Rikki in running for a ‘Rural Oscar’

Welshpool’s Rikki Lloyd Butchers is on the shortlist for an award at the 18^th Countryside Alliance Awards, known as the Rural Oscars.

The long-established independent business is joining other Montgomeryshire businesses - Woosnam and Davies (Llanidloes), Wynnstay Hotel (Machynlleth,) Gazm Drinks (Newtown) and Fork Handles Farm Shop as finalists.

The Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food & farming, enterprise and heritage through our small hard-working businesses. The Rural Oscars have become the definitive rural business award to win and are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers the chance to say why their favourite businesses is worthy of national acclaim.

Last year saw Izzy’s Butchers in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant win an award, and Izzy then went on to receive the coveted Clarissa Dickson Wright Award at the Grand Final hosted at the House of Lords, which centred on her belief in campaigning, educating, and supporting our farmers and producers.

Countryside Alliance Awards Director Sarah Lee commented: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.

“They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”

The local businesses have been strongly supported by Montgomeryshire Member of the Senedd, Russell George, who said: “The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate those businesses that go the extra mile and are the cornerstone of our rural communities.

“Montgomeryshire has once again proved what it has to offer, by having five finalists, which has shown that reaching the regional finals is testament to the hard work and service they provide to their community.

“I was pleased to meet with finalists last year, and met up with Izzy at the Royal Welsh Show, who took home the Clarissa Dickson Wright Award at the Grand Final.

“Izzy is a testament to Montgomeryshire, and I hope that this year’s finalists can follow in her footsteps and bring home the win for Montgomeryshire.

“I will be following their progress with pride and will be championing their success.”

PICTURE: Russell George pictured with Izzy’s butchers celebrating the two Rural Oscar awards at the Royal Welsh Show 2024.