it, and of course the nice weather!

Many of the children we support, including Sophie who is pictured in these photos, have spent the last few months learning about horticulture, taking care of the plants and gaining a real sense of achievement from seeing what they have planted grow.

Sophie has been coming to us for quite a long time now.  She has complex needs but loves animals and through her work with the ponies, and the support of her family, she is improving in confidence and social skills. Sophie has really enjoyed helping with the garden and socialising with the other children who come from other schools and groups and, as you can see from these pictures, she is incredibly proud of how beautiful the garden is looking.

We owe huge thanks to Richard Lovatte for all his advice on the potatoes, Sheila Barnard for the plants, peas and advice on feeding plants and Peter Swift for his endless patience with Nita who clearly has not a clue!