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INSIGHT

A ministry among hens

MARY MILLS reports on a farm with a very special ministry to youngsters

I was on my way to a very unusual chicken farm, found near Etwall, South Derbyshire.

The pop singer Eminem blasted out from my car cassette player, assaulting my ears and my mind.

“Kenny – I think we have a completely different taste in music... this is just not my style.”

“He’s brill, Mary – what are you on about? You don’t know nuffing ...”

I was taking one of my Home Tuition pupils, a 15-year-old tagged Young Offender, on a work experience visit to Highfields “Happy Hens” Farm, run by a very remarkable couple – Roger and Beryl Hosking. “Highfields – a Very Special Place” is the slogan attached to the farm – and it certainly is!

I work for Derby City Council’s Special Educational Needs Support Service. We provide education, either on a one-to-one basis or in groups (PRUs – Pupil Referral Units) for children who do not attend school for one reason or another. Some are medically unable to attend school for short or long periods, others are genuinely “school-phobic” (often the result of bullying,) and many are, like Kenny, permanently excluded from mainstream schools because of disruptive behaviour.

These EBD (Emotionally and Behaviourally Disturbed) youngsters usually come from dysfunctional families and their stories make their behaviour understandable, if not excusable. That doesn’t make them any easier to cope with, and this is why people like Beryl and Roger are a God-send – literally! Both are committed Christians, seeking to live out their faith in an unusually practical manner.

Having had considerable life experiences himself which help him relate to “difficult” youngsters, Roger (61) accepts them as they are, and they seem to sense he has a natural empathy with them. He has a tough, but very caring approach – “Tough Love”, the Americans call it.

Let him take up the story for a while:

“At the end of the Foot and Mouth epidemic, our MP came to see us and told us that Government policy for a farm our size (150 acres) was ‘get bigger, diversify or get out!’

“We have diversified in an unusual way, which has been rewarding both financially and emotionally.

“For 20 years my wife Beryl and I have looked after homeless and disaffected young people on our farm. After attempts at many types of farming, free-range egg production provided the best range of activities and learning skills for these youngsters, whom we try to teach whilst they are with us.

“Angry, aggressive hands break eggs, so our newcomers ‘wear eggs’ until they teach their hands to be gentle. Our eggs teach our young people how to count, write, keep records, even calculate production graphs and percentages, grade, price and deal with customers. That is a wide range of skills. We have worked with Down’s Syndrome and autistic youngsters with spectacular results.

“The Youth Offending Service ‘discovered’ us as the Foot and Mouth problem was slowing down, and asked if we could help with their Restorative Justice Project – youngsters too young to go to prison are given a court order to do restorative work for a fixed number of hours. One young person enjoyed Highfields so much that he re-offended so that he could come back – not quite the plan!

“Most of the young offenders have been excluded from school so the Derby Special Educational Needs Support Service contacted us and arranged for us to become ‘school’ for these young people. We have a well-equipped Terrapin classroom, complete with computers and a numeracy and literacy teacher. By September 2002, all local authorities must be legally providing education to everyone under school-leaving age. They have a big problem, and it seems that Highfields is unique in that we set out to provide this support.

“Those who come to us are not little angels – often they are a nightmare, as we are not allowed to thump, love them or give them a paracetamol. They are hurt and angry and without guidelines of discipline, but if you have the right heart and enough patience, even the hardest youngster can be melted and you often find a lovable young adult longing to please. Without doubt, these youngsters are responsible for the growing level of street crime and their future is often prison. We, as farmers, have an environment that has the potential to heal their pain.

“One phone call I received was from a dad in tears: ‘Highfields is the best thing that has ever happened to my son – can he come for longer each week?’

“It is a privilege to be able to play a part in such troubled lives.
It is my vision to see farms like this set up all over the country. Since Foot and Mouth, so many small farms have been put out of business. If there are any farmers out there who’d like to follow our example, then please, please contact me!”

