The annual Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination and Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George, is urging the local community to get nominating.
The Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, were borne of a need to support and promote rural communities. They celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises and, most of all, its people, can succeed.
Nominated by the public, the Awards recognise and honour those who routinely go the extra mile for their community. Nominations are open from now until Sunday 17 November 2024. The Welsh champions will be announced at the annual Senedd ceremony in the spring of 2025 and will go on to represent Wales at the grand final in the House of Lords.
Last year saw two Montgomeryshire businesses take home first and second place awards in the village shop category. First place went to Llanymynech Village Shop, who owner Duncan Borthwick bought November 2021. A further winner, and for the award of the best Butcher went to Izzy’s Butchers in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. A background in gamekeeping fostered a passion for processing and selling game for Izzy Hosking who set up Pennant Valley Game in 2012. Processing her own shot game and from the estate on which her husband was a gamekeeper, saw Izzy at farmers markets and events across Mid Wales.
Izzy’s Butchers then went on to receive the coveted Clarissa Dickson Wright Award at the Grand Final hosted at the House of Lords, which centres on her belief in campaigning, educating, and supporting our farmers and producers.
For the 2025 awards, the 6 categories are:
- Local Food/Drink - Have they put the community on the map via the quality and diversity of local produce sold?
- Village Shop/ Post Office – Are they the cornerstone of the village and breathed life into the community and local economy?
- Butcher - Is traditional butchery at the heart of the enterprise or have they brought a modern twist to this ancient skill?
- Rural Enterprise - Is this business a growing asset to its community and making a real contribution?
- Pub - Would winning this competition reward a really special enterprise and tell a positive story about rural life while championing local food and drink?
- Clarissa Dickson Wright Award – this Award centres on her belief in campaigning, educating and prioritising slow food, taste, quality and support for our farmers and producers. (To be awarded at the House of Lords only)
Local Senedd Member, Russell George is urging residents to start nominating local businesses. You can nominate online at https://www.countryside-alliance.org/awards.
Mr George commented:
“These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase the hardworking local entrepreneurs who are helping rural Wales flourish.
“The quality of local produce in Montgomeryshire is outstanding and there are many businesses and community champions deserving of national recognition. Last year, we saw Montgomeryshire sweep up at the Wales awards and our very own Izzy’s butchers take home a very deserving award at the House of Lords final.
‘’I encourage everyone to participate and submit a nomination. Let’s aim to bring more awards back to Montgomeryshire and share the success of our area with the rest of the country.”
