Fears for future of popular Fancy’s Farm

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The cost of living is having a devastating effect on some Portland businesses –with one announcing its closure and another appealing for help to keep going.

Fancy’s Family Farm has long appealed for donations to keep open –there’s no entry fee, but there’s a large tin pig for donations and they make a little money from the café and selling meat. Winters are always hand to mouth. But 2023 prices could spell the end for the lovely little attraction.

The community farm is the home to the only flock of rare breed Portland Sheep on the island. They also have wallabies, goats, ducks, chickens, geese, pigs, donkeys, rare breed horses, goats, Archie and Mavis the goats and many more cuddly animals. The community interest company (CIC) also has a large soft play room, and a cafe serving hot and cold refreshments.

But director Su Illsley says this year may be its last. She said: “We have enough in the bank to pay our latest feed bill and February’s utilities but beyond that, who knows!”

The site is mostly SSSI land with many rare plants and animals including peregrine falcons, ravens, lizards, slow worms and adders. From May to July the farm is carpeted with beautiful pyramidal orchids and early gentian flowers. Su said: “All of our input prices have almost doubled, and whilst people are still visiting they’re being really careful with money due to cost of living.

“Every winter is difficult but this year is just something else! I can’t see a good ending as it’s only going to get worse and we can’t keep begging Facebook followers for money every month. And we cannot afford to keep

... and café set to close

Sue Illsley’s feelings were amplified by Sammie May, who is having to close her Vintage 7 café at Reforne after five years.

She said: “We have put everything to creating our beautiful cafe..

“We are absolutely gutted to be closing Vintage 7.” putting our own monies in knowing that we’ll never get it back.

The café offers lovely vintage items for sale alongside its coffee and cake and although popular, rising bills have rendered it impossible for Sammie to continue. Fans of all things vintage have until March to pick up a bargain in their closing down sale.

“Sad to say but we are one of thousands of small enterprises that’ll eventually succumb to the current financial hell that we’re all experiencing.”

To donate to the farm go to fancysfarm.co.uk or pop up and put some pounds in the pig.

Donations can also be posted to Fancy’s Farm, Glacis, Portland DT5 1EQ. The farm is open 10.30am4pm seven days a week.