News
2026
HighGround Podcast launched!
Thursday 23 Jul 2026Veterans Foundation 10th anniversary dinner
Wednesday 22 Jul 2026RRW53
Wednesday 24 Jun 2026British Farmer and Grower article
Tuesday 16 Jun 2026Female Veterans in Land-based Teaching programme assessment days
Friday 22 May 2026Leicestershire Flower Farm Welcomes HighGround’s Horticultural Therapy Team
Friday 15 May 2026HighGround registers as a charity in Scotland – exciting developments!
Monday 11 May 2026Carma and HighGround mark £24,400 milestone supporting veterans into green careers
Friday 01 May 2026HighGround and Army Central Fund Partner to Support Army Families in the Outdoors
Tuesday 21 Apr 2026Growth through conferences for Horticultural Occupational Therapists
Wednesday 25 Mar 2026Welcome to new Trustee – Charles Benett
Wednesday 25 Mar 20262025
A Milestone Reached – 50 Residential Rural Weeks!
Tuesday 07 Oct 2025HighGround honoured to attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Wednesday 06 Aug 2025HighGround Founder nominated for Soldiering On Award
Wednesday 16 Jul 2025HighGround CEO’s 850km fundraising cycle ride
Monday 23 Jun 2025Greenwich Hospital funding to support DMRC and Rural Weeks
Tuesday 17 Jun 2025Chair on the Western Front
Tuesday 27 May 2025Delighted to welcome our new Fundraising and Partnerships Manager – Leah Graham
Monday 12 May 2025RAF Shawbury volunteer help
Friday 09 May 2025REW 17 – Royal Navy Week
Tuesday 06 May 2025City Veterans CIC Annual Dinner 2025 – in aid of HighGround
Tuesday 15 Apr 2025Carma Earth – new partnership benefitting HighGround
Tuesday 08 Apr 2025HighGround Supports UWS in Armed Forces Covenant Signing
Monday 07 Apr 2025Tony Malkin’s Deer Stalking Book benefits HighGround
Tuesday 25 Mar 2025Support for Horticultural therapy at DMRC Stanford Hall
Wednesday 19 Mar 2025The first Virtual Rural Week of 2025
Thursday 20 Feb 2025Celebrating Anna Baker Cresswell’s Legacy at HighGround Charity
Friday 24 Jan 2025Female Veterans into Land-based Teaching
Thursday 23 Jan 2025RAF Benevolent Fund Support
Thursday 16 Jan 2025Carol Sales BEM
Monday 06 Jan 20252024
City Veterans CIC Carol Service in support of HighGround
Tuesday 17 Dec 2024Vital Funds from Army Central Fund
Monday 25 Nov 2024City Veterans CIC Carol Service
Friday 15 Nov 2024Pumpkins at DMRC
Wednesday 13 Nov 2024Trustees Week
Wednesday 06 Nov 2024ERS Gold Award ceremony
Friday 01 Nov 2024Continued support from the Veterans’ Foundation
Monday 07 Oct 2024Residential Rural Week 46
Friday 04 Oct 2024CEO’s Welcome: New Addition to the HighGround Team
Thursday 03 Oct 2024City Veterans CIC announce HighGround as Charity Partner
Thursday 26 Sep 2024More support from Horsted Keynes Tuesday Club
Thursday 19 Sep 2024Another HighGround milestone at DMRC Stanford Hall
Monday 09 Sep 2024HighGround secures prestigious role in delivering on Op PROSPER supporting Veterans into employment
Monday 12 Aug 2024Donation from Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths
Monday 08 Jul 2024Middleton Cheney Plant Sale in aid of HighGround
Monday 10 Jun 2024HighGround, Pen & Sword Club, and SSAFA Celebrate New Affiliation at the Farmers Club in Whitehall
Tuesday 04 Jun 2024HighGround awarded membership of the CLA
Tuesday 28 May 2024Farm shop success at DMRC Stanford Hall
Thursday 23 May 2024Anna returns from speaking in Australia
Wednesday 22 May 2024HighGround grant from the Headley Court Charity
Wednesday 22 May 2024HighGround features in BFRS blog
Friday 10 May 2024First Rural Experience Week of the year
Friday 10 May 2024Corporate volunteering at DMRC Stanford Hall
Friday 03 May 2024HighGround and Avove win at BFRS Catterick!
Monday 15 Apr 2024Sue Stuart-Smith’s first visit to DMRC Stanford Hall
Thursday 04 Apr 2024Call to Arms! – fundraise for HighGround
Thursday 28 Mar 2024Another fantastic rural week
Friday 22 Mar 2024HighGround team at the Mission Motorsport National Transition Event
Monday 11 Mar 2024A Productive Week for HighGround Charity: CEO Jamie Engages in Key Employment Discussions at Landex Conference
Friday 01 Mar 2024Careers Fairs – spreading the word
Wednesday 21 Feb 2024British Sugar Topsoil joins us at DMRC Stanford Hall
Thursday 08 Feb 2024Anna hones her fundraising skills
Friday 02 Feb 2024First TNT Webinar
Friday 26 Jan 20242023
CEO’s Christmas Message 2023
Thursday 21 Dec 2023We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our HighGround Charity team – our new Operations Manager, Heather Crawford!
Monday 18 Dec 2023Chris’s HighGround 1000 mile Challenge: The End
Tuesday 05 Dec 2023Another first during our final Rural Week of 2023!
Sunday 03 Dec 2023Our final BFRS careers fair of 2023.
Saturday 25 Nov 2023Another HighGround milestone. Our first Rural Week in the North!
Friday 17 Nov 2023At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Sunday 12 Nov 2023Cobseo Chairman visits HighGround at DMRC Stanford Hall.
Thursday 09 Nov 2023The Royal Marines are back at Bicton.
Sunday 05 Nov 2023HighGround goes back to the Tower.
Friday 27 Oct 2023A day of firsts.
Sunday 22 Oct 2023Anna collects HighGround’s Silver Award.
Saturday 14 Oct 2023Welcome Steve!
Monday 02 Oct 2023Phil Sampson.
Saturday 23 Sep 2023Danny and Myrtle jump for charity.
Sunday 17 Sep 2023Our land-based sector roadshow rolls on.
Saturday 16 Sep 2023Our new CEO
Saturday 09 Sep 2023Transforming Negative Transitions Programme steps forward.
Thursday 07 Sep 2023Sending Jane our Congratulations.
Friday 25 Aug 2023ABF The Soldiers’ Charity visits DMRC Stanford Hall.
Wednesday 02 Aug 2023HighGround goes to New Forest Show.
Thursday 27 Jul 2023Chris’s 1,000 Mile Challenge.
Wednesday 26 Jul 2023HighGround is recognised by Ministry of Defence Silver Employers Recognition Award.
Wednesday 26 Jul 2023Our first Rural Weeks Alumni Weekend.
Sunday 23 Jul 2023Myrtle the Parachick jumps again!
Sunday 16 Jul 2023Cheque presentation and Beating Retreat at DMRC Stanford Hall.
Saturday 08 Jul 2023Stories in Transition.
Sunday 02 Jul 2023HighGround at Armed Forces Day.
Tuesday 27 Jun 2023Donation from the Worshipful Company of Weavers.
Tuesday 20 Jun 2023Rural Weeks
Friday 16 Jun 2023Our Chairman Simon visits Bicton again.
Wednesday 14 Jun 2023The Forces Trust visits Bicton.
Tuesday 13 Jun 2023Our land-based sector roadshow rolls on!
Monday 12 Jun 2023HighGround and The Poppy Factory.
Thursday 08 Jun 2023Transformational Change Programme.
Thursday 11 May 2023Happy May Day!
Monday 01 May 2023Fundraising Dinner.
Wednesday 12 Apr 2023Welcome to our new Chairman.
Monday 03 Apr 2023Farewell Ian.
Sunday 02 Apr 2023BFRS careers fair.
Friday 31 Mar 2023Our 10th Anniversary Lunch.
