A family-run business in Raglan has made the regional shortlist for the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards.
Dubbed the ‘Rural Oscars’, the annual gold standard awards – now in their 14th year - celebrate people who routinely go the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, heritage and forward-thinking enterprises can flourish.
The awards are public-nomination led across five categories: Local Food and Drink, Village Shop or Post Office, Butcher, Rural Enterprise and Pub.
Flying the flag for Monmouthshire is Raglan Farm Park, which has been named one of just four regional Welsh finalists in the Rural Enterprise category.
After being whittled down from over 17,000 nominations, the park is now hoping to be crowned regional champion and progress to the national finals at the House of Lords in June.
Monmouth MP David Davies paid a visit to find out how the Williams family has achieved such a huge level of success since throwing open their barn doors to the public in 2016.
He professed he was “bowled over” by what Raglan Farm Park has to offer.
“Unlike many farm parks, this is first and foremost a working farm which is seeking to educate as well as entertain,” said Mr Davies.
“There are the usual activities for families with children of all ages, from soft play to ride-on tractors, but there is so much more. When I visited we were able to see how animals are looked after and there was a fantastic live lambing event.
“There is a classroom for pupils and delicious beef burgers with the lowest possible amount of food miles since they come from cattle reared on the farm.
“I am certainly going to be back again and will be giving my full support to Raglan Farm Park ahead of the final round of judging.”
Owner Gareth Williams added: “Since we first opened our barn doors nearly three years ago we never imagined that we would now be running the fastest growing family day out attraction in south Wales!
“This success is due, in no small part, to our wonderful staff who go the extra mile to make sure that visitors leave with happy memories of their day with us.”
For more information, visit www.raglanfarmpark.com.