our story
In 1986
Worthing Mencap
saw the need for
a Centre like ours
and purchased
the 14-acre Rife
Way site in 1986.
The Centre
opened with one
member of staff
and one person
accessing our
service.
by 1990
We kept the
existing stable
block to provide
riding to people
with disabilities.
The glasshouse
and poly tunnels
were constructed.
12 people were
using our services
and we had 6
members of staff.
by 1995
30 people were
accessing our
services. We had
purchased a new
minibus to get us
out and about,
and our
fundraising
group, Friends of
Ferring, was
formed.
by 2000
Our outdoor
riding arena was
built. 40 people
were attending
the Centre
everyday.
Ferring Country
Centre went
digital with our
first email
address!
by 2005
Our main building
on site today was
completed.
A new purpose
built potting shed
and additional
tunnels further
developed the
horticulture
department.
by 2010
We purchased the
freehold of our
site. The Canteen
was upgraded to
a working kitchen,
and plans were
underway for
Dales Farm. We
had planted over
2,500 shrubs and
trees since 1986.
by 2015
Dales Farm
opened. The
pavilion was built
and opened by
HRH the Princess
Royal in 2013.
We launched our
original café.
We gained BHS
accreditation. The
outdoor play area
was added and
the carpark was
built.
by 2020
A mezzanine floor
and sensory room
was added to the
main building .
The Dining Room
was fully
refurbished.
Music sessions
were included on
our curriculum.
We broke ground
on the Visitor
Centre and Café
redevelopment.
by 2025
Our new Visitor
Centre and
Rangers Café
opened. The
Woodwork
Workshop was
built. A variety of
new attractions
were added to
Dales Farm. The
Riding Therapy
Unit expanded
into a mainstream
Riding School.
