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Mayors & Flowers from the Farm Toria Britten officially launch new Rumwell Flower Shed
| Published: 23rd July 2021 17:16 |
BOTH Wellington and Taunton’s Mayors attended the official launch of Rumwell Farm Shop’s new Flower Shed yesterday as Flowers from the Farm representative Toria Britten helped declare it open (July 22, 2021).
The award-winning Farm Shop is partnering with Somerset Grower Florist and Flowers from the Farm association member, Aizel Finch from nearby Yalham Hayes Farm to open the Rumwell Flower Shed.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, explains: “We’re thrilled to be officially opening this new venture for our customers to enjoy.
“To have both Mayors, Mark Lithgow Mayor of Wellington Town Council and Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Sue Lees, as well as the Vice-Chair of Somerset West and Taunton Council, Councillor Dr Richard Lees, along with Toria with us for the official launch, was a real treat.”
Blagdon-based Toria is floristry royalty having led the Gold Medal winning flower team for the Flowers from the Farm exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show 2018.
“It was marvellous meeting Toria and having her here to cut our floral garland and declare The Rumwell Flower Shed officially open. She is a floral celebrity who has featured on BBC Countryfile, filmed with Mary Berry and created floral installations at Babington House in Somerset for Rachel Ashwell’s gorgeous book ‘My Floral Affair’.
“Our partnership with Aizel is something we are very excited about, as her business ethos fits in so seamlessly with our own here at Rumwell.
“We both try to source as much as possible from our surrounding areas, while also truly championing the best of British.
“By showcasing locally grown, seasonal flowers and supporting Somerset businesses, we are boosting sustainability and reducing our floral carbon footprint. Another of our local suppliers is New Barn Nurseries, who mostly grow alstroemerias.
“Obviously, during the winter or when the weather is poor, we may need to source flowers from elsewhere. For example, this year we had a terrible spring and local growers, including Yalham Hayes Farm, suffered with delayed blooms, including sweet peas. When it’s not possible to get some items grown in the UK, then we will source from overseas. When we do, we will select Fairtrade growers and suppliers.”
Aizel will be running the Rumwell Flower Shed and supplying it with cut flowers grown on her farm, as well as stocking houseplants and accessories.
Aizel says: “We soft launched a few weeks ago to iron out any glitches and it’s been great from the start. We’re selling British blooms in jam jar posies, bunches and bouquets, as well as vases and accessories, and we’ve been getting lots of lovely comments.
“It’s fabulous being part of the Rumwell family! It’s very exciting to be showcasing all the wonderful flowers we grow at Yalham Hayes Farm, with a bit of help from other local flower growers too. Keeping it local, buying local and boosting sustainability by reducing the air miles travelled by flowers is at the heart of what we’re doing here at The Rumwell Flower Shed.
“Many of our VIP guests on the day joined us for a complimentary cream tea in the Rumwell Café after the ceremonial garland cutting. They included Flowers from the Farm southwest coordinator, Pippa Brock, Councillor Ross Henley, consultant clinical psychologist, writer, flower grower and seed merchant, Grace Alexander and Wellington School Director of Development, Rachel Debenhams and School Registrar, Alex Jones. I would like to thank everyone for coming along, joining in with our celebration and making it such a wonderful occasion.”
Flowers from the Farm is an award-winning membership association, championing artisan growers of seasonal, scented, sustainable British cut flowers.
Anne adds: “We heartily endorse Flowers from the Farm and what it stands for. Our Rumwell Flower Shed is all about flowers that you wouldn’t find in a typical retail outlet. They’re grown in the area, across Somerset and in the Westcountry and are seasonal. Our new venture is helping support other small businesses and creating additional jobs by employing a team of three florists.”
Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. Originally a potato store, David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate more than 23 years ago.
Due to customer demand, the product range soon increased, and the business grew. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved, as well as their daughters-in-law, Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. There is also a Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar and Gift Room.
Its own, home-grown potatoes are available, when in season, as well as everything from fruit, vegetables and groceries to plants, Somerset-grown cut flowers, gifts and cards.
The Rumwell Café is a large and spacious building. The food prepared in the café kitchen is sourced from the farm shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and other regional suppliers.
Families are welcome to the café and there is a menu especially for children. The café also serves afternoon teas, roast lunches daily 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.
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