The Best Rural Retailers in the South West have been declared in the Countryside Alliance’s third annual competition. These exceptional winners will now represent the best of the West as they vie for a national title against winners from the rest of the UK.

Best Local Food Category: Martin’s of Castle Cary, Somerset. Alison Hawes, Regional Director for the South West and leader of the local judging panel says: “Martin’s have been trading since 1875 and retain a passionate commitment to local produce – they are also proud that their average “mystery shopper” score is 97%! They have bags of community spirit, being the principal sponsors of the Castle Cary Carnival, raising money for the local Air Ambulance amongst other charities and working with the council to provide welcome packs for people moving to the area. Their mission statement sums up their ethos – ‘sourced with enthusiasm, sold with passion’.”
Market Place
Castle Cary
Somerset
BA7 7AH
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01963 350208
www.castlecaryhampers.co.uk

Best Shop / PO Category: Long Sutton Post Office & Stores, Somerset. Alison says: “With Post Offices increasingly under threat it is wonderful to be able to highlight the huge community-importance of a well-run branch, and Long Sutton is a great example, having inspired several nominations. Mark and Veronica Talbot are truly valued, with praise from customers saying it best: ‘they work tirelessly for the community,’ ‘a wonderful village store - we love it,’ ‘I hope they win this competition as they deserve it for all their hard work and care, ’ ‘delightful people,’ ‘we would be lost without them’ and ‘Veronica and Mark have made themselves an indispensable part of the community.’
The Green
Long Sutton
Langport
Somerset
TA10 9HT
01458 241227

Best Diversification Category: DJ Haggett Butchers Ltd & Spar, Silverton, Devon. Alison says: “David Haggett is inspiring. This local-produce champion added to his butcher shop to incorporate a village shop and café, with the full consultation of this small local community. David says it was not easy matching up his traditional butcher shop with a modern convenience store, but has ‘enjoyed the challenge.’ He is a great example of diversifying to keep with the times and provide for the needs of the community whilst not compromising on quality and support for local farmers and suppliers.”
12 Newcourt Road
Silverton
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4HR
http://www.djhaggett.co.uk/

Best Traditional Business Category: Acorn Saddlery, South Molton, N Devon. Alison says: “This is a traditional business which reflects the importance of the equine industry in the Westcountry. Frank and Susan Edwards run this popular saddlery, which counts 12 packs of hounds and 9 shoots (for accessories) as customers – it truly is a community hub. Two Master Saddlers are in the Acorn workshop, helping keep  traditional saddlery techniques alive, which is phenomenally important in this increasingly mechanised age, where it seems easier to import that to support home grown businesses. Frank and Susan are country people working for country people and it is a formula that has worked for over 30 years.”
Acorn Saddlery
76 South Street
South Molton
Devon
EX36 4AG
01769 573847
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www.acornsaddlery.co.uk/