| 2006 South West winners |
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The South West’s regional winners in the Countryside Alliance’s second annual Best Rural Retailer competition have now been declared. These four exceptional winners are now going head-to-head with fellow regional winners for a shot at national glory. The judging panel, led by Countryside Alliance South West Regional Director Alison Hawes, chose the following: Best Local Food Retailer: On The Table, Goonhavern, Cornwall.
On the Table Alison says: “This is a farm shop with a difference. Striking a balance between a traditional farm shop and a deli, Josephine Symons strives to celebrate local farm produce as well as bread, prepared hampers, chutneys, preserves and condiments. Having learned butchery for the purposes of the shop, all meat comes from the family owned farm, with the majority of all food sourced direct from growers/producers around Cornwall (90%+). Over 100 tailor made vegetable (and meat) boxes are sent out every week, and there is a special promotion table every weekend in the shop celebrating a different product. Best Village Shop/ Post Office: Cakebreads, Gorran Haven, Cornwall.
Cakebreads Alison says: “Barbara and Ralph Noot are undoubtedly the hub of this village. Three years ago they took over the local post office when the village was about to lose this facility, and have revitalised and transformed it. Originally the building was a bakery, and still is, but has diversified into a small supermarket and coffee shop which caters for the needs of the village, as well as being an effective local information service! The weekly summer barbecues make Barbara and Ralph a popular centre of their community and it is clear that the locals would be lost without them.” Best Diversification: Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon.
Darts Farm Alison says: “Darts has successfully grown from humble beginnings over 30 years ago as a pick-your-own farm to become part of a booming retail site. Originally set up by their father, three brothers now run the site organising school visits to understand the origins of crops and how beef is butchered and prepared, and plan to link farming and food production with the environment and tourism through the development of Exe Estuary Visitors Centre with the RSPB. Wherever possible produce is sourced locally, and the farm has 60 acres of grass where 100 head of beef cattle are kept to supply the butcher. The farm works closely with the village of Topsham, Exeter Hospice, Devon Air Ambulance and promotes many other local attractions.” http://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/ Best Traditional Business: Thornes the Butcher, Wiveliscombe, Somerset.
Thornes the Butcher
Alison says: “Mr Thorne has worked hard at his business for over 30 years and runs it on the basis that if you provide top quality produce and good service then customers will keep coming back and back. This theory clearly works! Mr Thorne has three sons – two who help in the shop and the other, having learned about farming from his grandfather, who runs the farm which supplies the shop with the best of the West. This commitment to the produce and the community make Thorne’s a worthy winner in this category”. |
