BEDFORD BAR MANAGER SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
Bedford Bar Manager, Bev Fairhurst, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award that could lead to achieving her ambition of one day running her own pub.
Bev, Bar Manager at The Bedford Arms on Bromham Road, is one of just 11 finalists being considered for The Acorn Scholarship 2008. The scholarship’s objective is to seek out young talented individuals within the catering and hospitality industry and help them realise their ambitions and reward their determination. Only two of the finalists work in pubs and Bev has already beaten her way past employees of multi-national catering and hotel organisations.
On hearing that she’d been shortlisted, Bev said “I’m passionate about my work and am keen to keep learning about the pub and hospitality industry. My ambition is to own my own pub and use my experience and observations to provide a traditional, old fashioned venue where people feel welcome and at home. This dream was the core of my application for The Acorn Scholarship and I’m thrilled that the judges have shared in my enthusiasm and vision.”
Bev had worked in marketing after leaving school but moved to Bedford three years ago and soon realised how much she enjoyed her part time bar job in The Wellington Arms. Her enthusiasm and passion for the job helped her decide to pursue a career in the licensed trade. She moved to The Bedford Arms, owned by Charles Wells, with licensee Eric Mills when he took over the pub earlier this year. The pub is a Speciality Beer House and, as well as demonstrating her knowledge and love of beers, Bev is now Bar Manager, making sure things run smoothly on a day to day basis.
Final judging for The Acorn Scholarship takes place at the end of the month and Eric will join Bev for an enjoyable, yet anxious presentation ceremony. “I’m looking forward to the announcement” added Bev “and will be keeping my fingers crossed. The great thing about the award, however, is that I’ve already met some inspirational leaders and really had to focus on how I can make my dream become reality. I’ve learnt a lot and know what I want – the scholarship would be the icing on the cake and help me achieve my ambitions.”
The Scholarship Winner will get: a £2,000 bursary to use towards realising their dream; £1,500 worth of learnpurple training; a trip to Villeroy and Boch in Luxembourg; a development lunch to meet leading industry figures and guidance on drawing up a flexible training plan. They will also receive free Springboard UK Ambassador training and mentoring from high profile industry leaders.
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For Immediate Release: Wednesday 21st November 2007
For Further Information, please contact: Bev Fairhurst, 07810 446739
Or Kate Hempsall, Charles Wells Pub Company
Tel: + 44 (0)1234 272625
