VILLAGE LIFE ... In Somerset

Wellness in Style

WHAT DO YOU get when you combine a fitness celebrity and property mogul power couple moving from London to the south Somerset countryside?

New Cross Farmhouse.

While Matt Miller and James Jeffery lovingly restore their historic Georgian manor back to its original glory, it is open for weekly wellness classes, creative workshops and events. Well worth a look.

Find out more at www. newcrossfarmhouse.com or check them out on social media: @newcrossfarmhouse.

Shepton Stores, Kitchen & Deli

A fantastic little shop with lots of lovely goodies packed in! The friendly owners welcome you with a temping array of delicious homemade cakes, bakes and savouries that you can take away or eat in with a cuppa. They stock everything from local handcrafted gifts, cards, newspapers, fresh veggies to all your essential groceries and toiletries. Grab something delicious from the deli or they also do a light lunch made fresh from their kitchen.

Open: Monday 8.30 - 1, Tuesday 8.30 - 5, Wednesday 8.30 - 5 (post office 1.30 - 3.30), Thursday 8.30 - 5, Friday 8.30 5, Saturday 8.30 - 1, Sunday 9 12.

Shepton Stores, Kitchen & Deli in Shepton Beauchamp - where owners Lynn & Amanda look forward to welcoming you!

The Buttercross Tearooms is celebrating its 10th Anniversary

Having taken over the tearooms in 2012 (when the Queen was celebrating her Diamond Jubilee!) owner Helen McDonald has submerged herself into the Somerton community, offering help to various projects and fundraising activities. After many trials and turbulent periods, the tearooms are now busier than ever - 10 years on!

Over the years the tearooms have become the community hub; a place where people gather for company and a chat, especially for those who live on their own. The staff make a point of knowing customers’ names, what they like to order and even where they like to sit. One customer described being in the tearooms like being in Helen’s front room as they felt so welcomed and comfortable. The tearooms aren’t known locally as The Buttercross Tearooms but known simply as Helen’s Place!

Helen’s sense of community is also strong where she lives – at Barrington (near Ilminster). Having lived in Barrington since