My heroes of the hour (From Malvern Gazette)

My heroes of the hour

10:30am Friday 3rd August 2007 in Letters

I left work in Stroud at 6pm on Friday, July 20, and managed, with difficulty in a small car, to negotiate Gloucester, Maisemore, Corse etc, the M5 being blocked solid, when I arrived at the southern end of Longdon at 8.30pm. After trying to find a route northwards back to Malvern via the Ledbury or Tewkesbury areas, I was forced to give up and call at the Hunters Inn, Buckbury, to get out of the rain.

Although it was very full up with distressed travellers, the pub did its stuff with a small team of cheery bar staff. I had already phoned home to say I would have to sleep in the car that night. The pub did its best during the evening to feed people and find accommodation for families, offer sanctuary there for others, etc.

However, at the end of the evening after meeting several nice people I was out of the blue offered a chance to get home to Barnards Green after all. I must admit I was dubious but it transpired that I needn't have been. Unfortunately, in the circumstances, was unable to get the names of those involved but I know they are owners of this pub and a nearby farm.

Anyway, myself and various others were taken in their car (having parked mine safely on high ground) to the flood water's edge. There we were transferred onto wonderful tall modern tractors which took us through the four/five feet or whatever of water, and subsequently in a Land Rover via Longdon and Welland to the end of my road off Pickersleigh Road. At all times the men involved were only out to do their very best for us in such a willing way in such adverse conditions. I felt humbled by their generosity. So I arrived home at 12.30am to an amazed and relieved wife. Many others did not get home that night.

I want others to know that there are decent people out there in the world still with a selfless approach and I hope I will meet these men again. But whatever happens in the future I thank them most profoundly for their help on that evening of floods and wish them the very best, and suggest people patronise this marvellous pub because its owners and their relations/friends were definitely my heroes of that hour.

Bob Hirschhorn, Lydes Road, Malvern.