Farm Charity Reaps Rewards from Acxiom Associates

Normanton Associates give time to help local Charity

For two days at the end of June (29th & 30th), Acxiom associates really showed what they were made of when helping to renovate and refurbish a Charity farmhouse in Yorkshire (Northern England, UK).

The project was set up between associates at Acxiom’s White Rose Technology Centre in Normanton near Leeds, and the ‘Friends of Foxwood Farm’ – a registered UK Charity. The farm offers opportunities for disadvantaged children to experience the social and educational benefits of a residential stay in one of the most stunningly picturesque areas of the UK. This contrasts with the urban, socioeconomically deprived environment in which they usually live.

Above: Foxwood Farm is set in
beautiful rural Yorkshire

The Foxwood Farm is run by a small group of volunteers who work tirelessly to repair and maintain the farm, but essential refurbishment was required to enable the Charity to continue to offer the opportunities to children. That’s where Acxiom associates stepped in to help out.

Involved in both the planning stages (and of course the work on the day) were Acxiom associates David Horler and Jo Hornsey.

David commented, "The project was a challenging one, because of the scale of the job in hand, as well as the amount of prior planning, and liaising with Foxwood staff and specialist outside contractors. And, of course, it also meant we had to work around and plan rotas to ensure client work didn’t suffer during the 2 day period!"

The project, which took place in warm, sunny conditions, (and made for hot work!), in the hamlet (small village) of Newhouses, involved all facets of the house itself, including the living room, hallway, landing, washroom, stairways and computer room. The work itself was tough going and involved;

• 'Deep' cleaning of the all rooms
• Repair / replacement of furniture
• Varnishing of windows
• Total replacement of flooring
• Painting of walls and doors
• Recarpeting of some of the rooms (done by the ‘experts!’)

Above: Just a few of the challenges facing Normanton
associates, Colin Wilkinson and Jenny Buckley!!

Above: Before & After!!

Externally, kitchen windows had to be stripped, stained and varnished and the farm’s pond and gardens cleared, weeded and tidied. In addition to all of that, pathways were also renewed.

Above: Acxiom associate Martin Bryant
gets to grips with the pond clearing
exercise!

Jo Hornsey continued, "The staff at Foxwood Farm have been fantastic and really have helped us to help them. Not only did they get stuck into the work on the day, but they provided us with guidance and help to ensure the main objectives of the project were met over the 2 days – the farmer next door to Foxwood even let us use his land to park our truck! It really was a lot of hard work – but a lot of fun!"

Involved right the way through the project were Foxwood Farm representatives, Mrs Barbara Dolan from the Charity, and Andy Bell, Farm Manager at Foxwood. They were clearly delighted with the outcome of the two days hard work.

Above: Farm manager Andy Bell with
Foxwood’s Barbara Dolan (front)
–with Acxiom team members.

Barbara Dolan said,”We are thrilled with the way things have turned out and for the way that the Acxiom staff have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the challenge. The fruits of all of our labour have resulted in a great difference in the look and feel of the place, and will certainly make a big difference to the kids when they come to visit – we’re really pleased”.

The farm building itself is a Grade II listed building (protected in the UK) and as such, any work had to be carefully planned and monitored.

Andy Bell commented, "As Foxwood is a listed building, all refurbishments and repair work has to be in keeping and in sympathy with the buildings original layout and look. The joint Acxiom and Foxwood teams have worked really hard to ensure that happened, and I’m delighted with the outcome".

The project, which forms part of the UK’s overall contribution to the 'Acxiom Cares' scheme was definitely a challenge, and a lot of hard work, but Business Unit Leader, Gary Buxton certainly thinks it was all worthwhile.

Above: Not all went according to plan
when one of the trucks got stuck. But
Acxiom associates bend their backs to
help out!

 "When Foxwood came to us to discuss the project, we were only too glad to help out. I passionately feel that businesses should engage more with the community around them. This was one small way of a big business like Acxiom to put something back into the local area. The community spirit shone through with near neighbours of the farm not only helping out, but lending tools & equipment. I am delighted with the outcome of the 2 days and incredibly proud of the team who not only helped plan the event, but also execute it".

For more information on Foxwood Farm, click through to www.foxwoodfarm.org