Aardman Animation go Down on the Farm to help Windmill Hill
Oscar winning animation company Aardman Animations are lending a helping hand to save the stricken Windmill Hill City Farm.
The animation experts are putting on a huge event, ‘Aardman Down on the Farm’ to help raise much needed funds to keep the farm open.
Running on Saturday 24th of October 2009, from 11am until 4pm, children will be able to get involved with creative activities, learning to draw, animate and model make under the guidance of animation experts.
The event will be free for children, £5.00 for adults of £3.50 for farm members.
The campaign to save the city farm was launched at the beginning of August this year after it fell £50,000 short of the amount it needed to remain open.
Assistant Editor at Aardman Animations, Matt Smith said: “ A colleague and I visited the farm recently and had a great time exploring the grounds and seeing the animals. It brought memories from my childhood as my mum used to be a volunteer there, helping out with school visits and looking after the animals. I was obviously surprised to hear that the farm was under threat of closure and decided to see what help we could gather within Aardman Animations. We came up with a few ideas for Aardman’s involvement and the ‘Down on the Farm’ fun day developed from there.”
During the event, as well as creative activities, the farm will be showing animations and raffling some special prizes. There will also be the opportunity for young fans to buy the unique artwork of some of Aardman’s artists.
Animator at Aardman and regular farm visitor, Eve Coy said: “Windmill Hill City Farm is a magical place. I discovered it with my daughter about six months ago and have been going almost every week since. When I heard it was under threat of closure I felt I had to help. I am immensely proud to work for Aardman Animations, a company that has always tried to support its local community, and am really pleased with the way everyone has got behind this appeal to see how we can help. Hopefully our Down on the Farm day will be of great benefit to the Farm’s ongoing fund-raising efforts.”
Opened to the public in 1976, the oldest city farm in Bristol occupies a four and a half acre space in the heart of Bedminster. Since then it has made itself an important part of the local community.
As well as farm animals, community gardens, allotments and wildlife conservation areas, the farm runs many educational courses offering a variety of subjects from computing to photography.
Should the farm have to close, community play schemes, mums and toddler groups and a nursery would all be lost.
There is no entry charge to the farm and it relies on donations to keep itself running.
To support the farm, you can donate online at www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk or become a member for only £10 per year per family.
The Farm is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays including Bank Holidays.