STUDENTS at Warrington & Vale Royal College brought visual and culinary delights to local visually impaired people thanks to a special partnership, now in its third year.
Members of Warrington VIP, a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of visually impaired people through social engagement and support, recently celebrated a delightful visit to Buckley’s Restaurant at Warrington & Vale Royal College.
This much-anticipated annual event was planned in collaboration with the college and once again proved to be a resounding success.
The unique initiative brings students from various courses to offer a special treat for Warrington VIP members. Health and Social Care students warmly welcomed the VIPs upon their arrival, escorting them from the minibus to the restaurant, assisting with coats, and guiding them to their seats in the restaurant. The atmosphere was set for a delightful afternoon, with a carefully curated menu and an array of engaging activities.
A delicious three-course meal was freshly prepared on-site by the college’s talented catering students. Guests were treated to a smooth and flavourful vegetable soup, followed by a hearty chicken pie with lightly minted potatoes and mixed vegetables. The meal concluded with a stunning deconstructed apple pie, which was both a visual and culinary delight. Tables were elegantly laid, the food was served piping hot, and gentle background music created a relaxed and inviting ambience. Adding to the occasion, Media students were on hand to capture the event through photography and videography, while one VIP and a volunteer were interviewed in the college’s state-of-the-art recording studio. This content will form part of an ongoing project to showcase the impact of Warrington VIP’s services.
After the meal, the visually impaired guests enjoyed a cup of tea before taking part in a general knowledge quiz designed by the students. The fun continued as they moved into the room next door where a variety of games and crafts had been arranged by the students. From bingo and Jenga to arts and crafts, reading sessions, and a giant Connect 4, there was something for everyone. The Connect 4 proved especially popular, with VIP member Anne adding a mischievous touch by slipping in extra pieces and jokingly claiming, “That’s the wrong place!” when an opponent blocked her move.
The afternoon concluded with students once again assisting the VIPs with their coats and escorting them back to the minibus, ensuring a smooth and pleasant departure. The day was a fantastic success, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the students, and Warrington VIP is eagerly looking forward to seeing the results of the photos, media projects, posters, and podcast interview.
Behind the scenes, Graphic Design students are currently working on a project to create promotional posters for three of Warrington VIP’s key services. Building on their successful creation of a Z-folder leaflet last year, which was professionally printed and distributed, the students are now taking their involvement a step further. They will be joining the VIP Lunch Club to document the experience and interact with members firsthand.
By working on a live brief, students from catering, graphic design, media, and health & social care not only enhance their creative and communication abilities but also build a strong portfolio and gain material for their CVs, giving them a competitive edge in their future careers. This hands-on project work provides students with invaluable real-world experience, allowing them to develop technical and professional skills while liaising directly with a client—Warrington VIP.
This intergenerational collaboration continues to strengthen the bond between young students and visually impaired older members of the community. Discussions are already underway about offering work placements for students at Warrington VIP, providing invaluable hands-on experience while further enriching the charity’s services.
One particularly special guest at the event was Chef Steve, who dedicates much of his time to preparing meals for VIP members, volunteers, and staff. For once, he was able to sit back and enjoy the experience, accompanied by his wife. Steve has played a vital role in reducing Warrington VIP’s food costs by sourcing surplus local ingredients and transforming them into nutritious three-course meals served at the centre’s Lunch Club every Tuesday and Thursday.
This remarkable partnership between Warrington VIP and Warrington & Vale Royal College continues to grow, creating meaningful connections across generations and offering unforgettable experiences for all involved.
