Cumbria Life – Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 Winner
Hazel Relph from Borrowdale was named as winner of the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to upland farming. A fine ambassador for Hardwick meat and wool, Hazel and her husband Joe started selling meat direct from the farm in 1999, diversifying further with a tea room and then a B&B. Hazel has been eloquent and robust in campaigning for fell farming and the preservation of the important and unique Cumbrian upland landscape. Additionally, she has campaigned vigorously for children with Downs Syndrome and special needs to be allowed to attend mainstream schools. Hazel argued successfully that those with disabilities should be able to study at Newton Rigg College, thus enabling her own son to complete his education.
Hazel and her husband Joe are part of the fabric of the Borrowdale Valley and the Borrowdale Show is held on their farm every September. In 2008, they won the prestigious Blamire Award, presented by the Blamire Trust in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the county’s agriculture.