Painting party cheers up Beccles pub
REGULARS at a Beccles pub have given their much-loved local a facelift after funds ran dry.A hardy band of volunteers worked through the night in shifts to re-paint the interior of the Butchers Arms in London Road.
REGULARS at a Beccles pub have given their much-loved local a facelift after funds ran dry.
A hardy band of volunteers worked through the night in shifts to re-paint the interior of the Butchers Arms in London Road.
The pub was sold by Adnams to Scottish & Newcastle Breweries last year and landlord Ian Willis explained that the pub's new owners had agreed to a significant investment in the building.
The company has funded improvement works to the pub's exterior, including a new smoking area, but Mr Willis said the money would not stretch to redecorating the interior.
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Keen to bring the rest of the pub up to scratch, and unable to fund the overhaul himself, Mr Willis discussed his dilemma with regulars and was delighted when they agreed to help.
A painting party was organised and volunteers worked through the night in shifts over a weekend to redecorate the interior.
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Mr Willis said: “The pub was looking tatty and tired. It hadn't been refurbished inside for a very long time. There was a general discussion around the bar about getting it painted and quite a few regulars agreed to help. There were about nine or ten of us. Everyone took charge of their own little bits and I am absolutely delighted with the result. This is a great example of a community rallying around their local.”
He added: “No matter what you hear from other pubs it is a bad time and everyone is struggling, including these people. But they put in their time and effort because this is one of their meeting places and part of the community. It would have cost a lot of money to get it done professionally and I am very grateful for all the hard work they have put in.”
Mr Willis said that further improvement works are planned to include the toilets and recovering the seats.
He said he would also like to get a new carpet but was not sure where the funds would come from as this is likely to cost thousands of pounds.
Ali Foreman, who helped with the decorating, said: “We wanted to do it because Ian is a great landlord. Funds are really tight, so we thought we would give him a hand.” Other local helpers included Jennie and Bob Oddy and Mark Blades.
Anyone who can offer the pub help or support should contact the Butchers Arms on 01502 712243
