Chard Health and Remedy Celebrates BBC Escape to the Country Feature
Chard Health and Remedy has received national attention after appearing on a recent episode of the BBC daytime series Escape to the Country.
The independent business, run by Cris Wootton and his husband Jason, featured in episode four of the programme's 27th series alongside several other local landmarks. The episode focused on Somerset and highlighted Chard as part of the county's rural property and lifestyle appeal.
Filming took place around a year ago, when the shop had been open for only three weeks. Watching the final programme air was a milestone for the owners, who say the business has changed significantly since the cameras first arrived.
It seems like such a long time ago now, Cris and Jason said. We had only been open for three weeks when filming took place, so it is crazy to see how Health and Remedy has grown in that time.
The owners said they were delighted by the reaction from local residents, many of whom felt the episode showed Chard in a positive light. The broadcast has also brought wider attention to the town's independent retail scene.
Cris and Jason said they had tried during filming to mention other local businesses including The Somerset Inn, Jam and Somerset Music Academy, although not all references could be included in the final edit. They said it was an honour to be featured alongside the team from Emery's.
The appearance comes during a period of renewed activity on Chard's high street. Recent openings, including Sacred Sisters Studio on Holyrood Street, have added to the sense that independent traders are helping to reshape the town centre.
It feels like there is a real positive movement to shopping in Chard at the moment, the owners said. With it being a central town, it offers a variety of fantastic independent retailers and independent chains.
For Chard Health and Remedy, the BBC feature is both a personal milestone and a useful boost for the wider town. At a time when high streets across Somerset are under pressure, national exposure for a local independent is a welcome reminder of the value of distinctive town centre businesses.