Gerry McMahon who was behind the saving of the Plough at Fadmoor by turning it into an Asset of Community Value has been crowned PubAid’s ‘Community Regular Hero’ for England at a prestigious event at the House of Commons.
Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, and the Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, nominated Gerry for the ‘UK Community Regular Hero’ award at the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards
The Community Regular Hero Award recognises an individual or group of customers who help a pub to support its community.
Gerry McMahon said: “Thanks to Kevin Hollinrake for his nomination and enormous commitment to our project, to Plunkett UK who were our Community Ownership Fund Delivery Partner, to The North York Moors National Park, all the councillors and volunteers who have supported us, and our hard working committee for contributing huge time and effort including the organisation of community events while our pub was closed and who’s dedication is rewarded with this award.”
Gerry McMahon was awarded for his passion and determination to save the beloved village asset, beating two other finalists on the night. He was one of the original members of the group that set up Fadmoor Community Pub Ltd and his vision and leadership ensured that the Plough Inn was safeguarded. Recognising the pub’s significance as a social and cultural hub for Fadmoor, he played a pivotal role in securing its protection.
Gerry was crowned at a prestigious award ceremony, sponsored by Matthew Clark, at the Houses of Parliament on 4 March which was attended by industry leaders and MPs.
Des O’Flanagan, co-founder of PubAid, added: “The Community Pub Hero Awards highlight all the wonderful and invaluable work publicans and people do for their local communities and it’s heart-warming that pubs raise so much money for local and national charities. The standard or entry this year has been extremely high as many pubs continue to raise the bar when it comes to supporting their community so Gerry should be extremely proud of what he has achieved to be crowned the winner.”
PubAid, which organises the awards in association with Matthew Clark and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, is the positive voice for UK pubs.
