30-May-2008 Morning Advertiser - Top 50 Most Influential People in the Pub Indusrty 2008
26 - Prince Charles, John Longden, Pub is the Hub patron and director
Why they are on the list:
Prince Charles has taken the campaign to make rural pubs the centre of their community very much to heart. His role as President of Business in the Community has involved him directly with the work of rural regeneration body Pub is the Hub, excellently co-ordinated by director John Longden.
What the past year has held:
Prince Charles is no token supporter of Pub is the Hub, as anyone who has witnessed frequent visits to Hub schemes across the country will testify. He has a genuine interest in the survival of threatened rural pubs which are increasingly becoming the only community facility in many isolated villages. His recent visit to the Black Swan, in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria where he stayed a full two hours, illustrated his dedication.
Challenges ahead:
Longden predicts Pub is the Hub may finally establish a national network of regional committees in the next 12 to 18 months as long as vital financial support is forthcoming. The Hub may also benefit from support from rural affairs minister Hilary Benn, who accompanied Prince Charles on his latest pub visit.