Monthly Update - February 2026
A friend of mine bought a farm. The previous owners asked for permission to continue to access a large Sarsen stone on the site. On the stone was a plaque in memory of their son who died in similar circumstances to John Simonds. John died while speeding along Back Lane in the farm pickup on his way to a party, after a day carting straw bales. He had just finished at Wellington College and was about to go into the army.
There is no monument to John here, just the thousands of children who have been coming to Rushall Farm under the auspices of the John Simonds Trust over the last 42 years. They have been able to learn about and experience the countryside, and be inspired by creation through a sunset, clouds scurrying across the sky, carpets of bluebells, tadpoles in the pond or gambolling lambs, so happy to be alive. This year over 12,000 children have come on school visits, camps, and DoE. Many have had opportunities to gain confidence to face the ever-changing, complex world surrounding them, and to experience the sense of fun and adventure that characterised John’s short life. For others, the Manor site at Rushall Farm holds strong memories of a family celebration, a church weekend camp, singing songs around a campfire, the open weekends to raise money for the local MS Society or simply a quiet place for walking and reflection to hear that “still small voice of calm.”
What a privilege it is to be able to do something to contribute to the well-being of children in such a positive way. Each child arriving here is special and, with their teaching staff, need to be looked after and cared for safely, taught and hopefully inspired to enjoy their time here, whatever the weather. We have had a remarkably busy and successful year and it feels as though the Trust has come of age. With some generous donations we have been able to support schools who would not otherwise be able to come. We are very grateful to Ella’s Kitchen for their sponsorship of visits, the Gerald Palmer Trust, Englefield Charitable Trust, West Berkshire Countryside Society and the many others who regularly substantially support our work.
Our thanks go to William Cumber, who owns the farm, for the continual support he and his family have given the Trust since it started in 1983, Steve Waters who runs the farm, and our dedicated staff who make it all work!
John Bishop