Coln Community Stores, a beloved village shop and café in the heart of the Cotswolds, has earned a coveted spot on the shortlist for the 2024 Countryside Alliance Awards—often described as the ‘rural Oscars’. This esteemed national event celebrates outstanding rural businesses across the UK that champion local economies and nurture vibrant community life.
Marking its 20th anniversary this year, the awards will honor the national winners at a special ceremony in July held at the House of Lords. The competition begins regionally, with five categories covering Butchers, Pubs, Local Food and Drink, Rural Enterprise, and Village Shops/Post Offices.
Coln Community Stores, located in Coln St Aldwyns near Cirencester, is proud to represent Gloucestershire in the Village Shop/Post Office category for the South West region. This community-owned hub, collectively owned by over 250 local residents, offers vital services that include retail, a café, and postal facilities—all of which are deeply valued by villagers.
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Yvette Kirk, Chair of the Coln Stores Management Committee, expressed the community’s enthusiasm:
“We’re thrilled to be shortlisted. Our village shop and café serve as a cornerstone for rural life here, supporting everything from social connections to local economic resilience. Our customers often tell us how much they depend on us; knowing this keeps us motivated to keep serving our community. We hope those who appreciate what we do will support us with their votes.”
The competition is tough, with five other south-west contenders from Devon, Dorset, and Wiltshire also vying for the title. Meanwhile, Gloucestershire’s Knead Bakery in Cheltenham is also shortlisted in the Local Food and Drink category, competing against businesses from Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.
Voting is now open until Monday, April 6. After regional winners are chosen, national champions will be announced at the House of Lords in July, celebrating the very best of Britain’s rural enterprises.