Celebrations as Bristol city farm is saved by hitting £50k target

By jdolan jacqueline steele j.steele

A city farm in Bedminster has been saved from closure thanks to the public, who have helped raise £50,000 in just five months.

In August, Windmill Hill City Farm's Save Our Farm appeal was launched, to help keep the struggling farm open.

The aim was to raise £50,000 before Christmas, and today we can reveal that the 33-year-old farm has reached this target. Supporters of the charity say this is the best Christmas present they could ask for.

Five months ago the much-loved charity announced it had hit hard times, with outgoing finances heavily outweighing the incoming fundraising and its future looked bleak.

A massive launch event raised £10,000, and a number of fundraising activities followed, including art auctions, online pledges, cabaret nights, an Aardman art day, farm calendars, cake-making and music events.

The local community put their hands in their pockets and the farm is now safe until the end of the financial year. But much more is needed to keep the farm open for good.

Head of the Save Our Farm committee Carolyn Hecker told the Post: "This is not the end of the fundraising road – it is only the beginning but we hope this marks a new era with a re-energised farm, reigniting people's interest and support for what we do.

"This £50,000 hugely helps the farm get through to the end of the financial year and has helped raised our profile so that new, more long-term fundraising may now start to come in. These are tough financial times for all charities but this city farm is determined to keep up the fight."

Sarah Morgan, of the management committee, said reaching the target is a "wonderful achievement" and that 2010 will mark a new year for a new farm.

She added: "Clearly there is a lot of love for this place and achieving this goal has meant we can look to 2010 with a more focused approach. We've identified the areas that really need to find extra funding and this campaign had already helped us open new avenues for potential funds and given us a lot of hope for the farm's future. We can't thank our supporters enough for all the hard work over the last few months."

The four-and-a-half-acre farm was started on derelict land in 1976 as a result of the demands of local people, and has grown to an attraction visited by 200,000 people every year.

Windmill Hill City Farm, which currently employs 80 people, is a registered charity, so there is no charge for entry, but every donation helps to keep the farm operating as a free community facility for the enjoyment of the public.

With an annual turnover of just below £1 million, the farm generates about 70 per cent of this, leaving 30 per cent to raise through other means each year.

Last year, the farm didn't manage to raise the 30 per cent, and had no choice but to use its reserves.

Windmill Hill City Farm gives the public the opportunity to learn about farming and to become involved in the production of their food.

Animals on the farm include a variety of goats, sheep, pigs, cattle and poultry.

It is a working farm, with community garden plots and a wildlife conservation area. Organic fruit and vegetables are grown and supplied to the farm shop and cafe.

Schools take trips to the farm for guided tours, and the farm also offers hands-on activities for people with learning difficulties, as well as opportunities for trainees and volunteers.

The farm runs educational courses in partnership with the Workers' Educational Association, including computer and photography courses, arts and crafts, and horticulture.

There is also a 50-place nursery and an adventure playground on site, and an all-weather sport pitch.For more details, go to www.windmillhillcity farm.org.uk, or visit the farm in Phillip Street.