As September came to an end, we have reflected on a wonderful start to the academic year and look forward to the beauty of autumn.
We had a fantastic Team Week, hosting visits for two CAMHS teams. It was a privilege to provide a space for professionals who tirelessly support young people.
We welcomed a remarkable group from our long-standing partner, St George’s Catholic School. Their resilience was inspiring as they stepped out of their comfort zones, forming strong bonds over exciting games of Mafia!
Our local partner, Bedminster Down School, brought another fantastic group of young people who truly embodied kindness and support for one another. A standout moment was our bonfire night, where they found the confidence to let loose and enjoy singing and dancing together.
We also had a lively visit from Carshalton Boys Sports College. Their enthusiasm for games and sports was infectious! They showed impressive resilience in trying new experiences and took on responsibilities during farm jobs.
As we transition into autumn, we love checking in with past groups to see their progress after the summer break. Hearing stories of a young person who discovered his running skills on the farm and is still attending athletics club brings us immense joy. We’re eagerly anticipating follow-up visits to Thomas Knyvett College and Thamesmead School in Surrey.
On the farm, we’ve been busy drilling new leys and conducting TB testing for our cattle. The heifer and bull calves are now strip-grazing with their mums, and we had a successful move of our cattle back to Shockerwick—a highlight for everyone involved!
The young people have been enjoying buggy rides to check on our sheep grazing at Lucknam Park Hotel. Farming is a favourite activity, and it’s impressive to see them adapt so quickly—perhaps we have future farmers among us!
We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin Perkins to our delivery team. With his extensive farming experience and warm personality, he’ll be a vital link between our young people and farming activities, helping them discover new skills in his role as Farm Manager.
September was special for our Bath farm, as we hosted our annual Open Day. We’re grateful for the amazing support from our volunteers who make this event possible. Opening our doors to the local community is a highlight, and it was heart-warming to see so many familiar faces eager to support our mission.
Seeing some of our visiting young people return as honorary members of the Jamie’s Farm team, along with our Youth Champions sharing their experiences, made the day even more memorable. Thank you to everyone who attended—we hope you had a fantastic time!
