ONE of the Peel region’s most popular tourist attractions will be back this Saturday after being closed for two months.
In January the Mail reported Abingdon Miniature Village would be closing its doors after nine years because the owners, Ian and Sonia Klopper, couldn’t find a buyer.
But their years of hard work won’t go to waste with another husband and wife duo snapping up the business.
The new owners, Peter and Dianne Murphy, said they were both “excited and scared about the thought of running such a wonderful place”.
Originally from the UK, Mrs Murphy said they had previous experience running an attraction in Caversham years ago but that was a mini zoo/pet shop on three acres.
“We’ve been to Abingdon five or six times since it opened,” Mrs Murphy said.
“We loved it and always took UK visitors there and were disappointed to find out it had been closed down.”
She said they found out the business was closing after her sister visited with her grandchildren and the staff told her it was up for sale or lease.
“It was just a feeling really that I can’t explain,” Mrs Murphy said.
“I have always loved everything about that place and couldn’t believe it was to close so my husband and I decided to take steps to enquire about the options and it went from there really.”
She said they won’t change anything that is already at Abingdon but they were thinking of a giant chess set or a petting farm for the kids as future additions.
The village will be open on March 31, with a “more official opening weekend” on the Easter long weekend.
The Easter Bunny will be handing out Easter eggs and there will be free mini-golf for children (one per family).
