Cheers to Uncle Barrie!

On Saturday we marked the retirement of the legendary Weekend Shop Manager and Tour Guide, Barrie Huggins. Barrie, who started working for the Hogs Back in 1996, has to many people represented the friendly face of the Brewery ever since. He helped to train each of our current tour guides and his brewing knowledge and humour have been instrumental in inducting so many staff at the Hogs Back.

We were hoping to celebrate his fantastic career with a gathering of staff, TEA Club members and shop regulars along with the guest of honour but of course that isn't possible at the moment. Instead people sent in their messages of goodwill and raised a toast to Barrie and our shop team brought them together into this fantastic video.

Barrie was touched by the video and sent us this lovely message:

Rarely am I lost for words – as you are probably well aware – but watching the video on Saturday evening left me speechless.

I cannot begin to thank everyone for their very kind words and all the individuals who responded and for their messages of goodwill – not forgetting the behind the scenes work that went into producing the video. It was a most moving experience for me and my family.

If possible, I would like this reply to be posted to the Brewery’s social media platforms, so that everyone, particularly those in far off places gets the opportunity of reading my response, which is a great big “THANK YOU”!

My very best wishes to you all for the future.

We send our best wishes to Barrie and thank him for 24 years of fantastic service, and look forward to seeing him soon. Please feel free to add your comments below and we will make sure to pass this on to Barrie.