Patten in the News - Landlady's amazing pub success story gets pride of place on the buses

A LANDLADY who turned around a failing pub while battling cancer has inspired a mystery punter to name a bus after the now thriving business.

In the past 18 months, Claire Muldoon has transformed Duffield's Patten Makers' Arms, changing it from a venue that was closed most evenings to a thriving community pub.

The 47-year-old took on the challenge while being treated for breast cancer.

And one of her customers was so inspired by her tale he made a donation towards a new breast-screening unit at Derby City General Hospital.

The money was given to the Namesake Appeal, which, in return for a small donation, allowed him to name a Trent Barton Bus after the pub.

Claire, of Luccombe Drive, Alvaston, said she was surprised by his actions.

She said: "I had no idea – it is a huge shock but amazing to think that someone did that because of me."

The name of the pub is now displayed inside Trent Barton's route six bus, which runs from Duffield to Ripley.

Before Claire took over, the pub was taking about £800 a week.

But after introducing activities like skittles and darts and starting quiz teams, she increased takings at the Crown Street venue to £2,500 a week.

In April, Claire's future at the pub was in doubt after owner Enterprise Inns proposed a tenancy agreement that she said would leave her thousands of pounds out of pocket. Furious regulars started a petition to keep her as the landlady and she has now been offered a cheaper tenancy agreement.

She said: "It shows that people power can work and I am now here for the next five years.

"It is a great result and everyone has been backing me."

Next week, Claire starts her final round of a six-week course of radiotherapy in her battle against breast cancer.

She added: "My hair has just started to grow back and, by Friday, I will have completed the course of radiotherapy. I will then have tests and scans to see if the cancer has gone."

The Namesake Appeal was founded by Heather Ward, of Stretton, near Alfreton, in 1999.

She said: "I was delighted when asked by a member of the public, who wishes to remain anonymous, if he could name a Trent Barton Bus to help promote support for the Patten Makers' Arms."

More information about the Namesake Appeal is available from Heather on 01246 250693, or write to The Outlook, Main Road, Stretton, DE55 6EW.