40 Faces of Ferring
Celebrating the people that Makes Us who we are!
Hannah joined in 2017 and has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and direction of Ferring Country Centre. With a strong background in finance and the charity sector, she brings both strategic leadership and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for others. Hannah is passionate about ensuring the Centre remains a place where individuals can build skills, confidence and a true sense of belonging. Her leadership continues to drive Ferring forward, supporting both its people and its long-term vision.
Since joining in 2012, Sam has been at the heart of Ferring Country Centre’s growth and day-to-day life. Overseeing all commercial activities, from Ranger’s Café to events and the Visitor Centre, she plays a key role in creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for visitors. Alongside this, Sam leads on fundraising and ensures the site operates safely and efficiently. Her energy, enthusiasm and passion for the Centre are felt across everything she does, helping to bring the Ferring community together.
David joined Ferring Country Centre in 2023 and now leads the team supporting over 130 Day Service customers each week. With a strong background in safeguarding and previous experience working with West Sussex County Council, he brings both expertise and compassion to his role. David is committed to creating a safe, supportive and positive environment where individuals can thrive, develop independence and feel valued. His leadership helps ensure that support across the Centre is meaningful, consistent and person-centred.
Since joining in 2024, Hazel has played a key role in overseeing the financial sustainability of Ferring Country Centre. With extensive experience across a range of sectors, including healthcare, security services and accountancy, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a careful, considered approach to her work. Hazel ensures the charity operates efficiently and compliantly, supporting its long-term future. Her work behind the scenes is vital in enabling the Centre to continue delivering opportunities and support to those who need it most.
Charles Boughton Leigh is a founding trustee of Ferring Country Centre, alongside John and Janice Ranger. In 1986, Worthing Mencap purchased the 14-acre Rife Way site, laying the foundations for the centre we know today. Charles played a key role in establishing Ferring Country Centre, inspired by his twin sons, who still attend. He has been part of many of the centre’s key milestones over the years, and his legacy lives on at the heart of the site, with Charles Way, the road up to the centre, named in recognition of his contribution.
Sarah holds a very special place in Ferring Country Centre’s history as our very first Day Service Customer when the Centre opened in 1986. Forty years on, her enthusiasm for coming to Ferring remains just as strong as it was on her very first day.
Sarah has always worked in the riding school, where she is very much at home, and Rambo has long been her favourite horse. She very rarely misses a day and continues to be a familiar, much-loved presence around the Centre. Somehow, she hardly seems to have aged at all, bringing the same energy, warmth and commitment that she did all those years ago. Sarah’s journey is a wonderful reminder of the lasting relationships and sense of belonging that sit at the heart of Ferring Country Centre.
Andrew Dales played a significant role in shaping the early development of Ferring Country Centre after becoming a trustee in its formative years. His commitment and support helped guide the Centre as it grew and developed, contributing to the strong foundations FCC has today.
His lasting contribution is recognised through Dales Farm, named in his honour, which remains an important and much‑loved part of the site. It continues to play a key role in the life of the Centre and stands as a reminder of Andrew’s involvement and the impact of his support on Ferring’s ongoing story.
Ann Boughton-Leigh has been an integral part of Ferring Country Centre’s story from the very beginning and continues to serve as a trustee today. Alongside her husband Charles, she has supported the vision and growth of the centre, shaped by their personal connection through their sons, who still attend. Ann’s ongoing dedication has helped create the warm, inclusive community that defines Ferring Country Centre.
Ray represents all of our Day Service Customers. He started attending Ferring Country Centre in 1986 in the early days. Ray particularly enjoys working in the wood workshop and helping with maintenance tasks around the site, contributing in practical ways to the life of the Centre.
“I like working at FCC, I have been here since 1986. I work in the woodwork where we make lots of things. If I didn’t come, I would have to stay at home and I would be bored with nothing to do.”
-Ray B
Helen has been a valued part of Ferring Country Centre since 2002, bringing over two decades of dedication to the Riding School. As Riding School Manager, she oversees all activities within the stables, ensuring the highest standards of care and welfare for every horse, while creating a safe and supportive environment for riders. Helen plays a key role in enabling individuals to build confidence, develop new skills and experience the therapeutic benefits of working with horses. Her passion for riding and commitment to the Centre are evident in everything she does, making a lasting impact on both the animals in her care and the people she supports.
