Last week, I was delighted to attend the annual Countryside Alliance Rural Oscar Awards in Parliament. The awards are in their 12th year and celebrate rural produce, skills, enterprise and heritage, championing small businesses and their contribution to the rural economy.
Hillside Brewery, a father and son team consisting of Peter and Paul Williamson, were invited up to Parliament after winning the South West regional "Tourism Enterprise" award. The Longhope based brewery were then one of just seven entrants - one for each UK region - to go onto the final stage, with a chance to be crowned the British Champions in Tourism Enterprise. Although on the day they didn't win, just getting to the finals, beating off competition from 7,500 other entrants, is a very impressive achievement, and I would like to extend my congratulations to Paul, Peter and everyone who works with them in the business.
Hillside have previously had some of their beers served in Parliament's Strangers' Bar, and they certainly went down a treat! It was a pleasure to welcome them back to Westminster, and I am very proud of all they've achieved and look forward to their future success. You can find out more about Hillside Brewery on their website, www.hillsidebrewery.com.
You can find out more about the Countryside Alliance Rural Oscars at www.countrysideallianceawards.org.uk/caa/