Friends of Newham City Farm
About this record
The Friends of Newham City Farm evolved from the Friends of Plashet Zoo upon the closure of the Zoo. The group comprised a few members but significantly included the Patron, Sir Stephen Timms MP, the original Chair, the late Peggy Winchester and Jill Stennings, who latterly took over as Chair.
In his oral history extract, Sir Stephen explains how the farm, particularly in later years, struggled with a “hand to mouth” existence, received little investment or attention and, therefore, the vital support role which the Friends group played.
Jill Stennings shares information about fundraising efforts, seasonal events at which the Friends would provide a stall with a raffles and the sale of home-grown plants, hand-knitted items and home-made cakes and preserves.
Both Friends were most complimentary about the way the staff ran the farm, their dedication and care for both animals and people and commended the inspirational and creative ways in which the farm provided so much for so many with so little.
Jill lent her Friends’ t-shirt and a photo album to the exhibition and here are a few photos of special moments for her.
Additional record details
- Contributor: Alison McLucas
- Type: InterviewPhotographsSoundsWriting
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