Jamie is one of our longest attending Day Service Customers and represents all of the fabulous people that come to our Day Service. Jamie particularly enjoys horticulture and working outdoors on the allotment. His mother, Wyn, was a great supporter of the Centre and was well known for the delicious cakes she baked for the plant sale. One of our classrooms has been named in her memory.
Raffaella has been part of Ferring Country Centre since 2013, making her one of the longest-standing members of the team. Before joining the staff team, she first came to Ferring as a volunteer, and her passion for social care has been at the heart of her journey ever since. In her role as QA and Outcomes Manager, she supports day service customers to access learning opportunities and connect with the wider community, helping individuals grow in confidence and independence. Raffaella’s dedication and commitment continue to make a lasting impact across the Centre.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and compassionate team of support workers at Ferring Country Centre. Every one of them deserves recognition, as they are central to the day‑to‑day running and heart of the Centre. Gemma has been chosen to represent our support workers, having worked here the longest and embodying the commitment and values shared across the team.
Our support workers empower Day Service customers to reach their fullest potential through consistent guidance, encouragement and good humour. They also bring patience, compassion, adaptability and kindness, creating an environment where individuals feel valued, respected and confident. Through teamwork, creativity and genuine care, our support workers foster independence, build meaningful relationships and ensure every day is enriching, supportive and inclusive.
Andrew and James have been part of Ferring Country Centre since 1990, making them two of our longest‑standing Day Service members. Their connection to FCC runs deep — their dad, Charles, was a founding trustee, and their mum, Ann, continues to support the Centre today as a trustee.
When Andrew and James finished school, there were very few opportunities available for young people with learning disabilities. Like many families at the time, their parents were part of a group who wanted to change that. They dreamed of a place where their children could lead rewarding, fulfilling lives, develop essential life skills and be part of the world of work — and that vision became Ferring Country Centre.
Amy Comins (nee Jarrett-Kerr) and Katherine Last represent former Volunteers. “We started volunteering at FCC shortly after it first opened. We worked very hard every weekend (and school holidays) for about 5 years, but were rewarded with a great sense of achievement. It was a great way to spend our early teens, learning, not only new skills, but also resilience, responsibility, teamwork and reliability. It was a worthwhile time, giving back to the community and keeping us out of trouble, whilst being able to spend time with horses/learning how to care for them and also learning patience and kindness helping people with disabilities learn to ride and to work on the horticultural side. We have taken these skills into our adult lives/careers, one of us working with young adults, empowering and supporting them into education, employment or training and the other assisting elderly & vulnerable people manage their finances under Attorneyship/Deputyship. We both look back on our time at FCC with great fondness and really believe it helped shape the people we have become.”
Scarlett Pointer has been attending Riding therapy at Ferring Country Centre Riding School since 2010 and has a wonderfully creative talent for both storytelling and illustration. With her distinctive drawing style and great sense of humour, Scarlett chose to use her skills to give something back to the place that has brought her so much joy.
Scarlett created The Adventures of Misty, a comic‑style book of short stories inspired by the animals at Ferring. The book has been professionally printed and is available to purchase in our gift shop, delighting visitors of all ages. Her illustrations have also been transformed into a colourful height chart for our soft play area, bringing her artwork to life across the Centre.
In addition to her creative contributions, Scarlett also supports Ferring Country Centre by Sponsoring one of our new Kune Kune pigs. We are incredibly grateful for her enthusiasm and proud to celebrate Scarlett as one of our inspiring young supporters.
Ava represents all our young fundraisers and supporters. In 2025, at just eight years old, Ava achieved something truly inspiring. Alongside her nanna, Claire, she cycled from Littlehampton to Paris, covering 180 miles in just over six days and raising more than £1,500 for Ferring Country Centre.
Throughout the journey, our Day Service Customers eagerly followed Ava’s progress, sending her questions via video, which she happily answered, helping them feel part of her adventure.
Ava’s fundraiser has become a real family effort. Her nanna, Claire, will be completing a 40 miles for 40 years, cycle ride later in the summer alongside Bob Rogers, our Chairman, and a group of supporters, while Ava’s mum, Hannah Moyles, has recently completed the LLHM in aid of Ferring. We are incredibly grateful to Ava and her family for their amazing support, enthusiasm and generosity.
