CEO of The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, the engaging Ian Eccles, had already clocked up seven years as a volunteer before leaving his medical repatriation travel business to join the charity in 2019.
“CAFT’s visitors are all living challenging lives, many including disadvantage. They really enjoy the short break away from familiar routines and settings.“
He was therefore fully ‘au fait’ with the manifold needs of CAFT’s young visitors and the support and understanding these children and their families required. He was also aware of the insight his 28 staff, the charity’s many supporters and its 400 volunteers should ideally possess to ensure the charity could maintain and deliver its aims.
He adds, ‘I was well acquainted with the ethos of CAFT and many of the practicalities of running it. Over those earlier years, I had driven minibuses, helped out at parties and even played Santa. I had worked alongside schools and families with children of all abilities. We are a 10-acre farm close to the M56 motorway, not far from Altrincham, and easily accessible. In our relaxed rural setting here at Booth Bank Farm, we offer every child from an infant to seventeen years old, a memorable and fun experience with the chance to improve confidence, resilience and an all-round good feeling. We are neither teachers nor is this a teaching establishment, but there are opportunities to learn much in our different environment. Our staff do help with activities, but all children come with families or carers to support their needs.’
He continues, ‘CAFT’s visitors are all living challenging lives, many including disadvantage. They really enjoy the short break away from familiar routines and settings. We offer day visits, some themed around Christmas, Easter and Halloween, and also hold a summer festival. Our residential stays of two nights can provide some respite for youngsters whose home circumstances may not normally allow this. And as with everything CAFT provides, donations and our fundraising cover our costs.
We raise over £1,000,000 each year so we can offer our space completely free of charge to every user, and this year we have already raised £925,000 of the £1,050,000 budget needed. By the end of 2025, we will have welcomed over 22,000 child-visitors and hope by 2030, to have cumulatively been able to provide visits for 150,000 children.’
This local charity has captured many hearts and garnered steady patronage from celebrities, including comedians Jason Manford and John Bishop and rock legend Noddy Holder. CAFT was fortunate to have Sir Bobby Charlton as President until his passing in 2023, and his wife, Lady Norma Charlton, remains a patron and member of the Farm Family.
Looking back, in 1989, after 4 years’ fundraising, CAFT founder Tim Grundy organised the purchase of the 17th-century Booth Bank Farm outside Altrincham. This would house his brainchild, his haven for terminally ill, disabled and socially disadvantaged children. Wondering what additionally could be provided for the youngsters, Grundy was informed,
“These children need a holiday but will never get the opportunity.’’
That was it! He, his family and team set to work. In 1992, the completely renovated Booth Bank Farm welcomed its first children and families. And now, CAFT’s referrals cover the whole Northwest and bordering areas stretching southwards from Penrith into Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
Then, as now, many youngsters have complex needs. Difficulties range from severe physical and learning disabilities to sensory impairments, from terminal illnesses to deep-seated emotional problems. Far too early in their young lives, some youngsters have had to assume the role of child-carer for a sick parent. Some have already coped with bereavement. Others may have witnessed abuse or themselves been subjected to it. Therefore, any alleviation of stress and change of environment can offer relief and benefit.
Located in the countryside, CAFT offers users woodland activities, a fully enclosed park area, mud and water play and above all, a unique opportunity for its visitors to acquaint themselves with domesticated farm animals.
With pride, Ian states, ‘What we provide can and does go so much further than just those few hours out of town. Due to our large geographical catchment area, session times may vary during peak times of the year. We do focus on young people from birth to seventeen years old, but siblings and family can accompany them, so the whole family benefits from the visit.’
Free of charge to visitors, the actual cost of providing a daytime CAFT visit is around £12, rising to £354 for a residential stay.
The support of CAFT’s celebrity patrons helps maintain a high-profile interest in the charity, and the legacy of Tim Grundy’s creation is carried on through his children, patrons Amy and Joe, who proudly represent CAFT. But above all, this charity belongs to everyone, needing support from us all to continue its vital work.
CAFT The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust
Booth Bank Farm, Reddy Lane, Millington, Altrincham WA14 3RE
Telephone: 01565 830 053
Email: hello@caft.co.uk
Website: www.caft.co.uk
@CAFTcharity
By Fay Wertheimer
