Our Self Help Ventures

The Trust's projects, workshops and self-help activities offer real opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

Residents are involved in the care and support of the animals at the Rare Breeds Centre, preparing and serving food at the Granary Restaurant and helping with catering at the Falcons Centre. At the Rainbow Nursery, residents are involved in growing and nurturing plants and vegetables, and at the Rainbow Gallery they develop their arts and crafts skills. In Rye residents work at the Coterie Tea Rooms and in Aldington at Poulton Woodworks - a woodland and conservation initiative.

All these ventures and others supported by volunteers generate income for the Trust to support its ongoing work.

Rare Breeds Centre
An unbeatable day out for all the family with rare breeds of pigs, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and pigs, including the famous 'Tamworth Two'. All proceeds from entry charges to the Centre go to help the work of the Trust.

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The Granary Restaurant
Freshly prepared, home cooked meals, snacks and refreshments are served in a large, beamed restaurant. . All proceeds from Restaurant sales go to COT.

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The Falcons Centre
'The Falcons' comprises a large bright room catering for up to 200 people, with smaller rooms available for corporate meetings. The centre is also licensed for Civil Marriage ceremonies and is used for banquets, dances, lunches, breakfasts and birthday parties. All proceeds from functions at 'The Falcons' are donated in full to Canterbury Oast Trust.

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Rainbow Nursery
The Rainbow Nursery offers a fantastic range of plants which have been tended and grown by adults with a learning disability. A planter and hanging basket making service is also offered, with all proceeds going to help the work of the Trust

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Rainbow Gallery
The Rainbow Gallery is attended by 70 adults with learning disabilities. The environment is designed to encourage self-expression through inspiring art and craft activities. Many artworks are made to sell to the public at the Rare Breeds Centre and all proceeds go to the Trust.

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Coterie Tea Rooms in Rye
The Tea Room was set up in 1989 by Canterbury Oast Trust to provide opportunities for independence through integration into the life of the community. It is run by people with learning disabilities with the assistance of support staff. All proceeds go towards supporting the work of the Trust.

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The Gift Shop at the Rare Breeds Centre
The gift shop is manned by a loyal band of volunteers and has many items for both adults and children - posters, books, toys ornaments, stationery, confectionery, preserves, etc. All proceeds go to support the work of the Trust

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Poulton Wood Works
This is a work experience programme for adults with learning difficulties. The tasks undertaken include: woodland management, tree planting & felling and woodland crafts including making items for sale using traditional methods. All sales proceeds go to support the work of the Trust.

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