Cholderton Rare Breed Farm
The members of James’ Place recently enjoyed a delightful day out at ‘Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm’ immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of the countryside. From meeting friendly animals to sharing a meal with a beautiful farmyard view, the visit was filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments.
Upon arrival, the group was warmly welcomed and set off to explore the farm, eager to meet the variety of rare and traditional breeds. The first stop was the rabbit enclosure, where the members had the chance to see and stroke the soft, fluffy bunnies. Their gentle nature and twitching noses made them an instant favourite!
Next, they wandered over to the pig pens, where the playful and inquisitive pigs snuffled around, greeting visitors with their charming, muddy faces. The sheep, with their thick woolly coats, stood calmly in their paddock, enjoying the attention and occasional stroke from the group.
The members were particularly drawn to the horses, whose graceful movements and friendly demeanour made them a highlight of the trip. Nearby, the goats were as mischievous as ever, climbing on logs and playfully nudging one another.
One of the most exciting moments was seeing the Highland cow, a truly striking animal with its long, shaggy coat and distinctive curved horns. The group admired its calm presence and unique appearance, taking time to observe and learn about this fascinating breed.
After an exciting morning of exploring and meeting the animals, the group made their way to the conservatory, a lovely, bright space overlooking the farmyard. It was the perfect spot to rest and enjoy their packed lunches while taking in the peaceful rural surroundings. As they ate, they could still see some of the animals wandering around outside, making the meal feel even more special. The trip provided a perfect mix of nature, learning, and social time, making it a truly rewarding experience for everyone.
Silchester Roman Walls
What an amazing day our members had during Vintage Week! We took a step back in time as we explored the Silchester Roman Walls, immersing ourselves in the fascinating history of the Roman era.
The day began with a beautiful 3-mile walk, giving us the perfect chance to take in the stunning surroundings while learning about the rich past of this ancient site. As we followed the path along the well-preserved Roman walls, we imagined what life must have been like centuries ago when Calleva Atrebatum—the Roman town that once stood here—was a bustling settlement.
A perfect day of learning, adventure, and friendship, we can’t wait for our next journey through time!
Helping and being a Team
At James’ Place, we believe that developing life skills is just as important as having fun, and our members have been doing a fantastic job helping around the barn! Through daily tasks and teamwork, they’ve been building confidence, independence, and valuable skills that they can use in everyday life.
From emptying the dishwasher and keeping the kitchen tidy to shopping for stock and organizing supplies, everyone has played a key role in keeping things running smoothly. These tasks not only help maintain our space but also teach responsibility, problem-solving, and the importance of working together.
Our members have also enjoyed getting involved in other practical activities, such as setting up for the day, keeping communal areas clean, and making sure everything is in place for the next group to enjoy. Each task, no matter how small, has given them a sense of achievement and pride in their work.
It’s been amazing to see everyone supporting one another, gaining new skills, and embracing the challenges with enthusiasm. Every effort makes a difference, and we couldn’t be prouder of our hardworking team.