The vision for an educational trust based at the then derelict Rushall Manor Farm site was the result of the tragic death of John Simonds in a car accident.

He was about to go into the army and was full of life. That was in 1983 and through the support of the farm owners, the Cumber family, and many others The John Simonds Trust now welcomes over 12,000 children a year on a whole variety of experiences based in this beautiful part of the Pang Valley. The object is to teach and enrich children’s lives while, for some, there is the opportunity to learn to better navigate through what is a confusing world.

Our charitable aims are to:

• Encourage qualities of leadership, self-confidence, resilience, and mutual respect in young people

• Promote a love and understanding of the countryside

• Enable people to learn about the countryside and agriculture

• Develop co-operation between the agricultural community and the public