03/09/2023
This is probably one of the hardest things I have had to write, but here we go.
After almost a decade of being at The Rising Sun, today we will close the doors for the very last time.
Unfortunately the economic bite has finally got the better of us. With the inflated Gas and Electricity prices as well as constant price increases from suppliers (resulting in higher retail prices) and ultimately meaning reduced trade we simply can't afford to go on any longer.
For those that think I have just given up because i have been a bit distant the past few months, that simply is not the case, but when you literally have nothing left to put in and you have used all avenues, it is hard to watch the business you have worked so hard to build up fall back down around you.
And although it is a very sad day, there is also so much good that has come from the place that me, my family and many other will be eternally greatful for.
The pub gave us life! - For those that remember all those years ago, we were struggling to fall pregnant and had a failed round of IVF in the UK. After this the locals all rallied together and put on a fundraising event to pay for us to try again abroad. This Resulted in us having beautiful Twin girls. A gift that changed our lives forever. Life that will now go on for generations - We will be forever greatful for everyone's kindness.
Drum & Bass Night - Now these may not have been everyone's cup of tea, but what a lot of people don't realise is most of these DJ's had never had the opportunity to perform infrastructure of an audience before. We gave them a place where they could be themselves and showcase their work. Many have now gone on to perform infrastructure of thousands including Wi******er's very own Darker Tactics who have now performed at Boomtown 2 years in a row. And their success is truly a credit to their hard work and showmanship. Justin Duff has worked tirelessly on these events even when it has been other groups performing to make sure the sound quality it spot on and the night goes down well for everyone else. These guys are going to go a long way in life.
We have looked after our locals both inside and outside of the pub. Helping the elderly customers move house, furniture as well as offerd lifts to doctors a d hospital appointments and in return they gave us they loyalty. At Christmas everyone put their hands in their pocket and put together a collection for a family that would need a bit of an extra hand to make their Christmas extra special.
We offered a place to live for those that needed it the most, including more recently our 2 guests from Ukraine who have been with us for just over a year now and are an absolute credit to Ukraine. They are the most friendly, loving and hardworking people we have had the pleasure to meeting and so pleased to have had them come into our lives. The strength and courage these 2 have considering everything that is happening back home is just unreal. We will continue to host them for as long as we can.
After 10 years, there certainly has been a lot of ups and downs and yes a lot of people will always here about the downs but this is pub life...
We have had our fair share of challenges to deal with, including the heavy flooding just before covid and then of cause covid itself which I think for many independents was the start of the end. We all had to borrow to see us through and these repayments on top of everything else ultimately crippled us.
We were so proud to have come out the other side of covid healthy and together once again. We ran what was probably one of Wi******ers most successful takeaway business at the time with the introduction of our very own brand of Doughnuts but again. The operating costs meant that contuing would just not be viable.
These are just a few of the success stories from a pub that has always been a controversial talking point of the town. But love or hate no one can deny that the true community spirit of The Rising Sun has touched so many hearts and I hope to God that it will will one day re-open and someone will be able to get as much enjoyment out of the place as we did.
Thank you to each and everyone one of you who helped make our dream possible, helped grow our family and especially a big thank you to those who stuck it out until the end when things weren't great.
You are all great human beings ❤️
Please stay in touch.
This adventure may be over but there will be plenty more to come. Just watch this space
