Lower Shaw Farm - Reader Letters 3
Reactions sent to SwindonLink.com
November 2006

The news that Lower Shaw Farm might close is devastating
Letter from Surya Cooper in London

I feel that the Farm and Matt and Andrea are my extended family - in fact my little boy had his naming ceremony there - as I have little family of my own.

I have been going to the Farm for over 23 years- both as participant on numerous weekends and also being actively involved in setting up and teaching on my own weekends. Some of my fondest memories involve a large group of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People doing Yoga and Massage during which all the helpers, including Matt and Andrea were wonderfully welcoming - so much so that they even took time out of their busy schedule of daily farm work (let alone having a lively pre-school on-site!) to undertake some training in Sign Language themselves to prepare themselves beforehand. I remember projecting instructions for relaxation on the ceiling so that the Deaf people could lie down and relax!!

The people involved at the Farm have always gone out of their way to make all activities as accessible for Disabled people as possible- this as a Teacher of the Deaf is to be applauded- and long before the Disabled Discrimination Act was even thought of!

There are very few places in Britain where Deaf and Disabled people would have been made to feel so welcome- let alone the rest of humankind- Adults and Children of all backgrounds, colour and creed.

I have learnt many skills and met many wonderful people at the Farm and my life has been richer by far from coming over the years- and now my little boy's life too, is enriched. When he heard the news- all of 6 and a half- he said, "Will I be able to come to Lower Shaw Farm until I'm grown up too?? Like Jacob, Anna and Rosa?" What could I answer? Only that I hope so...

If Lower Shaw Farm closes there will be a HUGE outcry from thousands if not more people who have visited, stayed or worked there over the years, from all over Britain and indeed as far as New Zealand.

Even if Matt and Andrea do decide to leave (they can only carry on all the hard work so long- we all realise this- some of it requiring huge physical strength and energy) I know they would only do so when they have found similar-minded AND hearted people to take over their extremely valuable work for, not only the local people of Swindon , but for the rest of us far and wide.

I applaud their efforts and support them wholeheartedly- I only hope those with the "power" make similar efforts to sustain such an important and popular place. To sell off the land to build a few houses would be incredibly stupid, short-sighted and ridiculously un-public-spirited! Please help!

Long Live Lower Shaw Farm!

A haven of positive creativity in urban Swindon
Letter from Emily Parker

I am writing in response to the news that Swindon Borough Council plans to close down and build houses on the site of Lower Shaw Farm, a haven of positive creativity in urban Swindon. I only stayed at the farm for two days, but in this short time I could see what an incredible place it is, and what a constructive effect it has on the wider community. The Farm is a unique place to stay, and years of hard work have gone towards not only constructing its quirky accommodation and organic gardens, but also establishing it as a focal point for education and enjoyment for people of all ages.

I believe that it would be a massive mistake to close down Lower Shaw Farm. To consider only the material value of this property is to overlook a crucial aspect: its impact on the people who are connected with it. Surely the sort of project seen here is exactly what the Council should be encouraging, not stifling.

I urge Swindon Borough Council to reconsider their decision. In the long term, the money gained from the sale of this site would be lost due to the negative effects of the Farm¹s closure on the community. If Council members had experienced a day at the farm themselves, I know they would not have it in them to stop the brilliant work there continuing.

What is going on in West Swindon, Middleleaze and Shaw in particular?
Letter from Jane Eatwell of Middleleaze

First our local school Salt Way Primary was closed by Swindon Council, all the children moved to .Shaw Ridge Primary where 75% of children are packed into mobile classrooms..awaiting a new £5 million pound building.

All the children could have used the Saltway building....saving us the £5 million. Now the council are trying to sell Lower Shaw Farm to help raise the money for a school building we did not need. 

Shaw farm is deeply loved by those that live near and all those that used it in the past and present. do the councillors of West Wwindon - particularly in the Shaw/Nine Elms ward actually listen to the people in their areas, no apparently not. This reads like a long chain of conspiracy to rid Shaw of anything worthwhile to the community and make it as bland and executive as other parts of town.

Selling off unique community projects to fund a school we didn't want or need doesn't sound like a people project at all. Being involved in the school consultation last year, I'm sure the council had to show that they had the money available for the new school,not to be taking more of our amenities in a desperate bid to find funds. I believe that this is just another way of getting Shaw Farm, as it was declared Councillor Gary Perkins last year - when asked about extra traffic on Cartwright Drive, "well we own the land opposite,so we can do what we want."

