Boaz open day and plant sale a success

Young and old lapped up the feel-good family atmosphere at Hill Farm near Sutton Scotney on Saturday, June 1.

As usual there were plenty of colourful plants for sale as well as hand-crafted items with everything from birdboxes to jewellery and jars of jam – all made by Boaz. 

Family fun and games included have a go catapult, hook a duck and tractor rides around the fields.

Live music by the Mantons, a group of medics from Winchester and Basingstoke NHS hospitals, added to the party atmosphere.

Other highlights included the opportunity to pet lambs and donkeys who live at the farm. More exotic animals were also on show, including snakes and a rare albino hedgehog. The collection belongs to the family of a former volunteer.

Meanwhile, refreshments included  cream teas and burgers. Among the visitors was Simon Newland, a retiree. He said: “I must have driven by this place a million times. I had no idea that there was so much going on here. It’s great. Perhaps I should volunteer.”

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Clare and Matt Dudgeon, from Winchester, attended with their sons Oscar, 10 and Noah, three. Clare said: “We’ve had an amazing time. It’s friendly, easy-going, relaxed – and things for all ages to enjoy.” 

Boaz manager Stuart Palmer said he was delighted with the turnout. “The sun making an appearance was a bonus. Boaz only works because so many people come along and give their time and energy. It really is a volunteer-led project. So, from me, a massive thank you to everyone who made the day such a success.”

The Boaz Project was set up in 2007 to provide adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to work on the land – to be valued and productive. Daily activities on the 4.5-acre site include horticulture, animal care, woodwork, handcrafts and cooking. 

For more information see boazproject.co.uk.