Greenacres Farm lays the foundations for its new day opportunities building

Councillor Lee Chapman and Andy Begley at Greenacres Farm to help lay the foundations for the new day opportunity building which forms part of our exciting renovation project.

Construction work has now started at Greenacres Farm in Baschurch as part of a regeneration project to renovate facilities and construct a day opportunity building for the benefit of all that access the farm.

The farm, which provides learning and training opportunities for adults living with a learning disability, received the funding from Shropshire Council. To ensure the funds could be used specifically for the building work needed, Greenacres teamed up with RAF Shawbury last year (2018) to undertake some key groundwork in preparation for the build.

Plans for the farm include:

• Construction of a new purpose-built building which will include a commercial kitchen, which will support a wide variety of activities to take place and support the production of a variety of products to be made and sold, such as jams and chutneys and cake.
• Alongside the new build there will be refurbishment of the showers, toilets, washing and drying facilities, which will include installing solar power and improving insulation, making this building more eco-friendly and a comfortable place to be.

Councillor Lee Chapman, helping lay the foundations for the new building

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, health and social housing, reported:-

“It was great to be invited to join the Greenacres team to help lay the foundations for their renovation project.

“I’m always so impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the team in ensuring Greenacres remains a vibrant and sustainable place that not only benefits those who attend, but the wider community as well.

“These improvements will ensure that the facilities are suitable for people with a wide range of abilities as well as helping Greenacres to improve their service offer.”

For more information about Greenacres Farm visit: https://shropshire.gov.uk/disability-information/adults-with-learning-disabilities/greenacres-farm/

About Greenacres Farm

The 16 acre smallholding, is run by Shropshire Council’s adult social care team and supports approximately 30 adults each week to access purposeful, outcome-focused activity. All those who attend the farm are enabled to be involved in a variety of activities including; small animal care, managing poultry units and egg sales, woodwork, growing perennial garden, bedding and basket plants, as well as growing soft fruit and vegetables and seasonal items such as pumpkins and Christmas trees.  All produce is either sold fresh, or turned into jams, pickles and chutneys and sold locally. 

Renovation project 

Initial work to prepare the grounds began on Monday 23 April 2018 and was supported by a group of trainee military helicopter pilots from the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) based at RAF Shawbury. The 14 Army and RAF trainees came to support Greenacres as part of their community project work.

Greenacres team with the trainee pilots from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury.

The preparation work involved dismantling and moving the existing shop building to make way for the new proposed day opportunity building. The military trainees also dismantled two very old greenhouses to make way for an outdoor retail display area adjacent to the new shop. With some carpentry help from Greenacres staff, the trainees used the dismantled material to reconstruct one good greenhouse in a new location on the farm.

Other work involved breaking up and levelling a raised concrete area in readiness for a new retail display area as well as painting two large chicken houses, several benches and gates and railings all around the farm. The military team also erected new fencing to enclose a paddock to house the farm’s Hebridean sheep.

Greenacres held a thank you event on Friday 27 April 2018 for the group of trainee pilots who were presented with a Greenacres hamper by Liam Cox who uses the service.

Greenacres’ Liam Cox (centre) presenting hamper to Project Lead Lt Adam Dignam. Also present – Lieutenant Colonel Dufton, Commanding Officer 9 Regt AAC, Councillor Lee Chapman, Service Manager Tracey Dufton and Warrant Officer Nick Williams, Deputy Corporate Engagement Officer, RAF Shawbury.