Release Date: 14/11/2008
Richmond Council’s club for disabled children and young people, Crofters, will be celebrating its tenth birthday this month with a party at the Croft Centre. Hundreds of young people have benefited from the services provided by Crofters over its ten year history through after-school clubs, weekend activities and play schemes during school holidays.
Crofters started as a Wednesday afternoon club for 5-10 year olds but steadily grew in size and popularity. Over the years evening and weekend clubs were included and working with the Council Youth Support Service, Arts Service and other partners Crofters now provides regular clubs and activities for 4-24 year olds.
Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Education and Children Services said:
“We are so pleased to be celebrating the tenth anniversary of Crofters. This fantastic club provides much needed support and activities for disabled young people in the borough.
“The club has greatly changed over its ten year history. As well as now offering weekly day and evening clubs Crofters also takes children and young people on residential trips to centres all over the UK where they can take part in outdoor activities including abseiling.
“A recent addition to the activities includes over night stays at Kew Gardens so the children can participate in Midnight Ramblers and discover what secrets the gardens hold at night.
“I very much look forward to celebrating the occasion with the children, families and staff at Crofters.”
Crofters tenth birthday party will include an awards ceremony to mark the achievements and contributions of children and staff. Two Crofters children will also perform a signed song which was first performed at their audition for the TV show Britain’s Got Talent.