Badley Day at Bedales Prep

Pupils and staff at Bedales Prep, Dunhurst came together in September to celebrate Bedales’ founding principles with two community events named after the school’s founder, John Badley.

On 17 September, parents were invited to join the celebrations, which saw them work alongside pupils in a ‘working bee’ across a range of activity stations, including Outdoor Work, ceramics and African drumming.

Pupils, parents and staff then set off on a walk to the Poet’s Stone, a local landmark dedicated to the memory of the poet Edward Thomas in the nearby Hangers, before returning to Dunhurst to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the school’s catering team.

On 21 September, Dunhurst began Badley Day – which was also celebrated at Bedales Senior with a 12km fundraising walk in aid of FitzRoy – with a special assembly led by Head of Bedales Will Goldsmith. Will spoke to pupils about John Badley and the school ethos, ‘Work of Each for Weal of All’, and shared some fascinating photos from the Bedales Archive.

Dunhurst’s Badley Day celebrations culminated in a second working bee of pupils and staff, who took part in a range of activities to improve the school site including weeding in the Dunhurst orchard to encourage a wildflower meadow, clearing Cobbs Field, blackberry picking, welly washing and litter picking.

Head of Dunhurst Colin Baty said: “It was wonderful to hold two events to celebrate the educational principles of our founder, John Badley, where we could all work together as a community on various activities and projects with a common purpose. A super way to begin the year at Bedales Prep, Dunhurst.”

Bedales Prep, Dunhurst | Community Days | Colin Baty | Will Goldsmith | Badley Day Gallery