The owner of Finkley Down Farm says after the farm closes today, he’s confident they “will be back”.
Charlie Waters, popularly known as Farmer Charlie, claims whereas the popular animal farm and adventure park has business interruption insurance, it is not covered by the coronavirus pandemic.
He said in a statement today, “With the health and safety of customers, staff, friends, neighbours and family our top priority. Following Government advice of social distancing, it is with very heavy hearts that we are closing the Farm from today 6pm until further notice.
“We’ll be back stronger hopefully in the not too distance future. We will continue to post updates about the farm. All current bookings including those with the Mother’s Day Offer will be extended for 12 months.
Citing the government’s recent advice to the public to avoid mass contact, the farm owner said,“We do have business interruption insurance, but that does not cover us for coronovirus because it was not known about. So times are going to be very hard.
“We just want to say this is not just a business to us this is our family and our staff’s livelihoods. We are so truly heartbroken to have to make this decision by a situation that is totally out of our control.”
We will be back!With the health and safety of customers, staff, friends, neighbours and family our top priority. Following Government advice of social distancing, it is with very heavy hearts that we are closing the Farm from today 6pm until further notice.We’ll be back stronger hopefully in the not too distance future. We will continue to post updates about the farm.Online Bookings- All current booking including those with the Mother’s Day Offer will be extended for 12 months.Parties – We will be contacting those who are booked to discuss options. We are very sorry, this is totally out of our control.Annual Pass Holders & Monthly Pass Holders – We will add the time we are closed on to your pass.In this time of difficulty we understand if you need to cancel your pass. However while the farm is closed we will have no income, the payments will help look after the animals and help secure a future for the farm. We thank you for your loyalty.We just want to say this is not just a business to us this is our family and our staff’s livelihoods. We are so truly heartbroken to have to make this decision by a situation that is totally out of our control.If you do need to contact us please do so via email sales@finkleydownfarm.co.uk We will be unable to answer the phone over the time.
David Harber is the founder and Managing Director of Love Andover, including the Love Andover Observer newspaper and 95.9FM Andover Radio. He is a fellow at the Royal Society of Arts and a card carrying member of the Nation Union of Journalists.
