Pub manager says £28k for job to save coast's best boozers is 'waste of money'

Louise Saxon runs the 19th Century Seaview in Skegness and says the reason pubs should be saved cannot be written in any books but is found in the stories told by generations of regulars.

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking to appoint a 'enthusiastic and creative' pub lover to take up the unusual role of of heritage project officer on a one year fixed-term contract.

The 'Inns on the Edge' project, funded by Historic England, will involve researching and recording the architectural and social history of public houses along a 50-mile stretch of the Lincolnshire coast from Grimsby to Boston, to secure their future management and conservation.

However, Louise, who reopens on Friday after months due to Covid-19 restrictions, said: "When I first saw the job description and the salary offered and I immediately thought it was a late April Fool.

"Then I saw the media frenzy likening the highly paid job to a 'pub crawl'and getting paid for it - I could not think of a bigger waste of time money and resources.

"I am passionate about the pub I run and love its history and customers.

"The pub is the hub of the community and for many years has had its 'regulars' - some have been coming for over 60 years. Now that’s what I call heritage!"

The pub stands close to where the former Seaview Hotel was built in 1862. It was enlarged in 1874 and the west end of the hotel was converted into flats after the First World War.

A new frontage was built up to North Parade in 1911, which is now the site of the Seaview pub.

"The pub is steeped in history and this can be depicted from pictures hung in the pub for customers to see, showing Skegness and the Seaview from bygone times," said Louise.

"Pre covid visitors loved to walk around the pub looking at the old photos and soak in its history.

"It’s really interesting to hear the funny stories of what the pub was like decades ago and

hear fond memories of regulars. Some have sadly passed away but their funny stories and

antidotes carry on being told from friends who remember them.

"This is history that you can not find in books - not documented but facts shared through

laughter and tears.

"That’s what supporting your local is fundamentally all about.

"We are the social hub and our customers are our extended family. The pub is not just a place to drink or get drunk. It’s a place where people know your name they go for the chat,

for company, for the social experience.

"They want interaction with other people from which they have been deprived of for the last year due to Covid restrictions.

"The years pass and I have seen generations grow and they, too, become regulars. I know

their names, I take an interest in their lives as they are a part of mine.

"That’s what I missed most being in lockdown - the camaraderie, the conversation and,

most of all, a hug - just so people know you care .

"This rich tapestry is what gives the Seaview its charm and character.

"A pub is just a building - the history are the people that frequent it over the years.

"The customers make the pub!. They are our friends and people we care about, they are our past, present and future .The community that are staunch supporters of the pub.

"The locals are, in essence, heritage project officers so why not ask them their opinion?

"How can Lincolnshire county council justify 28k for this job? A waste of money!"

Lincolnshire County Council say the project officer will help promote and celebrate the value of Lincolnshire's historic pubs to society, tourism and the local economy through social media, trails and an end of project exhibition.

And if successful the pilot scheme could be rolled out in other parts of the country.

Essential requirements include a degree or equivalent experience in heritage management.

There is one downside. The remote nature Lincolnshire means that a full driving license and access to a car will be required.

The vacancy caused a considerable stir on social media when it was advertised - with many others thinking it could be the 'best job in the world'.

Bank worker Tony Blanchard, 47, joked: "Was it Carlsberg who used to boast their beer was 'probably the best in the world.' Maybe this is the best job in the world!"

Factory manager Duncan Attwood, 46, added: "I might have to apply for this one myself."

One potential applicant remarked: "Wow, I bet the council is going to be flooded with CV's for this one."

And another wag joked: "I bet they don't have to book a table or queue for hours like the rest of us."

If you are interested, visit the link to the job advertisement at https://t.co/KtFixXW398