Flood-hit hosts plan to bouce back
First-time licensees Paul and Michelle Gilbert say they are determined to get their pub running again after it was flooded just two weeks after they moved in.
The Gilberts are just one example of the struggle faced by licensees who have been hit by the most devastating floods to hit the country in 60 years.
They had to cope with three-foot high floods in the bar of the Jolly Tar at Hannington near Swindon, Wiltshire, as rainwater poured in from the fields behind.
"We couldn't believe it," said Paul. "We'd only just put in new carpets, now we've lost around £15,000 in stock and equipment, but we hope to be open before this coming weekend."
Luckily, pub owners Arkell's were quick to help and their staff and suppliers have been busy helping Paul and Michelle get the pub back into a fit state to open
"Edmont's joinery and Austin Electrical all came out quickly to offer help to Paul and Michelle," said managing director James Arkell.
"They took over the pub at its busiest time of the year - the week before the International Air Tattoo at nearby RAF Fairford, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors then just a week later, along with thousands of others across the region; they were hit by the deluge last Friday," he added.
The Jolly Tar was named after a distant nautical relative of former local landowners. However, it was originally called The Cat and took over the license from the other village pub, called The Dog.
" 'Cats and Dogs' and 'The Jolly Tar' - perhaps we should have read the signs," said James.
He added: "We haven't lost anything we can't replace - even the carpet, and both the Brewery and the local villagers have been really generous with their help.
"We had a wonderful first two weeks before the rain and despite this setback, we can't wait to throw open our doors again. I've waited years to be my own boss, and it'll take more than a bit of rain to stop me now."
