Tributes paid to popular Stratford landlord of the Squirrel pub in Bishopton
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to Simon Patmore, the popular landlord of the Squirrel pub in Bishopton, who has died aged 51.
There was sadness and disbelief among friends and pub regulars following Simon’s sudden death last Wednesday (31st July).
Many told how he was “at the heart of the community”.
Simon and his business partner for over 20 years, Andrew Szczepanski, took over the Squirrel in October 1999 and a new era began which built a legacy of charity fundraising, Halloween- themed nights, Christmas and New Year celebrations, pool tournaments, food and quiz nights, discos, live music and family get-togethers.
Andrew recalled with fondness his friendship and business partnership with Simon which began in 1997.
“He used to be my boss,” Andrew said. “We were directors of Meet, Eat, Drink which was one of the biggest pub employers in the Midlands. We had three pubs in the Stratford area including the Old Tramway Inn, the Masons Arms and the Squirrel.
“Simon devoted over 25 years of his life to the hospitality and pub trade in Stratford and eventually focused on the Squirrel, where the team spirit was incredible.
The only other long-serving landlord in the town I can think of is Mark Beard at the Yard of Ale.
I’m 44 now and I’ve spent half of my working life with Simon and still can’t believe it’s come to this. I’ve had literally hundreds and hundreds of messages from people wanting to pass on their condolences.”
Andrew said the fundraising nights at the Tramway were legendary.
“We had big firework displays on the green behind the pub where we never charged an entry fee; we just asked people to make a small donation to charity and the families loved it. We always supported Children in Need and dressed in Pudsey Bear outfits. We had Halloween-themed nights and raised money – we must have raised thousands and thousands for children’s charities. We had a Fab Fest music and a craft festival and a Bike Fest at the Tramway,” Andrew said.
Andrew added: “Simon would help anyone. He was really kind and one of the community. He will be sadly missed by everyone.
“He was so good to his team and nobody wanted to jump ship because they were so happy being with him.”
Paying tribute to Simon, district and town councillor for Bishopton Victoria Alcock (Lib Dem) said:
“It’s still very, raw for many of us, he will be greatly missed,” she said. “Simon was a huge member of the community in Bishopton. Over the years we have seen more community and charity events than anyone can count – Tuesday night bingo, pool tournaments, darts matches, curry nights and football, including huge support for the Lionesses great win.
“The annual Halloween party was epic and brought out the best costumes, the best decorating, and the best fun. People would start talking about what they were wearing that year from June onwards and Simon loved it.”
She added that Simon had supported setting up the Bishopton Community Group and helped raise money for a defibrillator for the community.
Staff and friends also paid their tributes on social media.
Maisie Hancox wrote: “Awful news for the regulars and community who absolutely adored Simon. Gone way too soon.”
Jess Cottriall added: “What heartbreaking news about Simon, he was such a lovely kind person. Always such a funny boss to have too.
“We will miss you.”
While Pete Phipps concluded: “I will always remember Simon and Andy asking me to do the discos at the Squirrel and what awesome nights we had. Christmas Eves and New Year’s Eves. We lose another great friendly chap. Thanks for everything Simon.”
