THE mayors of both Wellington and Taunton attended the official launch of Rumwell Farm Shop’s new Flower Shed yesterday (Thursday, July 22).

The farm shop is partnering with Somerset Grower Florist and Flowers from the Farm association member Aizel Finch, from nearby Yalham Hayes Farm, in the Rumwell Flower Shed venture.

Wellington Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow and his Taunton counterpart Cllr Sue Lees, along with Cllr Dr Richard Lees, vice-chairman of Somerset West and Taunton Council.

Flowers from the Farm representative Toria Britten assisted in the opening ceremony.

Somerset County Gazette:

Joint Owner of Rumwell Farm Shop, Anne Mitchell, Flowers from the Farm representative Toria Britten and Somerset Grower Florist Aizel Finch, from nearby Yalham Hayes Farm, declare the Rumwell Flower Shed officially open.

Anne Mitchell, joint owner of Rumwell Farm Shop, said: "We’re thrilled to be officially opening this new venture for our customers to enjoy."

“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.

Somerset County Gazette:

Mayor of Wellington Town Council Mark Lithgow and his wife Sarah Lithgow and Rumwell Farm Shop General Manager, Chris O’Connor.

“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.

She said: "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."

VIP guests at the opening ceremony enjoyed a cream tea.

Somerset County Gazette:

Vice-Chair of Somerset West & Taunton Council, Cllr Dr Richard Lees, Rumwell Farm Shop’s Sophie Mitchell and Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Sue Lees.