Author Topic: Save Lower Shaw Farm (Read 31742 times)

AndyP · « **on:** October 27, 2006, 12:26:34 PM »

Folks,

Message today from Lower Shaw Farm. Please take action!!

Andy

Quote

Dear friend and user of Lower Shaw Farm 27th Oct ‘06

You may or may not already be aware that during recent months, we have, as we do every five years, been in negotiation with the farm’s owners and our landlords, Swindon Borough Council’s Property Department, for a new five-year lease.

On this occasion, for the first time in 26 years, the Property Dept has said no to a 5-year lease.

This is what they have said. ‘We plan to sell Lower Shaw Farm and build houses on the site. Even though we appreciate what you do there, the land is worth so much more than the rent you are paying that we would like to realise the cash value of this property. It is reckoned to be worth two to two and a half million pounds.’

Their proposal is to offer us a one-year lease, with possible three-month extension but with the aim of selling the farm by the end of 2007.

We are not happy about this.

How do you feel?

We think that the Council's Property Department has taken a short-sighted, unimaginative, and solely money-oriented view of the farm's value.

It looks to us as though this has been treated simply as a financial and rental matter. The Property Department’s valuers appear to have ignored the popularity of the farm, its valuable local work, and the many boxes ticked for Swindon by what takes place here. They have also ridden roughshod over the Council’s original and visionary resolution, made in the early 1980s, “to retain the farm in perpetuity”.

It strikes us that this matter requires further consultation and a closer look by people who have ideals, imagination, and the town's real and broader interests at heart. Also, the farm’s users and the people of Swindon might like to have their say!'

Lower Shaw Farm has taken years to establish itself, and has done so ‘organically’ and with the help of many people.

We remain committed in our role as guardians and custodians of a place that started as an experiment and became a success. It is now an interesting, unusual, and decidedly colourful feather in Swindon's cap.

We would like to see it continue, and thrive.

Would you? THEN SEE BELOW! And please circulate this to other supporters! Thanks.

Love and greetings from Lower Shaw Farm

Andrea, Matt, and all.

PS. Stop Press! A story about this appears in today’s SWINDON ADVERTISER on page 7, with an Editorial on page 8.

There is also a PHONE POLL on page 7. To vote for the farm to be saved, ring 0901 221 0272, or got to: http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/swindonnewsheadlines/display.var.990962.0.please_dont_close_down_our_farm.php.

It closes at midnight, so please vote before then, if you have the time. Thanks.

Also, for more press coverage, and pictures of the farm in action this half-term week, see www.swindonlink.com

PPS. In view of the reactions and interest already aroused by the Council Property Department’s proposal (Note: this is just one department) the following event has been planned, and will take place.

Would you like to come?

LONG LIVE LOWER SHAW FARM - an open afternoon for users, supporters,
friends, and anyone interested in the past, present, and future of Lower
Shaw Farm. Everyone welcome.

Come and look, listen, and talk. This will be a timely reminder of what goes
on down on this 'farm', an opportunity to celebrate its existence, and
discuss its future. - There may be ‘fireworks’!

Time: 2pm - 5pm

(Public meeting in Centre or Cowshed at 3pm. Listen, or
have your say!)

Date: Sunday 5th November

Place: Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane, Shaw, West Swindon

Further information: telephone 01793 771080 or e-mail
enquiries@lowershawfarm.co.uk

If you are unable to come to this event, do not worry. .If you wish to help, there are other ways you can do so.

We have discovered that not all senior councillors and council officers are in agreement on this matter.

Writing to them, or to the local press, might help them to make up their minds, in our faour! Please write to any of the following and say whatever you like. (And please, if you don’t mind, send us a copy of what you write, so that we are ‘in the picture.’)

