A Worcestershire holiday farm, which provides breaks for disadvantaged children, has been given a cash boost from the proceeds of a charity event.
The Late Summer Ball was organised by The Fine Fourteen, a Stourbridge-based charity that comprises 14 local businessmen. Jon Bellfield, managing director of Worcestershire-based Barberry Developments and the longest serving member of the charity, helped organise the event, which was held at fellow Barberry director Paul Watson’s home, and raised in excess of £12,000 for Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm. Guests included many business leaders and key figures in the commercial property sector.
Originally founded by the Cadbury’s family in 1952, Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm provides the opportunity for underprivileged children in Birmingham and the Midlands to have a holiday on a small farm in the Worcestershire countryside.
As part of the evening’s festivities, Digby Lord Jones of Birmingham, who was also the master of ceremonies, donated an auction prize of a visit to the House of Lords with lunch in the Peers Dining Room, which proved very popular with bidders. Other lots included a box at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club and a shooting day.
Jon Bellfield said: “Barberry Developments is pleased to support projects like the Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm, which helps to improve the education and wellbeing of underprivileged children, and their families, in our local area. Surprisingly, there are still children who haven’t seen sheep, goats and ponies, so it’s nice that this charity can give them more awareness and experiences.”
Judith Williams, from Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm, said: “We aim to give disadvantaged families living in urban areas a positive residential experience in the countryside. The money raised from the Late Summer Ball will mean that we can give even more people the opportunity to escape their home situations and have some fun on the farm.”
For more information on Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm, visit www.dodfordfarm.co.uk.
