Farm shop’s lockdown efforts puts it in running for title
A family business which has been keeping people supplied with vital produce during the Covid pandemic and lockdown restrictions has been shortlisted for a national title.
Bell’s Farm Shop at Crossway Green, near Stourport, is one of three businesses shortlisted for the title of Small Farm Shop of the Year 2021.
Owner Vicki Colwill, aged 34, and staff are keeping their fingers crossed they will be announced the winners in March.
The farm shop became a regional finalist in the 90s.
Vicki said: “We are delighted to be one of the three finalists.
“Especially in this challenging year, when farm shops have been so important, helping provide easy access to fresh, quality food and as focal points for communities.
“This is a celebration of the amazing efforts of our fantastic team.
“The delicious local products grown and made in Worcestershire, and our wonderful customers. We have 40-acres of pick-your-own seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as a butchery.
“We sell our own produce and are part of the Make It Worcestershire group which supports lots of local suppliers of food and drink.
“There is also a monthly food market we hope to resume in February.
“We are very much a family business with Penny and Richard Colwill still being very much involved.
“Mum is our social media correspondent as well as doing all the administration.
“Dad is still actively growing the pick-your-own crops,
“I am the third generation of the family to be working in the farm shop and pick-your-own as the first generation pioneers were my grandparents, Phyllis and Richard Colwill.”
