National Pubwatch founder retiring

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker has paid tribute to founder member Bill Stone, who is retiring from the committee.

Stone, who is leaving due to ill health, was a founding member of the National Association of Licensed House Mangers and helped set up several pubwatch schemes during his time as a relief manager.

In 1997 he persuaded John Tomlin, then editor of MA, and Raoul de Vaux to set up a group to support local pubwatch scheme - and National Pubwatch was born.

Speaking at the National Pubwatch Conference in Weston-super-mare today, Baker said: "Through his insistence, National Pubwatch has remained focused on supporting those at the operational level who are the key to success.​

"Over the years he has spent many hours of his own time travelling around the country helping to set up schemes, drumming up sponsorship from pub companies and getting prominent parliamentarians on side.

"His infectious enthusiasm has been an inspiration to many of us and he will be greatly missed."