| 2009 Wales winners |
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Four Welsh rural businesses are celebrating after being declared Welsh Champions in the Countryside Alliance Awards. At an exclusive Senedd reception on Wednesday 20th January, the businesses were honoured by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones AM and Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas AM, Presiding Officer. Speaking at the Awards, the Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said: “I am delighted to have been invited to present the Countryside Alliance Awards to the Welsh winners again. I would like to thank the Countryside Alliance and sponsors for their efforts to showcase Welsh producers and businesses. Rural Wales faces a challenging but exciting future. Despite the current economic climate there is a tremendous spirit in rural communities and we continue to need the good ideas of businesses and individuals in Rural Wales." The Awards celebrate the characters, skills, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the people who work so hard to make it tick. Countryside Alliance Campaigns Director Robert Gray, who read the citations at the ceremony, introduces Wales’ champions of 2009, who now go forward to the British final (view a slideshow of photos here ):
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Local Food Award: Elwy Valley Welsh Lamb, Denbigh, Denbighshire 01745 813552. Here in Wales you are blessed with a landscape (and dare I say climate?!) that allows your Welsh Lamb to thrive and the lush pastures in the North certainly have that extra special ingredient. Elwy Valley Welsh Lamb was set up by Daphne Tilley, who realised that diversification was the only way forward if her family were to continue farming. Setting off for London in a Land Rover laden with their own welsh lamb, knocked on restaurant doors and from that initial visit a thriving business was born. Jamie Oliver has been a faithful customer not only for his restaurant but at prestigious events such as the G20 summit and yesterday to the national judges of the Awards! The farm also plays host to Jamie’s restaurant 15 students when they visit for some hands on experience in agriculture and rural life. Teaching the next generation food knowledge and highlighting the need to support small rural businesses is vitally important for the sustainability of our rural communities.
Village Shop / Post Office Award: Cwmdu Village Shop, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Nestled away in the heart of the Towy valley, lies a small village shop and post office which bursts at the seams with customers. An array of products from the absolute necessities to the local homemade pantry treats, baskets and pottery, this really is the hub of the community. After witnessing many owners coming and going, trying to make the business a success, the community took matters into their own hands, laying down their very own views and values of how the enterprise should be run to their long standing landlords. Thankfully, the doors remained open, the community took control and have proved that if it is sustainability you are after then this little gem is exactly that. Not an exceptionally profitable company, granted, but wealthy in terms of what it has to offer the residents of this valley. Whether it’s groceries, or post office services or just a chat and a cup of (free) coffee, this shop and post office offers it all. Particular mention must be made to the sub post-mistress whose hours for the post office go beyond 20hours a week – but only gets paid for 5! For demonstrating sustainability whilst being off the beaten track and providing the residents with “more than just a post office” the award goes to Cwmdu Village Shop.
Daily Telegraph Traditional Business Award: Rhydlewis Smokery, Llandysul, Ceredigion 01239 851224: "Brian Jennings and his partner have immersed themselves in a traditional skill since they bought their property ten years ago. This couple have dedicated the past decade to ensuring that their business develops yet keeps it originality and tradition of smoking the best ham, cheeses and trout in old fashioned wooden chambers. Their customer base stretches as far as France, Spain and America but the main (in fact 90%) of their customers are right here in Wales. Selling to Wales’s best delis, pubs, hotels and restaurants such as the Wishing Well, whilst developing the fishery, shoot and holiday accommodation means that this couple have not had a day off or holiday in ten years – not even this evening."
Rural Enterprise Award: Llyn Y Fan Hatchery, Llanddeusant, Carmarthenshire 01550 740208. Drive, determination and a true understanding and passion for river ecology underpin this winner's business. Life, although picturesque, I am sure, can be quite a challenge when you live at the foot of the Black Mountains and experience Wales’ diverse climate. But this is where you will find the only hatchery providing such a service in South and South West Wales. Set up in 1994 in the disused water supply site and with the support of Carmarthen Fisherman’s' Federation, between them they had the foresight to see the needs for salmon and sea trout restoration by rearing for local river systems. They often have school pupils assisting them in the release of young fish in to the river whilst giving them the opportunity to learn about the eco systems of our waterways. Through Carmarthen Fisherman’s Federation alone, they are immersed in a community with over 10,000 enthusiastic anglers of all ages who I am sure will be delighted to see them receiving this award.”