New brew celebrates life of heroic airman
ANEW beer brewed in Runcorn by people with learning disabilities has been named after a Widnes Victoria Cross (VC) recipient to mark the centenary of his act of bravery.
A statue for Sergeant Thomas Mottershead to mark his achievement is nearing completion.
A commemorative stone and a blue plaque have also recently been installed.
The Sgt Mottershead Statue Appeal approached Halton Borough Council’s Norton Brewing with the idea of producing a commemorative beer.
Only eight barrels of the ‘Our Heroes’ beer – based on an original First World War recipe – have been produced and are due to go on sale in September at The Premier in Widnes, The Ferry Boat in Runcorn, The Prospect and The Royal Oak, both in Weston Village.
Norton Brewing is based within grounds of Norton Priory and was established in 2011 with three regular ales being brewed there – Priory Gold, Priory Ale and Priory Velvet.
It is run by Halton Borough Council and provides pre-employment skills training in a practical environment under the guidance of brewery staff.
Cllr Marie Wright, Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a truly pioneering project and this will bring it to the attention of people in and outside Halton as well as honouring a real local hero. The people involved really enjoy coming to work and it really gives them meaning in their lives. They are overjoyed that their product it getting such wide recognition. It really is a win win situation.”
The statue of Sgt Thomas Mottershead, which will be located in Victoria Park, is currently being manufactured.
Statue appeal treasurer David Gray said: “Sgt Mottershead was awarded the VC posthumously.
“He was in combat at 9,000 feet flying a Royal Aircraft Factory FE – 2d plane over the Western Front in January 1917.
“His plane was shot by German aircraft and set on fire.
“Enveloped in flames which his observer could not subdue, the gallant airman succeeded in regaining their own lines.
“The machine collapsed on landing and Sgt Mottershead, undoubtedly saving the life of his observer, subsequently died from his injuries.”
Sgt Mottershead was born in Vine Street, Widnes, where a blue plaque has recently been installed, and a commem- orative stone was unveiled in Victoria Park earlier this year.
Mottershead Road in Widnes was also named after him.
Three men born in Halton were awarded the VC for acts of bravery during the two World Wars.
Great War soldier Private Thomas (Todger) Jones has a statue and commemorative stone in Runcorn, along with Sgt Mottershead from Widnes.
Acting Lieutenant Thomas Wilkinson – for whom there will also be a statue appeal next year – was granted his award during the Second World War. ●