Margaret Evans joined Ferring Country Centre in 2013 and quickly became a valued and much‑loved member of the team. Passionate about the game of pétanque, she was keen to introduce it to our Day Service customers as an inclusive activity suitable for all abilities.
Margaret patiently built up customers’ skills, introducing a certificate system to celebrate progress and achievement. Through pétanque, she taught far more than a game — she nurtured self‑confidence, pride, teamwork and encouragement, creating a supportive and joyful environment for everyone involved.
Margaret leaves a lasting legacy in the pétanque terrain she helped establish at Ferring Country Centre. Sessions and matches continue to this day in her memory. Her dedication to our Day Service customers and her generous heart are greatly missed by all.
Pip has been at Ferring Country Centre since the very beginning, in 1986. She represents the many long serving volunteers that are still with us, each of which are truly appreciated for the time and skills they contribute.
Pip first became involved as a volunteer, having previously kept a horse at livery at the former riding school. At that time, the Centre consisted of just one Day Service Customer, Sarah – who still works with the horses today – and a single horse.
Over the years, Pip has seen Ferring grow from those early days into the thriving centre and riding school it is now, with many more acres of land, 16 horses and 130 Day Service Customers. Reflecting on her time here, Pip says, “Volunteering is incredibly rewarding – Ferring really does feel like a second home. I have so many stories I could tell!”
Simon Thompson is the driving force behind Ferring Country Centre’s much‑loved Fundraising Quiz and Supper Nights, held twice a year and always a success. Through his brilliantly entertaining quiz rounds — from music and anagrams to picture challenges — Simon brings people together for evenings that are both fun and meaningful. He represents the many volunteers who generously give their talents and skills to raise vital funds for FCC, freely giving his time to support our work. We are incredibly grateful to Simon for the energy, creativity and joy he brings, helping our community — and our charity — thrive. The next Quiz and Supper night will be held on Friday 6th November – tickets will be available soon!
Bob Rogers has been Chairman of Ferring Country Centre since August 2012, having previously served as a non-executive director for over 30 years. He provides leadership and strategic oversight, supporting the Centre’s development and ensuring it continues to deliver high-quality services for the people it supports. Drawing on a long career as a solicitor and extensive experience in governance, Bob plays an important role in guiding the charity’s direction and strengthening its impact within the community. His long-standing commitment and dedication to the Centre have helped shape its growth and ongoing success.
David began his trusteeship at Ferring Country Centre in Summer 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a career in education and skills. A qualified teacher, he has worked across schools and further education colleges in Sussex, including in senior leadership roles, before moving into national work with government funding and later contributing to the WorldSkills competitions, promoting excellence in vocational training. He has also chaired governing bodies, including a Brighton special school and East Sussex College, and has a strong interest in improving opportunities for young people and adults with special educational needs.
David’s commitment to learning, inclusion and skills development is reflected in his ongoing work supporting SEND strategy in East Sussex and his belief in the value of sport, culture and the arts in strengthening communities.
Jane brings over 40 years of senior leadership experience in the advertising and media industry to Ferring Country Centre, having worked with some of the world’s biggest global brands. As a trustee, she provides valuable strategic input, particularly in communications, brand development and profile raising, helping the Centre to strengthen its visibility, reach and long-term sustainability.
With extensive board experience, including senior executive and non-executive roles, Jane supports strong governance and strategic decision-making across the organisation. She is a committed advocate for the Centre and is passionate about using her expertise to help further its mission and impact within the community.
Anne brings a wealth of medical experience and a deep understanding of health and wellbeing to Ferring Country Centre, shaped by her long career as a GP in Worthing. Her clinical background provides valuable insight into supporting the Centre’s inclusive environment and understanding the needs of the people we work with, particularly in relation to wellbeing and care.
Linda is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience gained across New Zealand and the UK, working in sectors including professional services, telecommunications, property and financial services. Since 2009, she has worked as a part-time Finance Director for SME organisations, alongside acting as a Trustee and Treasurer for selected charities. Linda brings strong financial expertise and governance experience to her role at Ferring Country Centre, helping us to maintain stability and make informed decisions.
