AS we bring to an end a month of celebrating the work being done by the Walton Lea Partnership it is also time to look forward for the charity.

The centre, which offers work based skills for people with learning and other disabilities, has grown in size recently by creating a range of new workshops that not only offer new skills but new ways to bring funding back in to the centre.

Kate Finch, from the charity, said: “The Walton Lea Partnership has expanded widely in the past year particularly with the need to diversify and we need to attract more people.”

Projects including the bike recycling scheme, furniture restoration and woodwork has meant bringing in extra volunteers with expertise in those areas.

The bike recycling scheme and furniture restoration relies on members of the public donating unwanted items to the Chester Road centre for users to give them a new lease of life.

Both projects have proved highly popular so far.

“We have got a lot on our plate at the minute but we haven’t rolled out that much more in terms of projects,” added Kate.

And the site’s location also offers the chance to link up with neighbouring Walton Hall Gardens for users to have an even broader range of opportunities.

“We have links with Walton Hall and we hope that the redevelopment plans work well and we can be a big player on that,” added Kate.

Though it still does not forget its roots as a horticultural project with volunteers currently appealing for plants which can offer then foliage for the centre’s own flower arrangements.

Produce available from the partnership’s own farm shop will also be on sale at a farmers market in Stockton Heath this Sunday.

And its finest food will also feature in a special farmers market lunch at the Red Lion to mark the event.

To find out more about the work the Walton Lea Partnership does, volunteer or donate call 860143, e-mail waltonlea@btconnect.com or visit localgiving.com/charity/waltonleaproject.