New landlords for Plough Inn
THE LANDLORD of The Plough Inn is stepping down.
Richard ‘Skip’ Skipper has been manning the bar in Vauvert for nine years but this weekend, after a leaving bash to remember, he is handing the reigns over to Gavin and Sabrina Marsh.
As a newly elected St Peter Port douzenier, Mr Skipper said his decision was made to enable him to get involved in the parish more: ‘I really want to be able to get stuck into douzenier work,’ he said.
‘It wasn’t long ago I was running for deputy and a lot of people said they didn’t vote for me because they didn’t think I could do both jobs. Becoming a douzenier has been a real eye-opener and I really want to put my efforts into it and, who knows, there’s a little thing called a by-election coming up too.’
He said he had enjoyed the last nine years working at The Plough, six as landlord and three as a part-time barman, adding the highlight was the community and charity work.
‘Community is a huge part of the pub, especially one such as this, down the back streets of Guernsey,’ he said.
‘It has a real identity now and I know the new landlords are keen to continue this and not change anything. I’ve offered to return for both the charity work and as a barman when they need me – I’ve made such good friends here, it was tough to tell people I’d be leaving.’
His work has seen him nominated for the Guernsey Press Pride of Guernsey Awards numerous times in both the customer service and neighbour category.
During lockdown he teamed up with Contree Mansell Stores to help deliver groceries to their neighbours, and offered a free copy of the Guernsey Press and some milk for a cuppa, through the pub’s own community support initiative Plough Inn, Plough Out.
Mr and Mrs Marsh want to see this kind of community spirit the pub is known for continue: ‘We’re excited to take over the role from Richard, he’s an amazing landlord and has got fantastic clientele,’ said Mrs Marsh.
‘To become a part of this pub, which at around 220 years old is Guernsey’s oldest outside of Town, is to be a part of history.’
The pair managed the Fermain Tavern from 2000-2007 and then the Imperial Hotel from 2006-2017, before moving away from the island. They returned only four weeks ago to be closer to their daughter who lives here and for the role that was ‘meant to be’.
‘We’ll not change anything,’ added Mr Marsh.
‘We’ve done a few shifts already and the regulars are a cracking bunch and they even like the same music, I couldn’t ask for more.’
They said the pub will continue to see lots of quizzes, raffles, meat draws, and of course charity events, such as Macmillan coffee mornings and getting involved in the Rock to Rocque cycle ride for Les Bourgs Hospice.
