The Best Rural Retailers in Wales have been declared in the Countryside Alliance’s third annual competition. Four exceptional winners were honoured by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones AM at a Senedd reception on 12th December. Retailers met with Assembly Members at the reception to discuss rural issues and the highs and lows of rural retailing as well as celebrate their success. These winners will now go forward to the UK final.

Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones said: “I am delighted to present awards to the best rural retailers in Wales. I am committed to supporting rural communities and the local rural economy, and it’s great to see such a range of Welsh local enterprise represented in this competition. I believe that retailers have a vital role to play in the future of their communities. These awards recognise their importance and I wish the finalists the best of luck at the UK final.”

Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart introduces the All-Wales winners, all of whom are pictured receiving their awarf from Elin Jones AM:

1. Best Local Food Category: Llwynhelyg Farm Shop, Sarnau, Ceredigion: Simon says: “For the third year running Teifi and Jenny Davies have proved themselves the best of the best with their small shop, which has 85% local stock from their farm and support for 125 producers within a 40-mile radius. Teifi and Jenny are committed to promoting local food to the whole community, especially the young, and pupils and teachers from local schools led the charge in nominating them this year. They run healthy eating tuck shops in conjunction with local primary schools where the pupils are in charge of ordering the stock. Their passion for community and produce make their win richly deserved.” http://www.llwynhelygfarmshop.co.uk/
Commendation: Rhug Organics, Corwen, Denbighshire http://www.rhug.co.uk/

2. Best Shop / PO Category: Morgan’s Newsagents, Llangadog, Carms. Simon says: “Visiting Morgan’s Post Office is a joy and you can tell how valued Win and Richard are by their customers – from helping one customer rehearse a speech for her daughter’s wedding to picking up dry cleaning out of hours, they always go the extra mile. As well as the vital shop and Post Office function, Morgan’s, which has been a family business at the heart of the community for over 60 years, is determined to move with the times, providing internet lessons for local youngsters and running Llangadog’s website. One nomination summed them up by saying ‘Win and Richard are always making sacrifices for their customers and we couldn't do without them. Never a grumble, always a smile no matter what the problem or work.’ Win and Richard also took the South & West Wales title last year – testament to their dedication.” http://www.llangadog.com/
Commendation: Dingestow Post Office, Dingestow, Monmouthshire

3. Best Diversification Category: Swan’s Farm Shop, Mold, Denbighshire. Simon says: “This is a diversification that goes from strength to strength. The farm shop opened in 2003 and was always something special, but Clive and Gail Swan haven’t let the grass go and have since added a butchery counter which complements the home made pies Gail makes on site. The addition of a nature walk in 2008 will set the seal on this outfit’s commitment to produce, environment and community – they want their community and visitors to appreciate the best of Wales and in doing so have become the best of Wales themselves.”
Commendation: Creation Gardens, Nantmel, Powys http://www.creationgardens.co.uk/

  4. Best Traditional Business Category: Andrew J Rees & Sons, Butcher, Narberth, Pembs. NATIONAL WINNER: Simon says: “Pembrokeshire born and bred, Andrew is passionate about local produce and won’t order anything from outside the area unless there is no other option. As well as a commitment to supporting the local farming community Andrew and his team are at the heart of Narberth life. They ran a 5k race dressed in Santa suits last year to aid a local children’s hospice. Andrew also supports the local Young Farmers, used to coach the local junior rugby team, does outside catering free for charity events, provides placements for local butchery students and says that he has immense pride in his work and has “never forgotten the support that the people of Pembrokeshire have given to me. It’s a wonder he has time to run his exceptional butcher shop!”
Commendation: SA Harrison (hardware store) Coedpoeth, Denbighshire