Fareham college students host lunch for older people

A group of older people from Lockswood Wellbeing Centre, which is run by Age Concern Hampshire, in Locks Heath, was treated to a slap-up lunch at Fareham College’s Avenue 141 restaurant on Wednesday.

Level 3 BTEC business students hosted the lunch as part of an ongoing project to run their own business and raise awareness for a charity, which this year was chosen to be Lockswood Day Centre.

The students planned and took part in a range of activities to put their business skills into practice and raise funds for the centre, including a sale at the end of last year, which raised over £100.

The money raised is being put towards the cost of a new cooker for the centre.

Centre manager Mandy Rowlands said: ‘We don’t have a cook at the moment and we need to replace our cooker, so we currently have to order in lunches for our visitors.

‘We provide a two-course hot meal, which is always thoroughly enjoyed, but it would be great to have more flexibility to provide catering on-site. The funds raised by the students at Fareham College are massively appreciated.’

Members of Lockswood Wellbeing Centre enjoyed a three-course lunch, prepared and served by hospitality and catering students.

Business student Daniel Stubbington has been involved in the project.

The 16-year-old said: ‘This has been a very interesting initiative to be part of.

‘I have been able to put my business-related skills into practice through planning, organising and budgeting for the fundraising activities that we have run.

‘I have seen first-hand key skills that are required to make any project happen within the business world, but it’s even better that the fruits of our labour are helping a really worthwhile cause.’

Theresa Kemp, business lecturer, said: ‘I am very proud of the results achieved by these students.

‘They have been organised, proactive and very passionate about the important work carried out by the Lockswood centre in supporting older members of our community.’