Tuesday 21 Mar 2023Armed Forces Covenant Fund grant.
Friday 17 Mar 2023HighGround celebrate 10 years since being granted charitable status.
Monday 13 Mar 2023Our 10th anniversary lunch at the RAF Club today was a wonderful way to mark 10 years since HighGround was granted charitable status. Thank-you to the Garnett Foundation for supporting the lunch and to our wonderful Volunteers, Friends and current and former Trustees for making it such a special day.
Moving on.
Friday 10 Mar 2023The Forces Trust funds our Virtual Rural Weeks.
Sunday 05 Mar 2023National Transition Event at Silverstone.
Thursday 02 Mar 2023HighGround is awarded VMHAS standard.
Saturday 25 Feb 2023HighGround at Stanford Hall gets (even more) green.
Saturday 18 Feb 2023Our land-based sector roadshow rolls on.
Saturday 18 Feb 2023We are in the Forestry Journal.
Monday 13 Feb 2023Our search for a new Chair.
Tuesday 31 Jan 2023We are looking for a new Chair!
Tuesday 03 Jan 20232022
More support from the Veterans’ Foundation.
Friday 30 Dec 2022Chairman’s Christmas Message 2022
Thursday 22 Dec 2022Final BFRS careers fair of 2022 at Catterick Garrison.
Friday 25 Nov 2022It is with profound sadness we report the death of Lt Col Richard ‘Skid’ Dorney.
Sunday 20 Nov 2022Networking at Saltex.
Thursday 10 Nov 2022The Royal Navy at Bicton.
Saturday 29 Oct 2022BFRS careers fair at Tidworth.
Friday 23 Sep 2022HighGround Christmas cards now on sale!
Tuesday 20 Sep 2022Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Thursday 08 Sep 2022The Royal Marines Family.
Sunday 21 Aug 2022Anna visits Marchwood.
Thursday 04 Aug 2022Support from the Royal Warrant Holders Association.
Tuesday 02 Aug 2022Thanks goes to our new Virtural Rural Weeks presenter.
Monday 25 Jul 2022The T-Shirt Challenge has started!
Tuesday 12 Jul 2022HighGround receives funding from the Veterans’ Foundation.
Wednesday 29 Jun 2022Provincial Grand Lodge of Bedfordshire.
Monday 27 Jun 2022In Armed Forces Week, HighGround are delighted to receive a grant from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Tuesday 21 Jun 2022Welcome Fi!
Monday 20 Jun 2022HighGround’s land-based sector roadshow moves to Leicester racecourse.
Thursday 16 Jun 2022Duncan is a Finisher!
Monday 06 Jun 2022Florida learns about HighGround..!
Friday 03 Jun 2022Chris receives a donation to HighGround.
Thursday 02 Jun 2022Welcome Lorna!
Monday 23 May 2022Our first Young Recruits Week at Bicton.
Monday 16 May 2022Duncan is running for HighGround.
Friday 06 May 2022Another HighGround milestone – our first Single Service Rural Week at Bicton.
Tuesday 03 May 2022Our first land-based sector roadshow with BFRS.
Friday 08 Apr 2022The Chairman welcomes Jason.
Tuesday 22 Mar 2022Chris is on target!
Sunday 20 Mar 2022HighGround joins Veterans Scotland.
Sunday 06 Mar 2022Jane’s Adaptive Gardening Guides are here!
Tuesday 01 Mar 2022Our friends at Vitax.
Monday 21 Feb 2022HighGround soap available on Water & Wylde’s new website.
Monday 31 Jan 2022Do you know an IT savvy good egg who can help us?
Saturday 15 Jan 2022Calling budding ex-military organic farmers.
Wednesday 12 Jan 2022Big congratulations Darren!
Monday 10 Jan 20222021
Happy Christmas from all of us at Team HighGround and here’s to another busy year in 2022.
Wednesday 22 Dec 2021HighGround signs the Armed Forces Covenant.
Tuesday 30 Nov 2021Christmas cards raise £700 for HighGround.
Saturday 27 Nov 2021Watch us on Countryfile!
Friday 12 Nov 2021In the week of COP26.
Tuesday 02 Nov 2021Donation from W.A.K.E Fund
Wednesday 27 Oct 2021Thanking the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.
Sunday 24 Oct 2021Tall Chin strides on!
Sunday 17 Oct 2021Time to buy your Christmas cards.
Sunday 03 Oct 2021British Sugar Topsoil continue their support.
Friday 01 Oct 2021Huge thanks to Computer Angels.
Tuesday 28 Sep 2021Chris’s Challenge continues and she has now raised over £3,500 for HighGround and is well on her way to 400 miles.
Wednesday 08 Sep 2021Welcome Tim!
Wednesday 01 Sep 2021It’s a Gold at Gardeners’ World Live!
Thursday 26 Aug 2021Visit us at Gardeners World Live!
Thursday 12 Aug 2021AFCT Project Finder app.
Thursday 29 Jul 2021Getting back together.
Wednesday 28 Jul 2021Chris dedicates her July walks to the military reservists.
Sunday 11 Jul 2021Team HighGround is expanding!
Thursday 01 Jul 2021In Armed Forces Week we are delighted to announce the arrival of our new Rural Employment Manager.
Wednesday 23 Jun 2021Another HighGround milestone!
Wednesday 16 Jun 2021At last the day has finally arrived!
Sunday 13 Jun 2021Chris donates June’s walk to all the staff and patients at the DMRC, Stanford Hall.
Wednesday 02 Jun 2021HighGround gets its own soap!
Friday 21 May 2021Chris’s 1,000 Mile Challenge continues.
Sunday 16 May 2021HighGround’s Captain Tom Challenge edges close to the magic 100!!!
Saturday 08 May 2021We welcome our newest Trustee.
Thursday 06 May 2021Join HighGround in helping to ensure Captain Tom’s legacy lives on.
Tuesday 20 Apr 2021CED supplies stone for the first Op Frith garden at Brize Norton.
Tuesday 20 Apr 2021HighGround receives grant from the Veterans’ Foundation.
Friday 16 Apr 2021Chris dedicates April’s walk to the Royal Logistic Corps.
Tuesday 13 Apr 2021Tim Lever on British Forces Broadcasting Service Breakfast Show
Thursday 08 Apr 2021Andy and Jane keep learning!
Tuesday 06 Apr 2021Kieron Atkinson joins the Development Board.
Monday 29 Mar 2021CLA Charitable Trust donation.
Friday 26 Mar 2021Chris’s Challenge is dedicated during March to The Royal Marines who serve our country so proudly.
Friday 12 Mar 2021They have been good friends of HighGround and the Rural Weeks in Bicton College Devon.
The countdown to our 2021 Virtual Rural Weeks has started!
Wednesday 10 Mar 2021Read more below to find out about our Virtual Rural Weeks.
Support HighGround by buying sweet pea seeds!
Friday 26 Feb 2021We are so grateful to Lady Cholmeley at Easton Walled Garden for this brilliant and generous initiative.
As we remember Captain Tom and all he did for charity, Chris’s 1,000 Mile Challenge continues.
Tuesday 09 Feb 2021February marks the beginning of new shoots within HighGround.
The Development Board gets its first Media Advisor.
Friday 05 Feb 2021Ross Ewing joins the Development Board as Media Advisor.
.
Op Frith Garden secures Tarmac support.
Friday 29 Jan 2021HighGround’s tri-service initiative takes a big step forward.
Marcus Barnett joins the Development Board.
Friday 22 Jan 2021So excited about Marcus; Jon Perkins our Trustee who chairs the Development Board said;
Chris has just passed 200 miles – another brilliant milestone which has raised £2,450 so far!
Tuesday 12 Jan 2021I would like to dedicate January to all the servicemen and women giving their support in these difficult times.
2020
Our first corporate donation from Knight Frank.
Monday 28 Dec 2020We were so delighted to receive a donation from global property firm Knight Frank.
As we all navigate our way through this extraordinary festive season, our Chairman Ian sends his Christmas Message.
