A Joyful Close to the Summer Term – PAFS BBQ Outing 2025
By Dr Tamara Al-Khalili
On Saturday 12th July, we wrapped up our summer term events with a joyful BBQ trip to Shillingford Organic Farm School. As the current lead of the PAFS group, I was thrilled to organise this special day, which brought together around 60 student parents and their families from across various departments at the university. It was a wonderful day out in nature, marking the end of another busy and often demanding academic term.
I chose Shillingford Organic Farm not only for its stunning green space and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, but also because it’s run by one of our valued members, Fatma Sabet. Fatma always greets us with warmth and generously invites us to her workshops and events. Visiting her farm is more than just a relaxing day out. It is an enriching, sensory experience. Children had the freedom to run, play, and connect with nature, while their parents could unwind, socialise, and simply breathe.
For many of our members, especially those living far from their home countries, the farm offers a comforting sense of grounding and belonging. One child summed it up beautifully, joyfully asking, “When is the next trip? I can’t wait, it’s so much fun!” Moments like these remind us exactly why this community matters so deeply, and why these gatherings are worth every bit of the effort and time it takes to organise them. All the planning and logistics fade into the background when we see the smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the gratitude from everyone who joins us.
This outing was also deeply meaningful because we celebrated one of our inspiring leads, Silvia, who successfully completed her PhD this year and is graduating this summer. Congratulations, Dr Silvia Nassar! You did it with three children. It was a lovely moment to reflect on her journey and to thank her for the energy and care she has brought to our group.
We also took time to honour the roots of our community by recognising the unwavering efforts of Lyndsey Carmicheal, the founder of PAFS. Alongside Ibhade Akpede and myself, we have worked through many challenges to keep this group going strong. It is this shared resilience and care that makes our community what it is a space of support, friendship, and understanding.
Our BBQ outing was the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate all that we have achieved this term. While transportation can often be a barrier for members who do not drive, we were incredibly grateful to the Students’ Guild for their support in providing transport for the day. Their help made the event more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Here’s to many more beautiful gatherings and the continued support that keeps our community strong and open to more students’ parents.
I’ll leave you with a few photos that capture the joy, laughter, and special moments we shared—true reflections of the spirit of the day 😊!
A special thanks to Jessica Eades from the Student Guild and supporting this even through community funding.
Tamara Al Khalili
PAFS Lead
