House of Lords visit

Mark and Veronica Talbot (pictured left) who own Long Sutton Village Shop and Post Office were invited, as regional winners of the Countryside Alliance Best Rural Retailer competition, to a reception at the House of Lords on Wednesday 6th February along with the other finalists.

The reception was held in a room overlooking the Thames with panoramic views of the river towards Waterloo Bridge and the London Eye. Kate Hoey MP officially opened the reception at 1 p.m. and Simon Hart the Chief Executive of The Countryside Alliance awarded the prizes to the 12 regional winners of the 4 business categories.

Unluckily our village shop did not win their category - but to have won the South West regional prize and represent Long Sutton at such a prestigious event earns our warmest congratulations and praise.

The national winner for the PO/Village Shop category was won by Di Bell, who runs Nettleton PO & Stores in Wiltshire and who has over a period of 30 years developed her shop from one room to include a Post Office and a hairdresser.

Mark and Veronica said: "All in all, it was a very exciting experience, glorious weather and spectacular views".

To find out more go to http://www.countryside-alliance.org/