From Wiltshire FHS: They lived at Fairfield Farm in Dilton. Ruth married a Bertram Hester and they went on to live at Fairfield and they set up a college for young people with learning disabilities. That has continued, after their deaths, and it is now a very well large college with a shop and cafe and is very much a focal point in village life.

Founded in 1975 by Ruth and Ken Hester after inheriting the farm from Ruth’s father. With support from Wiltshire County Council, Fairfield was established as a Rural Training Unit. It started with just a handful of students who were taught agriculture and horticulture primarily. Some students became residential, living in the farmhouse with Ruth and Ken Hester and later in the college cottages.

HESTER Ken Sadly passed away on Sunday 11th March 2018 at the Wingfield Care Home, Trowbridge Wiltshire aged 95 years. Will be sadly missed by all whose life he has touched over the years. Quaker funeral service to take place at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington on Monday 16th April 2018 at 12.15pm. Family flowers only, Donations if desired will be given to the Fairfield Farm College, Dilton Marsh, Westbury. C/o C.S.Bowyer Funeral Directors, 3 St Thomas Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8SF tel: 01225 7648846

Published in the Wiltshire Times on 6th April 2018