Community Farm Urges People to Make a Difference

 

People across North Staffordshire are being urged to mark Monday 24 November as the date to make a life-changing difference to their community.

Knutton Village Farm has beaten off stiff competition from thousands of local hopefuls to be in with a chance of winning £50,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s People’s Millions contest, but needs thousands of votes to make sure they get the cash.

The farm, which is set to be built on waste land next to Newcastle Children’s Centre on Blackbank Road in Knutton, needs the money to realise the community’s vision of running a free-access and interactive farm for local people. 

People will be able to grow, cook and sell their own produce, care and learn about animals, climate change and the environment and learn business skills.

“The farm will be run by community for the community,” said Cllr John Taylor, Leader of Staffordshire County Council. “The idea, which came from the community themselves, is to develop a hands-on experience for volunteers and local people to grow, cook and sell their own food, look after animals and produce the farm’s own power.

Volunteers will have the option of learning about running agricultural businesses and taking accredited qualifications if they want to move into farming as a career. 

It’s a win –win situation for the community that are so excited at this chance of making their dream a reality.”

The farm will be open to everyone across Staffordshire and will also cater for weekend, after-school and holiday activities for children and families, school visits, training courses, guided tours and much more.

Local county councillor David Leech is calling on everyone to take this opportunity to make a difference and vote to change the lives of hundreds of people.

“This kind of chance does not come along everyday. We must all seize this opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life and future of our area, so I’m urging people to vote on D-Day; Monday 24 November.

The Farm needs to register thousands of votes to secure the funding. If every one of Newcastle’s 10,000 people votes then we’re sure to win in what is basically a head to head competition with another project outside our area.”

“The funding will ensure a legacy that will continue for generations and will have a major impact on the quality of life for us all,” continues local borough councillor Richard Gorton.

“ Not only will it mean a source of local produce but the Farm will also help to develop a skilled work force in these difficult times. I honestly can’t think of a better use for the land which is currently just going to waste.”

“The farm will mean such a lot to the community,” said local councillor and Farm Volunteer Cllr John Williams. “I have been involved from the start with the farm and can already see how it has brought not just Knutton, but the wider community, together.”

“I’m urging people to put this date in their diaries and don’t forget to vote for Knutton Village Farm!”

People can vote via telephone on Monday 24 November between 9am and midnight. The number to use will be live from 9am and will be published in the Daily Mail, on the Farm’s website at www.staffordshire.gov.uk and on the Big Lottery website at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/peoplesmillions 

Central News will be broadcasting films of the two competing projects on Monday 24 November and provide details of the phone number. You have until midnight to vote and you can vote up to ten times from one phone number. Phone votes cost just 10p from a BT landline and all profits raised will go to charity.

To receive an email, telephone or SMS alert with the voting number on Monday 24November, register your details now by emailing communications@staffordshire.gov.uk .

More information about the vision for Knutton Village Farm is available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/news/vote4knuttonfarm