Win delights 'number 1 cow'

Winning the Romeo for Best Retail Business was a surprise, says Margaret and Peter Dalziel, the owner operators of Dolly's Milk on Warwick Road. "When we saw the names of the finalists, we thought we were pretty lucky to even be in the list, let alone to win."

It wasn't the only win for the business, which has been operating a mere eight months yet already has a large following of happy customers. Peter Dalziel was named runner-up as the Best Male Service Person, sponsored by the Stratford Business Association.

"We just feel really honoured, and are grateful to every person who thought us worthy of being nominated," says Margaret.

Thanking people on the night, Margaret was quick to commend "The Dollys", who produce the farm-fresh milk that has become so popular with their customers. It was Peter's off-the-cuff thanks to "the number one cow, my wife Margaret", that got the most attention however. "People figured I wasn't going to go and help milk after that," she laughs, "but of course I was back in the cow shed the next day.

"The whole night was fantastic," says Margaret. "The venue was beautiful, everyone was having a good night, it was really impressive and we are so grateful to the Business Association and all the sponsors for making it such a wonderful event."

Margaret says that they have no idea of when their mystery shopper visited or who it was "but we love meeting all our customers, and enjoy talking to them, it is the customers that make our business what it is".

"We have been blown away by the support we have received since starting the business, and the sheer number of customers we have tells us how popular our farm fresh milk has become."

Dolly's Milk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from Peter and Margaret Dalziel on 297 Warwick Road in Stratford. The self-service kiosk is well lit at night, and glass bottles for the milk are available to purchase.

Dolly's Milk - winner of Best Presented Business; Peter Dalziel - runner-up in Best Male Service Person.