Cornish Mutual
Members Dick and Pauline Beijen understand insurance better than
anyone - after all, they worked in the industry themselves before
becoming the owners of Seale Stoke Farm near Buckfastleigh, Devon
in December 2008.
Their previous fast-paced, non-stop lifestyle is so far removed
from the idyllic one they currently live in the heart of Dartmoor
it's unimaginable. Life on this farm is perhaps just as chaotic,
but in a very different way.
"It's pretty full-on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week but much
more rewarding and provides a better quality of life for us and our
children," says Dick. "Although we had no direct experience of
farming, we keep around 170 rare-breed sheep including Texel, Manx
Loaghtan and Gotland and we've diversified to survive."
From Seale Stoke Farm in Holne, Dick and Pauline run the hugely
successful 'Devon Duvets' business - producing and selling 100 per
cent wool and natural cotton duvets and pillows online and through
specially selected retailers, including John Lewis. They sell
around 400 products every week - all are completely natural, resist
dust mites and help to relieve allergies.
"Devon Duvets has taken on a life of its own and we're really
busy now. We've also been accredited by the Soil Association to
produce an organic range, so that's a really exciting next step for
us," says Dick.
As if this wasn't enough for the couple, they also have grand
plans for turning their neighbouring barn into a nature and
discovery centre. It is here that they want to open a shop selling
farm products including wool, candles and soaps, as well as run a
series of craft-making workshops and day courses, covering
activities including felting, spinning and knitting.
Pauline says they want to inspire other people, "We have
fantastic views across the moors and down to the sea, and it's
this, combined with our historic farm surroundings that we want to
share with the local community and give a better idea of what it's
like living and working here."
"Using discovery as a way of educating children will be at the
centre of what we do, involving local schools and bringing them
closer to nature. Helping youngsters to understand the process of
how the sheep in the field ends up on their plate, or how the plant
or vegetable they've grown can be used to make material dyes," she
adds.
The Beijens have an ambitious long-term plan - they want to add
farm walks, cookery classes, treasure trails, children's birthday
parties and horse and carriage trips across the moors to what they
can offer.
Cornish Mutual provides all the household and commercial
insurance cover for Seale Stoke Farm, Devon Duvets and the Beijen
family. "Cornish Mutual was recommended to us by a neighbouring
farmer and we've been insured with the company since we moved into
the farm," says Dick.
"What we appreciate about Cornish Mutual is that it's a local
company and it really understands our business. It's the personal
contact with our Insurance Inspector Janet Pryor and ease of
communication which sets them apart - it's so much better and
easier than trying to deal with a call centre which can be very
frustrating."
Dick adds, "Janet sorts everything out for us and whether we
call her or the office, everyone at Cornish Mutual seems to know
and understand your requirements straight away. It's the
'common-sense' approach that we appreciate, someone who can take
the more logical view about what we do. I think it's all these
things that make the partnership work at the end of the day."
For more information about Seale Stoke Farm and Devon Duvets
visit www.sealestoke.com and www.devonduvets.com.
