Students' crafty creations spread festive cheer at Christmas fayre

Skilled students from Communication Specialist College Doncaster have helped spread festive cheer after their popular handmade Christmas crafts proved a big hit at a local fayre.

The enterprising students took their handcrafted wooden Christmas products to Mount Pleasant Hotel's annual Christmas Food, Craft and Gift Fair in late November.

The products, including the students' famous wooden reindeer, angels, snowmen and wine holders, are created by students studying woodwork and available in the college's on-site Enterprise Shop.

The artisanal items sold like hot mince pies at the Christmas Fayre, raising £1,300 for the college, who provide support and specialised learning for people with communication difficulties from across the country.

Tutor Chris Dykes oversees the student group, who run their own enterprise and sell a growing number of products that are made in lessons.

Chris said: "The Enterprise team had two very busy but enjoyable days at Mount Pleasant Hotel selling our Christmas products.

"We would like to thank students, staff and all family and friends that supported us with this venture. And we want to send a special thank you to Debbie at Mount Pleasant Hotel for the venue's kind hospitality and generous offer of a free stall.

"Running the enterprise is an invaluable learning experience for our students. As well as learning skills like money management and customer service, they gain independence and experience of looking after a business.

"It was wonderful to see so many friendly faces at the Christmas Fayre and a great way to bring the year to a close with some festive fun."

The Enterprise Shop is open 12-3pm Monday – Wednesday and will close for Christmas on Wednesday 15 December and reopen on Tuesday 4 January. Free delivery is available on orders over £20. To place an order call 01302 386700 ext 254 during opening times or email enterprise@cscd.ac.uk

The Doncaster Deaf Trust was founded in 1829 by Reverend William Carr Fenton in an attempt to help young deaf people receive an education that will equip them to become self-supporting adults.

The Trust now comprises a nursery, school, college and care-home in order to provide care for deaf, hard of hearing and people with communication difficulties at all stages in life.

For further information about the Enterprise Shop at Communication Specialist College Doncaster visit www.deaf-trust.co.uk/shop