A Bale of a Time

I have always wanted the new Janet Gow Barn (named after my mum) and equipment to be a haven for everyone to play, exercise and learn together, in a beautiful rural setting.

And so our new plaque in the playground reads: "Come, come whoever you are, you are welcome. No matter your age or size, the colour of your eyes, your hair or skin. You are welcome here. No matter how you arrive, alone or with five, you are welcome here. No matter whom you love, how you speak, Whatever your abilities, if you come with an open mind, a loving heart and willing hands, then you are indeed welcome here! "

We also wanted to recognise Mark McCracken for 25 years of service and to Dale Whitehorn for 15 years. Thank you both for being by my side on this incredible jouney. Mark has worked at the farm for twenty-five years and has grown into one of the pillars of the farm’s day to day operation. Today he leads the farm’s mobile education visits, taking the experience of the countryside out into schools and communities across the region. Dale joined the farm fifteen years ago through a work experience programme. Arriving with little confidence and few qualifications, Dale’s determination and the support of the team helped him build both practical skills and academic confidence, eventually achieving GCSEs in English and Maths. Dale now leads school visits to the farm and supports young people undertaking their own work experience placement.

Also, fantastic to see friends from St Helen and St Katharine School Abingdon, from Wycliffe College and from RMA Sandhurst. It's an extraordinary experience, when you bring together companions and confidants who you have met at different stages of your life.

Welcoming family and friends, spanning many decades, was an absolute joy!