The first ever Annual General Meeting for the Fordhall Community Land Initiative based at Fordhall Farm in North Shropshire has been hailed an overwhelming success.
After being saved from development and placed into community ownership last July through the sale of not-for-profit shares to over 8000 people from across the world, we organised our first meeting and our first community vote.
The day was a fantastic success. The vote involved some discussion from shareholders as they took their opportunity to be involved in the farms future. All 14 board members were successfully elected, and a welcomed local food banquet finished off the mornings activities.
Patrick Holden from the Soil Association was the afternoon's keynote speaker, and others included Charlotte and Ben Hollins, Tom Woolley, an expert on Natural Building and the Development Manager from Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
After being saved from development and placed into community ownership last July through the sale of not-for-profit shares to over 8000 people from across the world, we organised our first meeting and our first community vote.
The day was a fantastic success. The vote involved some discussion from shareholders as they took their opportunity to be involved in the farms future. All 14 board members were successfully elected, and a welcomed local food banquet finished off the mornings activities.
Patrick Holden from the Soil Association was the afternoon's keynote speaker, and others included Charlotte and Ben Hollins, Tom Woolley, an expert on Natural Building and the Development Manager from Shropshire Wildlife Trust. However, we must pass on a special thanks to Tom Oliver (Head of Rural Policy from the Campaign to Protect Rural England) for holding the day together and keeping everyone to schedule. Even Charlotte did not run over her time!
Over 100 people attended the conference and evening ceilidh, with over a 1000 attending the food festival and family day at the farm on April 1st.
Over 100 people attended the conference and evening ceilidh, with over a 1000 attending the food festival and family day at the farm on April 1st.
The food festival included 20 local produce stalls, live folk music, baby lambs, piglets, baby chicks, guided walks, woodland games, organic tea and coffee, homemade cakes, Fordhall BBQ, displays and more... Not only did all the volunteers enjoy the day, but the stall holders did too. Many have commented on the polite nature and friendly atmosphere that all the visitors brought with them - so a big thank you to all those who came or baked cakes for us to sell (the cakes raised almost £500).
We could not ask for better weather or a better response. It was a truly amazing weekend and the best way to celebrate the Initiatives 1st Anniversay. So, with one event over its now time to start planning the Summer Faire for July 1st. The Anniversary of Saving Fordhall Farm.
Thank you to all the volunteers who ensured the weekend was so fantastic- from flower arranging to cake baking to running activities on Sunday. You have all been amazing!
See you all on JULY 1st!
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