Great Western Coffee Shop

Train honour for Hannahs

First Great Western is to name a train after Hannahs in a ceremony at Exeter St David^s Station on Wednesday June 4.

David Crome, general manager West, First Great Western, said: "We're delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding work of Hannahs which has such a profound effect on transforming the lives of so many disadvantaged people. For them the basic things in life that many of us take for granted, like catching a train, are really difficult. Naming one of our power cars 'Hannahs' not only recognises the special reputation that it has in the region, it also helps to spread the name far and wide. It is the culmination of us working closely with Hannahs over a long period of time to help them on their own unique journey."

Hannahs chief executive, Bronwen Hewitt, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have the incredible honour of a train being named after us. Our young people are very impressed and excited! We have received tremendous support from First Great Western since our first meeting with David Crome. They deeply understand the need for our work; supporting us in many ways and we will be forever grateful for that."

The train will arrive in to Platform 6 at Exeter St David's at 9.36am. The naming and speeches will take place at 10.15am and the train will depart at 10.54am.

Dame Hannah Rogers School for disabled probed by police

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A school for children with disabilities is being investigated by police amid concerns over safeguarding.

Dame Hannah Rogers School in Ivybridge, Devon, is being probed by Devon and Cornwall Police, the force confirmed.

The school's trust said it followed a referral it made about the unit, which can accommodate about 40 students with physical and learning difficulties.

Ofsted has temporarily suspended services at the residential and short break unit. "We have suspended the children's home registration while further enquiries are carried out," a spokesman for the schools regulator said. It added the suspension would last until at least 16 September, after which it could be renewed if necessary.

Devon County Council said all social care and health authorities who funded placements at the school had been informed and "are working together to plan alternative care arrangements".

The Dame Hannah Rogers Trust said it had "reported a potential safeguarding issue to the police and as a result there have been subsequent, multi-agency investigations".

The trust said: "This is very upsetting for everyone involved and our priority now is to work closely with the agencies involved to ensure that this is resolved as quickly as possible and we are able to open the service again."

All its other services, including adult services, would continue as normal, it added.

A HOME at a specialist school closed for six weeks because of a ^safeguarding issue^ is reopening tomorrow.

The Dame Hannah Rogers School in Ivybridge was shut in August by education regulator Ofsted.

The closure came after the trust that runs the school ^ which educates and cares for profoundly disabled students ^ reported what was said to be a potential safeguarding issue to police.

The news of the reopening was revealed in a statement by Bronwen Hewitt, chief executive of Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.

^We are extremely pleased to confirm that the school and children^s home will be reopening,^ she said.

^The police have confirmed their support and we expect an update from them very soon.^

She said the children^s home would be opened on a phased approach.

This which would be reviewed regularly with the aim of increasing the numbers there.

When the news broke in August Devon and Cornwall Police said: ^Following safeguarding concerns identified at the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust care home, police are currently engaged in a multi-agency investigation.^

At that time there were 12 children living at the unit.

Following what have been termed ^multi-agency investigations^ the reopening is now taking place.

^It has been a really difficult and harrowing time for everyone involved, especially the families,^ said Ms Hewitt.

^Staff have worked tirelessly and we are looking forward to welcoming the children and young people back to Hannah^s.

^I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for their support. Our parents, supporters and the local community have been amazing.^

About 40 families use the specialist school for children and young people. When the closure was announced it was said the measure would continue until at least mid-September.

One of the UK^s oldest charities, Hannah^s has sites in Ivybridge and Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot.

The Ivybridge site is a centre of excellence and has a school, respite centre, community hub and children^s home.

The campus also has Hannahwood, described by the trust as ^an innovative transition project for older students. Our holistic approach offers professional support from our therapists, educationalists, expert medical staff and a care team in a lovely atmosphere.^

Santa leaves sleigh behind to go by train

Santa will once again surprise Plymouth^s children on board specially decorated trains in the lead up to Christmas.

Leaving the reindeer aside, Father Christmas will climb on board two Sunday special First Great Western trains operating between Plymouth and Totnes to provide local children with the chance to share their Christmas wish list. A Christmas gift will also be offered to each child.

First Great Western General Manager, David Crome said: ^With trains being far more reliable than sleighs, this event has proved to be very popular over the last couple of years and demand is expected to be very high. To avoid disappointing Santa and the elves advance bookings are essential.^

The two festive return services depart from Plymouth at 13:10 and 15:00 on Sunday 7 and 14 December 2014 and everyone will have the opportunity to tell Santa what^s on their Christmas wish list during the journey.

First Great Western has donated over ^4,000 to South West children^s charities from previous Santa Specials and this year^s nominated charity is the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.

Emily Severn, Fundraising Manager at the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust said: ^Everyone at Hannahs is delighted that First Great Western has selected us as one of the charities to benefit from their Santa Specials service. We can^t wait to be involved in the magical festivities, perfect for young and old who love trains! As always the funds raised will help us to support the children and young adults with disabilities that rely on Hannahs.^

Tickets will go on sale on Saturday 8 November from Plymouth Station Booking Office. Return trips cost ^8.00 per adult; ^5.00 per child; or ^24.00 for a family of four. Gifts from Santa are free.