Our precious Rock Barn is under threat from a planning application to replace it with six luxury flats. We need to protect our community asset, and Witney from more unnecessarily expensive housing.

The Rock Barn, run by the charity The 7C’s Foundation (reg charity 1158771) was set up to facilitate its primary music programme MuzoAkademy.

Located directly in the heart of Witney, it provides many crucial services to the local and wider community. 7 days a week it serves as a music school for students from the ages of 3 up to 89 years with a focus on creating original music and peer group integration. We have a special emphasis working with vulnerable people, providing musical support for people living with dementia, learning and physical disabilities.

The Rock Barn is a creative and vibrant place where people can come and express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism. Most importantly it is a safe space for people that may experience exclusion. We are extremely proud of our open door ethos which is reflected in the diverse range of people that utilise the Rock Barn and its services. We have mental health patients, members of the LGBTQ community and ethnic minority groups who all regularly attend the Rock Barn.

The Rock Barn is also a public space which allows external groups to put on events that serve the local community. Over the years we have hosted numerous events from Christian Youth Clubs, Primary Schools to Social Advocacy Groups and organisations like the Witney Refugee Action Group who have organised day long community events which involved live music, world cuisine, arts and crafts and talks from key figures in the community including local councillors and politicians.

Over the years the Rock Barn has become a much loved and much needed community space. We currently see on average around 150 people a week who regularly use the barn and its services and this is increasing on weekly basis. We also provide employment opportunities and we have 4 full time and 8 part time members of staff plus a team of 8 volunteers who dedicate their time for free to the running, promotion and up keep of the Rock Barn.