WORKSHOPS are being held at the Amelia Trust Farm where visitors can learn a skill while helping the Barry based charity.

Volunteers at the Amelia Trust Farm are always looking for new and innovative ways for people to help out and were recently approached by two local crafters, Leona Herbert of Patchwork Atik and Angela Wools of Hooked-on Crochet, who volunteered to donate their time to run an "Introduction to hand stitched patchwork" and an "Introduction to crochet" workshop.

Leona and Angela heard that the Trust were offering people new ways of getting involved and and offered to donate their time to run the two workshops.

The workshops will help the farm raise much needed funds to enable them to continue to fund the work they do with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

The "Introduction to hand stitched patchwork" workshop does not require any specialist equipment, you just need to take along a needle, thread and some scraps of material. It is a great way of re-purposing old clothing, curtains or any other material into something new and useful.

Crochet offers you a great way to relax, to be creative and enjoy yourself. All you need is a crochet hook and some wool.

As with the patchwork you can also re-use wool from something you no longer wear, so it can be a great way to re-purpose that jumper or cardigan into something new and useful.

Malcolm Jones, Education Manager at the Farm, has also donated his time and skills to enable us to put on an introduction to Tai Chi session as a farm fundraiser. As well as being the Education Manager at the Farm Malcolm, in his spare time, runs Karate and Tai Chi classes in Barry.

If you are interested in sharing a skill with others as a fundraising session, the Amelia Trust Farm would love to hear from you. Contact Jo Whitfield, jom@ameliatrust.org.uk 01446 782030.

Introduction to Tai Chi takes place on September 13 1pm to 2pm, £5 per person.

Introduction to Hand Stitched Patchwork takes place on November 7, £4.50 per person.

Introduction to Crochet takes place on November 15, £4.50 per person.

Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Call 01446 782030 to book your space.

The Amelia Trust Farm is a small charity which receives no core funding. It is a working farm set in 160 acres of countryside which includes 28 acres of woodlands. The Farm provides an alternative education for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people working with skilled staff and volunteers.