Community News From Around Our Area

Update from Spencer’s Retreat

Spencer’s Retreat is a safe place to relax, unwind and enjoy the outdoors, for children with special needs and their families and friends. We had to close for most of 2020, and despite having to host our Christmas events differently last year, it was a great success with over 70 families visiting. Sadly, since the start of the new year lockdown we have had to close our doors again.

Financially, it has been devastating and we are praying that we can keep Spencer’s Retreat going. We have had little or no government support, and due to lockdown, all HS2 support has ceased. We are asking for help from local people, but we do understand that everyone is struggling financially. We have five amazing trustees and twelve amazing volunteers that support us to help keep everything going, but we really need financial support to keep our animals fed and to keep warm. Please donate to help to save our farm and keep our animals fed. The link to the donation page is gofund.me/0f72870d.

On a really positive note, we were granted our full planning permission for change of use; four families can visit at any one time, we will be able to hold 12 events a year and we can add a disabled toilet facility and a canopy across the front of the stable.

We have vacancies for trustees for funding and accounts. We need volunteers for fundraising, events support, group leaders, community networking, schools leader, allotments support, tree planting, maintenance, gardening, business planning, web design and photography. If you can help please email simon.morris@thelangdaletrust.com.

We are always in need of fruit, vegetable and salad donations. We are looking for donations from local businesses, farm shops, stores, shops, schools, wholesalers, allotments, food banks, restaurants and local households. The drop off point is by our main gate in Spencers Lane, Berkswell, CV7 7BY. Or for larger collections, email simon.morris@thelangdaletrust.com.

Once lockdown eases please visit our website and Facebook page for details of our events or family days.