History of caft
Our story started back in 1985, when CAFT founder Tim Grundy was inspired to create a special place where terminally ill, disabled and socially disadvantaged children could have a break away from their circumstances. Tim was inspired whilst donating toys to a local centre supporting young children, he asked “Is there anything else these children need?” The response: “What these children need is a holiday, but they’ll never get the opportunity.”
In 1989 after four years of fundraising, Booth Bank Farm, a 17th century farmhouse set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside was purchased at auction. in 1992, after a further three years of hard work renovating, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust was ready to receive the first children for a holiday at the Farm. Here is what we have been up to since…
1985
Founded
- CAFT is founded and the fundraising begins.
1989
Funding
- Booth Bank Farm is purchased. The fundraising continues for renovation and rebuilding work.
1992
Opening
- Official opening of The Adventure Farm. The first children come for a holiday.
1999
Shop Opening
- Our Knutsford Charity Shop opens on Canute Square
2000
Sir Bobby Charlton
- Sir Bobby Charlton becomes the President of CAFT and officially opens our new Sports Hall.
2001
Multi-Sensory Suite
- Multi-sensory Suite and Adventure Playground are opened. The CAFT website is launched.
2002
New Charity video
- New charity video produced with assistance of Sir Bobby Charlton.
2003
Respite Care Facility
- Funding secured for new Respite Care Facility, which will see a total refurbishment of Courtyard Flats.
2004
New Caft Website Launched
- Official opening of the new Respite Care Facility. The new CAFT website is launched.
2006
Royal visit
- HRH Countess of Wessex visits to open the new Booth Bank Gang Trail and celebrates Sir Bobby’s birthday.
2009
Open all year round
- The Adventure Farm finally succeeds in opening its’ doors all year round. 34 holidays are offered to children.
2010
25 Wonderful Years
- CAFT celebrates its’ 25th Anniversary.
2011
Holiday’s Increase
- Holidays are increased to 42, facilities continue to be improved on our BBQ area and Sensory garden.
2012
CAFT Nature Trail
- With help and support from our friends at HSBC, the CAFT Nature Trail was transformed in 2012.
2013
Wheelchair Roundabout
- A fully inclusive wheelchair roundabout fitted in play area. Thanks to SAP (UK) Ltd and the Brian Kennedy Trust for their donations.
2014
New Patrons
- This year we welcomed two new patrons to the CAFT family, Melanie and John Bishop.
2015
Refurbishment
- The multi-sensory suite refurbishment was completed. New LED lights, projectors, a bathroom and fibre optics were fitted.
2016
Pygmy Goats
- Seven new pygmy goats arrived to the CAFT family, with the help of a kind donation from local ladies networking group 20/20.
2017
New Minibus Donation
- Thanks to the Cheshire Freemasons, a brand new fully adapted minibus was unveiled by Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife, Lady Norma.
2019
1900 Children’s Visits
- The holiday programme grows to see 1900 children visit the Farm for a holiday or fun day. 1600 children visit for a Christmas Party.
2021
CaftFest 2021
- CAFTfest launches. A full wheelchair access viewing platform is built. 3 new Alpacas arrived. 13,000 children visit the farm by the end of the year!
2022
Forest School Begins
- CAFT further develops the woodland and Forest School sessions begin. CAFTfest continues and CAFT finishes the year with a wonderful total of 16,940 visits.
2022
Re-Opening After Covid
- After a short closure from COVID, CAFT re-opened its outdoor spaces. 2 new pigs arrived. 6,000 children visit the Farm.