The land opposite being Shaw Farm, so it seems that the guns were out from the start, as in Saltway's case. Good Luck Shaw Farm.

Lower Shaw Farm is a magical place
Letter from Leonora Murray of Old Shaw Lane

I wish to record my objection to the Council's proposal to close the community farm and sell the land to a property developer.

Lower Shaw Farm is a magical place where children and adults alike can take part in one of the many learning prgrammes available and get practical experience of life away from supermarkets and shopping malls. It has allowed a part of West Swindon to be different and vibrant and such colour should not be bulldozed and concreted, it should be applauded and supported.

That local support was much in evidence on Sunday 5th at the farm, when many hundreds of people attended a protest meeting at the farm against the closure. I hope that the local media will support the people of West Swindon in their campaign against this short sighted proposal. It would be a crime against future generations to deny them the enjoyment that Lower Shaw Farm engenders.

Swindon has gained both international and national recognition and respect for supporting the innovative work of Lower Shaw Farm
Letter from Elizabeth Till in London

Swindon has gained both international and national recognition and respect for supporting the innovative work of Lower Shaw Farm which is relevant to local well-being and to national policies. Lower Shaw has contributed :-

an oasis of biodiversity and ecological balance, includimg organic food production, within an urban development

a practical example of sustainable living and recycling, with reduced carbon dioxide 'footprint'

a healthy lifestyle experience

choice and opportunities for learning, in community, 'how to do it' - from pre-school age through to post-retirement, in these three important areas .

Swindon Festival of Literature : Lower Shaw Farm is seen as its source

The original enlightened choice that Swindon Borough Council made, to retain a small green field site for this diversely successful community experiment, has been thrifty : if you set out, now, to create within the town, on a brown field site, a similar project, it would take more than 20 years and cost millions of pounds in staff salaries, let alone the capital investment. A park or open space of the same size, contributing to local quality of life, would have considerable running expenses. Lower Shaw Farm is running as an independent 'going concern'. Here, you have great value for very little money.

I write as a Londoner, and participant at Lower Shaw Farm since 1979. People arrive at the Farm beset by the world's impossible problems, and take them away as challenges to be tackled with lively collaboration and good humour.

From the London Borough of Brent, where I live, such a collaborative project looks like a national 'flagship' to be envied and copied. I can only assume that the Property Department of Swindon Borough Council takes no account of the value of health, education, environment or the arts, and is solely concerned with the short-term cash that could be obtained from a developer.

The people of Swindon own this land. I believe that they are well aware of the benefits to their children and grandchildren of the work that is going on at Lower Shaw Farm. You are their Borough Council : please do not discourage them.

Continue this imaginative and practical experiment, and many will congratulate you!

There should be more to life than this concentration on financial value
Letter from Peter Hawkins, Swindon

I support the campaign to retain Lower Shaw Farm

If I were an accountant like Councillor Martin I could understand the Council's view. The land is an asset and as the farm is not visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year it cannot possibly raise revenue that is reflective of its development value.

The problem is to convince our elected representatives that there should be more to life for the people of Swindon than this concentration on the financial value of our (not their) assets. The quality of life is difficult to define. We might know, in our hearts, what makes living in Swindon worthwhile but this concept comes a poor second to financial affairs.

This is not an isolated case of the Council's indifference to public service. They have allowed the decline of our museum and art gallery. I am sure that the Councillor's have considered selling our nationally famous collection of modern art. They would if they could.

When I was a Councillor in the early 80s, way before the "Cabinet system", these causes had champions. It wasn't a golden age of local government to be sure but there were no "back-benchers", members could discuss the issues and be persuaded to support local campaigns. Now there is no sense than our councillors can intervene - decisions appear to be made in isolation by "The Cabinet"

Now we have a number of issues that make living in Swindon unpleasant. Not the least is their attitude to residents parking. They are prepared to send in their troops to punish residents who have paid for the residents parking scheme. A great way of raising revenue. Why don't we have this policing day and night, seven days a week? Simply because it would be politically unacceptable - Councillors would be spending more time with their families.

The campaign to defend Lower Shaw Farm should focus on the Councillor's personal responsibilities for their behaviour. They should be held accountable but at the same time we should identify Councillors who are brave enough to become champions of the cause.
Good luck

Lower Shaw Farm brings something to Swindon
Letter from Andy Smith of Nine Elms

To Swindon Council. This is the first time I have felt the need to write in protest on anything.

