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Owls in Mayfield Road, Farnborough, organised a wonderful evening attended by nearly 100 children and adults to celebrate the learning that goes on in their Sure Start Children’s Centre throughout the year, and the Mayoress and I were delighted just to be there (photo below).
Owls Manager Chris Frankland had arranged a tremendous display around the hall of Cherrywood Primary School, which shares the site with Owls. It showed what she explained in her invitation: “Here at Owls we encourage life-long learning, and, as everyone knows, our journey starts from the day we are born. One of our main aims is to encourage adults back into education training and employment, so we also include a large adult-learning programme. Many of our learners have overcome the fear and difficult memories from past learning experiences in order to start a new learning journey with us. We will be showcasing children’s and adults’ learning that has been enjoyed throughout this year.”
The Mayoress and I viewed the displays with interest, showing how some learners had progressed from being young mothers with babies as far back as 1994 through to becoming professionals in the fields of child care and health. It was inspirational.
While Crazy Colin entertained the very young children, it gave me great pleasure to present the certificates – ending with a surprise for Chris Frankland (photo below).
And last, but not least, Owls Manager Chris Frankland gets her own special certificate of appreciation for her work signed by the Mayor - and a bouquet of flowers too
We all had a wonderful evening, it was great to see how much our parents and children have achieved since coming to Owls. I certainly was a humbling experience. We are proud of all the parents and children for their sustained efforts in overcoming their past difficulties lending them to wonderful successes. Denise Carter Family Support Outreach Worker Owls Children’s Centre.
I had a wonderful evening and would like to say a big Thank you to all the staff I have met along my travels with Owls. Thanks to all their help, support and encouragement it has helped me to grow to understand I am more intelligent than I have ever given myself credit for. Dorothy Beardsall (Dotty)