BOLTON NEWS ARTICLE
HUNDREDS of people flocked to the Red Bridge Tavern to bid farewell to its popular landlord and landlady.
Jon and Gillian Godfrey have decided to close the pub in Bury Old Road, Ainsworth, after struggling to make a profit.
They had worked there for 12 years and became wellknown members of the village, along with their sons, Jack, aged 14, and Jonathan, aged 10. Many of their loyal customers were shocked to hear the news and went to the pub to pass on their best wishes. Mr Godfrey, aged 46, said: “People were turning up in their droves. It was an emotional weekend and there were lots of tears and photographs.”A concert with performances by six bands was held on Saturday and raised more than £1,000 for the charity Help For Heroes.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr Noel Spencer and Alice Spencer, were among those who attended. Mr and Mrs Godfrey called last orders for the final time on Monday evening. The couple started moving out of the pub on Tuesday and plan to rent a house in Bury, so their sons can remain in school.
Mr Godfrey said: “I would love to thank everyone who has supported us and who has given us their custom over the years.
“I would also like to thank my staff, past and present, who have been absolutely magnificent. Many of them even turned up to help me move out of the pub on Tuesday. I can’t believe how supportive they have been.”
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