Rhian and Dan Livingstone, operators of the Buck Hotel, on Market Place in Driffield, have been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020 for their work supporting their community during lockdown.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. Rhian and Dan will have their medal presented to them by their Lord-Lieutenant at local ceremony, as well as being invited to attend a Royal Garden Party.
The accolade has been awarded to the couple after they organised and coordinated an army of 150 volunteers in Driffield Town who helped them deliver 6,728 prescriptions to vulnerable people, carry out 600 shopping trips, conduct more than 30 dog walks a week, and source 120 emergency care packages for people running low on supplies.
Rhian and Dan also raised over £6,600 for the local community, as well as donating PPE, including visors, masks and hand sanitiser, to the NHS and other frontline staff.
Rhian said: “We understood that lockdown would be a challenging and difficult time for many people and we wanted to help everyone get through this time by working together. Before the crisis, we were very much focused on being at the heart of the community, we’re passionate about it, so we wanted to do everything in our power to help.
“I feel so honoured to be recognised in this way. When we started our initiative the only thing on our minds was helping the vulnerable people in our community and we are so grateful for the generosity and solidarity of our volunteers, without whom, none of this would have been possible.”
Frazer Grimbleby, Operations Director of Craft Union Pub Company, added: “We are incredibly proud of the amazing work undertaken by Rhian and Dan during lockdown, and to have had their achievement recognised in this way is testament to just how dedicated they are to their community.
“At Craft Union, our ethos is centred around our communities and to see that reflected in the day-to-day actions of our operators as they go above and beyond for their customers, is heart-warming for us all. We want to extend our congratulations to Rhian and Dan on receiving this thoroughly deserved award for their hard work supporting their community. They are role models to everyone at Craft Union and beyond.”
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Stonegate Pub Company
Following the acquisition of Ei Group on 3rd March 2020 for £1.27bn, Stonegate Pub Company is the largest pub company in the UK. Its portfolio is comprised of 1,270 sites within the managed division and 3,200 leased and tenanted businesses.
The managed pubs division, which employs 17,000 people, is split into Branded and Traditional pubs. Branded is comprised of: Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout, Be At One and Venues. Traditional (unbranded) pubs is made up of: Proper Pubs, Town Pub & Kitchen, Classic Inns, Common Room, Craft Union and Bermondsey Pub Group.
Press release from Leisure PR on behalf of Stonegate Pub Company
For more information, contact jesscurnockcook@leisurepr.co.uk