Dolly Saville reached a remarkable landmark when she turned 100 years old today [Saturday 19 April 2014]. A party was held in her honour at The Red Lion, Wendover. Dolly was born in Eton in the South of Buckinghamshire a few months before the outbreak of World War I. Dolly has worked for over 75 years and during this time she has served behind the bar and has no problem adding up the orders or working out the change in her head. She has also turned her hand to the bedrooms, teas and reception work.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, The Red Lion hosted a party with five generations of Dolly’s family attending, along with local residents, friends and colleagues. The day was full of stalls to raise money for Dolly’s nominated charities and the Fuller’s dray horses, Griffin and Pride, got in on the action, providing local children with trips around the village.
Martin Howard, Manager of The Red Lion, said: “There were lots of surprises for Dolly including a beautiful birthday cake designed and made by the chocolate company Choccywoccydoodah, 100 roses, various presents and even a letter from the Prime minister. Everyone worked so hard to make the day special for Dolly and her family – even Sir Jackie Stewart, the motor racing legend, arrived with a signed magnum of Champagne.”
Jane Bravey, Operations Manager for the Red Lion says: “Dolly is a fantastic asset to Fuller’s and The Red Lion and we are incredibly proud to have such a dedicated member of staff and friend in Dolly. She likes to do a good job and keep busy so she continues to work three shifts a week. If you have lunch at The Red Lion, she may well serve you so please say hello. She is a truly amazing lady and, in our eyes, a national treasure.”
When Dolly started at the pub a pint cost a mere eight pence and London Pride wasn’t on the bar until 1959. Dolly has seen two monarchs take the throne and 14 Prime Ministers in Parliament. Dolly loves is meeting people and sharing a joke when she is behind the bar. Over the years Dolly has shared a joke with famous faces including Pierce Brosnan, Dame Margot Fonteyn and Dame Vera Lynn.
Commenting on the day, Dolly said: “I’m overwhelmed at all of this. I’ve no idea what you will do next year – but I will still be here and I’ll still be working.”
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For further information please contact the press office:
Georgina Wald 020 8996 2198 georgina.wald@fullers.co.uk
Allie Hunter
020 8996 2175 allie.hunter@fullers.co.uk Photo caption: Dolly – 100 years old today [19 April 2014]
Notes to Editor
Fuller, Smith and Turner P.L.C. is an independent traditional family brewer founded in 1845 and is based at the historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, London, where brewing has taken place continuously since 1654. The Company runs 176 managed pubs and hotels, with a focus on outstanding cask ale, great wine, exemplary service and delicious fresh, home-cooked food. The Company boasts 623 boutique bedrooms in its managed estate and also operates 208 tenanted pubs. Fuller’s pub estate stretches from Brighton to Birmingham and from Chew Magna to Canary Wharf, including 166 locations within the M25.
The Fuller’s Beer Company brews London Pride, as well as a portfolio of award-winning ales such as Chiswick Bitter, ESB and 1845. Three of Fuller’s beers – London Pride, ESB and Chiswick Bitter – have been named as CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain, a record unmatched by any other brewer. In June 2013, the Company acquired Cornish Orchards, a craft cider maker producing a range of award-winning ciders and premium soft drinks. Fuller’s also imports and markets a number of beer and wine brands.
