19.11.1965 – 02.06.2020.

Jacky was the joint owner, with her husband Pat, of The Liverpool Pigeon, Merseyside’s first micropub, twice local branch pub of the year and the catalyst for the explosion of micropubs in this branch and adjoining ones. She was a knowledgeable and passionate advocate of real ale for 30 years, beginning in her early 20s, in many ways a rare thing those days for a woman, but it illustrates Jacky’s pioneering outlook towards real ale and pubs.

A CAMRA member for over 2 decades, Jacky was a regular attendee at CAMRA socials and the Liverpool Beer Festival, where she often worked as a bar volunteer passing on her knowledge of real ale. Her enthusiasm for real ale was shown during the 2008 Capital of Culture Year beer festival which included an event aimed at introducing women to real ale. The organisers asked Jacky to host and present the event, expecting a few invited guests to turn up. On opening the doors that “few” had increased to 120. Undeterred, Jacky rallied to the task and made the evening a great success. When the branch developed similar social events about 2 years later, Jacky always brought along a group of friends - most of whom are now ardent real ale drinkers.

A popular figure in the local real ale scene, Jacky was known by and friends with many publicans such as John O’Dowd (Lion Tavern & Belvedere), Simon Holt (Baltic Fleet), Paddy Byrne (Pen Factory), and Dave Williams (Dispensary), as well as pub goers she would meet in pubs and on trips.

We extend our thoughts and best wishes to Pat, and to the families of Jacky and Pat.

(Photo: Jacky and Pat, receiving the Pub of the Year Award 2014, at the Liverpool CAMRA Awards Evening)