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 At Fontwell Racecourse on Friday, the 17th of November, Aldingbourne Country Centre was honoured with The Sussex by the Sea Tourism Award, courtesy of Arun Business Partnership and supported by Arun District Council.
Over the years, we have established quite a track record of triumphs in various categories at the ABP awards. Previous victories include Employee/Team of the Year, Business Marketing and Promotion, Training & Development, and Business in the Community, to name a few. But this latest celebration adds a new shield to our collection. "Winning the Tourism Award in the same year that we achieved Visit England Quality Visitor Attraction status feels amazing, and the huge smiles on the faces of the people we support, our clients, who collected the award says it all. All colleagues, clients and volunteers have worked super hard to ensure all our visitors and valued members have a #greatdayout and hopefully feel the magic of making a difference by visiting, so this award is a recognition of that and our contribution to the Arun District Visitor Economy." shared Karen Tyrrell, Visitor & Enterprise Operations Manager at Aldingbourne Country Centre. This award is a shared victory, thanks to our teams and the community's support. We're eager to keep making a difference through unforgettable experiences, so on your next 'Great Day Out' at the Country Centre, don't forget to take a look at our new Winners Shield and gleaming glass trophy. Written by Lizzie Williams. For media inquiries, please get in touch with [email protected]  The 13th of November marked a milestone for Aldingbourne Country Centre as we proudly launched our Farm Development and Farm Educational Programme. The event, graced by the Mayor of Chichester, local businesses, farmers, and agricultural enthusiasts, was a celebration of our vision for the future.
In 2018, the Quarry Building at our Country Centre became the central hub of our site, hosting our shop, cafe, and conference facilities—all run as social enterprises. Now, with over 70,000 visitors this year, we're thrilled to announce the next phase: the development of our Open Farm. Our plans include exciting new facilities like a Deer Park, Bird Aviary, Cherry Tree Farm, and a groundbreaking Educational Project. These additions will not only enhance our offerings but also create more opportunities for training and employment for adults with learning disabilities and autism. We were honoured to have Robin Hobson as the keynote speaker, sharing insights into the importance of community involvement in projects like ours. John Pitts graciously welcomed guests and introduced other key figures, including Sue Livett, James, and Karen Tyrrell. "It was brilliant to launch this new development for the Aldingbourne Country Centre. We are so grateful to everyone who came and showed such interest in supporting the project." said Abigail Rowe, Head of Fundraising at Aldingbourne Trust. A cheque of £6,443 was presented to the Country Centre by Chets Modi on behalf of the NFU Mutual charitable trust towards education. We are immensely thankful for this donation towards our future plans. Written by Lizzie Williams. For media inquiries, please get in touch at [email protected]  The Friends of Aldingbourne Trust, a separate charity supporting the Aldingbourne Trust, is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a grant of £900 from The David Hunt Trust. This generous contribution is earmarked to sponsor Christmas meals for up to 30 people we support.
The awards ceremony, held at the Ham Manor Golf Club in Angmering on the 22nd of November, was a heartwarming celebration. The David Hunt Trust, founded in 2009 by businessman David Hunt, has been a consistent benefactor to local good causes and charities. David Hunt, a former furniture business owner who relocated to East Preston over 20 years ago, has been utilising the proceeds from the sale of his business to contribute to numerous local causes. The Friends of Aldingbourne Trust, an independent charity established in 1995, stands steadfast in its commitment to supporting and championing the important work of the Trust. Their work promotes independence, inclusion, and the well-being of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Find out more about Friends at www.aldingbournetrust.org/friends Written by Lizzie Williams. For media inquiries, please get in touch at [email protected]  We are thrilled to share that Aldingbourne Trust's WorkAid and Seasoned Venues have launched an exciting new partnership. They will provide valuable paid work experience training placements within the hospitality and catering sector for people with disabilities. Their mission? To empower those to discover their unique strengths and skills, ultimately identifying promising industry talents.
