At Cornwall CAMRA we have decided to give recognition to Pubs, Licensees and their staff who have gone the extra mile to serve their communities through the various restrictions that have been imposed during the COVID19 pandemic. We do not just recognise those who have continued to provide delicious real ale but also those who have helped their localities with much, much more. The pub is, after all the beating heart of many towns and villages, acting as a social hub and being a vital part in the wellbeing of all who use them.

Our first award of “Lockdown Hero” is made to the White Hart at Chilsworthy in East Cornwall. Amy and Ian Durnall only took on the pub in September 2017 and already it has just become CAMRA Cornwall Pub of the Year for the second year running.

As recently seen by many on the BBC TV show Tom Kerridge – Saving Britain’s Pubs, Amy and Ian had invested in building alterations and opened a pub shop (the only one in the village) just before lockdown hit.

Ian has always worked full time as a gas engineer and to help play her part Amy was tempted to return to work for the NHS but decided the role she and the pub could play serving the local community would be at least as important. Throughout lockdown they provided take away and deliveries of meals and beer to local residents as well as expanding the range of goods in the shop. This also meant that they could continue to employ their staff and give their chef an apprenticeship.

So raise a glass to all at the White Hart as they become Cornwall CAMRA’s first Lockdown Hero……And watch this space as there will be more “heroes” coming soon.