Editor, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1
By e-mail newsdesk@newswilts.co.uk

BBC Radio Swindon, Prospect Place, Swindon SN1
E-mail radio.Swindon@bbc.co.uk

Roger Ogle, Editor, Swindon Link Magazine
E-mail publisher@swindonlink.com

Councillor Roderick Bluh, Leader of the Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1
E-mail RBluh@swindon.gov.uk

Gavin Jones, Chief Executive, Swindon Borough Council, Civic Offices, Swindon SN1
E-mail GJones@swindon.gov.uk

Councillor Nick Martin, Lead Member for Finance, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1
E-mail Nmartin@swindon.gov.uk

Marie Rosenthal, Director of Resources, Swindon Borough Council, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1
E-mail: Mrosenthal@swindon.gov.uk

Finally, if you would like to know more about the history and uses of the farm, let us know and we will send you an up to date story-report.

Sorry this is so long. Have not had time to shorten it! x

ENDS

Jess · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2006, 12:41:03 PM »

Well what in heavens name is going on?

As I tramped around Shaw Forest the other day I paused to reflect on what a really fine place Swindon is.
Forget all the gripes about the town centre.. within the boundries of the town are places like Shaw Forest and

SHAW FARM.

Shaw Farm has maintained the wit in Swindon, inspiring the good in people, creating... fun.... what a thought... fun.

I am certain that the council has made a silly mistake it will only take a clear head on the part of acouple of people to clear this stupid mistake from the decks...

WRITE NOW.

Jess · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2006, 12:44:52 PM »

Quote

Coun Martin (Con, Shaw & Nine Elms) said the farm was not value for money.

He said agricultural school visits were available at nearby Lydiard House.

"We're building three new schools in West Swindon," he said.

"We have had to go through all the things we own. The business case only points one way.

"We should be able to market the site as high-quality housing."

Mr Martin said the council was "not aware of a great many school visits" to Lower Shaw.

"The farming aspect is not greater than you would find on an allotment," Coun Martin said.

What is this man on?
Has he been to one of Matt's events?
Did he not have stories told him as a child?

An allotment?....

When is Nick Martin up for re-election?

Jess · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2006, 12:50:45 PM »

Quote

"The activities at the farm were appropriate whilst West Swindon was growing but we don't really need it any longer. Charming as the tenants are, it's time for a change.

Patronising man..
Charming?

What about; civic minded, clever, energetic, imaginative, resourceful and in the face of all odds right now - polite.

WRITE NOW

Geoff Reid · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2006, 01:57:20 PM »

Bad move Councillor Martin.....

I suppose, to a council money-man, flogging off Lower Shaw Farm looks like a doubly good idea. It pays lip service to the 35,000 new Swindon houses edict, (thank Two Jags Prescott for that one), and helps pay the New Swindon Company for remodelling Swindon.

But....some things can't, and really shouldn't be measured by their pure monetary value alone.

The very fact that Lower Shaw Farm has been in existance for so many years, and is so popular, really disproves councillor Martins assertion that it's not needed any longer.

However, as with all shekel counters, councillor Martin obviously requires some full-on, in-yer-face evidence of contrary opinion.

I reckon we, at Talkswindon, should help provide him, and the rest of SBC, with that proof.

Next Mays local elections aren't that far away, so I'm assuming a lot of councillors, and wannabe councillors, will be watching public opinion closely between now and then......

.....and the ones who fail to speak out in support of Lower Shaw Farm ought to be nervous. Very nervous, even the ones who aren't up for re-election yet. People often have long memories, and can resolutely hold grudges for years.... I know I do.

It's precisely this kind of reverse luddism, the deliberate removal of local resources/history/pastimes in the name of money and modernity, which makes me angry enough to wonder whether I should seriously consider running for councillor in my own ward next May.

Have gob, will travel......

Lynda · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2006, 02:40:28 PM »

How does one measure value?

Pounds? clearly Nick Martin's view.

Usefulness - better.

This Farm and the people in it ( let's not mistake the fact that Matt and Andrea and many others have devoted a lifetime to improving others lifes ) are worth a cossiderable amount more that a few million pounds or some houses.

Children in Swindon may be surrounded by rolling countryside but still for many Shaw Farm provided a reall change from urban life. Believe it, if this Farm closes , we will be all be losers.
This is one of those things that we should all 'write in' about.

Really just the worst prospect.

