SOMERSET children greeted Santa when he arrived at a multi-award-winning farm shop in the county for his first grotto of the season by telehandler – ideal for reaching chimneys and carrying presents (December 10, 2023).
Father Christmas is now in residence in his grotto at Rumwell Farm Shop with slots available to book to meet him on December 17, 19 and 21.
Anne Mitchell, Partner at the Farm Shop, located just off the M5 on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, said: “Santa arrived with us on a suitably farming-related piece of equipment, a telescopic handler, linking perfectly with our own farm just up the road. When he and his elves disembarked, they met all the children who’d come along to see him.
“A telescopic handler, or telehandler, is a hydraulic lifting machine used to carry and place heavy materials. Sometimes called boom lifts, they move loads with a crane-like tool called a boom, so this mode of transport was just perfect to help Santa with all the presents he has to transport and an ideal piece of equipment to use as a chimney reacher if needed.
“It was a very exciting morning for us all! We even had Christmas carols and tunes playing, so everyone was able to sing-along while they waited for Father Christmas to arrive.
“He spent time chatting with the crowds and his friendly elves handed out sweets. It was great to see such a good turn out and he is now set up for the season in his cosy cabin. We still have some availability for people to book to meet him on December 17, 19 and 21.
“Tickets cost £13.95 per child and include an age-appropriate gift. They can be purchased here. Booking is essential and must be made via our website and we can only allow a maximum of four children with an appropriate adult, or two.”
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 more than 25 years ago.
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 their wives, Sophie and Donna.
The Shop has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. Also onsite is the new, purpose-built Rumwell Orchard events space, a Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar, Gluten Free Kitchen, Food To Go service and Gift Room.
In 2023, the farm shop picked-up Taste of the West Awards for its homemade products including six category Golds for its bakery-made sourdough loaf and rock cakes, its Butchery beef burgers – featuring its own farm Angus beef – and its lamb burgers.
The team also won gold for its gluten free bread, baked inhouse in its bespoke GF Kitchen, and its Countryman’s Pickle, made by its onsite Jam Kitchen team. It was commended for a further two products – the Bakery’s Biscoff doughnut and the Deli’s chilli and spring onion Scotch egg, using eggs laid by its farm hens.
To add to this, Rumwell Farm Shop received a prestigious Gold Award in the Farm Shop and category at the Taste of the West Awards.
It was then named ‘Champion’ Best Farm Shop at the south west Taste of the West finals in November 2023 and also scooped the top prize for its instore made Butchery beef burgers, using beef from its farm.
It was also a finalist in the Large Farm Shop of the Year category in the 2023 national Farm Retail Awards and won nine Taste of the West Golds in 2022 for its Shop, Café and products too. Its dry cured back bacon was given the title of overall Champion Bacon in the 2022 Taste of the West Awards as well.
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. The Café kitchen has Coeliac UK’s Gluten Free accreditation.
Father Christmas is in his grotto at Rumwell Farm Shop from 10am until 4pm and then on Sunday, December 17, 9am-4pm and Tuesday, December 19, 9am-5pm & Thursday, December 21, 9am-5pm.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