Friday 18 Dec 2020Wow! What a year! None of us will ever forget 2020.
Chris dedicates December’s walk to all the military nurses and the teams with whom they work.
Tuesday 01 Dec 2020It is the last month of 2020, a year which no-one will forget. It is also the end of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
The CLA is promoting transferable military skills.
Monday 23 Nov 2020Please share details of this event as widely as you can. This is a fantastic opportunity for CLA members and Life beyond the military – Outdoors.
Chris is asking ‘What are you doing for Armistice?’
Sunday 01 Nov 2020November is the month of Remembrance when we think of all who died in the service of their country.
Will you Walk for HighGround this Armistice?
Thursday 29 Oct 2020We still have 14 Finishers T shirts left. Walk a mile for HighGround, send us a picture and we’ll send you a Finishers T shirt – Simple!
Rural Weeks CV-19 update
Tuesday 27 Oct 2020We are all so sad that due to some CV-19 cases at Bicton last week, the College has closed.
Buy Col Tony’s new book and support HighGround.
Tuesday 20 Oct 2020Tony Malkin a retired colonel in the Parachute Regiment is giving proceeds from his new book about Israel’s military history to HighGround.
Another HighGround milestone – our first ever Hon Sec!
Friday 16 Oct 2020We are delighted that Richard Lungmuss has joined Team HighGround as our first Hon Sec.
You can read his bio here and we all extend a very warm welcome to him.
In the month of the Battle of Trafalgar, Chris walks for the Royal Navy, past and present.
Monday 05 Oct 2020My walk in October will be dedicated to the Royal Navy past, present and future.
Exciting news about HighGround and British Sugar Topsoil!
Wednesday 30 Sep 2020We are delighted to have been chosen by British Sugar Topsoil as their next charity of the year. Big thanks to everyone involved.
Our first Rural Week of 2020.
Sunday 20 Sep 2020Massive thanks to everyone who helped us to get back to Bicton for our first Rural Week of 2020 last week.
Our work at Stanford Hall is in October’s Kitchen Garden magazine.
Friday 18 Sep 2020Read here about therapeutic environments and how Mother Nature is playing her part with rehabilitation.
On the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain read how Chris is helping HighGround to support airmen and women.
Tuesday 15 Sep 2020I have dedicated my walking for HighGround this month to the RAF past present and future.
B2FAR recognised by the Mayor of Southwark.
Friday 28 Aug 2020We were delighted that B2FAR was recognised by the Mayor of Southwark and you can read her comments here.
#B2FAR misses the lightning and the rain!
Monday 17 Aug 2020Thanks to permission from Historic Royal Palaces, we started at the Tower of London and walked 5, 10 and 30 miles along the Thames Path to raise awareness of HighGround’s work and let our supporters know that we are still fighting.
Our 2nd Virtual Rural Week is successfully delivered.
Wednesday 22 Jul 2020Massive thanks to all our presenters for this week’s VRW02.
Robin Lane-Fox’s Financial Times column.
Saturday 18 Jul 2020Robin reviewed Sue Stuart-Smith’s new book The Well Gardened Mind which features HighGround’s work at Headley Court and Stanford Hall.
Chris’s 1,000 Mile Challenge reaches another milestone!
Friday 17 Jul 2020Chris has now raised £1,500 for HighGround.
#B2FAR! Registration now open.
Tuesday 30 Jun 2020Our first Walker has registered for #B2FAR! Only 49 places left for this unique event so please share and hurry to register here.
Walk for HighGround
Friday 05 Jun 2020#FarmingFortnight Webinar
Friday 05 Jun 2020In #FarmingFortnight Anna was delighted to do a webinar for the Officers’ Association. You can see it here.
Jemma’s Last Day.
Friday 29 May 2020We say goodbye and many thanks to Jemma.
Chris’s first milestone.
Thursday 07 May 2020Chris has walked the first 20 miles of her 1,000 Mile Challenge and so far has raised £620 for HighGround – Bravo Chris!
Chris Eberhardie’s 1000 Mile Challenge.
Monday 20 Apr 2020Chris Eberhardie, a retired nurse, hopes to inspire others to keep fit and to promote physical and mental wellbeing during the Coronavirus.
Another #TopTeam member!!
Monday 30 Mar 2020We were delighted to welcome Jason Ralph-Smith from Auto Pot to Stanford Hall recently; many thanks to Medwyn’s of Anglesey for the introduction!
Update from the Chairman
Thursday 19 Mar 2020Yesterday we joined with Bicton College to make the very difficult but necessary decision to cancel our first Rural Week of 2020 (RXW33) which was to have started on Sunday.
Gardeners World Live 2020
Tuesday 03 Mar 2020Great News! Our entry for Gardeners World Live 2020 Beautiful Borders competition has been accepted.
Royals, Ruralink and Troops Track Day at Silverstone.
Sunday 16 Feb 2020We were honoured to be part of the royal visit to Stanford Hall; it had been snowing the day before.
HighGround receive funding from Headley Court Charity.
Wednesday 05 Feb 2020We have an exciting announcement about our Horticultural Therapy service at Stanford Hall. Read more to find out.
Our Friends of HighGround Winter newsletter is now ready.
Wednesday 29 Jan 2020If you would like to join the Friends to receive our quarterly newsletter and keep up with our progress, you can sign up here. Thank-you!
HighGround’s Rural Experience Weeks receive Armed Forces Covenant Trust funding
Thursday 16 Jan 2020We are delighted that our application to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust for funding for Rural Experience Weeks at Bicton College has been successful.
2019
Our Chairman’s Christmas Message 2019
Thursday 19 Dec 2019Season’s’ Greetings from Team HighGround; you can read our Chairman’s Message below. See you in 2020!
Alex Hoppenbrouwers joins HighGround’s Board of Trustees.
Thursday 28 Nov 2019HighGround are delighted to welcome Alex Hoppenbrouwers as the newest member of HighGround’s Board of Trustees.
Walk4HighGround raises over £3,000.
Tuesday 05 Nov 2019In this week of Remembrance we salute Liz and her team of Walkers who raised £3,651 for HighGround when they walked from Kew Gardens to Horseferry Road.
HighGround’s Halloween
Tuesday 22 Oct 2019As we approach our first Halloween at DMRC Stanford Hall, join the Friends of HighGround to keep up with all our latest news about how we are helping with Life beyond the Military – Outdoors.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!
Friday 04 Oct 2019We are so thrilled to be in this month’s edition of Soldier magazine which acknowledges ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s generous support of Rural Weeks.
Walk4HighGround; the final countdown!
Sunday 15 Sep 2019Liz and her team of Walkers are making their final preparations for next Saturday starting from Richmond Bridge and finishing at HighGround’s office in Westminster.
Liz & Friends are walking for HighGround – join them and support them!
Saturday 24 Aug 2019Liz & Friends are walking the Thames Path from Kew for HighGround to support the great work of our charity. You can support them by going to her JustGiving page.
HighGround welcomes Sue!
Friday 02 Aug 2019I am absolutely delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Sue Harper who is joining our Board of Trustees at HighGround.
Soldiers’ Charity grant for Rural Weeks.
Friday 05 Jul 2019The Soldiers’ Charity has granted HighGround £20,000 to fund Army veterans to attend Rural Weeks.
Onwards & Upwards garden at Gardeners World Live travels on to Belvoir Flower Festival
Wednesday 19 Jun 2019Andy Tudbury of Halcyon Garden Design designed a garden at GWL which he called Onwards & Upwards to raise awareness of our Horticultural Therapy service at DMRC Stanford Hall.
HighGround welcomes our newest Trustee
Sunday 26 May 2019At our Trustees Meeting last week we welcomed Robert Winterton to the Board.
Andy on ‘Sunday Supplement’
Sunday 12 May 2019Dave Andrews interviewed Andy on his BBC Radio Leicester show ‘Sunday Supplement’.
A new partnership with South Yeo Farm West
Sunday 05 May 2019We are delighted to announce a partnership with Debbie Kingsley at South Yeo Farm West.
