Queen Camilla celebrated two milestones on Wednesday with visits to Wiltshire and Somerset, marking the 50th anniversary of a key community charity and officially opening a new site for a youth-focused farming initiative.
The day began at Wellington Barn near Calne, where The Queen joined supporters, volunteers and beneficiaries of the Wiltshire Community Foundation, which has now formally changed its name to the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation. The updated name reflects the charity’s deepening commitment to causes across both Wiltshire and Swindon.
During her visit, The Queen met with representatives of a number of local organisations supported by the Foundation. These included: Growbaby, which supplies free baby clothes and equipment to families in need and All Yours Period Box, which helps tackle period poverty across the region.
Following the engagements, Her Majesty cut a commemorative cake to mark the Foundation’s 50th year, and met Joanna Weaver, who runs an ice cream van business supported by the charity.
After the cake cutting ceremony and a taste of ice cream, The Queen travelled to Lower Shockerwick Farm, just outside Bath, to open the seventh and newest site of Jamie’s Farm, of which she has been Patron since 2014.
Founded by Tish Feilden and her son Jamie, Jamie’s Farm works with children and teenagers facing difficulties at school, often due to issues around behaviour, attendance or mental health. The charity provides residential stays on working farms, helping young people reconnect with nature, take a break from technology, and build confidence and life skills.
At the new Lower Shockerwick site, The Queen toured the orchards, gardens, and kitchens, meeting staff, volunteers and young people taking part in the immersive programme. She was joined by co-CEOs Jamie Feilden and Jake Curtis, before unveiling a plaque to officially open the new farm.
This latest site is located close to Jamie’s Farm’s original base at Hill House near Bath and will allow the charity to support even more young people. Since its founding in 2009, Jamie’s Farm has welcomed more than 16,000 young people to its growing network of farms across the UK.
Her Majesty last visited Jamie’s Farm in 2022, when she spent time at its site in Monmouth. Her ongoing patronage has helped raise awareness of the charity’s mission to give struggling young people a fresh start through hands-on learning and meaningful connection.
