Countryways CIC was formed in May 2014 to enable the benefits of being on a real, working farm to be shared more effectively with others. It is separate to the working farm business run by the Knight family since 1957, now in the capable hands of David Knight.
Visits from groups like Rotary, Chiltern Society, Young Farmers, Scouts, Guides or Schools have been welcomed over the years, the late John Knight stabling and driving the local Rotary Christmas Sleigh.
Several years ago we realised that sharing the farm in a way that involves more direct participation could really help the health of others as well as improve people’s understanding and appreciation of the countryside, something we are passionate about. We now welcome a number of people, our ‘Farm Helpers’, on a regular basis for care farming interaction.
In 2019 we set up our Countrymen’s Club, a group aimed at men of varying abilities aged 55+ who may have worked primarily outdoors or share a passion for rural life. We set up the Club to address the need for an outdoors service for men who face life changes from social circumstance, ageing or challenging health conditions.
Countryways CIC is based at Road Farm and is run by a dedicated team of staff, Local Volunteers and Directors. We value the input from John Shaw’s accountancy background with charitable bodies and Susan Evans’ experience with the elderly and special artistic creativity.
Wendy and Duncan Gray are co-leaders of Countryways, Duncan holding an award of Merit for Exceptional Service to Scouting as well as long service award, GNAS qualified Archery Leader, Air Rifle Tutor and Range Safety Officer with the National Small Bore Rifle Association. Wendy has qualified through the Open College Network for Countryside Educational Visits including Care Farming Unit as well as having a Bsc (Hons) degree in Science and the Environment. They have four children, are active in their local community and have also spent several years overseas assisting with rural development projects in Haiti and Northern Uganda.