top of page
adams painting of stables_edited.jpg

 About Us

"Our aims are to promote and witness to the Christian faith and way of life, particularly in relation to social issues, and to offer practical help and friendship to those on the margins of society."
​The Bolnhurst Stables Trust is an interdenominational Christian charity founded in 1986 that has since that time sponsored several projects. 
​
Projects in the past and present have offered work experience and support, particularly to ex-offenders, those with a mental illness, those with a learning disability, and others with special needs. The Seed Sowers Training Project is the longest-running of our activities.​
Our Mission
​​

We understand that finding suitable work can be challenging, especially for those with mental health needs, learning disabilities, or those looking to rebuild their lives.  The Seed Sowers Training Project is a practical, work-based training programme providing opportunities in our craft rooms, kitchens, gardens, and greenhouses for participants to develop skills in a supportive and understanding environment.  

Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive at their own pace. 

We invite parents, carers, and social care professionals to contact us for a visit to learn more about how our programmes foster empowerment and independence.

​​

Community Engagement
​

Beyond our training, The Stables serves as a welcoming community hub:

  • Products made by the Seed Sower team are available in our shop.

  • From May to October, on the first Saturday of the month,  we open up our woodland walk and convert our facilities into a Coffee Shop, when you can join us for a warm beverage, delicious home-made cakes, and catching up with old friends.

  • Our facilities are available for hire by community groups, promoting shared experiences and strengthening community bonds.

​​

Our Commitment
​

We believe in the transformative power of meaningful work and are committed to providing a supportive space for growth and development. We invite you to explore our offerings, experience the peaceful rural environment we cherish, and learn more about how we can help empower lives.

​

Below you can find out more about our policies, the Trustees, the Staff Team, and our History so far. 

Our policies are regularly reviewed by our trustees to ensure the well-running of the charity and the wellbeing of all.

​

The trustees and senior staff are members of various local churches and respected contributors to the local community. 

Our friendly staff and volunteers are members of local churches, or in sympathy with the aims of the Centre. 

The Stables was founded in 1986, and has since helped many people in various projects.  

Our Policies

Our policies are regularly reviewed by our trustees to ensure the well-running of the charity and the wellbeing of our participants. To read or download a policy in PDF format, click on the description for each below.

Meet the Trustees
image.png
Chairman
Prof. John Wood, CBE, FREng
image.png
Trustee
Richard Cooper
image.png
Trustee
Dr Angela Toovey
image.png
Trustee
Sue Platt
image.png
Trustee
Andy Little
image.png
Trustee
Dudley Fernando
Meet the Staff Team
image.png
Business
Manager
Sean Watkiss
image.png
Deputy & Craft Manager
Gill Uings
image.png
Kitchen Manager
Sharon Franklin
image.png
Admin Manager
Cisca Human
Illustrated Princess
Founder & Volunteer
Alison Wood
Illustrated Princess
COSH and Web master. Volunteer
Roz Carmen

Our History

In 1981, John and Ali conceived the vision to support vulnerable adults, and in 1984 they purchased the Old Rectory and grounds. The stables was refurbished and became an ideal location from which seminars and workshops could be run.

Shortly after, ex-offenders joined the project and in 1987 the Bolnhurst Stables Trust was registered with the Charity Commission. 1987 was also the year in which the first Coffee Shop was held.

​​​

In 1990, the “Seed Sowers” project was started, with extra land leased in Keysoe, where we grew our herbs and wildflowers.

In 1991, disaster struck as the Stables was flooded and had to be refurbished. Despite this setback, our project grew, and in 1995, we opened to adults with special needs and our coffee shop had over 700 visitors that year. 

 

In May 2012, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary with a Service and social gathering at St Mark’s Church and Community Centre, Bedford. A display of our work was on show and a selection of our products on sale. 

​​

A specially commissioned video of the Stables work was also shown, and we were pleased to welcome among the attendees founding members, ex and current Board and staff members, clients and volunteers.​​​​​

Our Prayer
Untitled design (1).png

Thank you for the years you have guided and provided for us.
Please continue to keep us safe and watch over us in our activities day by day and work in us your will and purpose for each of our lives.
Guide our journey to discover more about you and bless us with a deeper understanding of your love and #faithfulness
And as we move into an uncertain future we thank you that we can trust in you for all that is to come


In the name of Jesus.
Amen

"Preach the gospel always; if necessary, use words"

 - Francis of Assisi

bottom of page