Save Bill Quay Farm

Bill Quay Farm is a working community farm set over 25 acres in the Pelaw area of Gateshead.It has existed since 1986 but lost its funding from Gateshead council in 2013 and since then has been run as a registered charity staffed by volunteers.All of the farm livestock at Bill Quay Community Farm is rare and indigenous. The farm is a Rare Breeds Survival Trust Approved Farm Park and has several breeding groups of animals including award winning Tamworth pigs, and rare sheep and goats.They also have a small cafe and shop using locally sourced products.
In conjunction with east Durham college they also run many courses-my son is about to finish his first year level 3 diploma there-after gaining his level 2 award last year-its a fantastic place to study.And the number of students enrolling is increasing as word gets around.
The farm is an oasis of peace for Gateshead residents and many of us have been going there for twenty years or more.But the farm is now in crisis-requiring fifty thousand pounds by the end of August or else it will be forced to close.
We are asking Gateshead Council to help fund all or part of this to ensure the farms survival for future generations and to preserve these wonderful rare animals.