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 why?
It's impossible to go there, without seeing the huge amount of love, determination and optimism on which it is founded.
Barbara Saxton was one of those people who seldom took "no" for an answer - she got things done, she trod on toes, she spoke her mind. She was the grit in the pearl!
And because of her grit, her determination - underpinned by her practical compassion, of seeing a need to be met - she rallied others,
as only she could, to create & build & run Bournstream over two decades.
Sometimes she called it her "crusade", with "strange battles along the way" - battles with petty bureaucracy or doubters or even concerned neighbours.
For the real definition of a crusade is a matter of both land & faith.
Hard to believe now - when you see the playsite blossoming, when you meet a new family excited & relieved to join & enjoy its unique balm -
as nearly 300 children or young people have done in the last 5 years alone.
Barbara Saxton was ahead of her time in her vision for disabled children,as she shared what she valued most - her Bournstream "bit of land." No wonder her family are so proud of this remarkable legacy.
And no wonder so many others have worked so hard down the years to keep it all going strong - & still do, freely giving their time, energy & ideas - fundraising, introducing new people, rolling up their sleeves in so many different and often unexpected ways.
Thank you to each & every one of them, past & present, for being the "stalwarts" Barbara always had faith in & knew would carry on the Bournstream journey for her.
Mark Pasco
Chair of the Trust
