Queen Camilla, just days away from her 78th birthday, recently visited Lower Shockerwick Farm near Bath, Somerset, an educational centre run by the charity Jamie’s Farm. This farm is the seventh site managed by the organisation, which provides young people facing difficulties in school with new opportunities and a supportive environment.
Since its founding in 2009, Jamie’s Farm has welcomed over 16,000 young people to its farms located in Bath, Hereford, Monmouth, Lewes, Skipton, and a city farm in London Waterloo. As Patron of the charity, Camilla met with founders Tish Feilden and her son Jamie, and was guided on a tour of the farm by Tish Feilden and co-chief executive Jake Curtis. She engaged with staff, volunteers, and young visitors involved in activities throughout the orchards, kitchens, and gardens.
In the kitchen, she connected with 11-year-olds Mantaj and Mia, who were preparing lemon curd cupcakes using fresh lemon curd made just the day before. Camilla also tended to calibrachoa, geraniums, and verbena plants alongside 10-year-old Gabriel and 11-year-old Adrian, who had planted the flowers.
READ MORE: Is Steve Borthwick Missing a Trick in England’s Tour to Argentina?
READ MORE: Jayden Clarke Joins Forest Green Rovers After Departure from Gillingham
Highlighting her dedication to the charity, Queen Camilla unveiled a commemorative stone plaque and announced her intention to visit the Skipton farm—the only site she has yet to see in person. “I am yet to get to Yorkshire, but that will be next on my agenda. I promise you I will get there,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm for continuing her support.
Before departing, the Queen presented a basket of cuttings and seeds—including foxgloves, hollyhocks, mint, rosemary, and blackcurrant—from her own garden near Lacock in Wiltshire. “I hope I can come back and see them thriving,” she added warmly.
Tish Feilden expressed gratitude for the royal visit, stating, “We are honoured that you are here to officially open Lower Shockerwick Farm. We really appreciate your support, interest, and advocacy for the work that we do.”
Jamie’s Farm focuses on supporting young people aged 11 to 16 who are at risk of social or academic exclusion due to behaviour, attendance, or mental health challenges. While at the farm, young participants disconnect from technology and daily pressures, fostering personal growth and resilience.