Budding photographer Robin Bennett from Much Wenlock has launched a quest to celebrate some of Shropshire’s most loyal pub regulars with his ‘Fathers of the House’ community photography and poetry project. Robin is on the lookout for nominations to be included in an exhibition which will include portraits and poems capturing some of the fascinating stories from the characters we all meet in pubs.
“My Dad comes across to stay with us in Wenlock each week and we explore nearby pubs. A trip to the Coalbrookdale Inn found us talking to the locals about their ‘Father of the House’, Reg Onions, who had sadly passed away after visiting the pub daily for an incredible 85+ years. My dad realised that he was probably the longest-standing regular in the Red Lion at Bomere Heath and it inspired me to track down other regulars around the county with a story to tell.”
One of the couples already snapped are John and Jean Walker from The George and Dragon in Much Wenlock; they have been regulars for over 50 years and still pop in weekly for a drink and a bite to eat. Do you know an interesting pub regular who we could meet to hear their stories and pub recollections? Robin would love to hear from you, email fatherofthehouse.shropshire@gmail.com