As a believer in democracy it¹s the elected councillors job to make decisions, but on this occasion, I believe you have got this terribly wrong.

Lower Shaw Farm brings something to Swindon and particularly West Swindon which most urban expansions would die for. This farm brings a different experience especially for children that you can not obtain in most areas.

Surely there our plenty of other sites, especially brown field sites in Swindon which require re-developing that would enhance the borough and give the financial return that you are reported to be looking for.

If you feel you are not receiving a sufficient return on the property, surely this can be negotiated with the leaseholders to give a better return on the asset instead of looking for a quick fix and losing a valuable resource and asset for the future.

It was clear from the open meeting held at the farm yesterday (5th November) that the local community is right behind the farm remaining open and the need for this unique space within an urban environment.

These are just the sort of projects that should be expanded
Letter from Philip Booth of Stroud

I am concerned to read about the possible sale of Lower Shaw Farm. This is a wonderful community resource and I am sure you are now aware of the support locally for this project.

Indeed these are just the sort of projects that should be expanded - children are already too disconnected from the land. Indeed research has shown that if children don't experience such things when young then they are less likely to work to improve the environment or recognise it's importance.

An invaluable educational resource
Letter from Pamela Case

As a long term visitor to Lower Shaw Farm (and ex-Swindon resident) please can I try and persuade you not to sell off this land?

I understand that councillors feel responsible for providing residents with 'best value' services, but feel sure that if the finances were examined in detail, Lower Shaw Farm would be seen to be best value in terms of the services they provide - and at only the cost of the rent they pay.

The Farm is not only a green oasis in a built-up city, but it is also an invaluable educational resource:- many children visit the farm and have possibly their first hands-on experiences of organic gardening and contact with animals. There are exciting and unusual (but safe) outdoor play areas and gathering places (particularly suitable for teenagers); the large space in the barn can be used for all sorts of creative activities on a large scale - the list goes on (and can be seen by anyone who actually visits the farm).

There is no cost for these activities for local residents - the fees from weekend courses which bring in outside visitors help subsidise local events. The farm has been established by Matt Holland and Andrea Hirsch over the last 26 years, its atmosphere and usefulness to the people of Swindon would be impossible (and very expensive) to replicate or relocate.

I do hope that you will reconsider your decision, that you will agree that what you will lose in terms of local people's enriched lives cannot be costed in this way. Council-run play areas, social services provision, all cost much more than Lower Shaw Farm. It's an invaluable asset to Swindon.

We need more facilities like Lower Shaw Farm
Letter from Maurice Moylett of Old Town

I was appalled to learn recently that the council is planning to close Lower Shaw Farm in order to free up its land for more housing. Lower Shaw Farm is one of the (depressingly few) things which enrich life in Swindon by providing something which is different and valuable, something in which we can take some pride as citizens of this town.

Swindon does not need any further transformation into a bland, faceless, suburban desert than we¹ve already had to endure.

What this town needs are things that actually enhance our lives, providing facilities and services which cannot be bought at Asda or B&Q. We need more facilities like Lower Shaw Farm, not less. This decision must be reversed.

Swindon needs Green Bits
Letter from David Birley, Wanborough

I am writing to urge Swindon Borough Council to work with all those who work at Lower Shaw farm organising and running courses for a huge variety of people (including me though not for some years), especially children, and to maintain Lower Shaw farm as the unique part of Swindon that it is. I was at the support meeting on 5 November and I believe that the Hollands and other Lower Shaw farm course organisers would work with the Council, if the aim was not to destroy the environs of the farm but to support and develop the work there. I think that this issue is an example of where the Council should be far more positive in its approach to helping and supporting such places as Lower Shaw farm, especially as it is unique to Swindon

The Council should not see the land (and farmhouse itself) as just a chance to give itself planning permission to build on and sell. Swindon needs green different bits, and you do not have to build a school or houses there.

From what Matt and Andrea Holland said last weekend, I believe there is a great chance for the Council to work with them and others to make Lower Shaw farm an even more important part of Swindon. Please do this !

The Children Love Lower Shaw Farm
Letter from Rebecca Stokes

I am writing with concern of the action that is proposed to build new property on Lower Shaw Farm.

It would be a crying shame to shut such a wonderful place that offers so much to so many people and with such a friendly environment.

