Singers help Shefford sensory hub set sail

With £6,000 raised so far, Hft’s Hitchin Road service prepares to begin work on its inclusive new sensory hub next Spring.

Exciting plans to create a sensory hub for adults with learning disabilities in Shefford has taken a step closer – thanks to a group of Sea Shanty singers.

The team at learning disability charity Hft’s residential service at Hitchin Road have been busy fundraising over the several months to provide the hub in the garden of the property.

So far around £6,000 has been raised from fundraising challenges and a grant from the John Althorpe Trust.

Hitchin Road’s own ‘Mayor’ Pollard, helped by friend Shirley Course, also organised a sell-out concert at Shefford Town Memorial Association featuring sea shanty group, the Snoop Groggy Groggs.

As well as the ticket sales, a tombola was also held on the shanty night, raising a total of £875.40.

“It was a fantastic concert to a capacity audience,” said Ken.

“Everyone got in the spirit of the evening and enjoyed singing along to all the sea shanties.

“I am delighted it raised such a good amount for the sensory hub project.”

It is hoped that work on the sensory hub summerhouse will get underway in the Spring.

The hub will be fitted with sensory items such as special lighting and will also feature items such as fidget boards.

Hitchin Road Service Manager Claire Davies-Sond said: “We are all so excited about having a sensory hub in the garden.

“The people we support have been key in the planning of what it should look like and what features they would like to see included

“It will be a place where people can socialise at the same time as being a space where people can go and chill and reflect.

“It will be a great addition to Hitchin Road.”

The service already has its own on-site pub – The Buzz Inn.

The pub, in a log cabin, was opened in 2023 and has its own specially built wheelchair accessible bar, fridge, till, coffee corner and a TV.

It is used as a space to host family events and for activities enjoyed by the learning disabled adults who live at the service – including for a weekly karaoke night.

The pub was funded with a grant from The Honeyman Trust and fundraising and donations from families. Claire is now looking for an electrician to help out with installing the electrics at the sensory hub.

Anyone who can help should email Claire.davies-sond@hft.org.uk