Tumbledown celebrates unveiling of new building
This week, Weymouth Town Council held a family fun day and the official opening of the new building at Tumbledown which is transforming the space for the benefit of the wider community.
The events provided a chance for residents and Councillors to take a look around the former farm on Radipole Lane and get a tour of the new building which features a new classroom, toilets, and a teaching kitchen.
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell was joined by the the King’s representative in the county, the High Sheriff of Dorset, Callum Bremner. Both made speeches praising the facilities and the people who make Tumbledown such a special place.
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, cut a ribbon and unveiled Kestrel Barn, the name for the new building. He said: “It has been an exciting week for Tumbledown. The weather has been glorious, and we were able to welcome so many families to the site for the free community event in the school holidays. I hope everyone had a great time.
“It gave me immense pride to be invited to carry out the official unveiling of the new building which we’ve named Kestrel Barn. Tumbledown has come a long way since the keys to this former farm were handed back. The transformation is amazing, and the new building will allow even more people to experience this unique space, reconnect with nature, and make new friends along the way.”
During his speech, the Mayor thanked a range of supporters and volunteers who have helped with the transformation so far, including the organisations who contributed financially to the project.
These include:
- Nuclear Restoration Services provided £85,000.
- Dorset Council – £25,000 from two different grants including the Dorset Leverage Fund and the Cost of Living Fund to help achieve the kitchen.
- Low Carbon Dorset, £11, 495, which provided half the funding for the solar PV and air source heat pumps.
The new building complements the existing facilities which include the swallow barn, a small, multi-purpose space used for teaching and hospitality for volunteers, staff and visitors, along with a forest school, raised bed area for people with limited mobility, polytunnels for all year round growing, orchard and wood workshop. These facilities are already enjoyed by groups including Westfield School, Weymouth College SEND students, young adults with learning disabilities, schooled at home groups, people on corporate away days, people working with the Lantern Trust, Dorset Community Action and a large and diverse group of volunteers.
For more details about Tumbledown, visit the Council’s website. Or find Tumbledown on Facebook.
Above left, the Mayor of Weymouth unveiling the Kestrel Barn, above centre, the Family Fun Day and above right, the Mayor of Weymouth and the High Sheriff of Dorset, Callum Bremner.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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