A Brief History

As a post-war school Medical Officer, Dr Dorothy Beaumont saw many Birmingham children who lived in overcrowded slums in polluted areas, who were poorly nourished and whose health suffered as a result. Her vision was to give those children the opportunity to get a ‘breath of fresh air’ – she fervently believed they would benefit physically, emotionally and mentally from a stay in the countryside.

In 1950 she founded Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm, alongside Mrs Lucy Cadbury, a benefactor.

In 1951 Dr. Beaumont’s dream became reality when the first children came to stay at the Farm. They had no knowledge of the countryside and most had never seen a farm animal (the same still holds true today!). At ‘Dodford’ they could run around and play in plenty of open space, in a relaxed atmosphere, and help to feed and look after the animals. The benefits were apparent.

Today, Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm continues her vision by working with schools,  social workers, health visitors and other referral agencies, to give children from deprived areas that much needed break and a ‘breath of fresh air’.

The Farm Today

The slums may have gone but the problem now is vandalism and crime in many inner-city areas. A number of children who come to Dodford are from households where abuse, crime, addiction, debt and unemployment are commonplace.

We see many children with autism, physical disabilities and behavioural problems which make ordinary holidays difficult. Some children live in high rise flats and do not have the space to play outside; others live in areas of ‘high risk’ where it is unsafe to do so. 

What Dodford offers is a change of environment and the opportunity to experience care, warmth and freedom in a secure, homely atmosphere. A stay can help to boost self-confidence and encourage personal development. These key benefits, coupled with the support given to children and families, often underpins the work being done by outside agencies in their home area. Very often long term friendships are forged with families who return for subsequent visits.

Nurseries, primary and special schools stay at the farm as they have since the 50’s, most coming every year. One of our great advantages is that the visit is exclusive – no other groups are on site which schools appreciate. Teachers tell us of major developments they see in the children both during and after a stay at Dodford.

All this is why Dodford is just as relevant today as it was in the fifties and deserves support to retain the unique resource to help those children who are disadvantaged.