Certainly I can bear witness to the truth of Roger’s words from the many youngsters I have taken out for ‘Farm Therapy’.
Kenny loved it – put with the lambs, he became like a lamb. Animals can sense danger from humans, instinctively knowing whom they can trust, and Roger’s sheep-dog came running to Kenny on our arrival, allowing him to fuss her, and even rolling over on her back (a vulnerable position) for a tummy-rub.

Roger warned Kenny that the sheep would probably run away from him when he requested to “get in and stroke ‘em”, but no – he was the centre of attention as they crowded round him. Imagine what this positive affirmation, albeit from animals, did for this hurt, aggressive lad, with a “tag” on his ankle.

We were assigned to egg-collecting as our task for the morning, and Kenny, who can hardly read two words and throws a tantrum when he “gets it wrong”, displayed confidence and initiative in the chicken sheds – whilst I trembled and couldn’t wait to get out! He loved it – and was far quicker and more efficient than me – again, a great boost for his ego. He can’t wait to “work there proper”.

“Roger says he’ll teach me to drive a tractor, Mary, and I can help with the building work if I do that brick-laying course at college.”

What an incentive!

Like so many others whom Roger seeks to help, he has at least been offered a chance ...

INFO

Highfields Farm was featured in BBC Songs of Praise on Sunday February 13
Highfields holds Open Days, and is involved in many different projects including support trips to Romania and Bulgaria and helping setting up chicken units in other countries such as Honduras and Croatia.
There is a Farm Shop, and anyone can call any time. Group visits may be arranged and buffet suppers can be provided for those wanting to come for Leaders meetings, Alpha Away Days, Prayer Days, Family groups & Picnics etc.
Roger is pleased to come and talk to any church or group about his work.
Contact Roger and Beryl Hosking,
The Paddocks,
Highfields Farm,
Heage Lane,
Etwall,
Derbyshire.
DE65 6LS.
Tel/Fax: 01283 732083
info@highfieldshappyhens.co.uk
www.highfieldhappyhens.co.uk

