An agriculture-based environmental social enterprise, based in Langwith, on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border, providing a service to the unemployed, recovering drug and alcohol misusers, ex-offenders, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), excluded school students, people with learning disabilities, people with mental and physical ill health, ex service personnel, and people with dementia. We use the therapeutic organic horticulture model for developing skills, confidence and employability, and for improving health and well-being.
* We grow organic fruit and vegetables and keep poultry for eggs
* Production of weekly veg bags for local customers
* Health promotion through green gym activities
* Exciting environmental and Vegetable Growing sessions for
school/educational visits
* Corporate Challenge Days for businesses, local and central government and voluntary organisations' staff teams
OPENING TIMES:
Rhubarb Farm is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. We can arrange corporate volunteering days or special events at weekends. Contact the office to discuss on 01623 741210.
NEWS
ANDY BURNHAM, SHADOW HOME SECRETARY VISITS RHUBARB FARM
On Thursday 7th April Andy Burnham, at the invitation of the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, visited Rhubarb Farm to learn about our work with ex-offenders and drug and alcohol misusers. He met volunteers and staff and supporters of the Farm, and learnt about their stories and how the Farm has helped them.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has funded Rhubarb Farm with three different grants to support our work, and we were very pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate what we have achieved in helping people back into society, and into employment.
As a small social enterprise, we may not have large numbers, but we make a big impact on the lives of the people we help both in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Standing L-R: Kath Sharpe, Langwith Society and Rhubarb Farm Director, Hardyal Dhindsa, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire, Andy Burnham, Jennie Street, MD, Ebbie Olukoya, Rhubarb Farm bookkeeper, Alan Charles, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr Sandra Peake, Alan Charles, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner. Front row: Luke Kelly, Site Supervisor and ex-offender mentor and volunteer Conor.
Andy Burnham, Jennie Street and Hardyal Dhindsa. Because of the rain Andy is wearing a fetching jacket from Shirebrook Academy, though the rain stopped soon after he arrived.
Volunteer Marcus said some interesting things about politicians which Andy Burnham and Hardyal Dhindsa enjoyed.
Andy Burnham meets staff member, Michael Ellis, Gardener, in one of the polytunnels
Anita Ollerenshaw, Admin and Marketing Officer, talking with L-R: Jennie Street, Hardyal Dhindsa, Alan Charles and Andy Burnham.
After seeing the top of the site, Andy Burnham walks back with Kath Sharpe, Rhubarb Farm Ambassador David Fish, and Thomas Campion of the Welbeck Estate.
Andy Burnham by the willow arch
Andy Burnham talks with Luke Kelly about his work as Site Supervisor and ex-offender mentor and hears how Luke overcame heroine addiction and 8 years revolving door in prison for burglary offences, and is now a wonderful role model for volunteers who come to the Farm.
RHUBARB FARM - GUESTS OF HONOUR
Rhubarb Farm ex-con addresses Derbyshire Police Awards winners, as guest of honour to Chief Constable!
Luke Kelly, who is employed as Site Supervisor and ex-offender mentor at the Farm spoke at the Derbyshire Police Celebrating Achievements Awards Ceremony on 13th October. Addressing an audience of about 150 people, Luke told them of his journey through heroin addiction, burglary and prison to where he is now, mentoring ex-offenders and supporting people to improve their lives. His talk was a heartening story for many of the police at the ceremony, who don't often hear these good stories. Many came up to congratulate Luke afterwards for being so open, and having the courage to address a hall full of policemen and women! Jennie Street, Rhubarb Farm MD, also spoke to the hall about Rhubarb Farm's work, and then both were presented with a beautiful basket of flowers.
The next day a police officer emailed to say:
"I was unfortunately unable to come and meet you both after your speech at the Derbyshire Police awards last night but I just wanted to send this quick email to say what a valuable and worthwhile cause you have created. It was inspiring to hear that you are giving people that have made a few bad choices in life the ability to right their wrongs. If only there were more businesses prepared to do the same! Not only does it provide a valuable experience within the work place it also gives a sense of belonging. I think it's fantastic, I really do!
I would also like to congratulate Luke. To have the strength and character to attend, then to speak in front of all those people was truly the moment of the evening for me. It's not something I would have enjoyed to do. Having spoken to a few friends after it was the standout point of the evening for them also. I was genuinely pleased to hear Luke's story and I wish him all the best for the future. He's a credit to himself, his family and Rhubarb Farm.
I wish you all the best of luck in the future and hope that the business goes from strength to strength. It certainly deserves to! "
HELP US HARVEST WATER - MAKE DONATIONS TO RHUBARB FARM
Why not help Rhubarb Farm save 66,000 litres of water per year?
You can make a donation that counts.
We are very much in need of a water tank and pump in order to harvest water from the polytunnels. This will make a big difference to our mains water use and therefore save us money in the long run, as well as lessening our environmental impact, because 66,000 litres of water comes off the two polytunnels in a year!!!
We have been allocated 40% of the cost of the tank and pump through Nottingham University's Environmental Technology Centre. However, we need to raise another £3,043 in order to pay for the tank and pump.
Can you help us raise this? Make a donation.
CHICKEN RUN EGGS FOR SALE
Now we have around 100 hens, fresh eggs are available in plenty from our CHICKEN RUN Project!
Eggs can be collected in person from site, or delivered on one of two delivery days per week.
£1.20 per half dozen, £2.30 per dozen. 25p delivery if you live in Langwith, Nether Langwith, Upper Langwith or Langwith Junction, as one of our volunteers will be delivering the eggs by bicycle.
We need lots of egg boxes, so please recycle your eggboxes for Rhubarb Farm, and come and see our free range happy hens.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
Accolades
Rhubarb Farm is a Community Interest Company (CIC) no. 7059841 |
   |