The Chiltern Centre is delighted to welcome Christopher Laing OBE DL to join them as one of their Patrons. Mr Laing will join the dedicated and impressive group that already offer their patronage to the Centre; Gaie Scouller, Lady Judy McAlpine, Phillip Schofield and Alex Haigh. These Patrons are an essential part of the wider team at the Centre, offering invaluable support through their knowledge, skills and connections.
The Chiltern Centre provides a sanctuary for young adults with learning disabilities. A safe, calm and happy space to find joy and friendship whilst learning and growing into confident young adults.
Mr Laing commented,”‘I’m very pleased to be involved with something that makes such a difference locally and to see where I can assist in the next stages of the development of the Centre.”

Chair of Trustees, Paul Barrett said, “We are delighted and honoured that Christopher has agreed to join us as a Patron at the Chiltern Centre. Our patrons are a huge asset to us, helping us to remain firmly at the heart of the community. As we enter an exciting new stage of the Chiltern Centre’s history with the proposed build at Highlands Park we are thrilled to have Christopher’s knowledge and expertise to support us on our way.”

Mr Laing is no stranger to philanthropic activities having previously had roles as varied as vice-President of the National Playing Fields Association (now known as Fields in Trust), President of Hertfordshire Groundwork Trust and, a Trustee of The Lord’s Taverners until 2010. He is also a Trustee of John Laing Charitable Trust and of Chairman of Beatrice Laing Trust and in 1979 established The Christopher Laing Foundation. He commented, “I am a relative newcomer to the area having moved to Shiplake around 10 years ago and it’s an honour to be getting more involved in local activities. Working with the Centre at such an important time in its development is a challenge I greatly look forward to.”

The Shiplake College Ball hosted by the schools Parents’ Association raised more than £13,000 through a raffle and silent auction at Shiplake College’s summer ball.

More than 200 guests enjoyed dinner followed by dancing to the band Uptown Showdown.
Cindy Harper, who chairs the Shiplake College Parents’ Association, said: “This charity does an amazing job supporting young people who have challenges to enjoy the many aspects of life that present difficulty for them, allowing them to meet with others and have days out with support.
“This fabulous result was due to the generosity of the donations from local businesses and parents of the college. Thank you to everyone who attended.”

Headteacher Tyrone Howe said: “This was a terrific evening filled with laughter, dancing and fun and all for a good cause.

“A big thank-you to the team of parents on the committee who worked so hard to organise such a successful evening.”

Harriet Barcella, marketing and communications manager for the charity, said: “It was a magical event and we so appreciate the hard work that everybody put into making it happen. Events like this have an enormous impact on the work that we do to empower young people with disabilities to live life to the full. We simply could not open our doors without support like this so a huge thank-you to everybody involved.”