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Crumps farm reborn as wedding and events small business cluster




At the end of West Road, a collection of old farm buildings are being transformed into a small business cluster of mostly wedding and events related businesses.

Crumps farm is now home to businesses including the Enchanted Bridal Boutique, Vicki's Floral Designs, Charly Mae Photography, The Rocking Marquee Company, Falcon Business Supplies - with more businesses coming soon.

Melanie Rich moved her wedding dress business in July from its former premises in Old Harlow. She said not only is rent much cheaper - and below the business rate threshold - but customers love the rural feel.

Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth. Wedding Events Festival. Mel Rich - Enchanted Bridal Boutique. .Pic: Vikki Lince. (14276260)
Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth. Wedding Events Festival. Mel Rich - Enchanted Bridal Boutique. .Pic: Vikki Lince. (14276260)

"It's been crazy - people are coming from far and wide," she said. "It's got that vintage vibe to it here. I've got a table and chairs outside where they can sit and soak up the atmosphere. There's no limit on how long they can stay. It's very chilled."

Another advantage is no city centre gridlock. "I think people are staying away from the high street because of the traffic."

Mel was persuaded to move by her friend Vicki, who runs the florist next door. "We wanted to create this little community," she said. "We know each other so we can recommend each other. We all work together."

Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth. Wedding Events Festival. Vicki Cowell - Vicki's Floral Design. .Pic: Vikki Lince. (14276272)
Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth. Wedding Events Festival. Vicki Cowell - Vicki's Floral Design. .Pic: Vikki Lince. (14276272)

Wedding photographer and videographer Charly Mae Nelson said she met Mel on a style shoot. "We have worked on some many things before, it just made so much sense to be together."

To celebrate their installation, business owners led by Mel - a former events planner - organised a wedding festival in the grounds in mid-July. Every wedding need was catered for, from hair, makeup and nails to formalwear, bridesmaid and baby outfits, stationary, sweet carts, sausages, pink London taxis, cocktail bar hire - and even teepees. Neighbouring Manor of Groves, a popular wedding venue, was also present. Singer Elyssa Dean, also available for private bookings, entertained the crowds.

"I had no idea weddings were so expensive," joked Bill Woods, who bought the farmhouse two years ago after selling his farm in Chesunt. The 77-year old had intended to live a quiet life with his wife, but realising there was a niche for small businesses, he set about transforming the outbuildings.

"There is nowhere round here for small businesses to rent," he said. "Everybody is ringing up wanting a unit - there are no more left."

Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth. Wedding Events Festival. Amelia (8) tries on a Tiara for size. (Face jewels by Twinkle and Snug). .Pic: Vikki Lince. (14276242)
Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth. Wedding Events Festival. Amelia (8) tries on a Tiara for size. (Face jewels by Twinkle and Snug). .Pic: Vikki Lince. (14276242)


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