Publicans delivering to selfisolating
OWNERS of a Somerset-based pub have been supporting their locals by preparing and delivering meals to those in the area who are currently selfisolating at home.
Kat and Martin Bowden, from The Vivary Arms in Taunton, launched the initiative to provide a service for vulnerable members of their community.
The husband and wife duo are committed and active members of the community, running a food bank from the pub, as well as contributing to a number of initiatives, including an online support group.
The support group is run via Facebook and facilitates a number of activities and good deeds that demonstrate the thoughtful nature of the local community and their desire to give back during the pandemic. The support network has been overseeing prescription deliveries, food deliveries and friendly phone call check ins with those isolating.
Mrs Bowden said the delivery service, which comes after the Government announced that pubs won’t be able to reopen until July 4 at the earliest, clearly demonstrates the continued desire and passion of publicans across the country to act as a hub for their communities.
She commented: “There is a real sense of togetherness and unity amongst the local community and we’re delighted to be a part of that. We only recently took on the pub, so the timing of the pandemic was a real challenge for us, but we were still determined to get out and support the in any way we could.
“Pubs are the beating heart of our culture in the UK. It’s a place where people come together to spend time with families and friends, to share memories and have fun. We’re proud to have done our bit to bring a little bit of the joy of the pub into our customers’ homes over the past few months.
“That said, we’re very much excited to welcome everyone back when we re-open our doors on the other side of this incredibly challenging period. I think we’ll all deserve a drink!”
For more information on what pubs across the county and country are doing to support their local communities, please visit the website www.greatbritish-pubs.co.uk