The Rotary Club of Maidenhead is backing the campaign to help Norden Farm Centre for the Arts continue to provide its vital services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
| The club has pledged £1,000 to the Norden’s Ark Appeal, which aims to raise £50,000 to offset the impact of the lockdowns and help the centre continue its programme of virtual activities which have provided a lifeline for many of those isolating due to the virus. Rotary club president Mary Spinks said: “I am delighted we are supporting Norden Farm by pledging £1,000. The centre is a great community asset which is enjoyed by many people and it must survive during these awful times. “I hope many others will follow our example as the arts are vital to the wellbeing of so many people in our community.” Within three days of the first lockdown in March Norden Farm had started to livestream events on the internet, and also began offering online versions of many of its activities. The centre re-opened in September with reduced capacity in accordance with government guidelines, but from Thursday had to move its programme online once again. | Speaking on the eve of the second lockdown, Norden Farm chief executive Jane Corry stressed the importance of support from groups like the Rotary club to keeping the arts accessible for people isolating due to Covid-19. She said: “We are hugely grateful to the Rotary Club of Maidenhead for pledging their support to our Norden's Ark Appeal. Given the ongoing, devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Norden Farm Centre for the Arts and our local community, there has never been a time when we have needed to join forces and support each other. “It is thanks to the commitment of the Rotary Club and our other supporters that we hope to raise £50,000 towards our programme of live and online arts entertainment and activities for all ages. The Norden's Ark Appeal will help us continue making the arts accessible to those in self-isolation, shielding, or who don't feel able to visit indoor public venues.” For more about the Norden’s Ark Appeal see https://norden.farm/pages/norden-s-ark-appeal |