Wem Combine Harvesters have held successful harvest market despite Covid-19 restrictions having an impact.

The 11th Wem Harvest Market was held on Saturday, September 26 in Wem Town Hall, Wem Youth Club and on Wem Jubilee Square.

Things were different for visitors this year, with shoppers and traders masked or visored and with only 20 shoppers at a time allowed into the Town Hall market.

Shelagh Richardson, of Wem Combine Harvesters, said that despite restrictions in numbers, the market was still a success.

"The number of traders had to be cut by 30 per cent and publicity was limited to Wem and surrounding villages," she said. "Volunteers and traders co-operated to keep everyone safe.

"However despite these restrictions, there was a wide range of goods and produce available for shoppers, who expressed their appreciation to both Harvesters and traders.

"Footfall was – not surprisingly – significantly reduced with nearly 300 shoppers visiting the Town Hall.

"Despite this reduction, traders were pleased with the morning, particularly Berriew Cider, who sold out of apple juice and Wem Civic Society, who sold out of marmalade.

"Andy Powell from Powells' Pork Pie had to fall back on selling pickled onions, despite bring extra supplies – the pies had gone by high noon.

"Battlefield Farm Shop and the Pantry at Manor Farm's quality meats and other foods were very popular with shoppers; those with a sweet tooth, kept Sophies' Brigadeiros, Welsh Fine Fudge, Welsh Honey and the Chocsmith busy.

"Craft stalls, at all three sites, furnished solutions for early Christmas shopping and gardeners planning their autumn gardens provided very steady trade for local nurseries.

"There was no raffle at this market but there were collections at each site for Wem Youth Club. Counting must wait for the money to be released from quarantine.

"Miss Wales and John Bull were on hand to offer directions around the town, the former providing photo opportunities for the Welsh traders present.

"Hopefully this market is a one-off and our Spring Market can return to normal."