Published: Wednesday, 15th April, 2009 12:30pm

Caring farm"s joy at £7k funding boost

by Angela Murphy

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AN ERSKINE farm is to receive a huge cash boost thanks to Renfrewshire Council.

Lamont Farm on Barhill Road was visited by education boss Councillor Lorraine Cameron last week who praised the well-known charity.

The community farm, which cares for sick and homeless animals, will get £7,000 under the Voluntary Sector Grants approved by Renfrewshire Council"s Education Policy Board.

Councillor Cameron said: 'The voluntary sector plays a vital role in supporting our local communities and we are delighted to be able to provide them with this funding to continue to develop that important work.

'Lamont Farm is an excellent example of the kind of voluntary organisation and project that these grants are designed to support. This charity, which relies on donations and grants, not only provides a home for a wide variety of animals but gives students and local children the opportunity to learn about the health and care of animals and the work that goes into running a project like this.'

Lamont City Farm was established over thirty years ago by Charlie Doran and his late wife Jean.

It was the first city farm in Scotland and remains one of the few still providing a service to the public.

Over the years the farm has given children and adults from Renfrewshire the opportunity to meet all sorts of animals, including sheep, goats, horses, ponies, pigs and chickens.

A weekly kids" club encourages children to get more involved with the running of the farm, helping with the care of the animals as well as tree planting and wildflower gardening.

Charlie said: 'We are absolutely delighted with the continued support from Renfrewshire Council.

'We are now seeing parents, who were regular visitors as children, returning with their own children and rediscovering the excitement of getting close to animals.

'Some of the children who came here when they were young have gone on to become vets.'

A total of 15 voluntary projects and organisations will receive a share of £140,000 in grants from the Council"s Education and Leisure Service. Councillor Cameron added: 'These projects cover a wide range of areas from arts, sport, music and dance to support for adult education and people with disabilities. These are all projects which provide local people with valuable and positive learning experiences. They often rely on the dedication of just a few people. These grants show the Council"s commitment to these fantastic voluntary projects and the people who use them.'