SOMERSET children are invited to greet Father Christmas when he arrives by a surprise mode of transport at an award-winning farm shop for his first grotto of the season (December 2022).
Children can see Santa for free when he arrives at Rumwell Farm Shop on December 11 at 9.30am before taking up residence in his cosy cabin grotto for the season.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of the farm shop, located just off the M5 on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, said: “Father Christmas has told us that he’ll be resting the reindeer on December 11 to ensure they are fit and ready to travel the world over and deliver presents for children on Christmas Eve, which is why he has decided to pay a visit to us on a surprise mode of transport to meet all the boys and girls who have been nice this year.
“What vehicle he’ll arrive on will be kept top secret until the day. It’s very exciting and we’re sure Santa will enjoy his trip and that all the children who see him arrive here with us on December 11 will find it very exciting. It’s free to attend and we’d like a big crowd to come along to greet him. While everyone is waiting, we’ll have Christmas carols and tunes playing outside that they can sing-along to.
“It promises to be a fun morning out for all the family. Once he’s arrived, Santa will spend some time chatting with the crowds and his friendly elves will be handing out sweets.
“We hope lots of people turn out to greet Father Christmas and join us as we start our countdown to Christmas in earnest. Anyone who would like to make ‘welcome’ banners and flags to greet Santa is very welcome to do so.
“Father Christmas’s arrival is free for anyone who wishes to come along and watch. Our café will be open as normal on the day serving breakfasts and other refreshments, and our shop will also be open for anyone wishing to shop on the day.”
After his arrival, Father Christmas will take up residence in his grotto. Visits to see him are fully booked for December 11 and 18, but there is availability on Tuesday, December 20 and Thursday, December 22, 9am-5pm.
Anne added: “With the help of his trusted band of elves, he’ll wish everyone a merry Christmas and give each child a wrapped, age-appropriate gift to take home.
“Tickets cost £12.95 per child and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3Bpz85n. 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.”
As part of its Christmas celebrations, Rumwell Farm Shop is also hosting a candlelit carvery while raising money for charity.
The Candlelight Christmas meal will take place on December 8 from 6.30pm with a collection and a raffle for Taunton-based Love Musgrove with entertainment from the Singsational choir.
Rumwell Farm Shop will also be hosting its first ever New Year’s Eve party on December 31 from 6.30pm. It includes a four-course celebratory meal and live music from party and events’ band 24K. Each table will be decorated to add to the ambience and there will be a licensed bar.
For more information about its festive events, please visit http://bit.ly/3xYbuKC.
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 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 daughters-in-law Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop, which has won nine Taste of the West Gold Awards this year for its shop and café and also for some of its made onsite products, has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. It’s traditional, dry cured back bacon was recently given the title of overall Champion Bacon in the Taste of the West Awards.
There is also a Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar and Gift Room. Its Café kitchen has also achieved Coeliac UK’s Gluten Free accreditation.
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 carvery and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
Father Christmas will be arriving at Rumwell Farm Shop on Sunday, December 11 at 9.30am. He will then be in his grotto and will have availability to meet youngsters on Tuesday, December 20 and Thursday, December 22, 9am-5pm.
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.
