Meet Tom!
Thomas Shaftoe first visited CAFT as a young boy with Hinderton Primary School for children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Fast forward several years and Tom now volunteers at the farm and in the charity shop every week.
Most recently, he has written and illustrated a book ‘Bobby’s Story’ following Bobby as he visits CAFT for the first time. Based on Tom’s first hand experiences of CAFT, his book centres around inclusivity and making friends.
Tom mentions; “This place didn’t just become memory lane for me, it became a big part of my life to help others and make efforts to create fun times for children”
A huge thank you to Tom for his dedication and commitment to CAFT and helping others, as well as brightening our day every week!
With 200 copies already sold, we are now selling the books online for just £3: Purchase Bobby’s Story
Q&A with the author
When did you first come to CAFT?
I first came to CAFT when I was 7 or 8 with Hinderton primary school which is a school for children diagnosed with a condition called Autism. I was a pupil on a day out trip with Yellow class which they arranged for children like me because we found life quite difficult and it proved to be a safe and supportive place for children like me. Then in my final year at college I started my job at CAFT in April 2021 which was organised by Petty Pool Vocational College as a work placement.
What memories do you have from the visits when you were a child?
- Feeding the various animals with animal food in bags.
- Making stuff out of different material in the Art room.
- Meeting Father Christmas.
- Playing in the pirate ship and celebrating a pirate day.
What was your favourite activity at CAFT back then?
- Seeing the individual farm animals.
- Joining in the forest school.
- Playing in the playground.
- Doing sporting activities in the sports hall.
Which animals do you like spending time with?
Alpacas, goats, donkeys, and pigs.
What jobs do you do at CAFT when you volunteer?
Various types of jobs like sorting out, feeding animals, helping with fundraising ideas, helping carrying things plus meeting and greeting visitors.
How often do you volunteer at CAFT now?
Every Wednesday I go to the charity shop, and every Thursday I go to work for CAFT on site at the farm.
Why do you enjoy helping at CAFT?
I enjoy helping The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust because its helps me make a difference for children with special needs, ones with different illnesses and ones who have disadvantaged lives who deserve to have a fun and good time.
