OUR GUESTS
There are usually three or four guests living here at any one time. Some come just for a long weekend and some stay for several months. Guests of all ages have come from all corners of the UK and, sometimes, from abroad. We've had people from all faiths though, most usually, of no faith. Quite often former guests will roll up for a day or two to check we're all OK and to tell stories about 'the old days'.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Then there are our wonderful volunteers who come every Wednesday for 2pm. We chop wood, get creative and crafty, fix, plant, sow, build and have a feast together every month - come and get involved!
FOREST SCHOOL
Kaye runs her fantastically successful Forest School here. That school means there are occasionally a dozen happy, loud kids under the parachute by the pond. There are other schools that sometimes come here, accompanied by teachers and volunteers.
ABOUT US
It's hard to say who 'we' are really, as there are so many people who make this place what it is. Our founders, Toby and Francesca, moved here in 2010 with a vision to create a place of refuge. From small beginnings they built up much of the structure and community that we find here today. They and their family then moved to Parma in Italy in July 2017 handing over to Chris and Katharine and their boys Josh and Natty who in turn, this summer, handed over to Toby and Helen Hime, their daughter Grace and son, Emmanuel.
The centre of WHW is unconditional love and grace; we believe in a God who is love and so all are welcome. We hope that all who stay here will experience acceptance and encouragement in this diverse, creative and hospitable extended family.
In some ways it feels as if we have been here ages but it has been five months, in other ways we feel that Helen and I still have a great to learn! One thing we have learned is that sharing life, giving and receiving and spending time with people who are different from us is beneficial to all.
OUR TRUSTEES
The place couldn't run without the time and wise heads on our trustees committee. They make sure we're all being sensible and sustainable (emotionally and financially as well as ecologically). They are very active, invested, involved and supportive.
OUR SUPPORTERS
There are the many people who receive our newsletter and quite a few generous souls who support us with prayer; donations through direct debit or standing order - contact us to find out more.
OUR ANIMALS!
Chris & Katharine on the One Show!
Archive footage after a day spent filming in the summer of 2020 showing a snapshot of life at Windsor Hill Wood Refuge - family football, a meal, and interviews with Chris, Katharine and some guests.
And then, in October 2020 there we were on the One Show.
You can view the clip here...
OUR INSPIRATION
There are many people and places we find inspiring. Here are just a few:
