SCRP has been developing our relationship with two colleges which support adults with learning disabilities on the Hounslow Richmond Loop Line: Richmond & Hillcroft Adult and Community College (3 minutes walk from Richmond station), and Great Oaks College (5 minutes walk from Hounslow station). The idea was to give students from each college a chance to practice travelling by train, as they often rely on taxis and minibuses provided by carers, and to visit the London Water and Steam Museum, Brentford.
Sandy Mahon met the RHACC students at Richmond station, and travelled with them to Kew Bridge Station, changing trains at Barnes. Meanwhile, Anna and the group from Great Oaks College made the journey from Hounslow. The museum is five minutes walk from Kew Bridge Station. We had a fascinating visit to the museum, with the highlight of riding around the museum grounds on a beautiful steam train. Students enjoyed their packed lunches at the museum, with tea and cakes ordered from the famous Maids of Honour teahouse at Kew.
Learners and staff from both colleges were inspired by the museum and the train journey, and hope to organise another similar event next year. It was lovely for the Great Oaks students, aged 19 – 24, to meet the older RHACC students, and so see how confident they have become, despite all their challenges.
learners enjoyed the visit to the Steam Museum and were able to use research completed on the day to design their own garden raised bed inspired by the steam museum. They were engaged and enjoyed interacting with exhibits, especially the trip on the steam train. What an inspiring place!