The Free Trade Inn pub in Sileby, Leicestershire, has been owned by Everards for 100 years this year and has just completed a refresh, with an investment of £50,000.
Business owner Gary held a small gathering with his locals to celebrate the occasion. But the celebration was not just about the works; it was also about the new signage and the story behind it.
When the pub's exteriors were being designed, the swing sign was initially a traditional image. After researching the origin of the pub's name, Gary realised that it came from the old practice of staying at inns free of charge until one got a job, after which they would buy everyone a drink. With this in mind, Gary asked local artist Conrad McEwan to create a 15th-century style image of men drinking and toasting, using some of his regular drinkers as models.
The drawing was completed in March 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was delayed. During this time, one of the much-loved locals featured on the swing sign, Dave Fleet, passed away. However, his family insisted that the swing sign should go ahead in tribute to Dave.
As part of the informal gathering, Dave's brother Graham attended to represent Dave and meet with his friends featured on the swing sign.
“We couldn’t be happier with what Conrad has achieved with the new swing sign. It’s a real honour and as we celebrate 100 years of Everards owning the pub, I hope the swing sign will hang proudly for another 100 years. Special thanks to Dave’s family for giving us permission to include him on the swing sign, such a cheery face, I’m glad the village still gets to see him every day! We’ve worked with the Everards team to use this refurb, to make sure we give our customers what they need out of their local pub and I’m 100% confident we have achieved just that! I don’t think any other pub has their customers on their swing sign. We hope this shows the village how much we value them and their support and how important they are to us and the pub” says Gary.
So, on Tuesday this week, Gary invited his locals along with those shown on the swing sign to have a drink in celebration of the sign being in place, after the three-year journey and investment in the pub, the pub being owned by Everards for 100 years and to remember Dave.
The guests on the swing sign include Dave Fleet (represented by Graham Fleet), 'Dude' (real name Colin Wigmore), Bob & Ruth Middleton, Mick Bignall, and Richard Watson.
Conrad McEwan, the local artist who drew the swing sign, was also invited to the gathering. Gary, who is a multiple business owner, runs the Free Trade Inn, while his husband Simon runs the Anne of Cleves in Melton Mowbray. The couple supports each other and both pubs on a day-to-day basis.
The gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the completion of the cyclical and repair works, the new signage, and the memory of Dave Fleet.
“It is also a testament to the importance of investing in and maintaining pubs, not just for the sake of the business but also for the community it serves. Everards has kept the free Trade Inn looking its best for 100 years now, originally purchasing the property in 1923. The swing sign is a huge reflection of how much people and pubs come together in celebration and commiseration, a place for all to feel welcome. We are really proud to have invested over £50,000 with Gary to bring the Free Trade to life and look forward to seeing the customers reactions.” Says Matt from Everards.
You can find the Free Trade Inn pub in Sileby, Leicestershire, pop in and say hi to Gary and the team and check out the new swing sign for yourself.
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