Oak Tree Farm Rural Project new Tea Roomwww.oaktreefarm.uk.net For over 20 years Oak Tree Farm has been providing successful opportunities for people with learning disabilities to work with plants, pottery and livestock. Our mission has been to provide a safe, nurturing work place where team members can learn, grow and be valued for their contribution, whatever their level of ability. The development of a tea room, open to the public, has been a long held dream, identified by staff and trustees many years ago to complement our existing activities. Growth of Oak Tree Farm in a planned and measured way will benefit everyone involved with revitalised enthusiasm. The good news is that we are now a step nearer being able to fulfill this dream. We have very recently gained planning permission. Financially, direct payments to team members will make the operating costs of a tea room sustainable whilst the bulk of the capital costs will be met from grants and our public appeal. The benefits of a tea room are numerous. In particular, team member numbers will rise, giving catering and retail training and experience and, for some, a lead into work elsewhere. Further benefits will be to raise awareness of all that Oak Tree Farm offers, to improve our retail space and to act as a focus for the community. The Tea Room will be an attractive L-shaped log chalet with a convivial café area seating up to 20 people and outdoor seating for milder days. The kitchen will cater for the café and also be a training facility. Our existing shop and plant sales will be re-sited to the new building which will also accommodate an office, storage and toilets. Now we are committed to raise £150,000 to purchase, construct and equip the Tea Room.