The Bellflower in Garstang is one of just 15 pubs from across the country to reach the finals of the Community Pub Hero Awards, organised by PubAid and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and sponsored by Matthew Clark.
Nationwide, 200 pubs entered the Community Pub Hero Awards, including 70 nominated by their local MP. A panel of industry experts judged the entries, and the overall winners will be announced in March. Both finalists and winners will be invited to a House of Commons presentation.
The competition first ran in 2018 and has been expanded this year to offer two categories for pubs: Community Support Hero or Charity Fundraising Hero, and a new Community Regular Hero where pubs nominated a supportive customer.
Licensee Heather Porter-Brandwood has made the Marston’s pub a hub of the local community. The long list of support includes: free Christmas dinner for those who would otherwise be alone; providing sanitary products to those facing period poverty; sourcing school uniforms for struggling families and a free meal for forces and veterans on Remembrance Sunday. They have also trained all staff to provide a welcoming space for people living with dementia.
PubAid co-founder Des O’Flanagan said: “Our heartfelt congratulations go to The Bellflower. Choosing the finalists from a very strong set of entries was a real challenge and those pubs who have reached the shortlist should be very proud of their achievement.”
“Judges were hugely impressed by the stories from so many pubs, who have raised astonishing sums for charities, or provided incredible support for local people. The awards demonstrate, once again, that pubs are a force for good in their communities.”
John Steele, Trade Marketing Director, Matthew Clark added: “We were delighted to support this competition again and pleased to see an increase in the number of entries over last year. It is wonderful to hear about the great work done by licensees and their teams and we’re happy to be giving them well-deserved recognition.”
The Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: “To receive 70 nominations from MPs is an excellent result and shows how pubs are valued as hubs of charity and community support in constituencies across the country. Congratulations to The Bellflower on reaching the finals in a very tough competition.”
DETAILS OF PUB:
Address: The Bellflower, Parkside Lane, Preston, PR3 0JA
Pub company: Marston’s
Licensee: Heather Porter-Brandwood
Tel: 01995 238207
