Business Profile
The Active Toy Company - Active toys for active people
14th February 2008
Email: nick.eyles@newburynews.co.uk
A LUCKY approach 18 years ago inspired the success of a Berkshire farming family to become leading stockists and distributors of garden play equipment for young and old.
The Active Toy Company at Langley Farm, Beedon, is today a Centre of Excellence for Worcester-based TP Activity Toys, one of four manufacturers whose swings, slides and climbing frames grace the two-acre adventure playground deep in the countryside outside Newbury.
“We were asked by a friend if we would stock a selected range and put it up in our garden for customers to look at and try out,” explained Diana Ryder (pictured), who at the time was busy with B&B and teaching tennis.
“We’re lucky in that we have a lovely setting here and, of course, the children who come to sample the equipment have a whale of a time.”
TP’s galvanised steel structures, designed to challenge, reward and encourage safe play, were now joined by the brightly-coloured rotomoulded plastic of the Little Tikes range, developed in America to promote activity and exploration in children.
Langley Farm is one of the few outlets in the UK to stock and display the volume on offer. Top of the range trampolines by Super Tramp are available to suit every level of skill without compromising safety or sacrificing customer satisfaction and can also be seen and tried in the farmhouse garden as well as wooden playhouses.
“All the play equipment we stock is long-lasting, tough, maintenance-free and indestructible,” said Diana Ryder. “People are always so thrilled to see it up and we have a very strong customer base and after sales service because coming here is always such an enjoyable experience for the family.”
It is the Active Toy Company’s own solid timber Langley Range, especially the Langley Swing, that is the business’ best seller. Born 12 years ago following endless requests for a rustic wooden swing that would accommodate both adults and children, this versatile range offers a huge variety of seats to suit literally all age groups.
From baby hammocks to the Louisiana rocking swing seat, the Langley range has something for every member of the family and can include play forts, ladder walks, slides as well as swings.
“I think people love it because it is unique, rustic, simple and uncomplicated and it is very pleasing to look at,” said Diana Ryder. “It also has the flexibility to be tailor-made to fit any garden involving their expert assembly team. The vast majority of people who come here today want something that is attractive as well as great play value: wood is very gentle, unobtrusive and natural in a garden.”
The Active Toy Company prides itself on sending out orders promptly and boasts a customer-friendly, slick and clear website. Diana Ryder’s son, Edward, a marketing and business studies graduate, is responsible for the internet management and now combines this with helping his father, Jonathan, on the farm. Daughters Clare and Victoria, now both married, have each spent time working in the office.
“There isn’t one member of the family who hasn’t been involved here over the years,” said Diana Ryder.
All the play equipment can be seen on the web at www.activetoy.co.uk which also has details of special offers and opening times.
The Active Toy Company: (01635) 248683
Two minutes north of Junction 13 of the M4
