The sun shone on the hundreds of visitors who came out and supported Derwen College Summer Fete, making it another bumper year.

Students past and present, families, staff, volunteers and the local community all visited the college on Thursday afternoon (30th May) helping out and taking part in games, have-a go-activities, shopping at the stalls and outlets, and enjoying the wide variety of food and drink on offer.

Activities for young and old to take part in included badge making, screen printing, skittles, Play Your Cards Right, Coconut Shy and Lucky Dip. Sports activities were provided by Oswestry fencing coaches from Phenzync and football with Chester FC, who came along with cuddly wolf mascot Big Lupus. The event was also supported by local rotary clubs who ran games and a popular book stall.

The fete offered visitors the chance to see some of the college and meet students. There was a Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards camp showcasing the challenges taken on by students and staff for the awards, a Student Reunion area for past and present students to meet up, and an adapted bike owned by student Mackenzie Beeson who is taking part in a sponsored cycle around Lake Vyrnwy in July.

There were rave reviews of the Creative Arts students’ show called BeSmART and visitors admired and bought works of art from the students’ art exhibition.

Stalls also sold the college’s Made@Derwen bread, cakes, jams and chutneys, served up ice-creams galore, and treated guests to home-made Derwen ice-cream, a barbecue and Pimms.

Located within the commercial areas of the college, revellers enjoyed the opportunity to shop and eat at the college’s Orangery Restaurant, Garden Café and Garden Centre and Shop.

Principal Meryl Green said she was delighted to see so many people visiting the college for the fete.

She said: “The sun came out and the atmosphere was just fabulous. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves at the fete and taking part in the fun activities and shopping at stalls. We would like to thank all our supporters who are generous with their time, their fundraising and their enthusiasm for the work of the college, and also to external stall holders and all our sponsors – the generosity and community spirit was inspiring.”

Funds raised from the Summer Fete will go to Derwen College Charity supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities in their work, independence and wellbeing. For more information go to www.derwen.ac.uk/donate

For more information on the college’s commercial outlets go to www.visitderwen.co.uk