A Happy Easter from HighGround
Wednesday 17 Apr 2019Easter is nearly here; the raised beds at Stanford Hall are taking shape, and we are looking forward to our second Rural Week of 2019 at Bicton College which starts on 28th April.
Good News All Round
Saturday 30 Mar 2019As we start our 2019 Rural Weeks programme at Bicton College tomorrow, we are celebrating the official start of the Horticultural Therapy service at DMRC Stanford Hall.
HighGround’s Parliamentary reception
Monday 04 Mar 2019We had a parliamentary reception on Monday 4th March in the Strangers’ Dining Room sponsored by Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP.
HighGround welcomes John Kerner to the Board of Trustees today
Saturday 23 Feb 2019Ian Elliott our Chairman said “I am delighted to welcome John Kerner onboard as HighGround’s latest Trustee.
Team HighGround is expanding!
Friday 08 Feb 2019We are delighted to welcome two new members of our team, both of them in a pro bono capacity which makes them even more welcome.
Our Winter newsletter is out now!
Wednesday 23 Jan 2019The latest Friends of HighGround Newsletter has been mailed to all our Friends. To see a copy and keep up to date please join the Friends of HighGround here. You can see copies of our previous Newsletters here.
A New Year’s message from our Chairman
Tuesday 01 Jan 2019We have had another busy year, read our Chairman’s New Year message here.
2018
Carol’s work recognised in Queen’s New Year Honours
Saturday 29 Dec 2018Carol Sales who started our Horticultural Therapy service at Headley Court has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year Honours. We are all delighted that her huge combination has been publicly recognised.
Final Rural Week of 2018
Sunday 16 Dec 2018Last Friday (14th December) we finished our final Rural Week of 2018 at Bicton College.
HighGround and the Royal Foundation
Wednesday 28 Nov 2018The Royal Foundation is now supporting HighGround. Air C’dre (R’td) Ian Elliott, HighGround Chairman said;
HighGround are featured on Radio 4
Sunday 11 Nov 2018Huge thanks to everyone who took part in this morning’s ‘On Your Farm’ programme on Radio 4 about Life beyond the Military – Outdoors. You can listen to it here.
Greenwich Hospital’s first visit
Tuesday 06 Nov 2018We were delighted to welcome Hugh and Howard from Greenwich Hospital to Stanford Hall to see how we are spending their precious funding.
2019 Rural Weeks programme
Friday 02 Nov 2018The Veterans Foundation have given us a generous donation towards our 2019 Rural Weeks programme which starts in March 2019 for which we are extremely grateful.
We welcome Jane on her first day at Stanford Hall
Monday 01 Oct 2018Jane Taylor starts as our Horticultural Therapist at Stanford Hall today and we offer her a huge HighGround welcome to the team. Andy has been getting everything ready for her arrival and we have very exciting times ahead!
Anna visits Stanford Hall
Thursday 30 Aug 2018Anna visited Stanford Hall this week to meet the Occupational Therapists team and see how the greenhouse is progressing – they promise it will be ready before the first frost..!
Putting HighGround on the map!
Sunday 19 Aug 2018The intrepid Hotsteppers Nick and Seb have reached Kyrgyzstan! Here they are on the Pamir Highway 4,000m up in their HighGround gilets – amazing
Game Fair success
Monday 06 Aug 2018
We had a fantastic time at the Game Fair last weekend where BASC had generously invited us to share their stand and huge thanks to Mark, Kate, Richy, Lucinda, Eunice, Vicki, Mark and Pepper for helping on the stand and talking about HighGround to the many visitors sheltering from the baking sun or driving rain – oh to be in England!!!
Welcome Jon
Thursday 12 Jul 2018At our Trustees Meeting this week we welcomed Jon Chandler to the Board. He is going to help us launch the Friends of HighGround (FHG) and we are so thrilled that he has agreed to join us at this pivotal time in HighGround’s brief and hectic life.
Countdown to Mongol Rally
Wednesday 11 Jul 2018Nick, Seb and Virgil their car are stickered and kitted up to begin their journey to Prague to the start of the Mongol Rally.
We wish them safe travels for their intrepid adventure and thank them for their inspiration and generosity.
The Soldiers’ Charity grants £20,000 to HighGround
Thursday 05 Jul 2018We are so grateful to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for their continued support of our work to help more people into Life beyond the military – Outdoors. You can link to the article here.
New Horticultural Therapist appointment at DNRC announced
Friday 22 Jun 2018We are delighted to announce that Jane Taylor has been appointed as HighGround’s new Horticultural Therapist when we move from Headley Court to DNRC at Stanford Hall.
Mongol Rally 2018
Friday 08 Jun 2018The GDPR law
Friday 25 May 2018The new Data Protection law known as GDPR comes into force today. You can read more about it below.
Watch the Duke’s new film about the DNRC project
Friday 18 May 2018The DNRC project at Stanford Hall is nearing completion as we head towards the last few weeks of service at Headley Court before packing up and moving North. Watch the latest film here.
Welcome Andy
Saturday 28 Apr 2018Horticultural Therapist role at Stanford Hall
Saturday 28 Apr 2018Horticultural Therapy; an interview with Carol
Friday 06 Apr 2018Carol pays tribute to the humble hen this Easter
Thursday 29 Mar 2018Welcome Michael
Tuesday 27 Mar 2018Horticultural Therapist role advertised
Thursday 22 Mar 2018An Audience with The Black Farmer
Thursday 15 Mar 2018RAF Benevolent Fund donation
Tuesday 06 Mar 2018OTnews advertisment
Thursday 22 Feb 2018HighGround is recruiting for a new Horticultural Therapist for Stanford Hall
Friday 16 Feb 2018A welcome boost from Greenwich Hospital
Friday 09 Feb 2018Katherine Pout Completes Challenging Ultra Marathon
Tuesday 06 Feb 2018
Katherine Pout, a Friend of HighGround, recently completed the EnduranceLife Ultra, a gruelling 33.5 mile run across challenging terrain on The Isle of Anglesey. She was part of a group of 300 runners who took part in the event, and along the way Kat raised money, through sponsorship and donations, for HighGround.
Rugby School donation
Friday 02 Feb 2018Huge, huge thanks to Rugby School for their generous donation following a Chapel collection for HighGround. We really appreciate your support.
Hort Therapy in The Field
Saturday 27 Jan 2018Our Horticultural Therapy Challenge is in February’s edition of The Field. Huge thanks to all our generous funders, we are now over half way to our target of £354,000 – the show goes on!
Anna Baker Cresswell Interviewed for The Farming Show on Pirate FM
Monday 22 Jan 2018Keep an eye out for the @piratefm #FarmingShow back on air soon with dream team @SaraAgronomy & @Isha_Pit @1GarethWynJones @HighGroundBoss @yellowwelliesuk @FarmersOfTheUK @CornwallFandFG @AgriBlonde @NFUsouthwest @steven_pass @CornwallYFC @RoyalCornwall @duchyRBS #clubhectare pic.twitter.com/rTrWiaMs5H
— Rob Dunn (@rob_farmingshow) January 13, 2018
Meet Our New Therapeutic Gardens Manager
Thursday 18 Jan 2018We achieved another huge HighGround milestone on 15th January when Andy Wright signed his Contract. He will be our new Therapeutic Gardens Manager at The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre, and starts work for us on 1st May. You can read our Stanford Hall updates here – it’s going to be a very busy few months while we transition from Headley Court to Stanford Hall where clinical delivery starts in November, 2018.
First Chillies of 2018
Friday 12 Jan 2018Here are the first chillies of 2018 to germinate in the heated propagator given to us by the Gardening for Disabled Trust. The variety is called Brain Strain – how appropriate on a grey Friday in January!
Countdown to Anglesey
Saturday 06 Jan 2018
The countdown to Kat’s challenge has begun and she’s been working hard, training at 6am during the Winter break. We hope that we can count on you to share Katherine’s story and support her in the run-up to 13th January when the Anglesey Ultra Marathon begins.
