STAFF at a farm shop in Somerset are saddling up and hosting a static cycle ride in store in aid of charity this month (July 2022).
Members of the Rumwell Farm Shop team will be using pedal-power to fundraise for the retailer’s Charities of the Year, Reminiscence Learning and Love Musgrove.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of the Farm Shop, which is located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, said: “As part of our fundraising efforts for our chosen charities of the year, Reminiscence Learning and Love Musgrove, we will be hopping on an exercise bike in store and keeping it going all day, during our opening hours from 9am until 5.30pm on Friday, July 29.
“Different members of the team will be taking it in turn to keep the pedals turning and we will be collecting donations through the day via collection buckets and tins for the charities. If any of our generous customers spot our team cycling, we hope they will be kind enough to drop in a donation, every penny counts, and it’s a great way to get rid of any loose change that might be weighing down your purse or wallet!”
Love Musgrove funds things at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton above and beyond what the NHS covers. It helps to create a comfortable, engaging environment for patients that supports family and friends too.
Zoe Steer, Head of Fundraising at Love Musgrove, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Rumwell is undertaking this challenge to raise funds for the Beacon Centre here at Musgrove, which provides the best cancer care for our patients and provides tailored care.”
Love Musgrove also provides staff with training and development opportunities, including state of the art equipment, and enables wards to buy items to make patients’ stays more comfortable.
Musgrove Park Hospital serves a population of more than 544,000 people across Somerset with more than 740 beds, 34 wards, 15 operating theatres, a fully equipped imaging department and a purpose-built cancer treatment centre.
Reminiscence Learning was created and founded in 2003 by Fiona Mahoney an Occupational Therapist (OT), who has experience in both physical and mental health.
Since its launch, the multi-award-winning national and regional charity, which is based in Wellington, has grown and changed in response to individual and community needs. It now specialises in dementia care, activity and reminiscence.
The charity prides itself on being dynamic, forward thinking and innovative; putting the needs of the client and carer first and listening to their thoughts and requests.
Fiona Mahoney, Chief Executive of Reminiscence Learning, said: “Archie, Reminiscence Learning’s mascot, will be there doing his part for the cycling challenge. Come in and see if you spot him among the crowds. He will be dressed in red and yellow, which are the last colours to go in the ageing eye.”
Rumwell Farm Shop, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, 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 in 1997.
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 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.
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. It also serves afternoon teas, Sunday roast lunches 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.
