LOCAL folk attended a free Christmas Fayre at a farm shop near Wellington over a weekend to help officially kick off the countdown to Christmas.

Rumwell Farm Shop hosted the Yuletide event with food tastings, a craft fayre and the chance to see Father Christmas.

Anne Mitchell, joint owner of the farm shop and cafe, which is located on the A38 between Wellington and Taunton, said: “Christmas is just around the corner and to help people get in the festive spirit we hosted a Christmas Fayre. There were food tastings on the Saturday and people were able to try some of our produce including homemade Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and brandy butter as well as turkey and stuffing.

“Some of our suppliers such as The Chillees, Styles Farmhouse Ice Cream, Cotleigh Brewery, Sarunds, Tarquin’s Cornish Gin and Rowcliffes cheese were also with us on the Saturday to offer samples of their wares. It was the ideal chance for people to sample locally sourced items perfect for the festive season ahead.

“To add to all this, we held a Craft Fayre during the weekend. Forty local crafters joined us to show off their handiwork, this gave shoppers a chance to find that extra special Christmas gift.

“Items within the Craft Fayre to name but a few included jewellery, framed pictures, wooden gifts, Christmas decorations, handmade soaps and greetings cards.”

Father Christmas was also in attendance on both days. He met all the boys and girls that wanted to come and say ‘hello’, and tell him their Christmas wishes.

Anne added: “During the Christmas Fayre volunteers from one of our charities of the year, Headway were at the farm shop. They were on hand to chat to people about what they do to help people in the local community and also sold raffle tickets to win a Rumwell hamper.

“The raffle managed to raise £170 for Headway and the winner of the festive hamper was Emma King from Wellington.”

Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. It was originally a potato store, when David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate.

Due to customer demand, the range of products soon increased and the farm shop grew into the place it is today. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved in the business.