Managing Partner at Seasoned Venues, Graham Turner, shared "We are really excited to be partnering with the team at Aldingbourne Trust. Our skills training programme has been carefully designed as part of our social goodness manifesto to give those with learning disabilities and autism the skills, confidence and work experience necessary to find paid employment and hopefully make a difference in the local Chichester community." Ashleigh, Lorraine, and the Chichester Cathedral's Cloisters Café team are kickstarting this collaboration by offering a comprehensive 4-week programme. Participants will be able to explore various roles in their bustling café, including front-of-house positions, kitchen porter roles, and cheffing. From October onwards, they're planning a monthly running of the training scheme, working with one participant at a time. Each person will have access to support from a specialist WorkAid Employment Consultant to assist with their interviews, onboarding and progression. A dedicated work buddy will also serve as a mentor, providing essential peer support throughout their learning journey. At the end of the placement, participants will receive guidance on effectively utilising their newfound skills when applying for roles within the sector in the future. Candidates have already felt a significant boost in their confidence during the initial round of interviews. They can't wait to get stuck into developing their practical skills alongside the Cloisters team over the coming months. Gemma will be the first programme starter, and she said, "I can't wait to get started! I am looking forward to bringing things out to the customers and improving my customer service skills." Seasoned Venue's commitment to spreading Social Goodness extends beyond just helping those we support; it is shaping the future generation of catering professionals to create extraordinary food and drink experiences. But together, we are building a valuable step into catering careers for many people who would otherwise find it extremely difficult to access jobs in the sector. All while showing our local communities how sustainable recruitment can work at its finest. For more information about WorkAid, please visit www.supportedemploymentwestsussex.org Written by Lizzie Williams and Rachel Benson  On September 9th, 2023, Sarah Mitas, Manager at MAKE@Aldingbourne Enterprises, and Lara Kynvin organised the inaugural "Let's Get Talking About Suicide" in Victoria Park, Portsmouth. In a world where suicide remains a largely unspoken topic, together, they are determined to drive change.
Navigating the sensitive and often taboo subject of suicide, they strengthened positive awareness, mental well-being, and community unity. There was live music, a physical zone featuring yoga, fitness, mindset maintenance, and dance, and a well-being zone offering meditation, comedy laughter sessions, music, and poetry. More than 45 local support services rallied at Victoria Park. Downtown Pompey was one of them who shared their appreciation for the day by saying, "Thank you for having us! Sprinkling Queer Joy across the city is such an important part of the work supporting LGBTQ+ (and all communities)!" Dignitaries such as the Mayor, Mayoress, local councillors, and members of the public came by in their hundreds. Feedback and impact reports are already pouring in, with one organisation noting that four people approached them for help on the day. 'Andy's Mens Club' saw six additional attendees at their social meet-up as a result of Saturday's event. They are now receiving support instead of suffering in silence. We are immensely thankful for the local media who got behind us through pre-event radio interviews and extensive press coverage before and after. 'Film 4 U' documented the journey from the event's inception earlier this year through execution and now as we plan what's next. While the editing process is ongoing, we can already tell you it's going to be an incredible watch. Collaboration is underway with Portsmouth City Council, and there's unanimous agreement that this should become an annual tradition. As such, preparations are being made for next year's event scheduled for September 7th, 2024. For now, though, Sarah is planning monthly "Keep Talking" Workshops, open to the public and held at various locations, including MAKE. These will feature guest speakers from supporting organisations, signposting resources, and well-being and physical zone workshops. Quarterly meetings for "Let's Get Talking About Suicide" are also in the works, providing a platform for networking and planning the 2024 event to keep these vital conversations alive. Written by Lizzie Williams  Before we know it, the kids are back at school, and we find ourselves wondering where the time has gone. Yet, looking back, we can't help but marvel at six packed weeks of Summer fun at the Country Centre. From the first splash of 'Wet & Wild', we ensured that every moment, regardless of the weather, was an adventure.
This year, we introduced several new events. 'Music Mayhem' got everyone grooving, 'Bubble Bonanza' filled the air, and 'Rainbow Run' brought buckets of foam whilst rainbow morphs ran riot! We also enjoyed hosting 'Little City South Downs', a mobile role-play experience where little ones get to 'be' grown-ups. From hairdressers to firefighters, builders to café owners. There are no limits! But it's the Knucker Dragons who have been a central theme this year as we tell their story, starting with the arrival of Knucker Dragon eggs at Easter and dragon encounters in May. Now, it was time we invited our young visitors to become fearless knights and protect these magnificent creatures. Through various workshops, they immersed themselves in medieval adventures. Megan, one of our Annual Members, shared her 'Great Day Out' with us, saying, "We visited the crafting marquee and loved that there were instructions on making everything a young Knight would need. Together, we created a shield and a sword and were ready to head to the Woodland Knight School. The young knights were initiated into school and got to try out archery, sword fighting, jousting and an assault course! Thank you for creating such wonderful memories for us all." We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our incredible visitors, dedicated vendors, and passionate staff members. Your enthusiasm and commitment brought magic to every moment. But the thrill doesn't end here! Halloween is just around the corner... stay tuned for more details coming soon. Written by Lizzie Williams  May Half Term at Aldingbourne Country Centre was nothing short of #aMAYzing! The sun shone throughout, setting the stage for an unforgettable week of family fun.
