Cirencester Scene Magazine - Establishing Local Connections Star Day


27/06/14 www.natstar.ac.uk


At the beginning of April I was invited for coffee at the Star Bistro (of Wiggly Worm Machine fame) and a tour of the National Star College, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, not far from the Air Balloon Pub.


It’s all part of the outreach by the administrative team to gain publicity and awareness of the fantastic work that is done there by some amazingly dedicated people with real vision.


The college is for youngsters with disabilities, many of them wheelchair bound. Its vision is to enable people with disabilities to realise their potential through personalised learning, transition and lifestyle services.


Nowadays the facilities are comprehensive though originally it was based in the oldmansion house in the grounds which proved pretty impractical for the students, a lot of whom couldn’t get to the first floor. All that has changed these days as some pretty fantastic state of the artmodern buildings have been built to house and teach the students, and the mansion has been relegated to office use!


I was shown round by Sue Davison, a Community Fund Raiser on the staff and by Harry Shenton, an ex-student aged 25 years, who is now working there part-time as a College


Ambassador. Harry is quite severely affected with cerebral palsy but, due to the college and its after care, was supported into independent living in a flat in central Cheltenham, where he has learnt to take charge of the team of carers he employs to help himremain independent.


Harry travels to schools, businesses, WIs and Probus groups to spread the word about the National Star and its aims. Using himself as an example of success, coupled with a winning personality, he raises the profile of the college this way and converts it to support by way of recruiting volunteers and raising funds.


One of the big corporate sponsors is Mitsubishi from Cirencester who have generously provided the centre with a large 4x4 which they maintain - it can be tricky driving on that steep hill in winter conditions - as well as providing Star College with a marquee at Badminton Show each year.


Situated in the grounds of the college are some quirky camping pods which offer ‘Glamping’ - glamorous camping - for holiday makers


or


weekenders visiting this beautiful Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A great base for enjoying relaxing rural walks like the Cotswold Way, bike rides and hikes. Yet only three miles from Cheltenham centre for shopping.


One style of glamping pod


Chloe Kiddie serving Sue


Harry Shenton and Sue Davison 8 Please tell the advertisers you saw them in the Cirencester Scene Magazine


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