On Sunday 14th July 2025, Vauxhall City Farm hosted an event as a way of thanks to formally accept THB Building Contractor’s generous gift of the Rainbow Path. The event was hosted by Vauxhall City Farm Chair of Trustees, Faith Boardman who officially thanked the Managing Director of Tony Handyman Builders Ltd Bobby Baidwan and his team for the construction of the Rainbow path. Amongst others present at the event were several other VCF Trustees, donors, staff and volunteers. Tony Handyman Builders was recently awarded the highly commended category for “Best New Business” at the Barking and Dagenham Business Awards on 2nd July 2025.
Faith Boardman, Chair of Vauxhall City Farm Trustees thanks Bobby Baidwan, Managing Director of Tony Handyman Builders Ltd for the Rainbow path as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility project.
The construction work of VCF’s rainbow path started in early March 2025 and has vastly improved the disabled and visual access to the farmyard and animals. In addition, new hand washing facilities have enabled the farm to enhance its provision by being positioned directly at the exit to the farm promoting better hygiene practices after visiting the farm.
Faith Boardman, Chair of Trustees stated, “This is a very useful thing that THB has done for us, the farm and the 25,000 visitors who come here annually. Many children live in the inner city and don’t have gardens and have no opportunity to access nature and animals in particular. Visiting the farm is often the only chance they will have to do this. We will take care of this path and I am sure that many others will silently thank you every time they see the plaque outside.”
This was followed by a visit around the farm for others to view the finished Rainbow Path and celebrate the unveiling of the plaque.
Bobby Baidwan, Managing Director of Tony Handyman Builders Ltd explained, “It has been a pleasure working with VCF and its team and I think that it’s one of the things we will continue to do to give back to the community that takes care of us so well. We look forward to working with the team again in the future.”
Bobby Baidwan in his post speech expressed VCF as having a “simple but clear mission and necessary in the community” He is delighted to have played such a big role in “Helping more than 25,000 visitors from Lambeth and beyond to enjoy nature’s beautiful animals in an urban environment.”
Tony Handyman Builders Ltd has officially opened its Corporate Social Responsibility wing with the intention to work with more national charities. It has committed to working on at least one CSR project every year that will involve the staff of THB and help them engage with more third sector needs – thus contributing to the generation of more responsible citizens.
Jo Manby, Farmyard Manager rounded off the day by saying “What Bobby and the team have done here at the farm has been hugely welcomed; it is work we have longed to carry out for years but with no funding to do so. The feedback from visitors has been fantastic and is a credit to the builders’ hard work.”