Oak Farm made their usual appearance at the Burwarton Show yesterday, selling fresh farm produce, homemade jams and chutneys and handmade crafts. Unfortunately, what is typically one of their favourite days of the year, took a negative turn when thieves employed distraction techniques to steal £360 worth of takings. 

Oak Farm Manager Ceri Burgess, who was there on the day said 

“ we are absolutely devastated and shocked by what has happened. We are in disbelief that someone would target a local charity at an event where we always feel  safe and well supported. Everyone at Oak Farm has worked so hard both on the day and leading up to it to make a really successful day of sales. Burwarton Show is one of the highlights of the Oak Farm calendar year. Preparing for Burwarton creates a sense of excitement around the Farm. Everyone contributes in different ways and gives the farm workers a real sense of purpose as we have been attending for almost 20 years. We are always made to feel so welcome there and a genuine part of the local farming community.”  

Oak Farm gives individuals the opportunity to develop and learn skills predominately around animal husbandry and horticulture as well as promoting independent living skills.  

Ceri continued: 

“ Having a trade stall at Burwarton means so much to us at Oak Farm, so much love and care goes into what we create. As well as selling our fantastic produce to a wider community and getting to talk about what we do, the workers benefit from meeting other experts in agriculture. All money raised from sales is invested back into the farm and is desperately needed. If you are in a position to help us in any way, please use the link below or contact us directly. We would all be extremely grateful as we are feeling extremely deflated.” 

We would like to thank the Security Team at Burwarton Show who were very quick to act and try and help us find the individuals but, unfortunately, they were already gone. We know that the Show Committee were also very saddened to hear that we had been targeted in this way, which has never happened before whilst attending the Show.