NEXT MONTH will mark the end of an era at a town centre pub which has been at the centre of the Droitwich community for the last six years.
Stuart Wilcox and Graham Leonard will be bidding farewell to The Old Cock Inn on November 9 and they want residents across the town to help them go out with a bang.
Since taking over the Friar Street pub in December 2010, the pair have transformed it into a hub for many Spa groups, including The Droitwich Lions, The Droitwich Community Choir, the Norbury Theatre, the Young Firefighters, the University of the Third Age, the Canal Trust, Sparkles WI, Bromsgrove and Redditch LGBT, Droitwich Ukulele and many more.
They have also organised countless entertainment events, ranging from from wine tasting evenings, quizzes, Halloween parties and Christmas celebrations to the Live Room, which has seen a multitude of high quality acts take to the stage.
But probably the events the pair are best-known for are the Friar Fests which began in 2012, gaining in popularity each year and bringing a number of fantastic acts, including Musical Youth’s Dennis Seaton, Nicki French and chart-toppers Toploader.
This year the festival of music, street food and the arts attracted more than 3,000 people.
This autumn, Stuart and Graham’s lease comes to an end and, due to increasing pressures from the brewery, they will not be renewing.
They told The Standard: “The past five to six years have been absolutely amazing. We have met some fantastic people, had some great laughs, worked extremely hard and hopefully made a difference.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past few years. We will miss you all.”
With their final fortnight almost upon them, they have organised a variety of events to help them leave in style.
On October 28, there will be a charity karaoke night from 8pm and on October 29 there will be the Big Halloween Fancy Dress Party featuring Hump De Bump.
November 4 sees them ‘Bring Back the Memories’ with a night of Live Room entertainment, a disco and an auction – all from 9pm.
Then on November 5 there will be the final Droitwich Live Room act – Joan Ov Arc – a female rock band stopping by on their European tour.
And for the boys’ final night – from 8pm on November 9 – there will be celebration drinks.
