Farrington's held the official opening of their new Playbarn on Friday, 1st November with special guest, Cbeebies presenter, Katy Ashworth. Hundreds of parents and children attended to watch the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, in what was a very busy week all round at the
popular farm shop site.
The presenter, who has family in Farmborough, was approached because of her work with cookery shows on the BBC. Nick Rose, from Farrington's, said: "Katy is the perfect ambassador for what we do here – with her Cbeebies programme teaching children about healthy eating. Here at the playbarn, children can have a great time playing and keeping active, whilst the new family café on site is serving healthy, homemade food for visitors."
The playbarn, which has been accepting guests since last Monday, 28th October, was full last Friday, with a queue of eager children waiting outside to have a go on the various slides, ball cannons and tunnels.
During half-term week, the attraction has already proved to be a very popular addition to the farm!
Owner, Andy Jeffrey, offered his thanks to staff and patrons of Farrington's prior to the ribbon cutting, with special thanks going to his wife, Tish, Site Manager, Paul, and Catering Manager, Pat Brook, for their hard work during the renovations.
"It has taken us four years to get to this stage and now we have a great, multi-use facility for the whole village, offering amenities and jobs. We now have 76 members of staff, which is a huge increase to when we started."
Selected guests were then able to have a tour of the farm and the new buildings, including a meeting space and shop units, all of which will be open and ready for use within the next few weeks. A new florist will be the first, opening on 9th November.
The Playbarn is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.