Farming Generation Game

A fourth-generation farmer from Somerset has traced his family's connection with West Country insurer Cornish Mutual all the way back to the company's foundation, more than a century ago.

31 year-old Simon Triggol moved into Three Oaks Farm, Chedzoy with his wife and two young daughters earlier this year, continuing an unbroken tradition passed down from father to son since his great grandfather.

The 650-acre farm, the third and largest in the family's farming history, is owned by Oxford University and produces a combination of beef, dairy and cereals.

More surprising than Simon bucking the trend of farmers' sons leaving the profession, however, was the discovery that the same great grandfather was a founder Member of insurer Cornish Mutual when it was first formed in 1903; and that the family has maintained its insurance with the company ever since.

“Some people chop and change their insurance,” observes Simon, “So it might seem strange that we've stuck with them for over 100 years. But we know them well, they know us and if there's a problem they come and sort it. We've no reason to change.”

Ironically, the family went for many years without claiming on its insurance; however, the longstanding relationship came into its own recently when they endured a run of horrific luck.

August 2005 saw a major barn fire, consuming both the structure and the machinery within. To make matters worse the farm's diesel tank was caught in the blaze, causing a pollution risk that required a costly environmental cleanup.

Then, in 2007, the farm had two vehicles stolen in the space of three months: a tractor, followed by an expensive Land Rover.

Simon's father Ray still helps out on the farm, having moved just next door.

He recalls: “Cornish Mutual sorted it out quickly, no problems. They gave us peace of mind, and as such a longstanding customer we were pleased with the service.”

Far from begrudging the payout, the farm's local insurance inspector, Philip Wilson, was happy the company could help.

“Insurance is just a piece of paper until you make a claim,” he explains. “We're here to help our Members when they most need it, and although you obviously never want there to be a problem, it was gratifying to deliver for the family I'd known for so long.”

Simon Triggol's eldest daughter, three-year-old Heidi, is already fascinated by tractors and the farmyard.

Ray says: “Our relationship with farming, and Cornish Mutual, stretch back over four generations and three different farms. Now young Heidi looks like she has the farming bug. Who's to say there won't be a fifth generation yet?”
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