Debbie has been a trustee at Ferring Country Centre since 2018.
Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk, became our Patron in 2018 and has been a valued and much‑appreciated supporter of Ferring Country Centre ever since. Georgina has shown a genuine interest in the Centre and its work, helping to champion the inclusive opportunities and experiences we offer to the people who attend our services.
In the early years of her patronage, the Duchess kindly donated several animals to Dales Farm, including Mango and Pixie, our beautiful Shetland ponies. Both ponies quickly became much‑loved members of the Ferring family, bringing joy, companionship and therapeutic benefits to countless visitors, volunteers and service users over the years.
As Ferring Country Centre continued to grow and evolve, expanding both its facilities and its reach within the community, Georgina returned in 2021 to officially open our Ranger’s Café, Visitor Centre and gift shop. This visit marked an important milestone in the Centre’s development, celebrating not only new facilities but also the ongoing support that makes our work possible.
Her continued association with Ferring Country Centre reflects our strong links with the wider community and the lasting impact of valued supporters who help our charity to thrive.
In November 2025, we were honoured to welcome Sally Gunnell OBE DL to Ferring Country Centre to unveil the plaque at the official opening of our new Dance and Fitness Studio. Sally’s presence made the occasion truly special and marked an important milestone in the continued development of our facilities.
Music and movement play a vital role in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, supporting coordination, balance and physical health, while also encouraging self‑expression, confidence and emotional wellbeing. The new studio provides a dedicated, inclusive space where our customers can enjoy dance, fitness and movement sessions in a safe, uplifting and supportive environment.
The opening of the Dance and Fitness Studio represents our commitment to promoting health, creativity and joy for everyone at Ferring Country Centre, and we were incredibly proud to have Sally Gunnell play a part in celebrating this exciting new chapter.
We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Ferring Country Centre on 25 April 2013, when she officially opened The Pavilion in Dales Farm. Staff, Volunteers and Day Service Customers were delighted to meet her and proudly show her around the Centre, making the day a memorable milestone in our history. It was a very special moment to receive such a meaningful mark of recognition — a true royal seal of approval!
Since its opening, The Pavilion has evolved to meet the changing needs of the Centre. Today, it provides a valuable space for educational activities and small animal care, continuing to play an important role in learning, development and hands‑on experiences at Dales Farm. The Pavilion stands as a lasting reminder of a proud occasion and our ongoing commitment to providing high‑quality, purposeful facilities for those we support and our visitors.
Joe Marler, former England international rugby player and long‑standing Harlequins prop
officially opened our Wood Workshop in October 2021, marking the start of an exciting and purposeful space for our Day Service Customers. Working with wood gives customers a strong sense of achievement and pride, allowing them to learn practical skills, work as part of a team and see tangible results from their efforts. The workshop produces a range of handmade items that benefit the wider community, including bespoke projects such as the new garden features for Angmering Library. Customers also create our much‑loved planters made from recycled pallet wood, which have become particularly popular with local supporters. The Wood Workshop is a place of creativity, purpose and connection, and we were delighted to have Joe Marler help open a facility that continues to make such a positive difference.
Revd Shirley Tupper, has been a valued supporter of Ferring Country Centre since 2023, when she became vicar of St Andrew’s Parish Church. Shirley leads our much‑loved Live Nativity each year, bringing warmth, meaning and a strong sense of community to this special event. She has also supported the Centre by sharing our appeals with her congregation, helping to strengthen local awareness and connection. Our partnership is joyfully reflected each year when our donkeys attend St Andrew’s Palm Sunday service, a much‑anticipated highlight for all involved.
The connection runs even deeper through Shirley’s husband, Steve Tupper, who volunteers his time as coach of The Ferring Rangers football team.
Together, they play an important role in strengthening the community connections that support and enrich life at Ferring Country Centre.
Dolly the donkey, alongside her faithful companion Jimmy, represents all the much‑loved animals at Dales Farm. Full of character and charm, Dolly is a favourite with customers and a perfect ambassador for farm life.
Since opening in 2009, Dales Farm has provided a safe and supportive working environment where adults with learning disabilities can learn essential animal‑care skills, from feeding and grooming to cleaning and caring for their animal companions.
