Choughs MIND fundraiser
In addition to being a local councillor, I am fortunate in
being able to become involved in a number of local organisations, mainly
charities, and often with a focus on mental health.
In addition to being a volunteer and fundraiser for
Samaritans, this last year I also became a listening volunteer for MIND in
Somerset.
I have always been a keen pub goer, and it was whilst
attending a fundraising event for Chard Museum at The Choughs on Chard’s High
Street, that I came across Steve Morgan. Since his arrival in the area almost
two years ago and taking over at the helm of the pub, Steve has applied the
discipline of his army experience to turning around the pub’s fortunes. At a
time, when due to the pandemic, many hospitality businesses suffered terribly
Steve now has a regular customer base, and knows the names of all of them, who
describe him as a ‘top man’.
‘I wanted to make the pub a place where women feel safe to
come in on their own,’ said Steve, and speaking from experience, added, ‘In the
last year I have become very aware of the increase in mental health problems
suffered by young men in particular and I wanted to do something to help raise
the profile of this, and the local organisations that support people with
mental health issues.’
With the help of local Tesco manager, Raechel Shepherd, who
is herself a force to be reckoned with, and popular local band Sea Trees, the
event was a roaring success, and I was delighted to have been invited to
witness the generosity and exuberant enjoyment of our local pub goers.
The Choughs really is just a boozer (until Steve starts
doing his famous Sunday lunches again), and not my normal spot for liquid
refreshment, but mindful of the proverb, ‘different strokes for different
folks’, I intend to become a regular. With local people demonstrating this
level of passion for others I see a brighter future for us all.
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