Workshops and Gardens
Although the project has been running for three years, the proposed Community Workshop and Gardens at Holme Farm, Woodham, is moving forward rapidly, thanks to the boundless energy of its chairman, Ronnie Kendall.
The idea behind Holme Farm is to create a community hub – workshops and café for the community which also provide a safe haven for those with mental health issues and to combat loneliness. There will be outside space for gardening, an orchard, bee-keeping, re-wilding and family areas for relaxing. Inside the ‘sheds’ there will be a café where people of all backgrounds and ages can meet and socialise, and courses will be organised for everything from crafting and creative activities to computer skills and woodworking.
In the longer term, it is hoped that they will involve local councils and assist with the shockingly high child poverty and levels of loneliness in our wealthy borough. It is this that inspired a group of community-minded individuals to come together to try and secure derelict buildings and adjoining land, currently owned by DEFRA, in Woodham Park Road in Woodham, Runnymede.
Loneliness causes mental illness. Recently there has been a heightened level of awareness around the issue of poor mental health and an urgent need to take positive action in tackling this issue, reducing the burden on the NHS, and emergency services. Solutions such as workshops are a simple way of helping with this growing problem.
OUR TEAM
With 30 years’ experience in the London Fire Brigade followed by 20 years of facilities management, Ronnie Kendall initiated this project with the support of his wife Christine, back in 2017. Despite little movement for three years, Ronnie remains determined to secure the site to see it transformed into a valuable community asset. Over time, Ronnie and Christine have been joined by Steve Clements, retired military service; Paul Haygreen, IT specialist; Chris McCormick, paralegal; Colin Oates, retired police officer; Pippa Tucker-Brown, complementary therapist; Alison Davidson, interior designer, journalist and blogger and Andi Roy, ecologist and conservationist.
MOVING FORWARD
Now, with the full support of Runnymede Brough Council led by CEO Paul Turrell, and our local MP Dr Ben Spencer we are negotiating with DEFRA for an agreement to use the derelict land and buildings for the Community hopefully starting in the New Year 2021.
Holme Farm will be a place to pursue interests, to share and practice skills, enjoy making and mending and discuss anything. A community project to share knowledge, make social connections, build friendships – and of course a lot of laughter and plenty of tea!
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
To join the project sign up on their Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1091627714503823
or email: CWGHF2020@outlook.com
URGENT!
The project is looking for skilled local people and companies to help with their own “DIY SOS” hopefully, in the new year.