2017
HighGround Youtube Channel
Saturday 23 Dec 2017
Thank you to the latest subscribers of our Youtube Channel. Check out the Rural Week videos of our HighGrounders during their stay at Bicton College and subscribe while you’re over there.
HighGround Youtube Channel here.
Christmas 2017
Tuesday 19 Dec 2017We made it! What a busy HighGround year we have all had.
Our Rural Weeks programme moved to Bicton College in Devon in March, and thanks to the generosity of Anne Duchess of Westminster Charity, the Royal Marines Charity, Help4Heroes, Grenadier Guards Benevolent Fund, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Greenwich Hospital, we delivered 8 Rural Weeks in 2017 to 72 Service Leavers and Veterans including 1 Reservist.
Swire Charitable Trust Donation
Monday 11 Dec 2017Huge thanks to Swire Charitable Trust for their generous donation to the Horticultural Therapy Challenge which takes us nearer to our target to get to The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre in 2018. We are very grateful to them for their support.
Coffee and Cake at Headley Court
Tuesday 05 Dec 2017By kind permission of the CO we invited some of our supporters and ambassadors to join us in October and see the Home Thoughts from Abroad garden in its autumn glory. Thank-you to everyone who came to see us and we look forward to welcoming you back in the Spring when the blossom will be out.
New Marketing Partnership
Tuesday 05 Dec 2017Thanks to the generosity of The Company of Public Relations Practitioners, HighGround has begun a partnership with Sky Blue Toffee who will work with us to improve our marketing and communications so we can increase donations and brand awareness.
WEA News
Monday 04 Dec 2017The White Ensign Association (WEA) is a fantastic organisation run by a small team of helpful professionals who all punch well above their weight. We are delighted to be included in the latest edition of WEA News. Read their newsletter here: WEA November 2017. It’s a privilege to be associated with them.
Kat’s Anglesey Ultra Marathon for HighGround
Wednesday 29 Nov 2017HighGround are immensely proud of the backing we get from our supporters and volunteers. One of the ways anybody can get involved, and help the charity raise funds for all the services we provide, is to raise money by taking part in a sponsored event or challenge. That’s exactly what Katherine Pout is doing right now, by running an Ultra Marathon! Kat is just one of many of our supporters doing great things in order to raise awareness of the charity and ensure that it continues for many years to come.
Careers Fair
Friday 24 Nov 2017Anna attended the inaugural Resettlement and Careers Fair at CTCRM, Lympstone organised by The Royal Marines Charity.
HighGround Ted Raffle
Thursday 16 Nov 2017HighGround Ted raised lots of money in a raffle after Church Parade on Remembrance Sunday. He has found a lovely new home and we want to thank everyone who contributed so generously to the raffle.
Mole Valley Farmers
Saturday 11 Nov 2017Huge thanks to everyone who has contacted us after seeing the article in Mole Valley Farmers Country Store Winter magazine to offer our HighGrounders work experience. The missing link for so many of those leaving the military and in this week of Remembrance, so crucially important. Click the image below to read the article:
Bouquet of the Month
Friday 10 Nov 2017We are happy to have Next’s support as their “Bouquet of the Month” gift bag for November comes with HighGround’s information card inside.
Julian Joins the Team
Friday 03 Nov 2017
We are delighted that Julian Sayers has joined us as Ops, Outreach and Liaison Officer thanks to the generosity of The Soldier’s Charity. Welcome, Julian!
Rural Weeks Reception at Bicton College
Wednesday 01 Nov 2017Bicton College kindly hosted a reception for us to showcase our Rural Weeks and thank all the people who have given their time and expertise to make our 2017 Rural Weeks programme so successful. We are now fundraising for our 2018 Rural Weeks programme at Bicton, and to have the support of so many wonderful people and being able to build on the success of this year as we help Service Leavers and Veterans to find Life beyond the military – Outdoors is so precious.
HighGround Welcomes New Trustee
Wednesday 18 Oct 2017HighGround’s Chairman of Trustees Ian Elliott OBE welcomes a new member to the Board:
“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Julian Browne to HighGround’s Board of Trustees. As a Senior Advisor in The Carlyle Group, Julian offers a magnificent blend of military experience and senior corporate knowledge of the defence and aerospace sectors. His widespread professional acumen coupled with his energy and enthusiasm make him an immensely valuable new member of the HighGround team.”
– Ian Elliott OBE, Chairman of Trustees
Ambassador’s Day
Tuesday 10 Oct 2017We had a coffee and cake morning at Headley Court for our friends and supporters on Wednesday including Hortus Loci, Headley Gardening Club and Sutton and East Surrey Water. The coffee and apple cake went down a triumph!
Blesma Golf Day
Wednesday 04 Oct 2017The HighGround Team had a fabulous time during the Blesma Golf Day. Thank you to John and Laura at Strathcarrons for providing our team with the polo shirts used in the event, Blesma for hosting, and our golfing HighGrounders John, Peter, Nic and Mick for playing for us.
Carol in Head Gardeners
Tuesday 26 Sep 2017Head Gardeners by Ambra Edwards and (photographer) Charlie Hopkinson was published earlier this week and Carol Sales, HighGround’s Horticultural Therapist at Headley Court, is one of the twelve “most exciting gardeners working in Britain today”.
The chapter about Carol and her work at Headley Court gives a unique insight into what has been achieved there and it’s a beautifully produced and written book which needs buying. The book emphasizes the importance of Horticultural Therapy to the rehabilitation of injured personnel, which is why HighGround’s Horticultural Therapy Challenge needs support to continue this service.
Blesma Golf Day
Wednesday 06 Sep 2017We are delighted to be fielding a team for Blesma’s Charity Golf Day at Denham Golf Club on 28th September to help raise money for Blesma. Come on Team HighGround!
Garden Therapy Scheme Under Threat
Tuesday 05 Sep 2017HighGround has been mentioned in Amateur Gardening’s Bank Holiday special issue: ‘Garden Therapy Scheme Under Threat’ about our work at Headley Court and how we need to raise £354,000 to finance another 3 years of Horticultural Therapy.
TFA Newsletter
Tuesday 22 Aug 2017The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) have mentioned HighGround in their latest newsletter. Read what they had to say here: TFA Newsletter.
HighGround for £25,000 Community Award
Thursday 17 Aug 2017HighGround is currently in the running for a £25,000 community award from the OneFamily Foundation. The money will go towards the Horticultural Therapy Challenge, providing injured Armed Forces personnel with a much needed and unique rehabilitation service.
HighGround & Buchanan Trust
Wednesday 09 Aug 2017We have some exciting news about HighGround and Buchanan Trust!
Our Horticultural Therapy Challenge
Thursday 03 Aug 2017The response to The Sunday Times article has been fantastic. We’ve had so many donations towards our Horticultural Therapy Challenge.
Officers’ Association Webinar
Wednesday 02 Aug 2017The Officers’ Association held a webinar with Anna Baker Cresswell, the founder of HighGround, to inform, advise and support Service Leavers, Veterans and all in the Armed Forces community on what the Land-based sector is and the opportunities available in this field.
Feedback for Rural Week 12
Saturday 15 Jul 2017Our latest Rural Week at Bicton College went very well and we’ve had a lot of great feedback from our HighGrounders:
The Soldiers’ Charity Makes Operations Manager Possible
Saturday 15 Jul 2017A huge thank you to The Soldiers’ Charity who have given us some funding towards the cost of a much needed Operations Manager. Now we just need to find him or her!
HighGround on Veterans’ Gateway
Friday 30 Jun 2017We are glad to have been accepted as an Information Partner within the Veterans’ Gateway.
HT Challenge and The Sunday Times
Wednesday 28 Jun 2017The response to the article in The Sunday Times has been phenomenal! We thank all those who have so generously donated to the Horticultural Therapy Challenge on our JustGiving page.
