…and another door opens.
Warning: This post may contain rancour and traces of bitterness.
Three months ago we were informed that because the farm is not making money, we would have to vacate the Ecocentre (which would be rented out as a commercial property) and use either the kitchen or a barn.
The barn, being badly lit, leaky, windowless, unheated and infested with mice, was deemed unsuitable, despite promises to make it right. We’ve been promised things before.
The kitchen is a bit on the small side for the group, particularly when you get two electric wheelchairs in there, but it is better than the barn. We looked at alternatives, but there really wasn’t anything suitable, so we agreed to go into the kitchen.
We did, however, ask if we could lease it on a three year rolling lease and run it as a social enterprise because we wanted security for the group. We also wanted to be in charge as we are having a lot of trouble with another kitchen user at the moment (the farmer’s sister and her chintzy Saturday cafe).
Meanwhile, these are the pictures I prefer to remember.
He needed to think about our request.
Four weeks later, three on holiday in Nepal and one spent avoiding us, he finally gave us the answer.
It was an emphatic no, and in addition he withdrew the offer of the kitchen because two of the people who were interested in renting the centre also want to rent the kitchen.
We have been told to vacate the premises by 31st December.
I would offer him a set of moustachios to twirl as he throws seven vulnerable adults out in the winter snow, but experience suggests that he doesn’t have enough brain cells to count his money and appreciate irony at the same time.
So sorry this happened to you. I liked the song you ended on though. Best of luck finding a new place.
Thanks. We are already planning… 🙂
Reblogged this on growingarden and commented:
Money over Humanity seems to be a reoccuring theme in society these days …
While it is sad that farmers ‘need more money’ < keeping those two holidays in Nepal in mind, Farming would be far more profitable for farmers themselves if they rejected Monoculture Soil Rape as I like to rudely put it and adapt to Polyculture and or Permaculture practices, there is a solution of sustainable food growing and taking care of ones land but it is still frowned upon as too radical despite being proven the last 40 odd years.
It is a fact that this type of farming can produce up to 4 times higher yield per hectare if done properly and one only needs to take a look at the group / organisation ''Growing Power Wisconsin'' who have 3 acres of land and using polytunnels, aquaculture and organic methods, are able to produce around 450 Tonnes of Produce a YEAR ! with around USD 200,000 earned per Acre.
PS: I couldn't find a way to contact you through wordpress so just sharing here, take a look at this book deal, I highly reccomend these books and the deal is pretty much one is almost for free, I own them already so can't take advantage of it. Very informative and will be useful when the next door opens 🙂
https://growingarden.wordpress.com/2016/11/06/sepp-holzers-books-special-offer/
I tried to order the books but can’t get the order form to work. Will keep trying as you’re right – going to come in useful for the next step… 🙂
managed to order the books this morning – looking forwards to getting them as I’ve been neglecting the house/garden recently and this is what I need to get myself going. Thanks.
No prob’s, you won’t be dissapointed, loads of useful info. in them
Wow your’e lucky! Just checked, they no longer have the offer, mybe you bought the last set?
Good to know that there was plenty of interest. 🙂
Thanks.
That is so sad! I hope that things will take a brighter turn for you all soon.
Thanks. I’m sure things will pick up. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed following your adventures with the care farm and I’m sorry to hear about this setback. 🙁 I hope you find a new opportunity soon to keep bringing connection with nature and our food systems into people’s lives.
Thanks, we will keep in touch. I’m thinking of seedballs…
Hope more doors open and quickly!
If they don’t open I’m prepared to kick a few in!
I am so sorry Simon. I wish I could help; if I think of anything I’ll let you know.
Thanks. We knew it was likely but kept hoping it would work out. Such is life. 🙂
I am sorry to hear this. It seems quite awful. I do hope that like the song says, you get some roses of success (rather than a collapsing car). Keep us posted.
I’m going to keep the blog going, though the name is no longer such a good fit. 😉
looks like it is best that no future interactions to happen with these individuals. I too believe that when one door closes another one opens somewhere else. it may be a tough journey to find the new door – so my sympathies are with you. Looking forward to hearing the good news 🙂
We will keep going and see what happens. And we will be more selective about who we work with…
My word, what a horrible situation. You were successful it seemed to me. Why does everything have to be about profit. Grr!
Yes, we were successful, but too trusting.
What a let-down!
Yes, it’ a waste of five years, but we are old enough to know better and should have taken action sooner. 🙂
You must have learned things along the way, apart from trust not always being what it’s cracked up to be?
Yes, we’ve learned a lot! 🙂
Then it’s not a waste – and you had some fun. What are your plans now?
Scrape a living for the next nine years and then draw my pension. Anything better, like fun, fulfilment and prosperity will be welcome additions. 🙂
I’m so sorry – hopefully, something better will happen soon!
We’re already putting feelers out and planning. 🙂
That’s good!
Great post!
I have nominated you for
THE 3 DAY QUOTE CHALLENGE
http://christiansweightsuccess.net/the-3-day-quote-challenge-day-2/
Thanks. 🙂
I can understand your bitterness and I am very sorry to hear this news!
Thanks. However, I bet worse things happened to your dad. 🙂
That’s one way to look at it, but dad would want people to learn from WWII and then move forward.
It’s a good approach – we have learned and we are now moving on. 🙂