Royal support for event at Harper Adams

Posted 13 April 2006

A CHARITY event at Harper Adams University College has been given the royal seal of approval by HRH The Prince of Wales.

The Fordhall Community Land Initiative, run by Harper Adams’ student Ben Hollis and his sister Charlotte, is hosting the glittering event at the Newport-based university college next month.

The event, on May 13, will raise vital funds towards the £800,000 needed to secure the future of Market Drayton’s Fordhall Farm and complement the sale of £50 shares.

And now HRH The Prince of Wales has donated a tour around Highgrove for four people to be auctioned at the event.

Twenty-three-year-old Charlotte Hollins, Project Leader of the Fordhall Community Land Initiative, commented on the event: “It was really exciting to hear such a fabulous prize had been donated.

“There is currently a three-year waiting list for a tour so it is an incredibly generous offer and a symbol of how highly HRH regards the campaign. We hope others will follow suit as we continue to search for prizes to auction off.”

The Fordhall Initiative is being driven forward with the help of volunteers; all with the aim of saving Fordhall Farm from being broken up and sold off. It aims to secure and hold the land assets of Fordhall Farm for community benefit and to ensure permanently affordable access to farmland for farmers.

It also hopes to ensure appropriate access to the farm for the community and that the farm is managed sustainability using organic farming methods, with appropriate management for wildlife, biodiversity, heritage, access and to provide an educational and social resource.

Once the future of Fordhall Farm is secured, organisers plan to open an organic cafe and construct an education resource centre and bunkhouse - for use by education groups, care groups and activity weekends.

If you would like further information about the Charity Ball contact Charlotte Hollins or Sophie Hopkins (Project Manager) on 01630 638696 or email at . Follow the campaign at www.fordhallfarm.com