Monthly Update - July 2023
There are two unsung heroes in successful trips to Rushall Farm. One, of course, is our teaching staff, with the flexibility to enthuse preschool children one day, A Level pupils the next, and ALL that may come in between. The other is the school staff, who normally direct their energy and efforts in the safe confines of the classroom, but then dare to launch their charges into an environment of trees and fields, sheep and cattle, ponds and river, the wild green world and all its unpredictability, and tractor and trailer rides.
One secondary school in Reading has always used the farm for their more needy pupils. Their lead pastoral care teacher for this work is Becky. Tonight she is here camping with small group training for their Bronze DoE Award. Recently she had to take a group on a field trip to Wales and, feeling quite resentful of the expectations the school had put on her for her time and talents, she pondered her lot. While driving along the M4 one of the boys shouted out, “Miss this so exciting. I have never been away before. Are we going to see the sea?” Four days later she was sat down exhausted and anticipating clearing everything up and the return journey. Another boy came up to her and said “I look after my mum at home. You look tired; I’ll make you a cup of tea. I will clear up and tidy the kitchen.” Becky swallowed the tears and allowed another painful endorsement to ensure she carries on doing what she does so well.
This summer marks 40 years since John Simonds died in a fatal car accident. We and others locally wanted to try and reflect John’s energy, enthusiasm and zest for life by changing Rushall Manor into a centre for children. The site was derelict with a large heap of muck between the stable and the barn. The following summer a group of 40 young people from across Europe and behind the “Iron Curtain” began the work of restoring the pond and creating paths through the woods. And so it has continued, with the amazing support of the Cumber and Benyon families and many others, and lives are touched. So, like Becky, we receive the endorsement and encouragement to carry on carrying on.