Celebrating Community Across the South West

At St Austell Brewery, our pubs have always been about more than food and drink. They are places where friendships form, stories are shared and communities come together, especially at this time of year.

That is why, this festive season, we launched Community Spirit. An initiative created to recognise the people who quietly make a difference in their local areas. The volunteers, carers, fundraisers and organisers who give their time and energy without ever looking for thanks.

Across our managed estate, each pub invited its community to nominate a local Community Hero. Someone who deserved a moment of recognition and the chance to enjoy a well earned treat.

The response was overwhelming. Across the South West, nominations poured in. Stories of kindness and dedication from people supporting neighbours, running local events or giving their time week after week to clubs, charities and causes close to home.

Our pub teams chose the winners. The people who know their communities best. Each Community Hero was invited, along with up to three guests of their choice, to join us for a festive three course meal and drinks as a simple thank you for everything they do.

There were far too many brilliant stories to share them all, but every nomination was a reminder of what pubs are really for. They are places where people come together, support one another and celebrate those who make a difference.

Wherever you are in the South West, step into one of our pubs and be part of it. Take a seat, share a story and raise a glass in good company.

At the Pier House in Charlestown, the community chose Jo and Bert Zimber. These are two people whose dedication has shaped the town for decades.

Jo and Bert have given countless hours to supporting the Charlestown Rowing Club, helping to keep traditions alive and the next generation involved. Their commitment stretches far beyond the water, touching events, charities and community initiatives throughout the village.

In true community spirit, they chose to share their prize with two fellow nominees:

Action Nan (Pat) –  a passionate advocate for environmental causes and local action
Jean –  who has long supported regatta events and the harbour itself

It was a celebration not just of individuals, but of a whole community pulling together, exactly what this initiative was created for.

At the Hare & Hounds, the Community Spirit award went to Julie Oakley, recognised for her tireless volunteer work supporting young people’s mental health.

Julie has dedicated years to helping others through her involvement with a mental health charity, offering support where it’s needed most. Her work has had a profound impact on countless young lives, a contribution that was formally recognised when she was awarded an MBE for services to mental health.

For the Hare & Hounds team, Julie’s nomination was an easy choice. Her compassion, commitment and quiet strength perfectly embody what Community Spirit is all about.

In St Ives, the Pedn Olva celebrated Maureen Humphreys, a woman whose dedication to charity work spans more than 50 years.

Maureen’s contribution to the town is remarkable, decades of fundraising, volunteering and support for causes close to the heart of the local community.

Those who nominated her described her simply as “an awesome lady who deserves a wonderful treat” and the Pedn Olva team couldn’t agree more. Welcoming Maureen and her guests into the pub to enjoy a festive meal felt like a small way to say thank you for a lifetime of giving.

At the Victoria Inn in Salcombe, the Community Spirit award was given to Eileen Donovan, affectionately described as a “special lady of Salcombe”.

Eileen has done so much for so many over the years: supporting individuals and helping community causes.

The nomination summed it up perfectly: “A thank you for everything she does for our community.”

To our Community Heroes, and to every person nominated across our estate – thank you.

You are the reason our communities thrive. You remind us what hospitality truly means, and why our pubs will always be places of warmth, welcome and connection.

This festive season, we’re raising a glass to you.