| 2006 National winners |
|
|
|
6 months of voting, 2,000 nominations, 52 regional winners
The 2006 Best Rural Retailer competition reached a crescendo at the
House of Lords on 7th February, when four overall national Best Rural
Retailer winners were announced. DEFRA Minister Lord Rooker told a
packed reception about the Government's support for our rural
communities and praised the competition for recognising the hard work
and dedication of our retailers. Alliance Chief Executive, Simon Hart,
and Chairman, Kate Hoey MP, announced the results to four delighted
retailers......
 Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business: Alexander James of Pendlebury, Greater Manchester. Simon
Hart says: “This family-run outfitter makes country sports and other
traditional clothing, and pride themselves on using only British
textiles, hand-tailoring rather than using machinery, and on a
traditional approach to customer service and customer needs. This
business typifies why this category is important: Britain's wool
industry was the backbone of British agriculture - something we led the
world in - and for a retailer to be doing so much to keep this industry
alive amidst huge competition from overseas markets is a wonderful
example of British grit, determination and pride in our traditions.”
www.alexander-james.co.ukHighly Commended: Cold Hanworth Forge, Cold Hanworth, Lincolnshire http://www.teachblacksmithing.com/  Best Diversification: Langthorne’s Buffalo Produce, Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Simon
Hart says: “Paul and Kate Langthorne’s son, Andrew, was diagnosed with
cystic fibrosis at a young age and was intolerant of cows milk, so
dairy farmer Paul bought a buffalo for the milk and realised a
diversification opportunity. The original large dairy herd of Holstein
cows yielded milk at 17 pence per litre, but Paul soon had 200 buffalo
yielding milk at 70 pence per litre. Now, a 250-strong buffalo herd
provides meat, including the “iron age” burger, and dairy products
including mozzarella. Langthorne’s Buffalo Products is a market leader
and a huge success. New species have also been introduced including
elk, wild boar, yak and emu, which must be quite a sight on the plains
of North Yorkshire!”Highly Commended: Low Sizergh Barn, Low Sizergh, Cumbria www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk/ |
Best Local Food Retailer: Foxbury Farm Shop & Butchery, Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. Simon
Hart says: “Foxbury ethics are “Foxbury first, local second, and
British third and there is no fourth.” This farm shop is outstanding –
nothing is sold before owner Colin Dawes or his staff have been to see
it produced and are happy that it is of the highest quality. As well as
the produce, the commitment to community is central to Foxbury, with
schools coming to tour the farm. One initiative, where Burford school
is given £50 for produce and the pupils are then shown how to cook a
meal, is helping to ensure that the next generation knows the
importance of local, healthy food. This shop has vision but also
celebrates the UK’s farming heritage.”
Best Village Shop/ Post Office: David Carr, Corner Shop, Longframlington, Northumberland. Simon Hart says: “David was a regional winner last year as well, and this year’s national win is testament to his commitment, character and the high regard in which he is held. David is an ideal ambassador not just for his community, but for local shop-keepers everywhere. He has been burgled 14 times and during FMD saw a 25% drop in business, but remains undaunted!! He gets up at 2.30am four days a week to collect fresh vegetables for sale and provides a free prescription service for his elderly customers – he also finds the time to run marathons in under three hours. David never looks for praise, but he has had plenty from the customers who nominated him and also deserves plenty from us - small shops and local communities have a future due to people like David.”