Retiring landlord "sells" wife along with pub (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Retiring landlord "sells" wife along with pub

PUBLICAN Tony Clift wiped down the bar at The George, in Shrewton, for the last time on Saturday, after selling up to another landlord - and including his wife Jackie with the fittings and fixtures.

While Tony enjoys his retirement in their Shrewton bungalow, Jackie will still be serving up pub lunches and evening meals for new boss Rob Rigby.

"Rob asked me to stay on and do the meals as he doesn't have anyone," said Jackie, "and to give a bit of continuity."

Tony and Jackie, both born into local families, have run The George for almost 20 years and it has become a social centre, with live music events, a regular beer festival and, for many years, its own football team.

The couple, who married 44 years ago in neighbouring Maddington Church, have also made significant contributions to village life outside the pub.

Tony has been involved with football and cricket in the village, and is still on the recreation ground committee, while each has done their turn on the Royal British Legion committee. He was also a parish councillor for many years and served as secretary to the flower show.

Much fundraising for several good causes has gone on at the pub, including sponsorship of the village dog training club, and aid to the pre-school and Shrewton Silver Band.

Tony and Jackie came to the George from careers outside the trade. Tony had worked as a building quantity surveyor for Rendells & Sons, at Devizes, and as a civil servant in the Property Services Agency.

Jackie worked for 17 years for local baker Clack & Harris, where her skills included icing wedding cakes, and also worked as a school cleaner.

In between, the couple found time to build several cottages in Shrewton and to have two children - Nick, who is a landlord in Warminster, and Janice, who lives in Tanners Lane in the village.

Tony and Jackie, who have three grandchildren, said they had enjoyed their time at The George. "We never had any trouble with anyone," said Tony.

"They are a good lot here."

Before they closed up on Saturday, the couple invited local people to a farewell party night at the pub.

Their leaving as landlords will prove a wrench for many local people, who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, good beer and excellent food.

As their guest book testifies, people from all over the world have been impressed.

Incoming landlord Rob, whose last pub was the Ring Of Bells, at Wookey in Somerset, has an impressive professional background in the trade.

His first pub was the Piddle Inn, at Piddletrenthide, and the George will be his fourth.

A fellow of the British Institute of Innkeeping, he was the 29th person in the UK to gain their highest diploma and is an institute council member for the Wessex region.

"I am looking forward to coming to Shrewton and taking on the good work at The George," said Rob, who took over on Monday.