Monthly Updates - October 2023

I know at the start of this year I was very concerned about the fact that we were going to have to raise £50k.  This was our contribution towards the £125k cost of rethatching the Black Barn at Rushall, and was on top of the £40k we need to find each year to enable us to welcome 12,000 children to Rushall Farm.

Since then:

Jane completed her fantastic ride from Penzance to John O Groats raising £11k. In her words

 “As well as raising the money I had a fabulous experience. It was pretty tough, as we cycled between 60 and 83 miles every day for 14 days – no rest days! However, as each day brought with it new challenges, we were rewarded with spectacular views and the chance to experience so many of the contrasting landscapes we are blessed to have in our country.”

Peter Walker decided to go by boat, and paddled the Devizes to Westminster race in his canoe with his mate in under 24 hours, raising over £3k, while others individually gave most generously, as did some very kind local charitable trusts.  So, on behalf of the Trustees of the John Simonds Trust, and with much relief, I can say thank you all so much!

We are enjoying amazing autumn weather for welcoming children here.  At the same time, it is obvious from the wildfires and soaring temperatures that what is changing on earth is happening at an alarming rate. There was a time recorded in the Bible when God got so fed up with us lot that he flooded the earth, wiping out mankind, with the exception of Noah and his family. The important detail in that story after the terrible event is God’s resolve “As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” The Bible goes on to say that He put a rainbow in the sky to remind himself of His promise.

And it has happened! The grain stores which were completely empty in June are now full.  The UK harvest followed very confusing season; dry in the spring then cold and very wet, exceptionally hot followed by a convincingly soggy August when it was least needed.  Yields of wheat, barley, oats and oilseed rape are in line with the last five-year average and all is again safely gathered in.