Community-minded pub couple do the double (From Dorset Echo)

Community-minded pub couple do the double

11:10am Friday 8th January 2010 in

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LANDLORDS Mark and Emily Hammick have done the double for their pubs in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Last year they won a Wessex regional title in the Rural Enterprise category for their pub the European, which is in Piddlehinton.

This year the duo have scooped the same gong for their other pub, the Gaggle of Geese at Buckland Newton.

Now they will attend the national finals at the House of Lords in February to see if they have won the national award.

Emily said: “We were absolutely thrilled to win.

“We have been here about a year and a half. We are rural people from farming backgrounds so the Countryside Alliance is important to us.”

She added: “It is good to win the award, especially as we won with the European last year.

“We are trying to keep the pubs alive and be part of the community as well.”

Customers nominated the pub for the Rural Enterprise Award. Judges were impressed with Mr and Mrs Hammick’s initiatives to boost trade but also provide a service to the village.

Head judge Delly Everard said: “The Gaggle is a clear winner for our Enterprise Award. It has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, and really serves the community, whether its providing Sunday newspapers to the village, a take-away fish and chip service, an OAP lunch club and even hosting the village school Christmas lunch for 100 children.”

She added: “Mark and Emily are constantly coming up with ideas that the pub can offer and have even more plans for the future.

“It now incorporates a farmers’ market, craft fair and beer festival.

“Since they have owned the Gaggle of Geese, the Hammicks have raised over £10,000 for local charities and put a much-needed heart into the community.”