Drink to memory of VC recipient Tommy
A NEW beer named after a Widnes Victoria Cross (VC) recipient and made by people with learning disabilities has gone on tap in four of Halton’s pubs.
Our Heroes has been produced by Norton Brewing, which operates out of Norton Priory in Runcorn.
The beer – based on an original First World War recipe – is now on sale at The Premier in Widnes, as well as The Ferry Boat, The Prospect, and The Royal Oak in Runcorn.
The brew has been named after Sergeant Thomas Mottershead from Widnes to mark the centenary of his act of bravery.
A statue to mark his achievement will be unveiled next April in Victoria Park, while a commemorative stone and a blue plaque have also recently been installed.
The Sgt Thomas Mottershead Statue Appeal approached Halton Borough Council’s Norton Brewing with the idea of producing a commemorative beer and only eight barrels have been produced.
It is run by Halton Borough Council and offers pre-employment skills training in a practical environment under the guidance of brewery staff.
Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for ● health and wellbeing, Cllr Marie Wright, 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.”
Statue appeal treasurer David Gray said: “Sgt Mottershead was awarded the VC posthumously.
“He was in combat at 9,000ft 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.”