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 200 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. 580 children visit the Farm.
2004
New Respite Care Facility
- Official opening of the new Respite Care Facility with top of the range specialist equipment for disabled children. 1500 children visit the Farm.
2007
Royal Visit
- HRH Countess of Wessex visits to open the new Booth Bank Trail and celebrate Sir Bobby’s 70th birthday.
2009
Open All Year Round
- CAFT opens its’ doors all year round. 34 holidays are delivered to groups and families, as well as multiple fun days and 20 Christmas Parties. Sadly in February, our founder Tim Grundy passed away.
2011
Holiday’s Increase
- 42 holidays are provided, facilities are improved with major work undertaken on our BBQ area and Sensory Garden. The year finished with 22 amazing Christmas fun days.
2012
CAFT Nature Trail
- The CAFT Nature Trail is transformed. The addition of a fully accessible aviary ensures a welcoming, educational and stimulating area for all children to enjoy.
2013
Wheelchair Roundabout
- A fully inclusive wheelchair roundabout is fitted on the playground.
2015
Refurbishment
- The multi-sensory suite undergoes a refurbishment with new LED lights, projectors, fibre optics and a new bathroom.
2016
Pygmy Goats
- More animals join us including our entertaining pygmy goats who set up home in the CAFT paddock.
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. CAFT introduces a new website, logo and mascots!
2020
Re-opening After COVID
- After a short closure from COVID, CAFT introduces short family day visits to re-open its outdoor spaces. 2 new pigs arrived. 6,000 children visit the Farm.
2021
The Launch of CAFTfest!
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CAFTfest launches; an accessible 5 day festival enjoyed by 700 families! A full wheelchair access viewing platform is built. 3 new Alpacas arrive. A staggering 13,000 children visit the farm by the end of the year!
2022
Forest School Is Introduced
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CAFT begins Forest School sessions for schools and families. Nearly 17,000 visits are provided by the end of the year across day visits, holidays and activity programmes.
2023
Record Visits Provided
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A record of 19,822 visits are provided for children this year! Sadly in October, our President Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, passed away.
2024
New Sensory Walkway
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A new sensory walkway is created in the Woodland. CAFT provides 1,021 children with a holiday and 14,791 children with a fun day visit!
2025
Woodland Transformations
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Our pirate ship is transformed in the Woodland to a fabulous multi-functional and sensory area. Work also begins to create a second firepit area.
