Lower Shaw Farm is in the Shaw area of West Swindon.  The building is circa mid 18th Century and is Grade II listed - see details of that listing at:  Historic England  website.

Although it is still farmed, it is so much more than that now.  It has been cared for by Andrea and Matt since the 1980s and they have created something unique.  It is difficult to describe what goes on at LSF because it's activities are so diverse - there are plenty of workshops and groups to join, from bread baking to juggling and spoon carving to singing.  Working weekends where you are fed and sheltered in exchange for your time spent in the garden, or perhaps painting a fence.  There are family activity breaks, yoga classes, willow basket making, a Wednesday cafe, you can write, knit, read or go on a health walk.  LSF is about adding quality to life, for people not profits.

The farm is the HQ for the Swindon Festival of Literature - an annual event held each May and grows bigger and more successful each year.

There are different size rooms to hire, play areas, farming areas and accommodation areas.  How can we describe it as being a place to relax and at the same time say it is a place full of energy?  But that is what it is!

Mandy has been going to LSF since 2002 when she joined the Swindon Scratch Choir (now called the   Swindon Community Choir  and meets elsewhere) and also sings with the  Shaw Farm Singers  who meet at the farm on Tuesday afternoons.

An annual event is the Carols by Candlelight in early December where the old dairy is transformed into a magical place with hundreds of candles and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  Click here  to see pictures.