Happy Haleswortheen
Suffolk New College On The Coast in Halesworth hosted a free family day this week that had a Halloween theme.
Funded by the Visitor Economy Network Initiative Project (VENI), the campus based on Harrisons Lane saw around 100 guests take part in a host of activities.
Hair and beauty students painted youngsters’ faces, Leisure Learning Tutors showed people of all ages how to make cupcakes and floral arrangements.
Families were also given the chance to make ghoulish pumpkins and pizzas.
The occasion was part of the official launch of a brand new leisure learning programme aimed at residents of living in and around Halesworth.
Courses will include everything from cakes to craft and floristry to Spanish.
Zoe Evenden and Ebben Goward from Bungay came along. Zoe said: “We came to a floristry workshop as my little girl (Ebben) wants to potentially be a florist when she gets older. This is an excellent place. We are lucky to have it and it’s just on our doorstep.”
Ebben said: “I’ve enjoyed it. I think this has made me want to be a florist even more.”
Lorna Rackham from Halesworth brought her daughter along. Lorna said: “I only live over the road but it’s my first time here. It’s brilliant. I didn’t realise how big it was. There is lots going on.”
Lorna’s sister Ellie Rackham also from Halesworth also brought her daughter. Ellie said: “It’s really fun. I think I’ve enjoyed it more than the kids.”
Courtney Ferguson is on a hair and beauty course at the college and helped out with the face painting. “It’s been good.”
Sherry Storer is the head of centre at Halesworth. Sherry said: “The event has been about raising awareness and it has been really well supported. I’ve seen lots of happy faces.”
Anne Hedge from Westhall said: “I saw the event advertised and we thought it would be a nice thing to try. I think the centre is amazing and we have seen some courses that we quite like the idea of doing.”
June Lane from Halesworth said: “This is my first time here. I think it’s fantastic. My message to others is to check it out (the Halesworth campus).”
Lucy Emms is a business development manager at Suffolk New College. Lucy said: “We wanted to do something community focussed. Lots of people don’t know we exist. We had people of all ages coming. Halesworth is very driven by a strong sense of community and we are very proud to be part of that and everyone has been very receptive to us and this event.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came along, it’s been so vibrant and buzzy. My message to others is come and have a look, see what we do and get involved.”
The leisure learning programme will be starting in December and will also run in February and April 2024.
For more information, you can visit our leisure learning page.