I take both my boys to the children's morning every month and they love the whole event. They start with a story that always includes props and they encourage the children to join in. Then onto a walk around the grounds feeding the sheep, 'Piggy Wiggy', the ducks and the hens, which gives the children a confidence and understanding that they are not usually exposed to. It is not only the children's faces that light up but the adults too. The children also get to pick apples conkers and vegetables to and are encouraged to explore around. Needless to say after only one visit my not 3 1/2 son commented the next time we passed the now Ford garage,'That's the way to Lower Shaw Farm, can we go there again soon and see Andrea?'

If Lower Shaw Farm can make that much impact on a 3 1/2 year old and as the meeting on Sunday 5 Novemb er showed, all ages above, how can you think of getting rid of something so special and especially as it is in the heart of Swindon? There is nothing like it.

I do hope you seriously re-consider you proposals as there is so much to loose for people of all ages.

An extraordinarily shortsighted and untimely proposal
Letter from Heather Redington

I am deeply concerned about the plans to terminate the tenancy agreement with Lower Shaw Farm in order to sell off the land and build new houses there.

This is an extraordinarily shortsighted and untimely proposal. Swindon's children have benefitted in innumerable ways from the existence of the farm in the last twenty years. In the past it has provided a wonderful venue for a kindergarten which gave my-and many other children a rich and imaginative start in schooling. My children along with other local children subsequently attended the many activity days put on by Lower Shaw Farm. Breadmaking,art and crafts, animal care,tree planting,pond making were some of the very many activities on offer to them, providing them with a hands-on practical and inspiring connection to the environment which no school could provide.

Lower Shaw Farm has also acted as a centre for all kinds of environmental initiatives such as re-cycling, organic gardening, permaculture and environmental sustainability-right on Swindon's doorstep. Every town should have a lower shaw farm too, to demonstrate to its citizens how each one can make a contribution to the campaign to mitigate the effects of climate change of To consider shutting it down at a time when climate change is on the top of the politcal agenda is absurdly shortsighted.

Instead of planning for the destruction of its small three acres,the council should be proud of Lower Shaw Farm and consider how it could support this as a ready made city farm in its midst.

LSF Contributes to the Life of the People of Swindon
Letter from Susan Coppard from Bradford upon Avon

I heard with dismay of the proposal by Swindon Borough Council's Property Department to sell off Lower Shaw Farm in order to build houses on the site.

It is difficult to believe that a Council responsible for the wellbeing of its people could sanction such an outrageous and arrogant act of vandalism! Have the Council not heard of "joined up government"??

Lower Shaw Farm operates on an amazingly frugal budget, and contributes immeasurably to the life of the people of Swindon - and elsewhere; far more cost effectively, indeed, than the Council could provide similar facilities. All ages are catered for, especially local children with little available in the way of adventure and creativity - which is what children crave. These are your youngsters who might grow up to be vandals and troublemakers if their energies and needs are not afforded positive channels: the Grown-Ups will have sold them down the river for a relatively paltry one-off payment!

Has Swindon Borough Council not considered the long term, ongoing cost to the community of losing this oasis of fun and learning? Or are they only interested in short-term finances?

Lower Shaw Farm is a beacon of enlightenment in a materialistic, rather uninspiring environment. It offers people values and goals, as well as contact with nature, which enhance everybody's lives. It is a Light House in a fairly grey world. It must not be sacrificed for short-term profit.

Swindon Councillors: Please be aware of this threat to one of Swindon's greatest assets and veto your Property Department's ill conceived designs on this wonderful centre.

The place they enjoy visiting the most!
Letter from Donna Gray, West Swindon

I am very unhappy with the council's decision to 'sell off' Lowershaw Farm.

I am a local mom of two, and have been taking my sons there for the past 3 years. It is easily - hands down - the place they enjoy visiting the most. There is something almost magical that happens when a child gets to experiencing things like seeing and feeding an animal for the first time, pulling veg out of the ground (see where they come from) It is truly a positive, invaluable learning experience, and is also one that can certainly not be captured in books.

It is truly a unique resource, where else, in West Swindon can children enjoy this sort of experience? Simply no where.

The Bonkers and Kids Aloud are great, but they are not able to offer the same learning outcomes. The toddler session is great for the kids and for parents alike. Because there is so much to do there, the children are relaxed and so are the parents.

To lose Lowershaw Farm would be to lose a precious jewel that areas like West Swindon, desparately needs. It's time for the council to really weigh up the cost of what the community will actually be losing. Gaining more apartments will simply not make up for the loss.

