Anne Prigent - Obituary

Anne Prigent - nee Gallacher

It was with great sadness that we at North Oxfordshire CAMRA learnt of the death of Anne on the 22nd November in St Julia's Hospice, Hayle, Cornwall.

She and Jerome arrived at Caulcott in 2006 and stamped their class and style on what was already a popular pub. As landlady Anne quickly endeared herself to the locals and with Jerome fast got a reputation for excellent beer, food and hospitality. Although she was very proud of her Cornish heritage, with Cornish beers featuring regularly, Anne was born on the 24th October 1968 in Coventry, moving to Hayle when she was 15. She worked in top hotels travelling across Britain and also working in France and the United States. It was in the USA that she first met Jerome and their paths were to cross again back in Britain at the Bath Spa Hotel. They moved from Bath to the Tregenna Castle Hotel Cornwall where they stayed for seven years with Jerome as head chef and Anne filling many roles including Restaurant Manager.

Then in November 2006 they brought their special talents to Caulcott when they bought the Horse & Groom. Since arriving they kept the pub in the top six of the branches pubs a feat they managed again this year. Shortly after arriving though Anne was diagnosed with cancer and after treatment at the Christie Centre Manchester it was hoped that she had beaten it, but unfortunately the cancer returned. Anne and Jerome were married at St Julia's Hospice in May 2009 with their families and friends. Those of us who met Anne will remember her professionalism, sense of humour and friendliness; our thoughts are with Jerome and the family.