ZPW · « **Reply #6 on:** October 27, 2006, 03:12:18 PM »

I opened this post, read it, paused, looked around for the bad drugs I must have ingested and then developed a headache which is slicing through my left temple.
I am beaming this pain and anguish to Mr Martin.

I don't think my mystic powers are quite on it today because my headache is developing into a twitch. If this matter causes me a permanent affliction I shall take it with me to every poxy council meeting from now 'til the end of the Tory rule.

This council is MAD
This council is BAD
This council is SAD

This is a bad move mateys.
You can have no idea what Lower Shaw has done for the people of Swindon or you wouldn't have let the waft of Lower Shaw lucre get up your nose-holes.

It is inconcieveable that you will get away with this. Absolutely barking you are.
Wait a mo'... I hear the knock of the Daily Mail reporters on my door..

Dale Heenan · « **Reply #7 on:** October 27, 2006, 04:33:16 PM »

I don't know all of the details around this and I've never visited Lower Shaw Farm but... just to play devil's advocate. If the site is worth #2 million and SBC only gets #8k a year in rent? Then that is probably the value Nick is talking about, especially if part of the Lydiard Project is duplicating this.

AndyP · « **Reply #8 on:** October 27, 2006, 05:06:40 PM »

Dale,

The Council owns lots of places that are worth a lot of money, like swimming pools, schools and leisure centres, and they probably cost money rather than bringing in any income for the Borough. We keep these because we think it improves the quality of life for the residents. Lower Shaw Farm enhances the quality of life for Swindon residents in a way that no other facility does - and it costs the Council nothing at all.

We should not be putting a price on Lower Shaw Farm - it is literally priceless. You cannot measure in financial terms the cultural wealth that it provides for Swindon.

Andy

Jean · « **Reply #9 on:** October 27, 2006, 05:13:52 PM »

Dale

Lower Shaw Farm is a fantastic resource that is unequalled anywhere else in Swindon. Lydiard Park cannot replicate the atmosphere generated at Lower Shaw Farm that is a superb educational resource helped by the enthusiasm and dedication of the people who work there.

I, for one, am getting sick of Lydiard Park being thrown up as an excuse for not spending money on better projects in the Borough or supporting those that exist already. The Richard Jefferies Museum is left to rot whilst all the funding is directed at Lydiard park which, to be quitre frank, isn't a patch on Coate water or the Jefferies Museum.

Once again we are faced with a Council proposal that lacks any vision. Not another ****ing housing estate. Struth!

Keep Lower Shaw Farm going. It is a priceless.

Jean

hlt · « **Reply #10 on:** October 27, 2006, 06:21:20 PM »

re lower shaw farm is it there for the people or for the latest devolpers ie more housing there will be no green space left in swindon the way this council is goingnick martin is a west swindon councillor will the people reelect him i doubt it his number crunching may make sense to the party but not to the people

ZPW · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2006, 06:43:55 PM »

Quote

When is Nick Martin up for re-election?

May.

Have you registered to vote?

ZPW · « **Reply #12 on:** October 27, 2006, 06:57:53 PM »

Quote from: Dale Heenan on October 27, 2006, 04:33:16 PM

I don't know all of the details around this and I've never visited Lower Shaw Farm but... just to play devil's advocate. If the site is worth #2 million and SBC only gets #8k a year in rent? Then that is probably the value Nick is talking about, especially if part of the Lydiard Project is duplicating this.

Dale it's not too late to visit.
Check out the schedule.
http://www.lowershawfarm.co.uk/

You seem like a decent bloke ( how did your run go BTW ?)
Trot along to LSF and see what can be done in 3 acres in the middle of West Swindon.
This is in the main the incredible acaheivement of the great people at Lower Shaw.
There is nothing they do without sharing it, drawing people in, creating Swindon memories that endure.

Lower Shaw farm shows people that life can be good.
Not easy to replicate that from Lydiard... no-one lives there.

I tell you this ( and I tell you no more ) this is a very wrong move, no amount of... what about schools, what about swimming pools ( what about 50 meter one with touchpads, whilst we're on the what we'd like rant), what about affordable housing will cover the council on this one.
Get Gav. the great rocker onto it. He has a soul ( not a great singer, but he has a soul ).

