Paul Allison, co-owner of FASTSIGNS® Sheffield & Chesterfield, has joined the ‘480 Club’ at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust in Sheffield, by donating £480 to pay for a group of children from Woodhouse West Primary School to stay at the Farm.

Founded in 1979 Whirlow Hall Farm Trust is a unique environmental and educational charity that works with children and young people from inner city areas, providing

a ‘classroom in the countryside’.  Each year, over 10,000 children benefit from the experience of visiting Whirlow Hall Farm, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, with special needs or a disability.

FASTSIGNS Sheffield & Chesterfield specialises in producing signs and graphics, including vehicle graphics, banners, exterior signs and exhibitions.

Twelve children from the school will stay at Whirlow Hall for two nights in June, where they will have the opportunity to get close to the farm animals, feed them and learn about life on a real working farm.

John Bennett, Head of Woodhouse West Primary School said: “We are delighted that FASTSIGNS chose to provide this opportunity to pupils at our school. We do not have sufficient resources for special trips such as this so it’s very much appreciated and the children will really benefit from it.”

There are around 60 organisations and individuals who currently support the 480 Club, which is a way for businesses and individuals to support the work of the Whirlow Hall Farm Trust with its more disadvantaged visitors.  The 480 funds are used to encourage visits from schools groups that might not otherwise get the chance for such a trip, particularly those with more than 25% of children receiving free school meals or special needs groups.

Bridget Evans, Chief Executive of Whirlow Hall Farm Trust said: “Many children who live in the city, especially those with disabilities or special needs, have never visited a farm, so we exist to provide the opportunity for children to experience first hand what it is like to feed a newborn baby lamb or hold a newly hatched chick. We are very grateful for FASTSIGNS support, which makes it possible for children from Woodhouse West Primary to visit us.”

Paul Allison from FASTSIGNS said: “When we heard about the 480 Club we felt that it was the perfect opportunity for us to be able to put something back into our local community. Whirlow Hall Farm Trust does such excellent work in improving the quality of life for many children and we are proud to be part of that.”

For more information about joining the 480 Club or other ways to support Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, simply fill in the form below.