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		INSIGHT A ministry among hens MARY MILLS reports on a farm with a very special ministry to youngsters I was on my way to a very unusual chicken farm, found near Etwall, South Derbyshire. The pop singer Eminem blasted out from my car cassette player, assaulting my ears and my mind. “Kenny – I think we have a completely different taste in music... this is just not my style.” “He’s brill, Mary – what are you on about? You don’t know nuffing ...” I was taking one of my Home Tuition pupils, a 15-year-old tagged Young Offender, on a work experience visit to Highfields “Happy Hens” Farm, run by a very remarkable couple – Roger and Beryl Hosking. “Highfields – a Very Special Place” is the slogan attached to the farm – and it certainly is! I work for Derby City Council’s Special Educational Needs Support Service. We provide education, either on a one-to-one basis or in groups (PRUs – Pupil Referral Units) for children who do not attend school for one reason or another. Some are medically unable to attend school for short or long periods, others are genuinely “school-phobic” (often the result of bullying,) and many are, like Kenny, permanently excluded from mainstream schools because of disruptive behaviour. These EBD (Emotionally and Behaviourally Disturbed) youngsters usually come from dysfunctional families and their stories make their behaviour understandable, if not excusable. That doesn’t make them any easier to cope with, and this is why people like Beryl and Roger are a God-send – literally! Both are committed Christians, seeking to live out their faith in an unusually practical manner. Having had considerable life experiences himself which help him relate to “difficult” youngsters, Roger (61) accepts them as they are, and they seem to sense he has a natural empathy with them. He has a tough, but very caring approach – “Tough Love”, the Americans call it. Let him take up the story for a while: “At the end of the Foot and Mouth epidemic, our MP came to see us and told us that Government policy for a farm our size (150 acres) was ‘get bigger, diversify or get out!’ “We have diversified in an unusual way, which has been rewarding both financially and emotionally. “For 20 years my wife Beryl and I have looked after homeless and disaffected young people on our farm. After attempts at many types of farming, free-range egg production provided the best range of activities and learning skills for these youngsters, whom we try to teach whilst they are with us. “Angry, aggressive hands break eggs, so our newcomers ‘wear eggs’ until they teach their hands to be gentle. Our eggs teach our young people how to count, write, keep records, even calculate production graphs and percentages, grade, price and deal with customers. That is a wide range of skills. We have worked with Down’s Syndrome and autistic youngsters with spectacular results. “The Youth Offending Service ‘discovered’ us as the Foot and Mouth problem was slowing down, and asked if we could help with their Restorative Justice Project – youngsters too young to go to prison are given a court order to do restorative work for a fixed number of hours. One young person enjoyed Highfields so much that he re-offended so that he could come back – not quite the plan! “Most of the young offenders have been excluded from school so the Derby Special Educational Needs Support Service contacted us and arranged for us to become ‘school’ for these young people. We have a well-equipped Terrapin classroom, complete with computers and a numeracy and literacy teacher. By September 2002, all local authorities must be legally providing education to everyone under school-leaving age. They have a big problem, and it seems that Highfields is unique in that we set out to provide this support. “Those who come to us are not little angels – often they are a nightmare, as we are not allowed to thump, love them or give them a paracetamol. They are hurt and angry and without guidelines of discipline, but if you have the right heart and enough patience, even the hardest youngster can be melted and you often find a lovable young adult longing to please. Without doubt, these youngsters are responsible for the growing level of street crime and their future is often prison. We, as farmers, have an environment that has the potential to heal their pain. “One phone call I received was from a dad in tears: ‘Highfields is the best thing that has ever happened to my son – can he come for longer each week?’ “It is a privilege to be able to play a part in such troubled lives. It is my vision to see farms like this set up all over the country. Since Foot and Mouth, so many small farms have been put out of business. If there are any farmers out there who’d like to follow our example, then please, please contact me!” Certainly I can bear witness to the truth of Roger’s words from the many youngsters I have taken out for ‘Farm Therapy’. Kenny loved it – put with the lambs, he became like a lamb. Animals can sense danger from humans, instinctively knowing whom they can trust, and Roger’s sheep-dog came running to Kenny on our arrival, allowing him to fuss her, and even rolling over on her back (a vulnerable position) for a tummy-rub. Roger warned Kenny that the sheep would probably run away from him when he requested to “get in and stroke ‘em”, but no – he was the centre of attention as they crowded round him. Imagine what this positive affirmation, albeit from animals, did for this hurt, aggressive lad, with a “tag” on his ankle. We were assigned to egg-collecting as our task for the morning, and Kenny, who can hardly read two words and throws a tantrum when he “gets it wrong”, displayed confidence and initiative in the chicken sheds – whilst I trembled and couldn’t wait to get out! He loved it – and was far quicker and more efficient than me – again, a great boost for his ego. He can’t wait to “work there proper”. “Roger says he’ll teach me to drive a tractor, Mary, and I can help with the building work if I do that brick-laying course at college.” What an incentive! Like so many others whom Roger seeks to help, he has at least been offered a chance ... INFO Highfields Farm was featured in BBC Songs of Praise on Sunday February 13 Highfields holds Open Days, and is involved in many different projects including support trips to Romania and Bulgaria and helping setting up chicken units in other countries such as Honduras and Croatia. There is a Farm Shop, and anyone can call any time. Group visits may be arranged and buffet suppers can be provided for those wanting to come for Leaders meetings, Alpha Away Days, Prayer Days, Family groups & Picnics etc. Roger is pleased to come and talk to any church or group about his work. Contact Roger and Beryl Hosking, The Paddocks, Highfields Farm, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire. DE65 6LS. Tel/Fax: 01283 732083 info@highfieldshappyhens.co.uk www.highfieldhappyhens.co.uk © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.