09.06.04
Farmers Convert Barn Into Function Room For 160

A redundant stone and slate barn at a farm on the outskirts of Lewannick, near Launceston, has been converted into a high quality, multi-purpose function room that can accommodate up to 160 people.

The barn project succeeded in gaining investment from the Rural Development Capital Grant Initiative (RDCGI) which is managed by Business Link Devon and Cornwall and supported by Objective One from the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bill and Tamsin Sowerby, owners of Coombeshead Farm, had two main aims when they planned the development – to preserve a traditional building sorely in need of restoration, and to generate an income to support the farm.

"We also wanted to do something exciting with it," recalled Tamsin who was born at Trereife, near Penzance, and returned to Cornwall four years ago when the couple bought Coombeshead after farming in Hertfordshire.

Set in tranquil surroundings, the farm consists of 65 acres of grassland, ten acres of managed woodland and ten acres, which support a small flock of Hebridean sheep.

Said Bill: "I doubt if we would have embarked on all of this without the financial and other support through Business Link."

The high standard of restoration was achieved by skilled local craftsmen who sympathetically and lovingly restored the barn to an exceptionally high level, complete with central heating, a commercial kitchen, spacious car parking and disabled access and facilities. For larger numbers or more space, a marquee can be provided.

Added Tamsin:"When we finished the project we had a party for all who had helped in any way – and were delighted to find that everyone was local!"

With the accent on luxury facilities and personal service, the function room is suitable for a variety of events ranging from wedding receptions, corporate events and conferences to exhibitions, meetings and events such as wine-tasting.

Already, before any promotional activity started, the barn was booked for a week-long art course, for which the 16 students found accommodation locally, as well as an office party, meetings of two local organisations, a wedding and an embroidery course.

Said Business Link's Marilyn Pryor, RDCGI contract manager: "This exciting project is an excellent example of the help that is available to convert a redundant farm building into – in this case – a unique and stunning function hall capable of being used for so many different events."

For information on other agricultural programmes run by Business Link Devon and Cornwall contact 0845 600 9966.

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Editor's notes:

Business Link Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the two counties under contract from the DTI's Small Business Service.

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.blinkdandc.com and via the telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally it provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners.

Press enquiries:

In the first instance should be directed to:

Carolyn Daw
Telephone: 01822 833488
Mobile: 07866 697057
email: cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk

Sarah Gunn
Telephone: 01752 509581
email: sarah@sarahgunn.co.uk

Direct enquiries should be directed via the marketing department to Leanne Lidstone or Janice Brazell on 0845 600 9966.

For Coombeshead Farm contact Mr and Mrs Sowerby on 01566 782062

European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF)

EAGGF is one of the four funds that make up the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly which is making £314m available to support the local economy between 2000 and 2006.

EAGGF aims to:

• Help preserve the link between diversified farming and the land.

• Improve and support the competitiveness of agriculture as a key activity in rural areas.

• Ensure the diversification of the economy in rural areas.

• Help to keep thriving communities in rural areas.

• Preserve and improve the environment, the landscape and the rural heritage.

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Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mob: 07973 813647
Tel: 01579 370991

lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

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