Tribute to Andrew “Wyn” Wingfield (From York Press)
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£265 raised for Samaritans in memory of Andrew “Wyn” Wingfield
8:42am Friday 17th August 2012 in News
Andrew “Wyn” Wingfield
FRIENDS, customers and staff at a York pub raised £265 for the Samaritans in memory of its former manager, who died suddenly earlier this year.
About 70 people attended the event at the Cottage Inn in The Village, Haxby , where Andrew “Wyn” Wingfield was found dead in May.
A spokeswoman for Chameleon Bar & Dining Ltd, which leases the Cottage Inn, said the new manager, Terry Earnshaw, and the rest of the staff and regulars put on the event to celebrate Wyn’s life and the work he had done in the year he ran the pub, during which time he achieved considerable success. Mr Wingfield, 39, of Fulford , formerly worked in management positions at several York city centre restaurants including Oscars, Stonegate Yard and the Slug & Lettuce.
The spokeswoman said his death had left family, colleagues and customers in shock and deeply saddened.
She said: “A raffle at the event saw a wide selection of great prizes donated by local businesses and suppliers including Haxby Butchers, Ocean Hair Design, Haxby Cycles, York City FC, York City Knights , Samson and Delilah Gym, Black Sheep Brewery, ViVAS Wines, Classic Drinks and The Farmers Cart.”
She said Phil Strong, managing director of Chameleon Bar & Dining, had spoken in recognition of the work Wyn had done, and said he was well liked and greatly missed.
She said: “Wyn was known to have a history of depression and the team decided it was fitting that money be raised to support the vital work of the Samaritans.”
A spokesperson for York Samaritans said: “We’re always grateful for donations and an opportunity to increase awareness of our work.
“The £265 raised at the Cottage Inn event will help York Samaritans to continue to give confidential support to people experiencing despair, emotional distress and suicidal feelings.”
• Anyone experiencing feelings of depression and contemplating suicide can phone York Samaritans on 01904 655888.
