COMMUNITY-minded pub landlords in Kidderminster have received awards for their work supporting regulars during lockdown - even while their business was under threat.

Colin and Trudy Faulkner, who run The Station Inn at Farfield, kept spirits up during the first nationwide lockdown by playing music on loudspeakers from the pub car park every Sunday for residents to enjoy and hosting a socially-distanced street party to boost morale on VE Day.

While the pub was closed for several months, Colin became an NHS volunteer and delivered medicine to people who were shielding, and also went shopping for an elderly customer who was unable to go out.

The pair went out of their way to help others in need, despite themselves fearing for the future of their business as rent debt piled up.

Nominating Colin and Trudy for our Lockdown Heroes award with Wyre Forest Rotary groups, Richard Groom said: "Throughout the first lockdown and during the current restrictions, Colin and Trudy have consistently demonstrated a concern for their community which is far beyond expectation, and which deserves recognition.

"That introduced socially-distanced street parties on Sundays, playing music on loudspeakers from the pub car park to the residents of the street and videoing the people enjoying themselves. The impact on morale was brilliant.

"They organised the same event on VE Day, playing songs of the time and encouraging people to join in with the music.

"In addition, Colin became an NHS volunteer delivering medicines and went shopping for an elderly customer of the pub who was unable to go out. Colin and Trudy have collected money for the food bank and now help locally with this important work.

"They have donated £200 to a local Santa run on December 19 for children in Kidderminster and have posted regular videos on social media to raise the spirits of the community.

"Not only are Colin and Trudy brilliant publicans, for whom the health and safety of their customers is paramount, they have consistently shown a public spiritedness and care for their community, at their own expense, which continued even when the pub was shut and their livelihood was in considerable danger."

Michel Gaud, of Bewdley Rotary Club, said: "I am so pleased to present this award to Trudy and Colin. We know over the years they have always encouraged and organised to sponsor divers charities. During 2020 they have been tremendous in supporting the community even more, like organising collection for the food bank, entertaining the street with music once a week while respecting self-distancing - while facing uncertain future."

Responding to the award, Colin said: “You don’t help your friends and neighbours in need just to be recognised, but it’s wonderful when your community says thank you in this way."

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There is just one week left to nominate someone for our Lockdown Heroes Award.

Since November, The Shuttle and Wyre Forest Rotary have been searching for the heroic individuals, community groups, charities and businesses that have kept people safe and well throughout the lockdowns.

Those who have gone that extra mile to help their community will receive award certificates from the Rotary club.

To make a nomination, readers need only fill out our online nomination form below before Sunday, January 31, telling us why that person or business is deserving of some recognition.