Derriford Hospital children’s ward gets surprise New Year gift

Managers from the Craft Union Pub Company surprised the Children’s Ward at Derriford Hospital with a New Year present, by hand-delivering every item from the ward’s online wishlist.

The decision to secretly purchase the items was thought up during the pub company’s monthly manager’s meeting, in which employees are empowered to support local community initiatives. In total 14 presents were delivered, including play station controllers, early learning musical instruments and a musical cot mobile.

Sean Clarke, the Craft Union Pub Company’s Area Manager for Plymouth, who has risen through the ranks at the company, spending over a year working at local pubs, the Kings Head and The Cherry Tree, before taking over his current role, was responsible for spearheading the charitable deed.

He said: “Giving something back to the local community is something all of the managers at Craft Union are passionate about, so it was absolutely fantastic to see the faces of the staff when we delivered the surprise gifts.

“Pubs are much more than just a place people go to eat and drink, they’re the beating heart and social hub for communities and we’re determined to do our bit and seek out those who need help most in the community and give something back.

“I’ve worked my way up through the ranks in the industry, since joining as a bartender when I was 19. It’s a truly fantastic industry that is centred around people and being actively encouraged and supported by Craft Union to go out and help local causes gives me a real sense of pride for where I work.”

The news comes after a year when the Craft Union Pub Company invested £650,000 to breathe new life into four pubs in the Plymouth area: The Cherry Tree, Pennycross; Kings Head, Plymouth; Newmarket Inn, Plymouth; and the Post Office, Plympton.

The investment at each pub has refreshed and regenerated the sites, so that the locals can enjoy quality time with family and friends. The offer at each pub is simple: great quality, affordable drinks, served by people who care in a well-invested pub that champions entertainment and sports.

Sean added: “I’ve seen first-hand the impact investment into a pub, both financially and into its team members, can have in changing the atmosphere and feel of a place. I can honestly say, all four of the Craft Union pubs in Plymouth are lively, friendly, community hubs and that’s thanks to the work of the team members at each site and the local community.”

Yesterday’s charitable deed is by no means a one off, with the Craft Union pubs in Plymouth also sponsoring the local disabled children’s football team after overhearing one of the players father’s talking about their struggle for funding in The Cherry Tree.