The holidays started with a visit from 'Tom's Talking Reptiles.' Everyone gathered under our new outdoor marquee to get up close and personal with various reptilian friends, including slithering snakes, sleek lizards and even giant snails! Next, we transformed our event field into a paradise of bouncy castles for one of your favourite events: BounceAbout! Everyone revelled in the thrill of non-stop bouncing. What better way to knacker out the children?! Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital hosted 'Make your own bird feeder' sessions, where families tapped into their creativity and crafted bird feeders from scratch using natural materials like pinecones and nut-free/vegan bird food. These bird feeders not only attract a diverse range of bird species but also play a vital role in supporting their well-being, fostering biodiversity in the process! Throughout the week, visitors were treated to enchanting AR (Augmented Reality) adventures accessible across the site. And to satisfy appetites, we welcomed 'The Ginger Tosser' for the first time, whose stone-baked and hand-stretched pizzas filled the air with a simply irresistible garlicky aroma. To beat the heat, 'Pinks Ice Cream Van' served the creamiest and most refreshing ice cream and lollies. There were big smiles as families took shade under our big oak tree. Among the week's highlights were the highly anticipated Knucker Dragon Days. Since the Easter holidays, Knucker Dragon eggs have been carefully incubated in our woodland walk. Visitors finally had the incredible opportunity to meet the baby Knucker Dragon and their parent, expertly cared for by our dedicated handlers. The encounter left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who met these spectacular creatures. We were also thrilled to welcome BBC Radio Sussex's Sophie Cobby, who spent a day with us, capturing the essence of the week. As part of their May Half Term tour around the region seeking family-friendly, affordable fun, it was an honour to share our 'Great Day Out' experience with a broader audience and showcase the magic of making a difference at Aldingbourne Country Centre. The summer holidays are fast approaching, so stay tuned for more adventures! We can't wait to see what unveils next from within our Knucker Woods... #ItsBeenAMAYzing #SummerSoon Written by Lizzie Williams Hello and welcome to our June Newsletter where we share all the fantastic things we've been up to and plan to do in the future! Our highlights:
We are also looking to recruit more Volunteers, so if you would like to become part of the Gig Buddies community and share the many benefits of being a Volunteer, such as free tickets to events and improving your CV, please contact us if you or anyone you know would like to help adults in Portsmouth make new friends.
Hello and welcome to our May Newsletter where we share all the fantastic things we've been up to and plan to do in the future! Our highlights:
We are also looking to recruit more Volunteers, so if you would like to become part of the Gig Buddies community and share the many benefits of being a Volunteer, such as free tickets to events and improving your CV, please contact us if you or anyone you know would like to help adults in Portsmouth make new friends.
 During Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to individuals supported by our Queens Square project, who shared valuable insights into their personal experiences and the activities that contribute to their mental well-being. Nurturing mental health is a delicate balance between finding joy in everyday pleasures and engaging in meaningful connections with the world around us.
For Michael, the calming effect of nature plays a significant role in his mental well-being. Spending time outdoors, watching the sea and birds in flight, instils a sense of serenity. He says, "I always feel better after a walk in the fresh air." Although sometimes he needs to push himself to venture outside, the beauty of the natural world never fails to uplift his spirits. Wesley likes staying active through long walks and engaging in new experiences - this is key to getting a good night's sleep and a positive mindset. He says, "I get excited when I'm seeing or doing something new or different; I like knowing that something good is happening soon." Eating his favourite foods also makes him happy; he shared, "I always smile when I'm eating a treat!" Brian finds comfort and support in his work colleagues and the caring staff at Queen Square. Their understanding and compassion lift his spirits during challenging times. Helping others and feeling valued contribute to his self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Furthermore, anticipating planned holidays adds an extra layer of excitement! These heartfelt narratives from some of the individuals at Queens Square illuminate the significance of simple pleasures in nurturing mental health. The ability to find solace in nature, relish favourite foods, engage in physical activities, seek new experiences, build connections, and take pride in meaningful work all contribute to a balanced and fulfilled life. May we all discover our sources of joy and pleasure as we navigate the journey of nurturing our mental well-being. Written by Lizzie Williams  This Mental Health Awareness Week, we explore the captivating world of cold-water swimming through one of our exceptional employees, Louise Chambers. She has practised in various countries across the globe, as it has become a powerful tool for nurturing her mental well-being. Today, she shares how she takes responsibility for herself, keeps safe in the water, and all its benefits to the body and mind!
