Wrexham Produce Celebrated at Awards Ceremony

Two rural Wrexham businesses have been celebrated after reaching the finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards last week.

Llangollen Brewery reached the finals in the Local Food Category, and Glyn Ceiriog Post Office were finalists in the Village Shop category.

The awards, dubbed the Rural Oscars, are an annual celebration of Welsh rural business, produce and communities. The ceremony was sponsored by Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales’ North Wales AM and his party’s spokesperson on rural affairs. Llyr is also chair of the cross-party group on Rural Affairs at the National Assembly.

Mr Gruffydd said, “It was a joy to see both businesses reaching the finals, and deservedly so. It is a recognition of the hard work that both businesses put in day in day out to make sure that they thrive. But they also contribute significantly to their communities, either through employment, bringing in money or by providing much needed services.”

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales’ candidate for Clwyd South nominated both businesses. Mr ap Gwynfor said, “Llangollen Brewery do an excellent range of ales, and John and Gilly at Glyn Ceiriog Post Office provide an essential service always with a smile, and Gilly’s home baking is something else. Both businesses represent what is best about our rural communities, doing what they do for the love of it and not for any great commercial or financial gain.

“Rural communities are more than just green hills and fresh air, they are living breathing communities and these businesses are a reminder of this. It would do well for those who provide services such as banking, health, education and others to remember this.”

Steven Evans, from Llangollen Brewery said, “We’re very pleased to get this award. An increasing number of people are enquiring about our beer, and we’re selling it as far afield as Anglesey. We’re looking forward to another busy and successful year.”

John Keen from Glyn Ceiriog Post Office said, “This was a nice surprise, and timely considering the campaign we’ve had to keep the Post Office here. We wouldn’t have such a thriving little business if it wasn’t for the support of our fantastic customers. We’d like to thank them all for their continued support.”