Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Buy a Share in Fordhall Farm for Christmas!


....They make great gifts! A life-time share really is the most perfect, thoughtful gift for any age. It's a chance to become part of The ground-breaking Fordhall Community Land Initiative and own part of a farm!Receive a beautiful hand-written certificate, regular newsletter and be part of a group that makes a difference to the environment and the community with your very own none profit making share!

Also this year we have Fordhall Farm Christmas cards and 2009 calenders for sale in our Farm shop. If you would like any of these posted to you, please contact Hannah or Becca in the office on 01630 638696.

Hannah

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Burglary at Fordhall Farm


Unfortunately, for the first time in years Fordhall Farm has been burgled. There is not much machinery on the farm, but what there is has extreme value for the people that use it. (Farmer) Ben doesn't have a tractor or any large machinery, but he does have a quad bike, and on Sunday night it was stolen from our barn along with a number of power tools.

Thieves broke through the door, leaving the padlock untouched, on the farms dutch

barn. The quad bike was the first thing to go and unfortunately, the most valuable asset on the farm. Ben manages the livestock on our 140 acre farm himself and the quad was the one thing that helped speed up his daily jobs and allow everything he has to do in a day possible. Other tools taken included a stihl saw, chain saw, welder and more.

Ben said "Its really disheartening to know that people could come and steal from such a small business when everyone is working so hard to try and make it work in todays climate. It is an especially big blow at this time of year when it is so busy in the run up to christmas. With all the Christmas orders to organise not having the quad bike to help look after/feed the animals will really slow things down. We have now installed cctv and extra security at the farm to help safe guard against future problems."

Ben has felt de-motivated and disappointed from the incident but this does not just effect him. Regular volunteers at the farm, such as Chris Tither, rely on the tools for their work. Chris has been helping at Fordhall for over 18 months, building up his confidence levels whilst having the sense of being involved in a worthwhile project. But, when he turned up today there was little work he could do.

You never know, someone may read this and at the same time notice some cheap power tools for sale..... But, more than likely they are lost forever.



We urge everyone to be extra vigulent in the run up to Christmas this year and to watch out for buying cheap items that could well be stolen.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Fordhall Farm attracts University Students.


Last weekend saw Fordhall's biggest volunteer weekend to date. A massive 55+ people attended, most of whom had never been to Fordhall before. On the Friday evening one girl even asked '.....But where do I plug in my hair straighteners in a field?!'

The weekend was part of our 'Get Mucky' project where we wanted to attract younger people too to Fordhall as we felt this was a generation really lacking from the weekends. So we got in touch with Keele and Liverpool Universities and the response was amazing. The weekend was funded by the V Project , so a big thank you must go to them for all their help.


The weekend was lots of fun with lots of people 'getting mucky' as the jobs available included clearing ditches, clearing out pig pens and building fences (amongst other things!). Although it was a really cold weekend and most people were camping, it was dry and we warmed everyone up with a campfire with lots of delicious Fordhall food - we really showed them what Fordhall was all about!

Everyone had a great time and learnt a lot about the farm as we took them on a guided walk to round off the weekend. Our next working weekend is on the 21st-22nd February and is open to everybody, there are plenty of spaces to camp at the farm and also some space still available in the yurts. So if you are interested in booking on to this weekend please call Hannah on 01630 638696 or email project@fordhallfarm.com

Hannah