Please show some imagination!
Letter from Talis Fairbourn, Wroughton

I have heard that the Council is considering selling this site for housing, and I am writing to protest in the strongest possible terms.

Please do not take such a short-sighted and disastrous course of action. The benefits that Lower Shaw and its dedicated staff provide to Swindon and the surrounding area is literally invaluable - you cannot put a sum on the ability to take children to see animals and crops, seeing them learn about fresh food and develop a passion for gardening and outdoors life; There are also creative, musical and craft aspects to Lower Shaw Farm which are a boon to families living in a very wide radius around it.

With green issues finally creeping up the political agenda, I cannot believe that Swindon Council would squander such an enviable resource, such a well-loved and well-used facility which serves so many people. Please consider that Lower Shaw's visitors would otherwise have to either travel much further afield, causing more car travel and CO2 emissions, or miss out altogether on a vital set of oppportunities which are precisely the kind of chances and choices and skills which children need so badly today.

Please, please show some imagination and responsivity, and take a bold lead in securing the future of our beloved Lower Shaw Farm.

A beacon or oasis of peace!
Letter from David Low, Moray, Scotland

I was much disturbed to learn of the projected sale of Lower Shaw Farm and consequent curtailment of its valuable service.

I have been a friend, supporter and visitor for upwards of 20 years and am aware of its special value.

During the 1980's while I was having a difficult time while workiing in London, my visits to the Farm were of greater value to my health and, I believe, helped to preserve my sanity, or, at least, provide a respite.

The value of Lower Shaw Farm has been much greater, and at a different level than what would appear from its programme. It offers a special quality or atmosphere which goes beyond the mundane. It is one of a number of centres holding a subtle healing property which affects people independently of their ostensilble reason for visiting.

I regard it as a beacon or oasis of peace and good fellowship offering a blessing to the area, the country, and indeed the planet.

I appeal to you to use your influence to ensure that the proposed closure does not happen, so that the work may continue.

It's like selling off the family silver!
Letter from Adam Twine, from Highworth

I was shocked to read the report of the Swindon Borough Council decision to press ahead with the proposed sell off of Lower Shaw Farm. I was particularly sad to read of the Council's plans as I had just come from participating in the Swindon Strategic Partnership annual conference on 14 November at the Oakfield Campus of the University of Bath in Swindon with a wide cross section of organisations representing many sides of Swindon.

In the plenary session from the afternoon¹s workshops the imperative to preserve the shrinking number of irreplaceable environmental and cultural jewels that Swindon is struggling to hold onto in the face of substantial pressure for continuing development was strongly stated, and warmly applauded by all delegates, including some of the very same Councillors who had recently voted to sell off Lower Shaw Farm!!

Selling off the Farm is like selling off some of the family silver, or rather one of Swindon¹s gems, once it¹s gone you can¹t replace or recover it, ever. It¹s in the nature of precious assets that they often cannot realise a proper commercial value unless they¹re sold, indeed rare gems, such as the Farm almost always will continue to increase in value, both commercial and cultural, but only so long as they remains unsold and undeveloped.

Surely here is an ideal opportunity for Council leader Rod Bluh and SBC to show both mature leadership and inspired vision by building on the real value of this irreplaceable asset that they are responsible for, on behalf of the people of Swindon, and rather than rushing to sell Lower Shaw Farm to the highest bidder for the short term economic gain, take a minute to consider the long term benefits that the Farm has already contributed and how it can best continue to do so as Swindon¹s boundaries continue to expand and the town changes into a city.

The council need to rethink!
Letter from Janet Foskett, Thatcham

My mother has lived in Shaw for the last 4 years, and has been told many times about Lower Shaw Farm and the good that it does within the community.

Last week we, my mother and father and dogs Misty and Ollie, visited and realised what an asset the farm is to the community.

We are constantly being told that there is nothing for the younger generation to do, and that they are a 'worthless lot' - well here we met some volunteers of the 'younger worthless lot' generation, there working with other youngsters - and giving them an insight into something different from hanging around on street corners and getting into trouble.

It is about time that selling wonderful places like this for housing - and realising how short sighted this - is stopped. The council need to rethink the 'quick fix' method of raising money, and look at how to raise the profile of the project and finding sponsors, rather than 'taking the money and running'.

I support the movement to Save Lower Shaw Farm and trust that many other people are doing the same and that the council will listen.

