Cornwall's farms gain from Icelandic volcano (From This is The West Country)

Cornwall's farms gain from Icelandic volcano

10:36am Tuesday 20th April 2010 in Cornwall By Stephen Ivall

A Cornish tourism group is seeing a surge in bookings as “Volcano refugees” seek out alternative holiday options.

Cornish Farm Holidays members are among the minority who have benefited from the volcanic ash cloud, as holidaymakers whose trips have been ruined by flight cancellations make alternative arrangements.

The 80 strong co-operative of working farms offer self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation all over Cornwall.

Jean Henley of Bucklawren Farm, said: “I had a phone call on Saturday morning from a couple who were planning a sunshine holiday abroad and it has been cancelled due to the total disruption. They have booked a week in a cottage and arrived here on Saturday evening from Norfolk.

Both Annette Tolputt of Lesquite Farm, Lansallos, and Andrew Higman of Higher Menadew Farm Cottages, St. Austell each received two late bookings over the weekend.

Ruth Varco of Penquite Farm Holidays, Golant has welcomed visitors who could not fly out at the weekend for a weeks stay.

Lindsey Richards of Trengove Farm near Redruth also picked up two last minute bookings. She said: “One couple were flying to Crete and the other to the Dominican Republic. As their holidays were cancelled by the tourist operator, they were able to have refund. They could not make plans, though, until they had definite notification that the flights would not go ahead.

“These unfortunate people have booked their time off work so really want to go on holiday now, before they lose any more valuable time.”

Carolyn Care, chairman of Cornish Farm Holiday, believes this is the perfect time of year to visit Cornwall, erupting volcano or not: “The weekend just gone has provided beautiful weather and I hear the sun is set to stay for a week or two yet.

“The many stunning gardens are looking their best and because we are out of season the beaches and tourist attraction aren’t too busy and the roads are problem free.”