First things first; personal safety! Louise recognises the risk and tells us how she never ventures alone, always ensuring she has a trusted companion present, even if they remain on the shore. Other factors she always considers include tide schedules, weather conditions, suitable entry and exit points, and water quality checking using the 'Surfers Against Sewage' App. Nobody wants a stinky swim! With each step towards the water, Louise is mindful of her body's response to the cold, particularly in the coldest months. While the initial moments may present discomfort, she overcomes this stress reaction as she acclimates to the temperature and carefully manages her time in the water. Louise equips herself with essential gear, such as a swimsuit suitable for year-round swimming or a wetsuit for added buoyancy and prolonged immersion. Neoprene gloves and boots offer protection from the cold's grip on her hands and feet. To enhance visibility, Louise dons a brightly coloured t-shirt and relies on a tow float, providing extra buoyancy. She ensures her head stays warm with a swimming hat or a cosy woolly hat, while a waterproof pouch safeguards her phone. Cold water swimming goes beyond physical exercise - it serves as a powerful source of mental well-being. Louise shares, "I feel alive and free!" The sea awakens a profound sense of freedom, flooding her system with serotonin (the "feel-good" hormone) and endorphins, uplifting her spirits and evoking a sense of achievement. There are buckets of benefits that Louise has embraced; it acts as a potent stress reliever, providing respite from worrisome thoughts and allowing her to fully embrace the present moment whilst easing inflammation, aches and pains. Through solace, empowerment, and renewed vitality, Louise shares her story as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of self-care during this critical week of awareness. Written by Lizzie Williams Hello and welcome to our April Newsletter. We have lots of fun things for you to enjoy and would like to thank all of our supporters that make a big difference to the local Portsmouth Community.
We are also looking to recruit more Volunteers so if you would like to become part of the Gig Buddies community and share the many benefits of being a Volunteer, such as free tickets to events and improving your CV, please contact us if you or anyone you know would like to help adults in Portsmouth make new friends.  Our Easter Eggcitement was a cracking success! For two weeks, we welcomed families from near and far to the Aldingbourne Country Centre for a basket full of springtime fun.
There was something for everyone! From the popular BounceAbout with bouncy castles of all shapes and a visit from Toms Talking Reptiles to the soaring Birds of Prey Take Flight, we welcomed two NEW events to our stacked schedule - Springtopia (an augmented reality experience) and Wildflower Bombing! We made a splash with our Foam Parteeee, and of course, no Easter would be complete without an Easter egg hunt. However, this year's hunt came with a twist, as we witnessed the unexpected arrival of large Knucker Dragon eggs in our Woodland Walk! Knucker Dragons are legendary creatures that live in bodies of water, historically known to the Sussex area. If, like us, you're wondering, will these eggs hatch? We'll have to wait and see! Natasha Berwick shared her wonderful experience: "We had the best day, my eldest is autistic, and I'm always looking for inclusive places to take him and not feel out of place or judged. Aldingbourne was just perfect for us; it was inclusive, had adorable animals that my children loved cuddling and wonderful little play areas where I could sit and watch them play. I honestly can't wait to go back!" At Aldingbourne, nothing gives us more joy than seeing families and friends come together and enjoy each other's company on a 'Great Day Out'. Thanks to everyone who visited us and made each day so special. We also want to thank our incredible teams at ACC, whose hard work and dedication ensured that these holidays were not only fun and exciting but also safe and memorable. Next stop: May Half Term! Written by Lizzie Williams  Aldingbourne Country Centre recently partnered with Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital to host a bug hotel-building workshop. Alex, an education officer from Brent Lodge, led the activity, showing the people we support how to construct bug hotels using many different natural materials, which are plentiful here at the Country Centre grounds.
The clients split into two teams to design and build their bug hotels in our woodland walk and on the farm. Their creativity and imagination shone through as one group jokingly said they were creating a more budget-friendly hotel. The other group said theirs was a more high-end, luxurious establishment. The discussion about the needs of different bugs and small animals was fascinating, with each group providing different materials for different types of insects to live in. There was a home for every bug! Alex expressed her pleasure on the day, saying, "I'm delighted to help the Trust build their bug hotels for their woodland and farm areas. As well as pollinating our flowers and benefitting our flora, insects are a vital food source for our local wildlife, which is why bug hotels are so important for conservation. Many creatures benefit from a thriving insect population, from hedgehogs to badgers and birds to shrews. The more insects we have, the more wildlife we'll have!" The project's success was evident from the enthusiasm of the people we support, who had a great time. Alex looks forward to inviting members of the Trust to the hospital to see how they help wildlife in need and explore potential collaborations for the future. The Aldingbourne Trust provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities or autism to live meaningful and fulfilled lives and to contribute positively to their communities. We take pride in working collaboratively with all key local and national organisations, like Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, to improve opportunities and care services for adults with learning disabilities or autism. To learn more about what we do at the Trust, please visit our website www.aldingbournetrust.org Written by Lizzie Williams |
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