£2m a spit in the ocean!
Letter from Frances Bevan from Middleleaze

Over the next 20 years Swindon is to expand by a further 35,000 homes, reaching an estimated population of 250,000. I suppose these are the government expectations the councillors were bemoaning at the West Swindon Forum on 13 November.

At the beginning of the Western expansion in the early 1970s a projected figure of a 200,000 population was anticipated by 1986. However, the 2001 census revealed the population of Swindon was 180,061, so we still haven't quite made it.

Official figures tell of the continuing falling birth rate nationwide, evident in Swindon by the falling school roll and the need to close two West Swindon schools. Is Swindon ever going to achieve this 250,000 population and if so does the town have the infrastructure to support it?

Will demolishing Lower Shaw Farm to raise £2m - quite frankly a spit in the ocean when you consider the levels of investment required - actually do much to help. How many homes will it be possible to build on the land? Probably no more than 10 - so that makes only 34,990 to go then!

In five years time when Lower Shaw Farm is long gone and ten new families live in Old Shaw Lane, with a car park for Brook Field School on the end, which by the way, has an empty classroom because of the falling roll. When the cost of the new school build at Shaw Ridge comes in grossly over budget and they have an empty classroom because of, guess what, the continuing falling roll. Well, we'll all be able to say that it was worth doing. Closing Lower Shaw Farm was a job well done!!

The farm is priceless!
Letter from Sheriden Fisher, Old Shaw Lane

'The regeneration of Swindon is taking place'. Good stuff, but doesn't every town have shops . . . . . . and houses? Yes.

However we have something more, something unique and special; a place where we can take respite from the ever increasing pressures of our modern world; a haven where we can be who we are, not who society expects us to be. A refuge with depth, values and an ethos, sadly lacking in our day-to-day lives; somewhere to be at peace with ourselves, our environment and nature. We have Lower Shaw Farm.

It's a credit to our council that, even in financially difficult times, they chose to sustain the farm; a testimony to their ecological awareness and commitment to environmental issues. They encouraged the venture to flourish; an achievement to be proud of. Our council 'know what a valuable contribution the arts, recreational activities, culture and life long learning makes to the lives of all Swindon people'.

It is therefore inconceivable that, contrary to what they profess, our council has now decided to destroy the farm and all it stands for, on a purely financial basis. True the project ties up capital but, unlike council run activities, it costs the ratepayer nothing. It is not possible to put a monetary value on the farm - it is priceless!

Learning to Live Together Well
Letter from Rosy Daley

Luxury or Necessity?

I have known and loved Lower Shaw Farm and its occupants for over twenty years, so you will not be surprised to learn that I believe the farm should continue its work in perpetuity, and should therefore be granted another lease for at least five years or preferably longer.

The Council says that it appreciates what Shaw does - but does it really understand the breadth and quality of the influence Shaw has, both on the immediate area and further afield? It is not a simple equation of land value and rent.

Geographically, it is essentially in the middle of England with good road and rail communication, making access relatively easy. Such is the quality of Shaw's work that people come from all over the world to attend courses or carry out the very important voluntary work which keeps the place going.

The courses cover an enormous range of subjects - from cooking and weaving to philosophical discussions. Shaw provides a base for groups from the surrounding locality with which it has built strong links over the years. One of its greatest assets is that whatever the reasons for coming to Shaw, people leave with new skills and a great sense of well-being. It is FUN! How do you evaluate this?

Reduced need for the props which seem to be required in modern life is another benefit - alcohol, anti-depressants, dependence on mental and general health care - all these cabn be reduced by the increased self-awareness, confidence, and mental and physical well-being gained from a visit to Shaw. The greater understanding fostered between people of amny races and religious persuasions meeting at Shaw is an enormous factor for good.

It is not just the physical place which is important; the people who have run Shaw over the years are extraordinary. Matt Holland set up the annual literary festival which has brought recognition and MONEY to Swindon. Andrea Hirsch has run a kindergarten and groups for women which are of infinite value to the community. The love, devotion and sheer energy which they and others have put in to Shaw over the years cannot be replaced.

I feel strongly that public discussions should be held and the wishes of local people and users from further afield listened to and evaluated. If the centre is not allowed to continue at Shaw - then certainly a lengthy time should be allowed for relocation - five years at least. Shaw is a valuable human resource which must not be shuffled aside- it is a lifeline for many, both past visitors and hopefully those to come in the future.

Lower Shaw's motto is "Learning to Live Together Well" - what better aim could you have?