As we come to the end of another term at WELLIES we asked this question to our participants and the answers we got were amazing. As Julie White says “It makes it all worthwhile”. Below are just a few of the ways people described WELLIES:
A place of comfort and safety; confidence booster; personal independence; sharing of ideas and being creative; my second family
One participant said “WELLIES is my safe place. A place I always feel welcome. Friendship – I was completely isolated before starting at WELLIES. I’ve learnt lots of new skills. I now have other things to talk about that are positive, rather than concentrating on depressing feelings. Learning healthy habits like good food, gardening and being out in the countryside. WELLIES is everything – it’s given me my life back.”
At WELLIES HQ, Chapel on the Hill, on 19th July 2019 from 1pm to 4pm. All welcome to come and see what we do and the beautiful setting we do it in. Light refreshments and stalls selling WELLIES’ wares available
Back in March, the WELLIES group were gifted an old vintage tractor to refurbish, now to keep the refurbishment for this vintage vehicle going the group needs an engine hoist. If there were anyone with an engine hoist they no longer need and would be able to gift to the group then it would help move the project forward tremendously. Commented, WELLIES Project Manager, Nick Platt.
The tractor project is aimed at attracting hard to reach, socially isolated people in rural areas who don’t usually engage in similar projects or services.
The group has been working really hard on the tractor and now they intend to start work on the engine. If you think you or someone you know could benefit from taking part in this project then please get in contact with Julie or Nick.
This project is a great way to meet new people but learn some new skills we are hoping that this engineering/mechanical project will attract and engage new people – perhaps older men who have the skills and experience.
Julie White, WELLIES Project Manager says “The group is very enthusiastic about this new project, it’s something really different for them and they are learning lots of new skills.” The group has the ambition to enter the finished tractor in a rally or country show next year. Julie added, “It’s great to see the team really working hard on this. If we could enter the tractor in a small event next year it would be amazing!”
Nick Platte added, “It can be hard to engage older men who are isolated, but this project has helped us to do just that. We are a really friendly bunch and Julie and myself can really see the impact WELLIES it has on people”.
Email: info@growingruralenterprise.co.uk
Call: Julie on 07971 666 474 or Nick on 07767 844 921
After the initial plea for help was printed in the Farmers Weekly Magazine, farmer Howard Hughes from the Brecon Beacons in Wales contacted Nick and Julie. He had a 1960 Ford Dexta tractor complete with loader, bucket and muck fork which had been sitting in the barn for the last 4 years untouched.
Our volunteers Kevin Parker, Peter Roe and Darren Platt joined Director Nick Platt and his sidekick Spike the Jack Russel on what turned out to be an epic journey to collect the Dexta.
Although the tractor had been kept inside, it would not start, so the four had a job on their hands to get it loaded onto the trailer. 4 hours later and in torrential downpours they managed it! It’s now at her new home at WELLIES HQ in Somersal Herbert.
The volunteers wasted no time in getting their hands on the tractor and already started stripping it down and cleaning the parts and rubbing down the rather rusty paintwork.
The team are building a special shelter to enable them to work on the tractor and keep her safe from the elements.
They have their sights set on taking the restored Dexta to the Ashbourne and Manifold Shows in the Summer.
Director Julie White said “We are so excited to have the tractor here and it’s great to see how much fun the guys are having. I would love to have a little fleet of them, so we are still on the look-out for unloved tractors!” For more information and photos take a look at our Facebook.