Simon · « **Reply #13 on:** October 27, 2006, 07:33:06 PM »

Poll on the Adver web site, as of 7:25pm tonight:

Truly the people have spoken! But are SBC listening?

Alex · « **Reply #14 on:** October 27, 2006, 08:55:33 PM »

It's news like this that makes me despair of living here and I understand why people are fleeing the area by the thousands or on anti-depressants.

What is the point in living in a place where people and humanity and culture and sharing and altruism and integrity mean nothing and materialism and greed and building on the last square inches of green space mean everything.

It's wonderful how SBC manage to blow their trumpet about being environmentally responsible while planning to destroy anything remotely green. After the parking fiasco I was just beginning to think there were some councillors with some vision- and now? That little flicker of hope is snuffed out forever. I'll be voting you can be sure.

Dale Heenan · « **Reply #15 on:** October 27, 2006, 08:59:27 PM »

Just before anyone judges me on this you might like to wait until the papers for the Special Full Council meeting come out! The academy is the main point of discussion but I've put together a motion on Infill & Backland Development - Colin Lovell is proposing it and not sure but the other is either Andrew Bennett or Dave Sammels.

BTW With the Adver poll
One was run on Residents Parking 8 days ago. Last time I saw it 78% said the SBC had finally got it's act together over RP. I sure hope that is right

HeidiT · « **Reply #16 on:** October 27, 2006, 10:59:07 PM »

Shaw Farm must stay where it is, it is a valuable resource for the people of Swindon and especially West Swindon. Yeah Lydiard Park is a nice place to go but it is run like any other 'National Trust' type place.

Shaw Farm is fun, all parents talk about Shaw Farm as a fun place to take the kids, Lydiard is where you go once or twice a year. In fact a lot of people in West Swindon go to Coate Water more times than Lydiard.

We cannot let the Council close Shaw Farm.

As for Dale's point on the RP and SBC getting their act together, of course they are as there has been extreme and intolerable pressure from the residents who live there and wouldn't put up with the original zany proposals.

SO SBC DON'T TOUCH OUR FARM !!!!!

Tobes · « **Reply #17 on:** October 27, 2006, 11:58:04 PM »

I'm gobsmacked by this one. Whenever we have to try and defend the ever more concentrated concrete mundanity which is the soul-less crap hole that Swindon is, at least there have always been a few undeniable jewels we can reference. Add Shaw farm to Coate Water and I feel like disparing of belief that those in power care one iota...

If the council REALLy is about trying to help promote and portray Swindon as somewhere with a cultural heartbeat, how the HELL can any

wit try and justify the closure of somewhere as important as Shaw Farm on the basis of its ONE OFF sale value? Its somewhere which is an INVESTMENT for us and the future community. We residents, unlike you, the here today and buggered off tomorrow petty bureacrats, have some roots here - and maybe ambitions which are about developing this place into something more than just an ever expanding outlet village / commutor wannabe city.

AndP sums it up perfectly for me:

Quote

Dale,

The Council owns lots of places that are worth a lot of money, like swimming pools, schools and leisure centres, and they probably cost money rather than bringing in any income for the Borough. We keep these because we think it improves the quality of life for the residents. Lower Shaw Farm enhances the quality of life for Swindon residents in a way that no other facility does - and it costs the Council nothing at all.

Tell you what, the Euclid Street Offices must be worth a pretty penny on the property market and bring

all income into the town. Lets sell them off...

ZPW · « **Reply #18 on:** October 28, 2006, 09:24:47 AM »

poll sitting this morning at

7.8 for closure
92.2 against

Assuming that most of EssBeeSee cons. cnclrs voted for closure, it means that all the wise electorate are voting against......

Is EssBeeSee representing Swindonians?

No , it is not.

hlt · « **Reply #19 on:** October 28, 2006, 11:29:59 AM »

tobes as to euclid street it is being sold off in 2010 and the new civic is due to be in the magistrates car park in princess street as part of the regeneration or did i here that wrong swindon the concrete capital of the world if this council gets its way