GB Pole Vaulter Turns Craft Brewer
Linda Stanton, who competed in the pole vault for Great Britain between 1992 and 2001 started work at Penrith’s Eden Brewery earlier this month.
During her athletics career Linda, now 41, broke both the British and Commonwealth records with a jump of 3.72 in 1995.
She was forced to retire from the sport following a wrist injury, but continued to work in the field of sports education for children until making the surprise move into the world of Cumbrian craft brewing.
After moving to Penrith three years ago, Linda took an interim job in the local Booths where she specialised in working in alcoholic beverages and met Eden brewer Jason Hill – who supplies the supermarket.
After leaving Booths she worked at Yanwath Primary School before Jason offered her a full time job at the brewery this year.
Linda works on all the day to day work of the brewery, from brewing to casking, distribution and admin.
Linda Stanton
She said: “It’s not something I would ever really have dreamed I would have ended up doing with the background I have in sports coaching and athletics, but when Jason offered me the job I took it straight away because I like a challenge.
“I do miss my time competing, but I really enjoy the work I do at the brewery. Brewing is quite a physical job – there is lots of lifting and hauling – so it keeps me fit and there is a lot of variety, not to mention the occasional chance to sample a bit of free beer.”
Eden Brewery is based in the old kitchens of the Medieval Brougham Hall, just outside Penrith, and has been producing beer since March 2012.
To find out more about Eden Brewery and its beers go to www.edenbrewery.com
