Team 100 chooses Fancy’s Farm project to tackle (From Dorset Echo)

Team 100 chooses Fancy’s Farm project to tackle

1:00pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Catherine Bolado

A PORTLAND farm got a makeover – thanks to a Prince’s Trust group.

Members of ‘Team 100’ – the 100th Prince’s Trust group run by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service based at Weymouth Community Fire Station in Weymouth – carried out the work.

The group of youngsters from the ages of 16-25 take part in a 12-week course, taking on new skills and experiences.

As part of their community project the group had to find, plan and complete a project within their community.

The youngsters chose Fancy’s Farm on Portland and decided to give the inside area a fresh lick of paint, while outside they turned an area containing rubbish and old sheds into a new petting area for visitors.

Fancy’s Family Farm features a flock of rare breed Portland sheep as well as wallabies, goats, alpacas, donkeys and cows.

The group raised money to fund the project by bag-packing at Asda and were given £150 from Synergy Housing. The inside area was transformed with diagonal lines of colour running down the walls and bright canvases.

Outside the team made signs to direct visitors around the farm.

Dave Lagadu, 22, from Weymouth said the team wanted to do a project to benefit the people of Portland.

He said the team had the choice of a number of projects but decided on Fancy’s Farm.

He said: “We thought this would be nice because it would give us a chance to help the community and in a different place – not just Weymouth all the time.”

He added: “We have made a difference to Portland.”

Charlotte Humphreys said that being part of the project felt ‘pretty darn good’.

She said the choice of bright colours in wavy patterns would be good for the visiting children.

Charlotte added: “Colours are really good for a child’s mind and help them remember.”

Outside the team worked to clear the area for the new petting farm area. They built two sheds and a bench and gravelled the area.

The sheds will house rabbits donated by local charity Paws.

Maxine Seymour from the charity said they were also hoping to donate some guinea pigs.

Rhys Ellard, 19, from Weymouth said the area had needed work when they arrived.

He said the team worked really hard and added: “It looks fantastic now.”

Gareth Lewis, a volunteer at the farm, said the team had done a great job.

He said the transformation was ‘amazing.’ The next stage of their course will see the youngsters do mock interviews before undertaking work experience.