Another Milestone: Insight Day at HighGround
Wednesday 21 Jun 2017HighGround held an Insight Day today in order to give a brief overview of what the Land-based sector holds for Service Leavers and Veterans. Guest speakers came along to talk about their experiences with Land-based opportunities, such as smallholdings and farming.
Reception at Horseferry Road
Tuesday 06 Jun 2017We had a reception at Horseferry Road last week to thank our wonderful volunteers and welcome our new Chairman. Here’s to the next chapter!
Miracle-Gro Planting Team
Tuesday 23 May 2017Here are a few pictures of Carol, our Horticultural Therapist at Headley Court, and her planting team in action during the run up to the 2017 Chelsea Flower Show.
The Start of Chelsea:
It’s Gold for Miracle-Gro!
Tuesday 23 May 2017The Miracle-Gro ‘Come to your Senses’ garden won Gold at The Chelsea Flower Show and Best Discovery Exhibit award!
HighGround goes to Chelsea!
Thursday 11 May 2017HighGround are delighted to be supporting Miracle-Gro as they create their ‘Come to your Senses’ garden in the Great Pavilion of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
In what is thought to be the first project of its kind at the world’s most famous flower show, a team of current and former patients, volunteers and staff from HighGround will spend three days creating Miracle Gro’s ‘Come to your Senses’ garden.
Military Talent to Farming
Wednesday 12 Apr 2017HighGround was in last week’s Farmers Weekly, ‘Charity brings military talent to farming’, and the response has been amazing!
HighGround’s New Chairman
Saturday 11 Mar 2017HighGround is delighted to announce the appointment of Air Commodore (rtd) Ian Elliott as their new Chairman of Trustees. Ian’s last posting in the RAF was as Air Attache in Washington and he has spent the last 5 years at Airbus.
Opportunities in the Pig Sector
Friday 10 Mar 2017The pig sector is a very technical and innovative industry with the role of stock people encompassing more and more technical knowledge, responsibility and expertise. Training and funding can be provided if you are interested in opportunities for military leavers within the English pig sector.
Pro Bono Ecomonics
Wednesday 15 Feb 2017We are really excited to be working with Pro Bono Economics who are helping us to quantify and describe our impact. The start of a new chapter for HighGround!
Haydn’s story
Saturday 21 Jan 2017Haydn’s story of his recovery and Wandering Goose Farm is in The Ark, newsletter of RBST. We are so proud to have played a small part in this utterly inspirational story Read it here.
Happy New Year from Team HighGround!
Wednesday 04 Jan 2017Thank you to everyone who has followed, funded and supported us in 2016. Don’t stop now as there is stacks to do – keep checking Good News and have a terrific 2017.
2016
Executive Summary
Monday 19 Dec 2016You can read it and download it here.
Careers Manager Says Farewell
Wednesday 14 Dec 2016Our Careers Manager, Sami Choudhury, has finished his last day today with HighGround. Sad to see him go but we wish him all the best with his new role with the Poppy Factory.
Thank you for everything you have done for the charity and its HighGrounders, Sami.
Good Luck!
Rural Week Roundup
Tuesday 22 Nov 2016After completing our final Rural Week of 2016, I thought it would be good to reflect on how the Rural Week went and share some of the feedback HighGround has received. We had 8 Veterans attend who accessed HighGround services through the likes of the Career Transition Partnership, Walking with the Wounded, Combat Stress or directly – via our website. Reasons for attending varied from wanting more information on the land-based sector, looking to identify future employment opportunities and accessing vocational opportunities. Everyone had a strong interest in the land-based sector and were keen to find out more about what the sector could offer them.
John Takes Flight
Wednesday 16 Nov 2016Watch here to see HighGround in action – John Macleod is an inspiration and the perfect illustration of how we help those who have served to find Life beyond the miltary – outdoors.
RXW 9
Monday 07 Nov 2016We delivered our final Rural Week of the 2016 programme last week which went extremely well. Thank you to everyone who participated and made it such a success.
Board Statement
Friday 28 Oct 2016Cultivate NSW
Monday 24 Oct 2016Thanks again to everyone at Cultivate NSW for such a great Aussie welcome when I spoke at your Conference recently. The presentation and notes are here and do please keep in touch – we are all on the same team!!
Charitable Bookings Launch
Wednesday 14 Sep 2016HighGround had a fantastic time at the Charitable Bookings launch last week at the Victory Services Club. Great to see so many charities involved.
Thank you Jo
Friday 02 Sep 2016Huge thanks to Jo for all her wonderful volunteer Research Administrator work for HighGround. Good Luck with the new job Jo!
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Friday 19 Aug 2016Anna went to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust AGM this week. Fantastic to be working with them.
New service for RAF Veterans and family members ages 16-64
Friday 12 Aug 2016Anxiety UK and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund have teamed up to provide a new support service for RAF Veterans and family members dealing with anxiety of depression. Please let any members of the RAF family know about this new service. More information.
ChariTable Bookings
Friday 05 Aug 2016We are now registered with ChariTable Bookings. If you wish to support us, download the app here and get booking.
The Game Fair
Monday 01 Aug 2016Congrats to all at The Game Fair for a great show. Hatfield House in 2017 – see you there!
Big thank you to Mebs for fundraising for us
Wednesday 20 Jul 2016HighGround would like to thank Mebs for using a HighGround money box to raise £45.30 for us. We are so grateful for your support and it does make a big difference. Very much appreciated.
The Royal Marines Charity
Friday 15 Jul 2016We are delighted to be working with The Royal Marines Charity. Click for Link.
Big thank you to The Soldiers’ Charity
Wednesday 13 Jul 2016Further funding from The Soldiers’ Charity. We are extremely grateful for their continued support. See Link
Welcome Richard
Thursday 07 Jul 2016Big HighGround welcome to Richard, our new Gardening Volunteer at Headley Court who starts next week – thanks Richard
Rural Week feedback
Thursday 07 Jul 2016Dr Zoe Morrison of Aberdeen University is conducting an independent evaluation of the Rural Weeks and this anonymised comment was written by an RXW8 participant:
‘Loved it. It far exceeded my expectations and has given my confidence in pursuing employment in areas of interest around limitations. The staff were encouraging and motivational.’
Everyone at HighGround takes note of the feedback our HighGrounders give and we hope to continue to give our HighGrounders more resources and support in future Rural Weeks.
Priddy’s Rural Week
Monday 04 Jul 2016Priddy, a serving Royal Navy Warfare Officer, attended our Rural Week in June 2016. He was 9 months away from discharge and looking to gain a better understanding of the opportunities in Wales where he was looking to relocate. Here is what he had to say about the programme:
Thank you Maherban
Thursday 30 Jun 2016Big HighGround thanks to Maherban, our intern, for his wonderful volunteering in the office. Good Luck for the new job on Monday and keep in touch!!
Rail Event 2016
Friday 24 Jun 2016HighGround had a great day at the Rail Live 2016 event at Long Marston Airfield this week. The Two day event was packed full of displays of engineering, the latest innovation in the railway industry and huge organisations within the sector. Great to be involved and very insightful.
HighGround at 11Bde Transition Fair
Friday 24 Jun 2016HighGround had a great day earlier this week at the 11Bde Transition Fair meeting many who are interested in the land based sector. Great to see so many supporting agencies together.
Welcome to the HighGround Team
Friday 17 Jun 2016A warm welcome to Andy, our fourth Garden Team volunteer at Headley Court.
Rural week support
Friday 17 Jun 2016Neil was still serving with the Army (Royal Armoured Corps) when he decided to attend a HighGround Rural Week to identify opportunities who could access on discharge.
‘I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all again for an absolutely fantastic week. I am still assimilating the vast amount of information and the possible opportunities given! Please pass on my sincere thanks to all the lecturers who gave freely of their time and knowledge, in a hugely professional and appropriate way.’
Thank you, Neil. We hope to continue to give all of our HighGrounders the support they need and deserve, and are glad that you had a great time with us.
We welcome individuals from the Officers Association, CTP and Headley Court, amongst others.
