Coffee morning initiative launched to support farming community

South West regional insurance company Cornish Mutual has launched a new coffee morning initiative as part of a year-long commitment to support rural charity the Farming Community Network (FCN).

Cornish Mutual will be hosting the first three events in April at venues across Cornwall and Devon. At each event the rural insurer will host a talk giving advice and guidance on ways to improve farm business administration.

The coffee mornings are free to attend with participants encouraged to donate to the FCN through a tea and cake stall and a raffle. Cornish Mutual have pledged to match all funds raised up to £100.

The free talks will focus on sharing hints and tips on how to make farm business administration easier and less time consuming. The pressures of farm administration was a specific area of concern that was raised by farmers who attended Cornish Mutual’s health and safety events last year.

Alan Goddard, managing director for Cornish Mutual said: “The FCN is a very important charity which addresses issues which are often not discussed openly in the farming community. People can face a variety of pressures when running a farm, be it financial or personal, it can be a very stressful lifestyle, especially at the moment when we know farmers across the Westcountry are finding it hard.

“The FCN offers practical help and advice to farmers and their families in times of need enabling them to talk through problems and where possible  find solutions. The coffee morning initiative is a great way to raise funds for the FCN and bring people together. We also know that the free advice will be very welcome."

The first three coffee mornings will take place on:

• Monday 18 April – Lobbs Farm Shop, Heligan, St Austell. Speakers include Canon Chris Batt, speaking on behalf of the FCN, and Peter Green, accountant and farmer, who will talk about ways to improve how you work on and in your farm business.
• Wednesday 20 April – Ullacombe Farm Shop and Café, Bovey Tracey. Speakers include Stephen Dennis, speaking on behalf of the FCN, and a talk about how to handle your book-keeping so it benefits your farm business.
• Wednesday 27 April – Darts Farm, Exeter. Speakers include Joanne Jones, speaking on behalf of the FCN, and a talk about how to handle your book-keeping so it benefits your farm business.

To book a place call Cornish Mutual on 01872 246440 or email engagementandpr@cornishmutual.co.uk

Entry is free, donations are welcomed for the raffle.

Cornish Mutual would like to thank all of the above venues for helping with these events.

For more information visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk