The 2013 Rural Oscars will open this summerWelcome to the website of the Countryside Alliance AwardsNicknamed "The Rural Oscars" they are the leading rural business, produce and community awards to win. Operating across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales they celebrate the very best of rural enterprise. They are run by the Countryside Alliance, the 100,000 strong membership organisation that campaigns for rural life.In 2013 we will run the ninth annual Awards. The UK & Ireland Champions of the 2012 Awrds are pictured above (read about them here). Categories for the Awards are as follows:
The Awards are public nomination led and will open to nominations here in the summer, so if you know of someone who runs a small rural business and is contributing to community life, the rural economy and the countryside's future, please nominate them. We are keen to honour the characters behind the businesses as well as the businesses themselves. Read more about how the Awards work here. Meantime, please shop local, eat local and back our farmers! The "Rural Oscars" are supported by:
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Unique Medicine Garden's win gains media attentionFriday, 3 February 2012 Surrey media reports "An enterprising non-profit company has scooped a regional prize in the "rural Oscars". The Medicine Garden in Cobham won the South East Enterprise category in the Countryside Alliance Awards, and staff will head to the House of Lords on March 7 to hear if they have won a national title. Founder Paul Studholme began renovating a Victorian walled garden to create a community space in 2006. Speaking about the award, he said: "I was really very flattered, excited, incredibly pleased and also very grateful to all the people who nominated us." Read moreAntrobus victory reported in the Northwich GuardianThursday, 2 February 2012 Cheshire shop Antrobus has won the coveted title of the top Village Shop in the North West and now goes forward to the Grand Final. The Northwich Guardian has reported "Antrobus Village Shop triumphs in regional awards". Kath Hankey, volunteer, said: “We were really surprised when we found out. When the letter was delivered I never even opened it until nearly closing because we were so busy.” And now a team from the store is coming to Parliament! Read moreThe Newcastle Journal hails HumshaughTuesday, 31 January 2012 The Newcastle Journal reports: "Humshaugh Village Shop branching out into orchard business" saying "Buoyed by a second successive victory in the regional Countryside Alliance Awards, the shop is again heading for the House of Lords to contest the national finals village shop category in March. And it’s all systems go for another great year, with the orchard and honey projects high up the agenda." "Ludwell has the shop of the year," says the Salisbury JournalMonday, 30 January 2012 On 30th January The Salisbury Journal reported "Ludwell has the shop of the year," quoting CA Regional Director Alison Hawes as saying: "....it’s not just a showcase for Dorset produce, even though the locals value the range and chance to support their local suppliers. It’s about being the hub of the community – people wanted Jo and Phil and their team to win as a ‘thank you’ for all their hard work" Read moreOutwood's commendation in Reigate and Redhill LifeSunday, 29 January 2012 On 29th January Reigate and Redhill Life reported "Outwood Butcher's Shop commended in this year's "Rural Oscars". Read more |
