Students and staff support local charities during the festive season

Norland students and staff have been putting their skills into practice to raise much-needed funds for local charities and community services.

A team of nine students led by second-year student Holly (Set 43) have put their creative skills to good use by making a range of beautiful Christmas wreaths for the Royal United Hospital (RUH) Cosy Christmas Appeal supported by the Forever Friends organisation.

The student wreath-makers are Emma, Izzy and Chloe in their first year (Set 44), second years Holly, Jess and Lucy (Set 43), and third-year students Santika, Sophie and Emily (Set 42). First-year student Emma (Set 44) also made felt decorations for the sale.

felt Christmas decorations made by a student

The homemade wreaths and decorations will be on sale at the Sainsbury’s Green Park and Odd Down stores alongside cards and an opportunity to buy a soft toy with a personal message to be gifted to a child. The sale has been organised by Susannah Padiachy of Grace Church Bath and Emmanuel Church Weston. All donations from the sale will be used to bring some festive cheer to the staff and patients of the RUH Children’s Ward this Christmas.

So far this term, Norland students and staff have raised almost £6,000 for local and national charities at a time when fundraising activities are especially crucial and more challenging than usual. Through sponsored runs, creative competitions, hair donations, rationing and much more, we’ve been delighted to support Children’s Hospice South West, Bath’s Genesis Trust for the homeless, the Royal British Legion, Cancer Research, the Little Princess Trust and Concern Worldwide.

Many students have been volunteering with the Nest Project, which provides good quality, second-hand clothes and equipment to children in Bath and the surrounding area. First-year student Lucie (Set 44) has made dribble bibs and blankets to be donated to children who need them this Christmas.

In the New Year, Norland will hold its annual sale of donated Christmas presents with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). It is hoped it will also be possible to deliver three handmade cot quilts to the hospice in-person in January. Sewing Lecturer and Charity Coordinator Kate Jaeger worked with ten students to produce the cot quilts for the charity, which provides support and hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Find out more about Norland’s charitable and community activities