We enjoyed a busy time in the run-up to Christmas. Horticulture course students helped produce juices to sell, from fruit picked in our grounds, in conjunction with a local farm, and contributed to a Horticultural calendar, with photos of students and handy tips for the garden.

Firework Night was magnificent as usual, and the Christmas production well-received by both parents and local supporters. Father Christmas paid his annual visit before pupils returned home for the festive holiday.

We now seek your continued support in 2012. With 80 plus pupils and rising, resources are stretched, need update or replacing. We strive to provide facilities so our special students reach their full potential and to eventually live independent lives. One of our main aims is to build a Post-16 Centre to provide further education and life skills training.

The school and "Friends" are both registered charities. One of the greatest sources of income for charities is from legacies. To remember a local charity, such as Penn School, in your will would be a wonderful way to keep your memory alive and help educate youngsters with special needs for generations to come. We are happy to talk to you about this and our different projects in more detail if you wish.

Finally, a reminder that our annual Quiz Night will take place on Saturday 10th March. Joe Gleeson will once again be Quiz master, a fish'n'chip supper or vegetarian option (upon request) is included in the ticket price. Tickets from school (812139) or Jenny (813598)

This article was written by Jenny Freeman-Wood (Friends of Penn School) and first appeared in the February/March 2012 edition of Village Voice (issue 148). To see it in its original format please select the relevant edition from the Village Voice pages of this website.