Ouseburn Farm is appealing to the public to help identify children who appeared in a 1978 Woman's Own magazine article, as the Newcastle city farm marks its 50th anniversary. The article, titled 'The farm under the viaduct,' showcased the early days of what was then Byker City Farm, a community-led initiative that turned a derelict patch of land near the Ouseburn into a vibrant space for children to engage with animals, grow food, and enjoy nature.
Article names local children
The 48-year-old feature names several children and families connected to the farm's early years, including Matthew Espley, Spencer Cass, Esther Davies, Jake Davies, and Emma Beatty. The farm hopes to reconnect with these individuals to hear their memories and celebrate their role in its history.
Farm's ongoing mission
Today, Ouseburn Farm remains free to visit and continues its mission to nurture people, plants, and animals. As part of its anniversary, the farm has launched a crowdfunder to secure its future for another 50 years. The funds will support animal care, green space maintenance, volunteering, learning, and community support.
Katie Bates, farm manager, said: "This article is such a wonderful snapshot of the farm's early days, when local families helped turn a derelict patch of land into a place where children could enjoy animals, nature, and growing food. Fifty years later, Ouseburn Farm is still here because generations of local people have cared about it, supported it, and believed in what it brings to the city. We'd love to find the children and families featured in the article, hear their memories of Byker City Farm, and celebrate their part in the farm's story."
Appeal for information
The farm is particularly keen to hear from anyone who grew up in Byker, Ouseburn, or Walker in the late 1970s. Those who recognise themselves or others in the article can contact the farm via email at jennifer.urwin@ouseburnfarm.org.uk or through social media. The crowdfunder can be accessed online to support the farm's anniversary efforts.
