Yorkshire Bank employees swap desks for ditches

28/06/07

More than 100 volunteers participated in a day of challenges which included tidying a cycle track, clearing ditches and weeding the vegetable and herb gardens at the converted 17th century farm situated in Eccup, a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Leeds.

The centre is surrounded by grazing land, mixed woodland and even a wetland area which attracts a whole host of wildlife. There are a variety of farm animals, from a friendly shire horse and Shetland ponies to chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. Each week 24 children aged eight to 12 visit Lineham Farm with their school for a free week of fun activities which include mountain biking, climbing, hiking, animal care, art, environmental studies and cooking. Besides simply providing a much-needed break, the holidays are designed to boost the children's confidence and broaden their horizons.

Janet Myers, Yorkshire Bank's Head of Brand, said: "We were thrilled to be able to offer our support to the centre, which provides the opportunity for local deserving children to enjoy healthy home cooking, plenty of fresh air and room to run around - things most of us take for granted but which some of them may not have had the opportunity to experience before."
Stephen Hannaby, Centre Manager at Lineham Farm, said: "The fact that so many people from Yorkshire Bank were willing to give up their time to help out means that they were able to do in one day what it would normally take the centre's staff four to six months to complete - that's if we were able to find the time. They have really made a difference."

Janet Myers added: "Yorkshire Bank encourages employees to take two days a year to participate in bank-initiated charitable activities, subject to their manager's approval. We have long had an active policy of encouraging our staff to get involved in helping the local community either by volunteering their time or participating in fundraising opportunities which has seen us raise over £400,000 for the British Heart Foundation since January 2005."

Lineham Farm Childrens Centre requires over £100,000 every year to provide free activity holidays for disabled and deserving children of Leeds. For further information visit www.linehamfarm.org.uk.