High Mead Farm in Ferndown, Dorset, is raising funds through the Barrington Banter comedy night happening this evening.
The farm was chosen as the Mayor of Ferndown’s charity for the year back in June, with the aim of raising vital funds for the group.
Improvements to the farm’s facilities will be made in line with the amount raised over the coming year.
Sharon Boden, a worker at the farm, said: “The priority is always security for the animals, that is our biggest expense, vet bills, food and maintenance of the area.
“Fundraising is always a difficult thing to get in general, the mayor backing it this year will be really good, and I think it will raise our profile.”
Most of their funds comes from the farm shop that they have on the site that is open to the local community.
High Mead provides therapy through use of animals for people who are out of education as well as providing activities like woodworking to teach physical skills.
Owner of the farm, Mark Gregory, said: “I’ve always helped people, even from when I was a tiny person, I don’t know why, and my parents thought I was a little odd.”
“We’re just trying to have a little oasis, a place for people to come and heal, and it’s working.”
The hopes are that this endorsement from the Mayor of Ferndown will help to build up the reputation of animal therapy and the rest of the farm’s services, giving it a larger reach across the area.
Prakash Jirjadhun, one of the three acts for the comedy night, said: “I’m very grateful to be able to do it, I see it as its own sort of therapy, making people laugh.
“Once you’re there [on stage] all the anxiety just goes, it’s like being on a rollercoaster after the third or fourth time.”
Other acts at the night include the headlining Tom Deacon along with award winning comedian Mad Ron.
All profits of the night will go towards the chosen charity and tickets can be found here https://barringtoncentre.co.uk/event/barrington-banter-comedy-night-18/
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