The Pony Farm Bus aims to enhance people’s understanding of where their food comes from, promoting food literacy and healthier choices. It hopes to empower and inspire through learning opportunities such as cooking classes, workshops, demonstrations and informational resources.
It was inspired by siblings Josh and Holly Eggleton’s existing community efforts across Bristol and Somerset, developed over 18 years since launching The Pony & Trap, now known as The Pony Chew Valley, and building The Pony Group. During this time, they became increasingly aware of issues surrounding food education, with rural and urban communities both facing challenges.
Complete with a live growing system (hydroponics), chickens, planters, a demonstration platform, kitchen, dining and picnic areas and a library of resources, it will have everything needed to share more information about farming practices, in a compact and mobile space.
What does the Bus aim to do?
The Pony Farm Bus is a CIC project masterminded by siblings Josh and Holly Eggleton, owners of The Pony Chew Valley, designed to enhance people’s understanding of where their food comes from, promoting food literacy and healthier food choices. It aims to empower and inspire through learning opportunities such as cooking classes, workshops, demonstrations and informational resources, which are hosted within a fully functioning double decker bus.
The intention is to visit 25 schools a year, or reach 2,500 school children over the course of 2025. In addition, once a month, we hope to bring the bus to community groups and festivals to reach other groups, working with charities and organisations such as the NHS.
Who can use the bus?
The Pony Farm Bus visits are suitable for all ages but we primarily work with schools and communities. We understand that not everyone has access to one of our six restaurants, so the bus will increase our access to groups and community groups across the South West and beyond.
When will The Bus be out and about?
We hope to be able to take bookings for the bus from January 2025 with the bus out and about in Spring 2025.
What will the money raised go towards?
Holly, Josh and The Pony team have set a fundraising target of £100,000, which is needed to launch the bus in Spring 2025.
A series of guest chefs dinners at The Pony Chew Valley has been organised which will take place each month from November 2024 to January 2025. The chefs will collaborate with Josh to prepare and serve a six-course dinner at The Pony, using produce from the garden. Each chef is donating their time and the evenings will be supported by volunteers from The Pony family. In addition, 80% of ticket sales will go towards the project fund. Book your table here.
If you are interested in receiving a visit or volunteering, please do get in touch with us. We'd love to hear from you!