The Local Food Directory has resulted in a few success stories and some extended opening hours so here is the latest information.

The Valley Smokehouse are now open on Saturday mornings until 1pm. 0117-9358338 for more details and information on what they have to offer this month.

Martin and Sue Weaver have purchased an additional 5 acres of land to cope with the increase in demand for thsir local veg boxes. This is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce grown on your doorstep. 01275-332556 to order you own home delivered box.

Chef Direct's new retail outlet, Taste, is now open on the A38 and the extended opening hours include Saturday and Sunday. They are also growing fresh vegetables in the field behind the shop and plan to offer fresh cut herbs in the shop this summer.

New Manor Farm Shop, West Harptree, now supply a full range of ECOVER in their shop. These eco friendly houshold cleaning, laundry and hygene products offer a positive alternative to the toxic chemicals of the past.

Mandy Brown is in the process of taking over the Village Post Office in Chew Magna. The transition will be gradual and over the next few months. The full postal services will remain but the shop area will offer a range of Fair Trade goods. Mandy works directly with community projects in Nepal to produce handmade gifts and clothes. An extensive selection of goods made from recycled materials and many eco friendly cleaning products will be available.

Kirstie ( the Bakery & Store) Bea ( Willows flower shop) and Mandy ( Post Office, Chew Magna) are working towards holding regular street markets on the High Street of Chew Magna. They want to bring local people into the village on Saturdays rather than have them disappear off to other markets in Bath, Bristol and Wells. This is at an early stage of planning so please do pop by any of their shops and let them know your thoughts. KEEP IT LOCAL or lose it.