Congratulations John
Friday 06 May 2016Congratulations John on your apprenticeship with Hawks Of Steele. Great step forward in regards to your career aspirations. Good luck from the HighGround team.
HighGround Rural Week
Friday 06 May 2016Our first Rural Week of 2016 was completed last week. It was hugely successful and has proved to be very useful to those who attended. Big thank you to Plumpton College staff for their hard work.
HighGround welcomes a new trustee
Friday 22 Apr 2016The Chairman and Trustees of HighGround are delighted to announce that Tim Eastwood has been appointed to join the Board with immediate effect.
Aldershot PRU Visit
Friday 15 Apr 2016Our Careers Manager will be at the Roebuck Accord event at 11Bde PRU in Aldershot on the 21st April. Looking to spread the HighGround word.
Happy Easter
Thursday 24 Mar 2016HighGround would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Hope you have a fantastic Easter weekend and enjoy the chocolate. We have had a fantastic week participating in a Officers Association Webinar and attending the Armed Forces Transition Fair at Tidworth Leisure Centre. Great Stuff.
Officers Association Webinar
Monday 14 Mar 2016Our Careers Manager, Sami, will be taking part in a Officers Association Webinar on the 22nd March. If you are a former officer and would like to find out more about the land based sector and what services HighGround provide, please register your details.
Congratulations Mark
Wednesday 09 Mar 2016Big congratulations to Mark who will start his new career as a landscape gardener this week at his local golf club with the help of HighGround
Thank you Strawberry Hill House
Wednesday 09 Mar 2016Huge thanks to Strawberry Hill House for offering work experience opportunities for HighGrounders in their gardens and grounds. We really look forward to working with them.
Rural Week 5
Friday 04 Mar 2016Great news. Our Rural Week’s are filling up with only a couple of places left for our April programme. If you are interested in booking a place, please contact our careers manager, Sami Choudhury. sami.choudhury@highground-uk.org.
Audley End Estate
Wednesday 02 Mar 2016A big thank you to Audley End Estate for supporting one of our beneficiaries by offering a tailored, work experience opportunity.
Congrats to Haydn
Monday 15 Feb 2016Would like to say Haydn joined us on a Rural Week last year and he’s now lambing – huge thanks to Anne and Norma and big congrats to Haydn!
A big thank you to the Trustees of Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund
Monday 15 Feb 2016We are deeply grateful to the Trustees of Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund who have recently made a very generous donation towards the cost of the 2016 Rural Weeks programme.
Veterans World
Thursday 11 Feb 2016We are in the Spring edition of Veterans WORLD
First for 2016
Thursday 21 Jan 2016The first seeds of 2016 have germinated in our propagator at Headley Court – Spring is on its way
2016 Rural Weeks dates
Monday 11 Jan 2016Dates for the 2016 Rural Weeks programme have now been confirmed to start in April and will be delivered at Plumpton College. Please contact Sami Choudhury for further details on sami.choudhury@highground-uk.org or call 07496610210.
2015
HighGround’s first Careers Manager appointed
Friday 20 Nov 2015Statement Re Sami Choudhury’s appointment as HighGround’s first Careers Manager.
WCF newsletter
Friday 13 Nov 2015We are on page 12 of the Worshipful Company of Farmers’ Autumn newsletter – very proud of Neil!
Next Flowers donation
Monday 26 Oct 2015From Weds 28th Sept to 11th Nov, Next will donate 10% of sales from their remembrance bouquet to HighGround. Click here for more details.
Alex’s radio interview
Sunday 18 Oct 2015Alex Hardman was interviewed by Uckfield FM, Plumpton College’s local radio station – you can listen to it here.
LifeWorks Magazine
Tuesday 29 Sep 2015We are in the current edition of LifeWorks, RBLI’s magazine. You can read the full version in our Press Room.
Dedicated Careers Manager
Monday 28 Sep 2015Due to the success of the Rural Weeks programme, we are now looking for a dedicated Careers Manager. For a full job spec please look here and contact Anna in the first instance with a CV and short explanation about why you are interested in the position.
Headley Court Press Day
Friday 25 Sep 2015The press day at Headley Court on Wednesday to mark another chapter of Home Thoughts from Abroad and welcome Bombardier John Macleod back from Africa, was blessed with warm September sunshine.
Our 3rd Rural Week
Sunday 20 Sep 2015We had our 3rd Rural Week at Plumpton College in lovely September sunshine. Thank you to everyone who made it possible – Alex and all the staff at Plumpton the outside presenters and evening speakers and most of all, the Service Leavers and Veterans who came to find out more about the land-based sector and the opportunities it holds for ex military people of all ages.
Tusk’s Vulture Conservation Project
Sunday 20 Sep 2015Bombardier John Macleod is now in Africa volunteering at Vulpro, Tusk’s vulture conservation project run by Dr Kerri Walter. Here they are with a bataleur and vulture. Follow John on tumblr and Facebook.
On Course Foundation
Sunday 20 Sep 2015On Course Foundation very kindly invited me to speak at their golfing event for WIS and veterans at Dale Hill Golf Club in Sussex. A great evening in spite of all the rain and many thanks to OCF for giving me the opportunity to tell more people about HighGround.
A visit from Hortus Loci
Wednesday 05 Aug 2015We were thrilled that Mark Straver from Hortus Loci came to visit us at Headley Court on Monday to talk about Home Thoughts from Abroad and has very generously agreed to donate the trees – what a complete star!
John Macleod’s trip to Africa
Tuesday 21 Jul 2015We are collaborating with Tusk so John Macleod, a wounded soldier can volunteer on their vulture conservation project in Africa – see here for how you can support him.
A visit from the Westminster Foundation
Friday 17 Jul 2015We were delighted to welcome Virginia Parish from the Westminster Foundation to Headley Court for her first ever visit.
The Ripple Pond’s visit
Tuesday 07 Jul 2015Sue Hawkins who founded The Ripple Pond with Julia Molony came to visit us at Headley Court and left with lots of goodies from Carol for her garden!
Summer newsletter
Saturday 27 Jun 2015The Summer edition of our e-Newsletter is now ready so if you haven’t signed up to receive it, Hurry Up! We have archived previous editions which can be found here
Our Rural Weeks at Plumpton College
Saturday 27 Jun 2015Our first 2 Rural Weeks of 2015 are now behind us and you can see the weeks in pictures here. Thank-you to everyone who joined us and all the staff at Plumpton, and the weather! Link to our first Rural Week here – there will be more news of our other weeks to follow.
Veolia Environment Trust
Saturday 06 Jun 2015Thank you so much to Veolia Environment Trust for inviting me to their reception at the House of Lords on Thursday to celebrate their award winning projects. It was a fascinating day and great to see the wonderful work they are doing.
Maxton joins Team HighGround
Friday 22 May 2015We are delighted to welcome Maxton Scotland to our small team. He left the Royal Navy in March and is volunteering for us at Horseferry Road to bring some much-needed order to the office – Welcome!!
Home Thoughts from Abroad Garden
Thursday 30 Apr 2015On a sunny Spring morning last week by kind permission of the CO, we welcomed funders and supporters to Headley Court to witness the turning of the first turf of the new garden Home Thoughts from Abroad.
Spring newsletter
Sunday 12 Apr 2015The Spring edition of our e-Newsletter is now ready so if you haven’t signed up to receive it, Hurry Up! We have archived previous editions which can be found here
HighGround Appoints First Chairman
Thursday 26 Mar 2015HighGround appoints its first Chairman.
Visit from the Royal Horticultural Society
Monday 23 Mar 2015Wonderful to have Jim Gardiner and Colin Crosbie from the RHS visit us at Headley Court today, Carol is showing them the Test Track garden.
Jeremy Houghton’s exhibition (photos)
Monday 16 Mar 2015The photos from the Private View of Jeremy Houghton’s exhibition in aid of HighGround can be seen here.
