As I mentioned when I was talking about my friend, the best-selling author, world-famous chef and international tv star Clarissa Dickson Wright, I’m not one to name drop.
I was thinking this again recently when asked to join the billionaire’s son and future PM (that’s what some people reckon) Zac Goldsmith, and the associate editor of the Daily Telegraph, Simon Heffer, on the judging panel of Britain’s Best Rural Retailer 2007 competition.
Seriously, though, it’s great to be involved – keeping villages shops and post offices open is something I feel strongly about so it’ll be nice to do something to help the cause.
I also believe that village retailers have to good at what they do. Customers can’t be expcted to use their local shop simply because it happens to be there. The days of offering a newspaper, a few mouldy courgettes and some over-priced toilet rolls are long gone.
Rural retailers have to offer good value and a good range, as well as an excellent, friendly service. This competition will recognise the many examples of those that already do that.
If you know anyone who should enter, you can nominate them online via the Countryside Alliance’s website.
Perhaps we should ask Simon Heffer not to use any big words you won't understand?
You could always tell them you are a mate of Chesney Hawkes!
In case anyone's wondering about the Chesney Hawkes comment - Damp and Dusty is referring to my brush with fame at the Young Farmers convention this year!
http://www.fwi.co.uk/blogs/rural-life/2007/04/field-day-is-the-one-and-only.html
Tim