Back in the day I was a regular at The Old Moseley Arms with my wife, Linda. The Balsall Heath area was a hotbed (no pun intended) of prostitution. Illegal drugs were readily available. Through these choppy waters sailed the indomitable figure of Miriam King, licensee of The Old Mo. Miriam was great, and kept a tidy house. The iron hand in the iron glove.
She was followed as mein host by a rather shy, diffident young man - Sukhi. Yes, the very same strapping and popular proprietor of today, over a quarter of a century later. Sukhi was inexperienced and The Old Mo could have easily gone the same way as many other backstreet boozers, but he had the vision to realise that change was necessary if the pub was to survive. His brilliant plan saw the major development of the outside seating area and, of course, the introduction of the famous curries. But the master stroke was retaining the basic core of Miriam's pub so that the regulars still kept on coming.
His other stroke of genius 22 years ago was to employ one Linsay Helen Tobin, firstly as a barmaid and then as bar manager. Not only was Lins a grafter but she bought into the whole project and her infectious enthusiasm and drive was instrumental in making The Old Mo what it is today. And gosh, who can forget THAT smile?
Due to job changes Linda and I became intermittent users of the pub (although we have, fortunately, been a bit more regular in recent times). It was apparent from the very beginning that Lins was special. Purely on an operational level she did what the "textbook" says a barperson should do, but which is seldom actually practised in this country:
One: Greet the customer. "Hello Jules! How are ya?" This always said with her wide, trademark smile (even when she was undergoing punishing medical treatment);
Two: Listen to the customer's reply! Her greeting was not just some formulaic ritual. She genuinely wanted to know how punters were getting on. She liked (most) of the customers and they loved her. We were all friends.
Three: Remember what regulars drink but don't automatically serve the pint. Lins would hold the glass beneath the pull but always double-check: "Bathams, Jules?" "Please Lins - and take for two".
Four: When the pub is busy acknowledge the customer but serve everyone in turn. This is de rigeur in, say, Dublin, but here it is a system seldom seen. Lins was a true professional.
But Lins was also the beating heart of the pub. Always enjoying a laugh and joke or lending a sympathetic ear when folk were down. Even when she was very seriously ill she still came in when she was well enough - to the delight of us all. She threw herself unstintingly into all things - the beer festivals being a classic example when she was determined that everyone would have a great time, and she did so much to make them a success.
Covid hit the pub trade hard. Unsurprisingly, Sukhi was deeply worried, but Lins pushed him on to deliver improvements whilst the pub was shut. When customers were finally allowed into the outside areas Lins revelled in the table service. She realised the isolation many were facing, and she brought great cheer to everyone. That's just the way she was. One day, when most of the downstairs work was completed she insisted on showing me around. She was bursting with pride and her positivity was just so invigorating in those troubled times.
At the funeral yesterday Lins' popularity was manifested by the huge crowd of well-wishers. Her large, but close, family were devastated, of course, but I am sure they will all come to draw solace from the turnout. People I haven't seen for years attended. A crew from Highgate Fire Station appeared complete with fire engine! There simply was not enough room for everyone. It was standing room only down the side aisles and a large knot of folk spilling outside through the chapel doors. Lins was correctly described as "a beautiful soul" who had left "an indelible mark" on the lives of so many.
Afterwards The Old Mo was packed-out. The big screens showed a large selection of photos and no prizes for guessing a common feature on them all - yes, THAT smile again!
I know Sukhi was also bombarded with calls and messages from Old Mo customers and bunches of flowers have appeared in the bars. The suppliers all knew Lins, of course, and expressed their condoloences. Wye Valley Brewery deserves special mention as it badged a beer up especially for the wake - here's the pump clip for "Linsay's Farewell":
Lins - your family loved you. Your friends loved you. Everyone at The Old Mo loved you. You are sorely missed but we cherish your time on this earth.
Linsay Helen Tobin 21st January, 1981 - 13th July 2024
The golden bowl is broken indeed but it was golden.
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