Early Days on the Farm

For more than 30 years, Simon has been at the heart of life here at Sturts. His journey with us is a story of dedication, learning, and growth – and one we are incredibly proud to share.

When Simon first joined, he took on one of the most important jobs on the farm: milking our cows. This was before machines and technology made the work easier – every morning, before most of us had even woken up, Simon was out in the barns, patiently milking by hand. It required commitment, care, and consistency, and he became highly skilled in this role.

A New Chapter in the Farm Shop

After many years on the farm, Simon wanted to try something new – so he made the move into the Farm Shop and Café. With the support and guidance of our team, Simon began training as a barista. It wasn’t easy at first, and sometimes it takes him a little longer, but his dedication has been nothing short of inspiring.

Today, Simon is an accomplished barista, proudly serving up cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites to our customers. What makes us different at Sturts is that every coffee, every interaction, and every skill learnt is part of our wider purpose. Things may take a little longer, but by choosing us you’re supporting something much bigger – the training, growth, and opportunities we create together for the people we support.

More Than Just Coffee!

Simon has also developed the confidence to work on the till, greeting customers and handling transactions with a smile. In addition, he’s supported our café team as a kitchen porter, and with the guidance of our chefs, has even mastered a dish of his own: Simon’s Welsh Rarebit.

Again, this is what makes our social enterprise unique. When Simon is on the till or working in the kitchen, it may take an extra moment – but every transaction, every dish, and every service is helping to build confidence and real skills that make a difference in people’s lives.

Simon’s Welsh Rarebit

This delicious, comforting recipe – made from scratch by Simon with all the ingredients carefully prepared – has been a favourite in our café in past years. And as the autumn and winter months approach, we are delighted to say that Simon’s Welsh Rarebit may soon be making a return to the menu.

A Story of Dedication and Support

Simon’s story is about more than just skills – it’s about what’s possible when people are given the right support, encouragement, and structure. With over three decades of learning and growing here at Sturts, Simon embodies the values of our social enterprise: purpose, inclusion, and community.

So, next time you stop by the café, look out for Simon behind the coffee machine or perhaps creating his famous Welsh Rarebit. Every cup of coffee and every dish is more than just food and drink – it’s a celebration of his journey and the supportive community that makes it possible.