The Piggery Farm Shop thriving near Devizes one year on

The Piggery Farm Shop in Bishops Cannings will officially celebrate its first birthday with a charity event on Saturday, October 21, after opening its doors last year.

The shop was set up by Cameron Naughton, whose family has farmed at the West End Farm since 1970, and his wife Muriel, who came up with the idea to transform a small chipping container into a local store.

Mr Naughton told this paper that they were “overwhelmed” by the success of the store in the year that followed the idea.

He said: “We have been absolutely delighted with the success of the Piggery’s first year.

“It’s been a great opportunity to share and showcase what we do with our customers.

“The involvement and support from the local community and people much further afield has been overwhelming… it has been everything that we had hoped for and more.”

The Piggery in Bishops Cannings (Image: The Piggery)Mrs Naughton’s idea came at a crucial time for the farm, with Mr Naughton labelling 2022 as the “most challenging” period of his 35-year farming career.

“It’s given us a glimmer of hope and encouraged us all to keep going”, he said in December.

“It’s been so encouraging to find out how enthusiastic people are about the quality of our meat and other products.”

The popularity of the farm shop over the last 12 months has allowed the Naughtons to expand both the shop and the range of products on offer inside.

Now the farm will host both old and new customers for their anniversary celebration between 10am and 4pm on Saturday.

Those attending will be given the opportunity to sample the local produce on offer and learn more about how the farm works.

Inside The Piggery in Bishops Cannings (Image: The Piggery)This will involve meeting some of the animals kept at the farm, such as pigs, sheep and chickens, and taking part in family craft activities.

During the day money will be raised for local children’s hospice Julia’s House.

Looking to the future, the Naughtons hope to continue providing their regular customers and visitors with “top quality local food” but are also looking to expand their offering.

Mr Naughton added: “We are keen to expand the range of products we produce ourselves as well as showcasing other local producers, whilst continuing to run a busy farm.”