Ferriers Barn opened in 1974 as a day centre for young disabled people, many of whom are severely physically disabled. It enables them to develop a wider range of interests and activities and to meet socially in pleasant surroundings. Member's come from as far afield as Felixstowe, Clacton, Colchester, Bury and Braintree.
The Barn comprises of a group of skillfully converted farm buildings around a courtyard and garden. It is run by qualified instructors and an indispensable army of voluntary helpers and friends, including the all important rota of cooks.

Amanda and Christopher Robinson came to live at Ferriers over 30 yrs ago. At the time there were a number of farm buildings in the adjacent fields, in a variety of conditions.
Amanda Robinson wanted to build a studio to continue her work as a painter and artist. However, she used to teach disabled people swimming. One evening she was asked to a nearby youth centre where she was horrified to find her young disabled friends were put into a room to fend for themselves
That evening when Amanda came home, she and Christopher decided not to build the studio but to convert the farm buildings into a day centre for young disabled people.
With a huge amount of support from family and friends the farm buildings were converted to provide full access and facilities for people with disabilities.
Within 18 months, the Robinsons concept of a centre for the disabled was born

Above:- Work commences on the site in the early 1970`s Below:- Ferriers 2007
Transport for those living in the Colchester area is provided by a specially adapted bus, it carries members both with and without wheelchairs.

A wide range of art and crafts are pursued, including silk-screen printing, painting, horticulture, pottery, de-coupage, cookery and carpentry. These activities are self supporting and the members work is sold privately and in local shops. The members administer their own bank account.

Social gatherings, fund raising events and holidays are all an important part of the Barn calendar. Holidays have been spent in Spain, Germany, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, York, Dorset, Norfolk, Lincs and Derbyshire.

Ferriers Barn is sustained by voluntary contributions and local government funding which helps provide a place of opportunity where young people with physical disabilities can develop their capabilities and lead a more fulfilled life.
Since its opening back in 1974, it has grown to a membership of 24, opening 5 days a week.

Ferriers Barn celebrated it`s 30th anniversary during June 2003.
Its history is detailed in the publication "The Story of Ferriers Barn - the first 30 years" by Laura Ford, available from the Barn or Village Post Office, price £5.00

Postal Address:- Ferriers Barn Rehabilitation Centre , Bures. Suffolk. CO8 5DL