One of Wales’ premier rural business awards has been won by Llangurig Stores.
The Countryside Alliance Awards were handed out last Wednesday (1st May) by Gareth Wyn Jones at a reception in Cardiff Bay attended by the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, Russell George.
The Awards, which have become known as the ‘Rural Oscars’, are now in their 14th year. They were set up to celebrate rural communities, produce, skill, heritage and enterprising spirit and they run across five categories which enable the Countryside Alliance to give a platform and a voice to diverse rural businesses.
Countryside Alliance Director for Wales, Rachel Evans, announced the Welsh Champions, who were chosen from thousands of public nominations. The Welsh nominations doubled this year which demonstrates just how much the public value these Awards.
Speaking after the awards ceremony at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay, Mr George said:
"I’m delighted for Colin and Mary Davies of Llangurig Stores, who were winners of the Village Shop & Post Office category at this year's Countryside Alliance Awards.
"Both Colin and Mary have worked so hard to support Llangurig and the wider community for over two decades so this recognition is much deserved.
"So many people seek their advice and they are the first port of call for residents, holiday makers and general passers-by."
Set in the remote village of Llangurig, Colin and Mary Davies, run a lovely village shop which is bursting with essentials and local crafts, serving not only the people of Llangurig but also providing an outreach service to the villages of Llandinam and work in a post office partnership advising on the running of the post office at Berriew stores.
Mr George added:
"It’s so important to honour people who serve their communities, and I’m grateful to the Countryside Alliance for running the awards which have now become known as the "Welsh Rural Oscars" to recognise Colin and Mary's dedication to the people of Llangurig and for providing invaluable advice and expertise to others in the surrounding area."
Colin and Mary Davies will now join the other "Champions for Wales" at the British finals, to be held at the House of Lords on Wednesday 19th June.
Rachel Evans, Countryside Alliance Director for Wales, said:
"The Countryside Alliance is proud to honour those people who are passionate about their countryside and enjoy providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities and beyond. Everyone who was nominated should be incredibly proud of their achievements. Tonight’s winners truly are the best of the best and we are delighted to be able to applaud them.”
