News & Stories

On Saturday 17th October, Widecombe Parish Church was full as friends, supporters and members of the Shallowford community gathered to celebrate 50 years of East Shallowford Farm opening its doors to young people and families.

Ricky Butler first came to East Shallowford as a teenager from Providence House in Battersea, before spending a year living and working at the farm through a Youth Training Scheme. From building projects and heavy horses to learning alongside local farmers, Shallowford gave him responsibility, independence and a glimpse of a much bigger world. Looking back, Ricky believes the experience changed him more than he realised at the time.

Rev Edgar Daniel first came to East Shallowford after moving to the Newton Abbot Methodist circuit in 2005. Over the years, he became closely involved with the farm, serving as Chair of The Shallowford Trust and acting as a mentor and confidante to Elizabeth Braund. In his reflections, Edgar explores the Christian foundation at the heart of Shallowford, its enduring connection with Providence House, and the sense of home, community and belonging that he hopes will always remain.