The annual Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, are now open for nominations and Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, is urging the local community to get involved.
‘These awards are an excellent way to support and promote the local businesses who are working hard to keep rural Britain thriving. Our local produce in West Berkshire is second to none and this is a great way to recognize and honour those many community heroes and rural businesses worthy of national recognition. Vicars Game in Ashampstead was a worthy finalist from this area in the past and it would be great to see more winners from West Berkshire. I would encourage everyone to go online at www.countryside-alliance.org and nominate someone today.’
NOTES: There are four categories: Local Food Award, Village Shop/Post Office Award, Farm Enterprise Award (a category which recognizes farm diversification other than farm shops) and Rural Tourism Enterprise Award. Nominations close on November 4th and national winners will be announced in the spring of 2017.