The amazing fundraising community village pub, The Burston Crown in South Norfolk has been selected as overall winners of the South Norfolk Community Pub of the Year 2016.
Chosen from a shortlist of five regional winners the winning pub near Diss is run by Steve and Bev Kembery who have run the pub for 10 years and were delighted to win this year’s trophy along with a cheque for £500 for community use.
The judges in the South Norfolk Council-run competition chose The Burston Crown as their overall winners when they heard about their incredible fundraising activities:
In their ten years the couple have raised thousands of pounds through their annual fetes, Christmas fund raising events and on many other occasions throughout the year – the most notable being helping raise funds for a local severely disabled lady to purchase an electric wheelchair. Steve also took part in a sponsored cycle ride from Holyhead, as the furthest westerly point in the UK to Lowestoft, the furthest easterly point.
Money raised over the years has gone to Macmillan Nurses, Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, the Local Children’s Hospice and many good causes which support local initiatives and charities.
Bev, whose three children, Kizzy, Erin and Tom help out at the pub said: “We have had great support from our customers and work hard with the local community to support good causes. There is great community spirit in Burston
Through its Local Community Champions scheme Pub is The Hub has been able to support South Norfolk District Council in choosing the winner of their annual pub competition. The judging team is made up of three councillors, Alison Thomas, Martin Wilby and Clayton Hudson; Eastern Daily Press Community Editor, Anthony Carroll and Terry Stork from Pub is The Hub.
The five regional winners were:
- The Burston Crown, Waveney Valley winner and Outright Winner.
- The Fox and Hounds Great Moulton, Tas Valley winner
- The Green Dragon Wymondham, Tiffey Valley winner
- The Bush Costessey, Northern River Valleys winner
- The Water’s Edge Bramerton, Eastern River Valleys winner
Terry Stork commented: “This competition really showcases the tremendous value local pubs bring to the community – with all the pubs going that extra mile and the licensees acting as a catalyst to get communities to pull together for the needs of their neighbourhoods. South Norfolk District Council should be congratulated for running this inspired competition.”