Oxfordshire community shop wins regional award

Many congratulations to Chadlington Quality Foods (CQF) who have once again been judged winners in the South England region in the recent Countryside Alliance Best Rural Retailer Awards. Last year they were named ‘Best Village Shop’ in the region; this year they have been chosen as the regional winner of the ’Local Food’ category and went through to the national finals which took place on 30 March at the House of Lords.

CQF stocks and produces local food and strives to support as many local food suppliers as they can. The judges commented: “This business was saved from going under by the community rallying to save something they could not lose and, 10 years on, the committee-run operation is a real beacon for local produce. You are bowled over by the array of local produce at Chadlington and the village is leading the way on honest labelling, which is a huge issue in local food. Two strong rural themes are highlighted by the Countryside Alliance Awards – the importance of local produce and the power of community spirit. Chadlington has both in abundance.”

Chadlington Quality Foods is one of 18 community owned shops in the county. If you would like to know more setting up a community shop or any aspect of village shopkeeping, please contact Jane Barker, ORCC’s Village Shops Development Worker, 01865 883488  www.oxonrcc.org.uk