On Thursday 17 September, PW tenants may hear the clip clop of tiny hooves clacking on the courtyard cobbles as Hoxton Cidersmiths welcome us, and Clover the donkey, to their very own urban orchard.

Raising vital funds for Hackney City Farm, the local purveyors of interesting cider will be quenching our thirst alongside Hackney Brewery and Dalston Cola, with nearby favourites Bird providing free range fried chicken. The lovely Central Illustration Agency will be holding an art sale, which we all hope will be as much of a stonking success as last year’s sale for Hackney Pirates. Local talent will provide live strummings throughout the evening.

Come and meet Clover!

“We wanted to host an event that benefitted the community in Hackney. We decided to support Hackney City Farm because we are convinced that farms play a really important role in the urban community and bring a little bit of the countryside to the city,” said event organiser Wes Terry, head of social media at Hoxton Cidersmiths.

Since throwing open its doors in 1984, Hackney City Farm and has established itself as a much-loved community resource, giving the local community the chance to experience farming in the heart of the metropolis. As well as looking after flocks of wonderful animals and a peaceful cottage garden, the farm has taught children and adults new skills to live a healthier, happier life with less impact on the environment. It is also home to a café, pottery studio and bike repair shop, not to mention a number of social enterprises and education spaces.

In the early years, the farm received moderate funding from the Borough of Hackney. Sadly as council coffers have shrunk (the Borough is ranked as the most deprived local authority in London), so too has the farm’s funding. A mix of commercial and community activities has allowed it to remain a free city farm until now, but further funds are needed to guarantee it in the future.

So let’s do our part to support the community. Invite your friends, bring your colleagues, and get ready to Fund the Farm on September 17!

For more details, see the Facebook event here and the flyer below.

Where: in the courtyard, Perseverance Works
When: 17 September, from 17.30 onwards
Why: to raise money for Hackney City Farm, meet Clover, drink cider/beer/Cola *delete as appropriate*, and eat fried chicken