The Farm’s Future Progress
Statement by the Director Christine Shaw B.Sc.
During the early months of 2007 discussions took place over the future of Butser Ancient Farm. The work the Ancient Farm does by way of research, education and public interface is as necessary now as it ever has been. However, over the last fifteen years, it has been run with virtually no funding.
After the untimely death of Peter Reynolds, Butser Ancient Farm Trust Ltd was set up as a charitable Trust with the intention that it would take over the running of the Ancient Farm and raise funds in order to maintain and improve its facilities and work. However, the Trustees were unable to negotiate a lease suitable for their requirements.
I was approached by a team of four people, two employees and two long-term supporters of the Ancient Farm, with a view to forming a management company. It was agreed that they would take over from 1st April 2007. They formed BAC Ltd. and direct all operations at the Farm Site.
It was agreed by all parties that the activities, quality and ethos of Butser Ancient Farm should be maintained. Education and research remain the major elements of the work and presentation of the work to the public continues.
A Licence was agreed between me and the Directors of BAC Ltd. that reflects the above.
These changes will allow the development of the Farm to continue and permit me to concentrate, together with the Board of BAF Trust, on publishing the vast wealth of information gathered by the Farm over the last 32 years, including archiving the extensive image collection and, when possible, funding/organising research projects.
Created 08 December 2006 Updated 28th February 2008