The judging panel of Countryside Alliance Wessex Regional Director Delly Everard and Deputy Chief Executive Roger Wilson found the selection so challenging that they have even made some commendations. The winners are…….

Best Local Food Retailer
Goldy's Farm Shop
West Holme Farm
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 6AQ
01929 556777
http://www.goldys.co.uk/
Delly says: “Owner Jenny Goldsack really does go the extra mile for her local community and is passionate about local food. All of her nominations praised her cheerfulness, her dedication to her customers and, of course, the fact that she is a wonderful ambassador for the best that Dorset can offer”.

Best Village Shop / PO
Sherston Village Shop/ Post Office
1 High Street
Sherston
Malmesbury
Wiltshire
SN16 0LH
01666 840202.
Delly says: “Owners Paul and Gail Mather even inspired poetry from one of their customers! This dynamic duo only took the shop over two years ago and whilst they were refitting the store they traded from the village hall. They sell wonderful local produce and are the hub of their community. They sell Christmas cards made by villagers, sell stamps for 10p to help the local scout pack, take part in the annual Sherston boules competition and help the elderly in the community by delivering direct to them.”
Highly Commended: Wren’s Shop and Post Office, East Knoyle, Wiltshire

Best Diversification
Fosseway Garden Centre
Stow Road
Moreton-in-Marsh
Gloucestershire
GL56 0DS
01698 651 757
Delly says: “Tim and Gill Godwin have converted their redundant farm building into this wonderful garden centre They diversified their dairy farm, with no prior experience of plants, and established a plant nursery which has now grown into a full blown garden centre and shop. They provide a valuable service to the locality, bearing in mind the nearest large town is 20 miles away. This year, further expansion has taken place to include 'Timothys' Tearoom, offering snacks and light meals, which provides a facility for local groups to meet. There is involvement with nearby schools and church groups as well as providing an outlet for local produce. This is an excellent local business and a superb example of a successful diversification.”
Highly commended: The Ginger Piggery, Boyton Village, Wiltshire. http://www.thegingerpiggery.co.uk/

Best Traditional Business
Glyn Slade-Jones
39 High Street
Kington
Herefordshire
HR5 3BJ
01544 230470
Delly says: “One nomination for Glyn described him as “fizzing with energy, like an everlasting firework, bursting and sparkling with new ideas”, which is spot on. He believes that great tasting food comes from working with local farmers and nature and he supports the community by giving talks to the WI, hosting pie and sausage making events for local schools and really just being the heart of his community. The produce on sale is second to none and I am delighted to put Glyn forward in this category.”