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The South East regional judging panel, led by Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director Michelle Nudds, is proud to announce its Best Rural Retailers of 2006:
 Best Local Food Retailer
Fanny’s Farm Shop
Markedge Lane
Merstham
Surrey
RH1 3AW
www.fannysfarm.com/
01737 554444
Michelle says: “Fanny’s Farm Shop has a long history as a firm favourite in the heart of her local community. Having served the people of Merstham since 1979, Fanny has grown from her humble beginnings as a means to sell excess garden produce, to become a well-known local celebrity with a regular radio series, “Behind the scenes at Fanny’s Farm Shop”. Homemade preserves, particularly her award-winning marmalade, are sold faster than they can be produced, and all goods are sourced locally with the help of local florist Nellie, Fanny’s daughter. The business works as a whole to provide a complete service to both the local and wider community.”
 Best Village Shop / PO
Sedlescombe Village Stores and Post Office
The Green
Sedlescombe
East Sussex
TN33 0RP
01424 870 250
Michelle says: “Sedlescombe Village Stores and Post Office is the heart of the local community. While offering regular postal services, John and Jennie Mainwood champion local produce in the store and offer to help those less able with a grocery delivery-service. The notice board advertises all local events and their son campaigned to successfully bring broadband to the village. As a focal point of the community, the small family run business offers something for everyone.”
 Best Diversification
Fishers Farm Park
Newpound Lane
Wisborough Green
West Sussex
RH14 0EG
www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk
01403 700063
Michelle says: “This is an all inclusive countryside activity centre and attraction. Education Days for Schools are offered in conjunction with the National Curriculum and free visits are offered to local schools. Animals on farm range from hamsters to shire horses. Those who work on the farm generate everything on site and there is theatre, tractor rides, a nature trail and pony rides, alongside a shop championing local produce sourced from the South of England. Run by Tim Rollings, the business started as a pick-your-own farm but as more children took an interest in the animals grazing in nearby paddocks, the farm developed to the stage it is now, with 180,000 visitors last year alone.”
 Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business
S. W. Doughty
The Street
Doddington
Faversham
Kent
ME9 0BH
http://www.swdoughty.co.uk/
01795 886255
Michelle says: “S. W. Doughty is the true essence of traditional rural retail. With an abattoir on site, this family business has preserved the skill of butchery and the locally sourced sausages and burgers are essential at any community event. Geese amble around the paddock while all produce sold comes from within a 20-mile radius of the traditional counter. Local eating establishments and businesses advertise their use of Doughty produce, and the local community work in partnership with the business to ensure a benefit for all.”
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