ARTS and crafts were centre stage at the Lantern community’s open day as three new workshop buildings were officially opened for adults with learning difficulties.

The event at the centre in Folly Farm Lane, Ringwood, saw a number of different activities being demonstrated including artisan bread making, pottery, weaving and seasonal craft.

The open day was in celebration of the five new craft workshops at the Ringwood-based campus.

Two of the new buildings, paid for through 10 years of fundraising, were built by CaSA Architects and Greendale Construction.

They will enable the Lantern Community residents and day placements to benefit from the charity’s holistic approach.

Including a weaving studio, seasonal craft workshop, art studio, pottery and woodwork, the event saw dozens of people turn out for the ceremony where a foundation stone was laid in the ground.

Set-up to enable residents with a learning disability to take part in a friendly supportive environment, the comm-unity offers opportunities for meaningful work suited to each individual.

Emma Borbely, day services manager, said the organ-isation had been fundraising for 10 years to build the new workshops. All the money we make goes back into the community.

“Over the years Lantern has become a lot more outward-looking and welcoming and we want people to realise what we do here.

“People who come here feel they are needed and wanted; it’s a real community.”

Ian Walker, director of architects CaSA, added: “It is wonderful being here today and seeing the warmth and excitement is wonderful.”

The gift shop on site was also selling gifts made by the residents and day visitors.