Formed in 1976 by the 10th Duke of Richmond, the charity connects children with food, farming and nature, particularly those who are more vulnerable or underserved.
To formally mark 50 years since the formation of the Trust, the founder’s son and Trustee, His Grace the 11th Duke of Richmond, hosted a gathering of supporters, including dignitaries, education partners, charity and community leaders, funders past and present, Trustees and the staff team. Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Lady Emma Barnard, the High Sheriff of West Sussex Gary Shipton, the Chair of Chichester District Council Councillor Clare Apel, the Mayor of Chichester Sean McHale and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning for West Sussex County Council, Councillor Sam Raby.
Attendees were welcomed by His Grace, who reflected on his father’s legacy, how the Trust has stayed true to founding principles while adapting to the needs of children today, and concluded his father would be very proud of how the charity has grown and evolved. Dr Nicholas Taylor, Headteacher at Chichester High School, spoke about how students take part in Forest School each week, improving confidence, engagement and attendance, and highlighting how much he enjoys hearing about their activities at the Trust. Matthew Baker, Trustee and Partner at NFU Mutual, considered the importance of farming education and hands-on learning, and encouraged funders and businesses to see how their support could make such a difference to children.
Following the presentations, as it was a birthday celebration, there was a beautifully decorated cake, and a lively rendition of Happy Birthday.
Lady Emma Barnard said, ‘It was wonderful to join the Goodwood Education Trust to celebrate 50 years of connecting children with food, farming and nature. Their woodland activity days and their support for children and young people facing challenges in life are really important for our communities in so many different ways – it’s excellent that they work with many local charities and other organisations to enable and encourage this.”
Rob Boughton, CEO of Thakeham, who co-ordinated the project build of the Education Centre which was formally opened 5 years ago in September 2021, said, ‘At Thakeham we are so proud to have been involved in this wonderful project. It is so rewarding to see the Education Centre doing exactly what it was created to do: connecting young people with the natural world and inspiring a deeper understanding of the environment around them. But further to see the Goodwood Education Trust widen its reach across the many communities it touches is truly wonderful. We should all be truly thankful to 10th Duke of Richmond for his original vision and the current Duke for driving the turbocharging of its impact’.
Lloyd McNeill, Chair of Trustees, said, ‘It’s incredible to see such support from the local and wider community for the charity as we celebrate 50 years of connecting children with food and farming. Being the Revival Charity Partner is a great opportunity for the Trust to raise its profile, to showcase its impact and to secure much needed funds to allow more children to visit in the coming years’.
