Member Article

Barbara Windsor tells NorthEast to ‘Carry on’ Crowdfunding

National icon, Dame Barbara Windsor DBE who has graced our screens for decades appearing in the Carry On films and EastEnders is encouraging the North East to get behind Ouseburn Farm’s latest Crowdfunding campaign.

The TV celebrity, known for her role playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap heard about the farm’s financial situation and has sent a video to encourage people to support it. In the short 15 second clip, she says, “Hello everybody, this is Barbara Windsor here and it’s a little message to say please, please do anything you can to save Ouseburn Farm, God bless you all.”

Ouseburn Farm launched a Crowdfunding campaign called ‘Support Ouseburn Farm, Support Your Community’ at the beginning of March with the aim of raising £20,000 to bridge the deficit in its funding and prevent it from closing down.

The charity, which is run by staff and volunteers for the community, is hoping to reach their target by the end of this month. The money will help the farm continue to support vulnerable and disadvantaged adults and children who rely on the farm as a place of refuge and a place to gain the vital skills they so desperately need.

Since the campaign’s launch on 1st March, over 670 people and businesses have pledged donations to the sum of £16,500, claiming set rewards such as feeding the animals, accessing a behind the scenes tour, having dinner at the farm and holding children’s parties.

Andrea Haynes, Head of Ouseburn Farm, said: “The response has been magnificent and we are very grateful to everyone who has made a donation no matter how big or small. We have been inundated with good luck messages and letters of support and its very humbling to know that people, not just here in the North East but right across the world, are supporting us.

“What it has done is reassured us that Ouseburn Farm is a very special place in the heart of the local community and people want to get involved and keep it going. I couldn’t believe it when Dame Barbara Windsor sent us a video to show her support, which demonstrates that this campaign is touching the hearts of everybody across the country.

“We’re so close to reaching our target and hope that people will continue to get behind us – we just need one more final push. All donations will be greatly appreciated and if people could spread the word then this will continue to increase awareness of the campaign.”

Located in the Lower Ouseburn Valley, Ouseburn Farm attracts over 50,000 visitors a year. In addition to the array of animals, gardens, orchard and onsite café serving coffee and fresh food which has been produced directly from the farm, it also offers educational classrooms and workshops for vulnerable adults or adults who may be chronically excluded.

Woodwork, carpentry, upcycling, catering, creative arts, livestock and horticulture workshops provide an educational route or work experience to vulnerable adults teaching them essential skills and provides placements for the homeless and adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems.

The farm’s campaign will run until Friday March 31 and to make a donation, please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ouseburn-farm-charity-ltd

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Up North Communications .