The Fold Bransford
We wanted to be able to operate from a clear canvas as a community organisation
It바카라 사이트檚 always sad to see redundant and neglected farm buildings blighting a beautiful view of the English countryside.
That바카라 사이트檚 why husband and wife team Jan Cox and Will Tooby decided to patch up their own corner of Worcestershire by setting up The Fold, a collection of restored barns forming a place of inspiration since 2007.
It바카라 사이트檚 now a community space with eight vibrant work studios for local designer-makers who trade in traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, a 50-seat eco caf茅, a natural therapy centre and, most recently, the Fold care farm.
바카라 사이트淭he farm is about looking after the land while looking after people, 바카라 사이트渟ays founder Tooby, who is from a farming family and was working with a life coach before the Fold. 바카라 사이트淚t helps people with learning disabilities and mental health problems, while growing organic produce for the eco caf茅. We get visitors from all over the place who come and enjoy our facilities and say we바카라 사이트檙e a haven. We are a centre making a stand for creativity, sustainability and health.바카라 사이트�
The CIC structure seemed ideal for fulfilling The Fold바카라 사이트檚 objectives. It enjoys the benefits of being a social enterprise for the community, such as lower business rates, but it also has greater flexibility than a charity.
Although the legal form is not advertised to the public, Tooby says he is proud to call the Fold a not-for-profit social enterprise. 바카라 사이트淲e took advice when we were setting up and that바카라 사이트檚 when we heard about the CIC structure. It seemed so right for us. We wanted to be able to operate from a clear canvas as a community organisation. It바카라 사이트檚 still early days, but I think we have a sustainable vehicle.바카라 사이트�
With up to 100 visitors a day in peak season and around 600 to its festivals. The Fold provides a lot of people with a glimpse of a sustainable way of life. Visitors can see trader producing beautiful, locally made goods, eat organic food and enjoy a tranquil place to visit that has an additional community benefit.
Part of this extra benefit is providing experiences to local people through volunteering opportunities. 바카라 사이트淚t바카라 사이트檚 uplifting to look into our caf茅, run by fellow director David McCaw, and see five staff working together, three of whom might be volunteers,바카라 사이트� says Tooby. 바카라 사이트淚t gives it a different kind of quality that you just don바카라 사이트檛 get as a private company. They also help us with out-catering events where we provide locally sourced food to the community.바카라 사이트�
Currently, a group of designer-maker, silversmith, milliner, metalworker and glassmaker occupy the studio shops. They work alongside the different courses and classes taking place daily at The Fold, which includes workshops such as basket making and specialist treatments in its three therapy rooms.
| Name | The Fold Bransford |
| Location | Bransford, Worcestershire |
| Company structure | CIC limited by guarantee |
| Founded | Became a CIC in March 2007 |
| Community interest statement | A social enterprise making a stand for creativity, sustainability and health. |
| Annual Turnover | 拢120,000 |
| Number of staff | 7 plus 15 volunteers |
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