Hitchin MP calls for nominations to celebrate 'rural Oscars'

The Countryside Alliance Awards, support and promote rural communities, celebrating people ensuring that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills and forward-thinking enterprises .

Mr Strathern is urging everyone to go the "extra mile" and nominate farmers, high street businesses and community groups in the constituency for the awards. 

Mr Strathern (right) on a farm visit with now Environment Secretary Steve Reed near RAF Henlow. (Image: Alistair Strathern) The awards run across the following categories:

1. Local Food Award
2. Village shop/ Post Office Award
3. Rural Enterprise Award
4. Butcher Award
5. Rural Pub Award

Nominations are open online at https://www.countryside-alliance.org/awards until November 17, followed by judging, and national winners will be announced at the House of Lords in spring 2025.

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Mr Strathern supports the Labour Government’s plans to rejuvenate British farming, increasing domestic use, standards and exports. He also backs plans to reform business rates to encourage more enterprise across our constituency and the country.

He said: “These awards are a fantastic way to promote the local business people who work hard to keep rural Britain thriving."

Mr Strathern described the Hitchin produce as "second to none" and highlighted the many "community heroes and business worthy of national recognition". 

He added: “Let’s see if we can bring an award or two home for Hitchin!"