SOMERSET folk are being invited to support a charity in the county this year by purchasing sweets from a farm shop in the area (March 2021).
Rumwell Farm Shop is donating 10p from every bag of jazzies sold to Conquest Centre in Taunton until the end of 2021.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of the farm shop, which is located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, explained: “We will be continuing our support for Conquest Centre in Norton Fitzwarren again this year, as Covid unfortunately meant we were unable to fundraise in the way we would have wished last year, so it will now be our chosen charity of the year for 2021.
“We are delighted to be able to support the charity throughout this difficult time by donating 10p from one of our sweet sales. We will also donate all the money we raise from our 5p carrier bags sold in 2021.
“We will add all this to the money we raised in 2020, which was £1,020, even with the restrictions in place, and donate an overall 2021 figure. Plus, we’ll be hoping to host some fundraising events later in the year, restrictions permitting. We hope to raise at least £2,000 for the charity in 2021.
“Conquest Centre is dedicated to providing a range of horse-based activities for adults and children with a wide range of additional or complex needs. It is currently closed due to Covid and has lost all its income, but they are in need of funds to help keep their horses fed and healthy until they can re-open again when the lockdown is eased.”
Conquest Centre’s Mission is: ‘To provide therapeutic support involving equines, small animals and the environment to enable each individual to thrive.’ All activities are delivered by qualified instructors with specialist expertise in working with people with additional physical and behavioural or emotional needs, and are supported by a team of specially trained volunteers.
Core activities include riding, horse and small animal care, Thrive Approach Therapy and sensory work, all provided in either group or private sessions as appropriate.
Jess Dixon, Centre Manager for Conquest Centre said: “We are excited to be opening again on April 18 after a very difficult year and we’re absolutely delighted for the ongoing support from Rumwell Farm Shop and the team. The produce from the shop is fresh, local and delicious and fits so well with our own community ethos. Please remember to pick up a bag of jazzies when you visit and everyone is also always welcome to visit us at Conquest Farm.”
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, as well as daughters-in-law Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop, which is an essential food retailer during the lockdown, has a traditional butchery counter selling free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef reared just four miles away on the family farm. There is also a delicatessen, bakery, jam kitchen, food hall, wine cellar and gift room.
Home grown potatoes are also still available, when in season, as well as everything from fruit, vegetables and groceries to plants, flowers, gifts and cards.
The Rumwell Café, which is currently closed for the lockdown, can seat approximately 80 people. The food prepared in the café kitchen is sourced from the farm shop, the Mitchell family farm and regional suppliers.
Families are welcome to the café when it is open and there is a menu especially for children. The cafe also serves afternoon teas, carvery on a Sunday and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located in Rumwell between Taunton and Wellington, on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.