A community project and shop in Tre’r Ddol have been awarded a national award for their “outstanding contribution to their communities”.

Cletwr are celebrating winning the Re-localisation of Produce Award at the Plunkett Foundation’s Rural Community Business Awards 2021, which recognises the UK’s “most inspiring community businesses” that have “gone above and beyond for their communities over the last year”.

Cletwr joined seven other “inspirational community-businesses from across the UK” at an awards ceremony, hosted by restaurateur, chef and television presenter Dame Prue Leith DBE, on Thursday, 25 November.

Activities Coordinator for Cletwr Rachel said: “The Rural Community Business Awards mean a lot to Cletwr and we could not have achieved this without all of our local suppliers, producers, farmers, growers, bakers, beekeepers and artists with whom we are surrounded by.

“Every single one of you has contributed to making this award possible.

“The award also showcases some of the best local produce that Wales has to offer and, importantly, Ceredigion.

“Come on Wales!”

To celebrate the win, Cletwr held their Christmas Craft Fair on Friday, 3 December.

Rachel continued: “It was a very busy night at Cletwr last Friday where we saw the return of our Christmas Craft Fair which featured stalls by local artists selling items from Ruth Jên Evans ‘Welsh Ladies’ lino-cuts, to Richard Spencer’s hand-harvested honey products, made in Taliesin.

“Phil Wheeler’s contemporary New Orleans Jazz Band warmed the winter air with seasonal classics while chestnuts were roasting on our outdoor fire!

“We continued the fun in The Wildfowler pub with Penglais student-band ‘Bow Street Station’ at our after party.

“Our event also celebrated the hard work of late in getting the cafe reopened for hot drinks, home made pastries and cakes during the week – something that had been lost this Autumn due to the ongoing staffing problems in the hospitality industry.”

The seven winners in the Rural Community Business Awards were selected from 21 finalists, representing a wide range of businesses from across the UK, including community-owned farms, woodlands, shops, pubs, community hubs and breweries.

The awards are held annually by national charity, the Plunkett Foundation – which supports rural communities across the UK to tackle local issues such as isolation, loneliness, employment and wellbeing, through supporting community-owned business.

Chief Executive James Alcock said: “The impact and inclusivity of these award winners continue to transform the lives of people they serve. Each of them has an incredible story of the positive impact they are having in their community.

“We hope their stories inspire others to start their own community-owned business, with Plunkett ready to offer advice and support to them in doing so.”