LOVERS of local produce will want to visit Wem later this year for the returning harvest market.

The market was held in 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, albeit under restricted conditions, but a spring market this year was cancelled.

With social distancing restrictions continuing to ease, the market has been given the green light to go ahead.

The market will take place on September 25, from 9am until 1pm and will feature a plethora of home-grown goods and produce.

Shelagh Richardson, from Wem Combine Harvesters – the group organising the event – said planning for the event was well underway.

"Preparations are well underway but the chickens are remaining uncounted in case we jinx the event," said Shelagh

"All three sites, Town Hall, Youth Club, and Jubilee Square will be in use with a wide range of goods for sale – food, drink, crafts, and plants.

“Regular and new traders will be along and charity stalls for local organisations will also be present.

"The Wem Area Climate Forum will be there and they are planning to have a chef demonstrating how to produce meat-free meals."

Shelagh says the popular 'Apple Harvest' will also be returning, allowing visitors to enjoy the produce from apples picked in Wem while also generating funds for projects in the town.

"Berriew Cider takes Wem's surplus apples; produces apple juice at cost and so allows the Harvesters to generate income for projects in and around Wem," she added.

"Notices will appear around Wem giving contact details for the harvest.

"Apples should be brought to the market.

"It may be possible to collect or harvest the apples if the owner is unable to do this, but unfortunately we cannot use shop surpluses because the apples have to be pesticide-free."

Shelagh's team has also planted the seeds for another project, to encourage market-goers to also visit the town's shops.

"The Harvesters are also looking to run the 'Shop Trail' along High Street again," added Shelagh.

"Any trader wishing to be involved should contact the Harvesters.

"Application forms for stalls and further information can be downloaded from the Wem Local website from the end of July or obtained directly from the Harvesters.

"Stalls are going fast so traders need to contact the Harvesters as quickly as possible."

For more information on setting up a stall, visit www.wemlocal.org.uk or e-mail wemharvest@yahoo.co.uk or call 01939 235443.