Recognition at the House of Lords
June 25th was the nationwide finals of the "Countryside Alliance" awards aka the "Rural Oscars". A blistering hot day in London, the House of Lords welcomed the finalists for the 5 categories from each of the home nations to meet and find out which business's would be crowned UK champion.
A great chance to meet with other like minded people, discuss ideas, swap recipes and product innovation. We were then officially welcomed to the House of Lords and briefly received a talk from Rt Hon Lord Herbert of South Downs, comprising of how important it is for Rural business to be recognised in the political world, where it so often feel like our constituencies are under recognised.
The Best Butcher was the first award to be announced, and it deservedly went to Arthur Howells of Norfolk. His ethos of farming and producing high welfare, top quality meat, to supply his family's butchers shop which has been running over 140 years, saw him scoop the ultimate recognition for his dedication.
The final award of the afternoon was the "Clarissa Dickson Wright Award" of which to my surprise and delight was awarded to us - Izzy's Butchers. The award centres on the late Clarissa's dedication for supporting farming and food producers through educating and campaigning, and recognises those business's or individuals who promote this ethos.
To receive this award was absolutely astonishing to me - I was inspired as a child watching "Clarissa and the Countryman" on TV. Somebody who was outspoken, she achieved so much for the slow food movement and protection of our Rural way of life. It is an honour to receive such an award!
A huge congratulations to all the other Winners and Finalists, also to the Countryside Alliance for running the awards which are widely recognised and respected.
The award is not personal, but to us as a business and so thank you to all my team both in the shop and in life! We will be having a party shortly to celebrate!
Please take a look at all the other winners and finalist in your areas. These can be viewed here - Winners 2024