Banbury MP delivers first unsung hero award to local pub owner

Victoria Prentis presented Trevor Brown, the owner of the Pickled Ploughman pub in Adderbury, with an unsung hero award yesterday, Friday July 3, in the marquee set up outside his pub.

Victoria said: "He's fed his village, and the wider community. The social distancing measures here are amazing. The marquee is beautiful and warm."

After lockdown started the Pickled Ploughman was among several Banbury area pubs to modify their business model to offer the public a take-away service. But Trevor's pub also offered a pop-up shop and fresh fruit and veg market along with its takeaway and delivery services.

The pub also delivered meals to the vulnerable in the community during the lockdown.

Mr Brown said the following to the Guardian during lockdown: "We may be at the edge of the village, but we will remain at the heart of the community."

He also started a charity collection to benefit Katharine House Hospice during the pop-up market and take-away services during the lockdown

Katharine House Hospice, also based in Adderbury, supports people and their families who are facing life-limiting illnesses.

Mr Brown said: "We recognised at the outset of the lockdown that the hospice would desperately need funds.

"The hospice is one of our nearest neighbours, and we have been matching donations pound for pound out of our own income.

"Our chief fundraiser is Stan the Bear – named after our longest standing customer."

Mrs Prentis and Mr Brown together presented a cheque and additional cash totalling £2,830 to Hannah Lehman from the Katharine House Hospice on Friday July 3.

Mr Brown also recently wrote a piece called the 'Covid Diaries' an account on how the coronavirus and lockdown have impacted him as a local pub owner. The Banbury Guardian published the piece here: https://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/business/banburyshire-pub-owner-writes-inspiring-piece-covid-diaries-life-during-covid-19-pandemic-2899023The Pickled Ploughman is among many pubs opening their doors again to the public today, 'Super Saturday' July Fourth.

Mrs Prentis added: "I had the coronavirus at the beginning so I think it's right people are a little bit nervous.

"But it's also right for people to get out a little bit. People shouldn't be frightened, but they should be a little bit careful."

Trevor was the first of 30-40 unsung heroes to receive their award.

Mrs Prentis has called on her constituents to nominate anyone they know who has gone the extra mile during the coronavirus outbreak.

She is also still taking nominations.

To nominate your unsung hero, email Mrs Prentis at [email protected]. Alternatively, telephone her constituency office on 01869 233 685.

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