We are delighted the business case has been submitted to DEFRA and are hopefully we may soon receive approval to begin our ambitious plans for the Holme Farm site. 3 years ago we developed the idea for a community workshop and gardens at Holme Farm; the support we have received from our committee, the local community, Cllrs and Dr Ben Spencer has been instrumental in driving this forward.

The Community Workshop will provide a space for everyone to enjoy, with facilities for education and to promote wellbeing and reduce loneliness, as well as enhancing the biodiversity and local environment and we look forward to being able to deliver this for our local community.

Ronnie and Christine’s vision for a Community Workshop in Woodham has the ability to provide huge benefits to the wellbeing of residents in the local area and beyond.

Both they and their supporters have put countless hours into driving this forward to benefit others. It is yet another example of the amazing spirit we have seen so much of over the past year, and I am hugely grateful for their tireless determination and commitment to bring this project to this stage.

I am pleased to have been able to work with Ronnie and his team and support the Community Workshop project. Projects like Holme Farm have a wide range of community benefits, ranging from wellness, ecological, education and bringing communities together. With the current pandemic, the need for such is even greater to help local residents and all those who stand to benefit as we come out of lockdown to help heal the effects of isolation.