March 1993 - New Landlords
The Seavington News - March 1993
LINDA AND IVOR WILKINS TAKE OVER AT THE VOLUNTEER
Linda and Ivor have been in charge of Seavington’s only pub since 17th December. They did a part exchange involving their guest house in Blackpool, which they ran for seven years. This is their first pub, which was brought with strong encouragement from their son and daughter. Their son (a chef) could see a strong opportunity to make a success on their catering side, and John Harrop, the chef (and future son-in¬law of the Wilkins) agrees. There will be a heavy emphasis on good food, and John has devised a completely new menu. Main meals are available in the evenings (including Sunday evenings) and bar snacks at other times.
Linda and Ivor have already been impressed by the friendly reception that they have had in Seavington, and are determined to give The Volunteer the “love and care” needed to revive it. They are extremely keen to win back trade from people in Seavington who may have got out of the habit of using what is, after all, one of the very few public meeting places available. They promise “a good face-lift” in the next few months.
The new landlords are looking forward to life in Somerset. There are some things that they miss. The lack of street lighting has taken some getting used to, and large supermarkets are further away than was the case in Blackpool. But these are very minor considerations, compared to the attractions of village life.