Some members of the churches visited Botton Village in North Yorkshire recently. Botton Village has been pioneering new opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and other special needs since 1955. It is home to more than 300 people with just under half having special needs.
It's a working village, and everyone uses their abilities for the benefit of the community. It has five farms, and the farmers use organic and biodynamic farming methods in rearing cattle, sheep and poultry, producing milk and growing crops. There are also gardeners growing fruit and vegetables on a considerable scale. Other 'industries' include the forestry work, food processing centre, creamery, bakery, coffee bar, village store, gift shop, bookshop, wood workshop, dollshop, candleshop, pottery workshop, weavery, printing and a Central Sales department shipping products around the world.
But it's not all work - there is an active social and cultural life, and the community worships together in their lovely church.
It is a little corner of heaven of earth, a place where the values of love and compassion are valued above wordly things. None of us wanted to leave after our visit, and we hope to go again - we still have things we want to buy from the shops there!
If you want to find out more, visit their website by clicking the 'more information' link below...
Click for more information
Benefice Trip 2005 - Cambridge
Our Benefice trip in 2005 was to Cambridge where we were hosted by Saint John's College, one of our Patrons.
The morning was spent shopping and sightseeing in this most beautiful town, and, after lunch, the group met back together.
We enjoyed High Tea at the College, followed by a tour of the extensive buildings and grounds. Our visit culminated by joining the College for Evensong in their Chapel where the choir sung wonderfully.
We were made most welcome, and all enjoyed the day greatly. We're already looking forward to next year's trip!
