Fortune College in Bransgore honours students amid £300k roof fundraiser

A BRANSGORE special college honoured students’ achievements with awards and a renewed drive to raise £300,000 for a new roof.

Fortune College, part of the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, invited New Forest District Council chair Cllr Alan O’Sullivan as guest of honour for the end-of-year prize-giving event.

The further education facility works with horses to help young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities gain skills for independent living, work and accredited qualifications.

It is currently running a Raise the Roof campaign to replace its indoor school roof, which also encompasses two stable yards, a canteen, office and teaching space.

Having named the college as his chosen charity, Cllr O’Sullivan has helped promote the campaign.

Award recipients included Emma Langley, who received the Effort Cup, the Wheeler Cup for Kindness, the Terry Goodison Art Prize and the Honesty Cup.

She also took the Work Experience Cup for helping produce healthy lunches for all 32 students and 96 staff.

Ella Kurgo, who has completed the first year of Further Education Through Horsemastership, won certificates in word power and art, as well as gaining functional skills qualifications in maths and English.

TVS group won the overall yard points award and best kept field award.

Best group went to Hayward yard group, presented by principal Jane Delves.

Therapy Horse of the Year went to Doc who has been at the centre for over 10 years and is owned by ex-student Kirstie Brown.

Visit the Raise the Roof fundraising webpage at fortune.ac.uk/raisetheroof