How it all began?
"The play site is an extraordinary creation. In about 1984, Barbara (Saxton) decided that she had the gift of more land than she needed and decided to share some of it with others, as she got older. So she had the idea of turning it into a play site for children with disabilities. She had this idea that not only could she share her time, and her money quite often, but she could also share her land.
She discovered that parents who had disabled children found it very difficult indeed to find a place where their children could play safety, securely and without the stares of other people.
We need to make sure the play site continues because there is no greater testament to all of the things Barbara did."
Joe Saxton
"It was her strength of character and determination which not only conceived of a playground for the disabled but rallied others to her cause and saw it through to reality despite many obstacles (and "strange battles" as she called them) along the way.
Her children are totally committed to ensuring the playground continues to thrive and go from strength to strength.
It was her compassion that gave her the vision to create Bournstream, an intensely practical compassion.
Barbara wanted children to be able to play and not feel odd or different - she wanted them to have soft grass under their feet, if they fell over - she wanted their parents to have a place they could come and enjoy, feel the peace and know that their children were catered for and wanted.
It is a towering achievement and wonderful legacy."
Ginney Saxton
(The above quotes have been taken from the funeral tributes of her children in July, 2008)
Remarkable. Maddening. To Be Cherished.
And now?
It's impossible to go there, without seeing the huge amount of love, determination and optimism on which it is founded.
When new families or carers come to join Bournstream we always proudly tell them about our Founder, Barbara Saxton.
We try to describe her brand of practical compassion, her eccentricities, her generosity in sharing what she herself cherished.
So, every new child or young person who discovers the Bournstream balm for
themselves is something to celebrate - it confirms her "vision", it encourages
our hard work & reminds us just what its all about!
She sometimes shared the poets "weary contentment" watching the children play - & long will I remember actually catching her "test driving" the trike along her driveway!
We have entered a new chapter in the Bournstream story, which she began, and which remains truly "hands on" - from wheelbarrows to crazy sheep,from frogs in the water to 300 bags of play sand - as I, the Committee and so many of our loyal supporters roll up their sleeves to keep it all going strong. Thanks to them all for their commitment.
We hope Bournstream can still surprise & delight - and can be just what you need it to be!
Mark Pasco
Chair of the Trust
