The Irish in the UK – Ep 244- Ernie Welch of the Old Star Pub in Winsford and remembering Mark Tomlinson

This week…

In Part 1… Last year, Ernie Welch underwent extensive surgery for cancer. He’s the popular and funny landlord of the Old Star Pub in Winsford. You can’t keep a good man down and Ernie published regular blogs about his fight back, helping others to deal with evil that is cancer. Having had a near death experience and a Holy vision in hospital, Ernie has re-visited his faith and is bouncing back to full health. Together with his friend Rob Allen, they’ve released a song, You’re Not Gonna Win. Hear Ernie’s story and sing along with his catchy anthem to battling on!

In Part 2… In 2020, Mark Tomlinson sadly passed away. This was the height of lock-down and gatherings and funerals were banned, so he was laid to rest with just priests in attendance! Nearly two years on, his grieving parents, Bridget and Michael have spoken to us about their loss and how Mark filled so many people’s hearts with joy. Mark was well known in Birmingham and had the pandemic not happened, his funeral procession would have filled the streets. We talk to his friends and family and celebrate the life of a very special person.

For more information

The Old Star Pub and blogs can be found at… the-old-star.co.uk
Search Spotify for “Ernie Welch” to find You’re Not Gonna Win
The Downs Syndrome Association… downs-syndrome.org.uk

Watch the Irish in the UK every Thursday night at 7.30pm on SKY 191 or Freesat 162. Repeated on Tuesday at 1 pm