Under the guidance of Farm Manager Bethany Budgen and the dedicated Dales Farm team, customers work alongside a lively mix of residents including goats, sheep, alpacas, Shetland ponies, ducks, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds in our aviary. Together, the animals and team create a space filled with learning, laughter and meaningful connections — just the way Dolly likes it.
Meet Mr Snuffles, our much‑loved Clydesdale Cross, born in 2008 and standing at an impressive 16hh. Owned by Ferring Country Centre and part of life here for the past 10 years, Mr Snuffles is one of the gentle giants of our riding school. Because of his height, he is usually ridden by older teens and adults, taking part in lessons across our therapy sessions and mainstream riding school alike.
Mr Snuffles enjoys being thoroughly pampered by everyone, no matter how small, and never misses the chance to attend a pony party where he can show off his inner dressage diva. He is one of 16 wonderful horses, each with their own unique personality, carefully matched to riders to help build confidence, balance and trust.
Riding therapy plays a vital role at Ferring, supporting physical strength, coordination and posture, while also boosting emotional wellbeing, communication and self‑confidence. Alongside riding lessons, we also offer pony rides, pony interactions and much‑loved pony parties, giving people of all ages the chance to connect with our horses. With his calm nature and larger‑than‑life charm, Mr Snuffles perfectly represents the gentle magic our horses bring to Ferring Country Centre every day.
Simon Groves is a sculptor and landscaper whose creativity and craftsmanship have helped shape the Dales Farm area of Ferring Country Centre in truly special ways. From building a beautiful duck house with an integrated pond to support our ducks during bird flu restrictions, to creating a spacious hen house that keeps our chickens safe and comfortable when they can’t roam freely, Simon’s work is both thoughtful and practical. He is also behind much‑loved features across the site, including the castle in the play area, the goat enclosure and the fencing around the jumping pillow. Alongside this, Simon generously donates his striking sculptures as raffle prizes and has pieces available to buy in our gift shop. His talent, generosity and care have left a lasting mark on FCC — one that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Bekki joined Ferring Country Centre in September 2025 as Visitor Centre Manager, where she oversees the Gift Shop and Ranger’s Café, helping to maximise commercial opportunities for the charity. With a strong background in hospitality, she has worked in training cafés and kitchen environments supporting young adults with learning disabilities, combining her professional experience with a passion for inclusion and skills development. Bekki is dedicated to creating welcoming and supportive spaces where people can build confidence, learn new skills and thrive. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the Centre are evident in everything she does, making a positive and lasting impact on both visitors and those she supports.
Laura Nye joined Ferring Country Centre on 6 April 2026 and is one of our newest Day Service Customers. She represents new faces joining Ferring Country Centre both now and in the future. From the start, Laura has shown a real love for being around the horses, something that has had a very positive impact on her wellbeing. Spending time with them gives her enjoyment, calm and a strong sense of purpose, and she is already making new friendships with like‑minded people who share her passion — for Laura, it really is all about the horses.
Laura has settled in well and is growing in confidence, and there is already interest in exploring other departments, including woodwork, as part of her journey. Her experience reflects Ferring Country Centre’s person‑centred, strengths‑based approach, offering flexible full and part‑day opportunities across a range of settings. As we look towards the next 40 years and beyond, we remain committed to supporting individuals like Laura to thrive, discover new interests and reach their full potential.
We’re pleased to introduce the two newest members of the Ferring Country Centre team – Claire Limmer and Jane Puttock, who join us as Riding School Assistants. New staff bring fresh skills, experience and ideas, all of which help Ferring continue to grow and develop.
We look forward to welcoming more people as they join the team across the Centre in the future, whether in Ranger’s Café, horticulture, Dales Farm, support roles or administration. Each role plays an important part in shaping the future of Ferring Country Centre.
At Ferring Country Centre, every person matters. Staff, volunteers, Day Service Customers, trustees, supporters, fundraisers and visitors — past and present — all play a part in shaping who we are. There isn’t one face more important than another; it’s the collective care, time and commitment of many people that has made FCC what it is today. Each One Thing given — whether a skill, a kindness or support — has helped the Centre grow. And as we look to the next chapter, there’s one more face to recognise: you. Because FCC’s future will be shaped by the people who choose to be part of it — and that includes you.