Jeremy Houghton’s exhibition
Thursday 12 Mar 2015The Private View of Guarding the Countryside to raise funds for HighGround on Tuesday was a great success. The show runs until 18th March at the Osborne Studio Gallery
Recovery Career Services Partnership
Sunday 22 Feb 2015HighGround is delighted to announce that we are now an MoD approved partner of Recovery Career Services
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Tuesday 03 Feb 2015We were delighted to welcome Deirdre and David from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to Headley Court – it will be great to work together, watch this space for more news..!
Welcome Colonel Barney Haugh
Sunday 11 Jan 2015We were delighted to welcome Colonel Barney Haugh of The Soldiers’ Charity to HighGround at Headley Court for his first visit.
Equipped Magazine Coverage
Friday 09 Jan 2015Great start to our New Year to get some copy in Equipped magazine, many thanks for the exposure! See Press Coverage for more >
2014
2014 Roundup
Tuesday 23 Dec 2014It has been quite a year for us at HighGround. Carol started at Headley Court in February and is now so busy that her new assistant Gina, starts in January. We had our first Development Board meeting in July, successfully delivered 2 pilot Rural Weeks at Plumpton College in in the autumn and welcomed 2 new Trustees to the Board. Thank you to everyone who helped, supported and hustled for us in 2014 – don’t stop now there is much to do..! Happy Christmas and here’s to 2015.
Letter to the Editor of The Times
Thursday 27 Nov 2014Anna’s letter about veterans’ charities was published in The Times on 25th November, read it in full here.
Our Autumn newsletter is now available
Tuesday 11 Nov 2014Our Autumn newsletter is now available and you can read it here. We hope you enjoy reading it; all suggestions for future issues very welcome!
Plumpton College
Tuesday 11 Nov 2014We are delighted that our relationship with Plumpton College is growing.
Our 2nd Rural Week
Monday 03 Nov 2014We had our 2nd pilot Rural Week at Plumpton College this week in glorious autumn sunshine. Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to join us and to Plumpton for their brilliant hospitality – Dr Zoe Morrison’s independent evaluation will be ready in December.
Visit From Tim Brawn
Thursday 16 Oct 2014We were delighted that Tim Brawn, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Combat Stress came to visit us – looking forward to visiting Tyrwhitt House when the rain stops!
New To Our Board Of Trustees
Tuesday 23 Sep 2014At our Trustees Meeting on Tuesday we welcomed Tony Groom and Brian Payne to the Board – they both bring experience and wisdom and we are very fortunate they are joining us at such an exciting moment in our development – welcome both!
Welcome Margaret Holland-Prior
Friday 15 Aug 2014We were delighted to welcome Margaret Holland-Prior of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners to Headley Court on Thursday and she met Carol and saw for herself the Horticultural Therapy service which HighGround is providing for DMRC’s patients.
Jane Urquhart Work Placement
Friday 08 Aug 2014Another HighGround milestone as our associate Jane Urquhart Limited secures a work placement in Devon for our first transitioning soldier. Well Done Ben and Thank-you Jane!
Summer Newsletter
Friday 18 Jul 2014The Summer edition of our e-Newsletter is now ready so if you haven’t signed up to receive it, Hurry Up!
We have archived previous editions which can be found here
Pilot Rural Weeks: Date Finalised
Sunday 29 Jun 2014We visited Plumpton College again last week to finalise the dates for the pilot Rural Weeks – watch this space for more details about the pilot Rural Weeks in the autumn.
David Steele Runs London Marathon
Sunday 22 Jun 2014Colonel David Steele ran the London Marathon on behalf of HighGround and the British Exploring Society. Here he is presenting General Peter Pearson, Governor of the Military Knights of Windsor and Executive Director of BE with their cheque. We thank him for his wonderful gesture and his generous donation.
Welcome Roger de Courcey
Friday 20 Jun 2014We were delighted to welcome Roger de Courcey from the Worshipful Company of Glovers and Jim Webster to Headley Court today to meet Carol and see the garden.
Start of Phase 3
Tuesday 10 Jun 2014As we prepare for the first meeting of the Development Board which marks the start of Phase 3. It’s time to thank all the people who have supported and encouraged us to reach this milestone in HighGround’s life – thank you all and I hope you are enjoying the journey with us!
Chelsea Flower Show Garden
Wednesday 21 May 2014Huge congratulations to everyone involved with the fabulous show garden at Chelsea Flower Show from everyone at HighGround. See our fact sheet for more details.
Headley Court: Press Day Success
Friday 16 May 2014The press day at Headley Court on Tuesday was a great success and the weather was kind to us. British Forces Broadcasting News (BFBS) broadcast a feature live from Headley Court. You can watch it here. Or you can see the shorter version of Caroline Wayatt’s film here.
Thank you Press Day Volunteers
Saturday 10 May 2014Massive thanks to the volunteers from Sutton & East Surrey Water who came to Headley Court to help Carol get the test track garden tidied up before the Press Day.
Chelsea Flower Show: HighGround Helps ABF
Friday 09 May 2014All roads now lead to Chelsea Flower Show which starts on 19th May and the plants for ‘No Man’s Land’ are ready to be delivered to Chelsea.
Our Spring Newsletter Is Now Ready
Monday 21 Apr 2014Our Spring newsletter is now ready and you can read it by signing up to receive it by e-mail here. There will be 4 a year and we hope you enjoy reading it; all suggestions for future issues very welcome!
David Runs London Marathon
Sunday 13 Apr 2014David ran the London Marathon in 5 hours 51.01 – what an inspiration he, and all the London Marathoners, are!
Launch Reception
Wednesday 02 Apr 2014We had a reception on 27th March at Horseferry Road to thank Annington and our other funders and supporters and launch HighGround.
Chelsea Flower Show 2014
Friday 28 Mar 2014ABF the Soldiers’ Charity sent a film crew to Headley Court on Wednesday as part of the build-up to their Chelsea Flower Show 2014 garden No Mans’ Land – the plants which Carol and her patients are growing on for Chelsea have arrived and the countdown has begun!
Visit to Plumpton College’s Training Facilities
Sunday 16 Mar 2014Anna and David visited Plumpton College on Thursday to see their wonderful land-based education and training facilities. Thank you to everyone who made it such a fascinating day, we’ll be back!
JustGiving
Sunday 09 Mar 2014Great news! Our JustGiving page is now up and running. Click the link to support us and the Armed Forces community or you can text HIGH14 £10 to 70070 to donate to HighGround.
Running to Raise Money
Saturday 08 Mar 2014David Steele is running the London Marathon to raise money for HighGround and British Exploring Society – watch out Mo!! You can support him on JustGiving.com.
Soldiers’ Magazine
Saturday 08 Mar 2014We were delighted that Carol’s appointment at Headley Court made it into this month’s Soldier magazine.
Welcome Chris Bond
Monday 03 Mar 2014We are delighted to welcome Chris Bond to Team HighGround thanks to Reach Skills www.reachskills.org.uk. Chris will supervise HighGround’s IT requirements – welcome Chris!
We Have Moved!
Saturday 15 Feb 2014Thanks to the generosity of Annington, we have moved to RHQ, The London Scottish Regiment in Westminster. All of us HighGrounders are very sad to leave our friends at the Conservation Foundation.
Recruitment of Horticultural Therapist
Friday 17 Jan 2014HighGround is delighted to have recruited a Horticultural Therapist to provide year-round Horticultural Therapy sessions at Headley Court.
2013
The Royal Scots Club
Sunday 01 Dec 2013The Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh – royalscotsclub.com – very kindly invited me to come and speak to their members about HighGround. They are huge supporters of Armed Forces charities and I hope very much that they will ask me back to update them on our progress. Thank you all for such a warm welcome.
National Memorial Arboretum Visit
Sunday 01 Dec 2013Many thanks to James Shallcross of the National Memorial Arboretum www.thenma.org.uk for his time when David and Anna visited last week.
The Walled Kitchen Garden Network
Monday 07 Oct 2013The Walled Kitchen Garden Network’s walledgardens.net annual Forum was held at Attingham Park in Shropshire last weekend
