“Inspirational” ex-Portsmouth pub landlord hands over reins after raising £57,000 for charity
The ex-landlord lost his sister to illness
An “inspirational” former Portsmouth pub landlord is handing over the reins after raising £57,000 for a charity close to his heart.
After losing his sister Alison to Motor Neurone Disease in January 2008, Paul Saynor wanted to create a lasting tribute in her memory. Inspired by Alison's love of clog dancing, he founded the Rose in June Folk and Beer Festival, which has since raised almost £57,000 for the MND Association.
Named in part after the Milton Road pub where Paul was landlord, the festival has now been held every year between 2008 and 2026, with only a two-year break during the Covid pandemic. Over the past 18 years it has enjoyed fantastic support from the local community, growing from humble beginnings into a much-anticipated fixture in the local calendar.
Some of its longstanding acts include the local Morris dance group Victory Morris, as well as the comedian and singer-songwriter Shep Woolley. The festival is a “brilliant celebration of folk music and a wonderful testament to Alison’s memory”.
Now, after almost two decades of organising the festival, Paul has decided to take a step back. But that doesn’t mean the end of the event, as he’s handing over the reins to his former business partner and now landlord of the Rose in June, Paul Taylor.
Paul Saynor said: “I think Alison would be really proud of the Rose in June Folk and Beer Festival. It always seemed like a great way to honour her memory, and I’m hugely grateful to the performers, volunteers, supporters and wider community for making the festival what it is today.
“While I may be stepping away from it, I am over the moon to see it continue, and it will always be very special to me.”
“It’s a truly magnificent thing that Paul’s built,” said Paul Taylor. “And you can tell it’s really struck a chord with the community, as we've seen progressively bigger turnouts every year. With Paul as the driving force, the entire festival has always been a team effort, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue all its good work.”
The money raised from the festival goes to the Portsmouth & South East Hampshire Support Group, ensuring it directly benefits local people living with Motor Neurone Disease and their families. Six people every day are diagnosed with MND in the UK. The disease affects the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leaving people unable to move, speak, eat or even breathe. There is currently no cure.
The Portsmouth & South East Hampshire Support Group has already awarded around £4,600 in grants and support funding in 2026 alone, helping people with practical everyday needs. Mobility equipment is one major focus, including rollators and other walking aids, mobility scooters and wheelchair adaptations. Another priority is helping people with MND retain their independence, including the provision of a laptop and contributions towards a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Support has also been provided to families facing financial pressures, as well as funding equipment designed to improve comfort and quality of life, including an air conditioning unit during the warmer months.
Other grants have enabled people with MND and their families to take a well-deserved holiday or short break, helping them make the most of their time together, and have even funded improvements to a garden to make it more accessible and enjoyable.
Sarah Armstrong, south west relationship fundraiser at the MND Association, said: “Every donation makes a difference, and Paul's passion and dedication to fundraising through the festival is nothing short of inspirational.
“We’re delighted to see Paul Taylor taking over, and hugely grateful to everyone who supports and attends the Rose in June Folk and Beer Festival. It has already made a tangible impact on so many people’s lives, and we’re looking forward to seeing what comes next.”
Find more information about MND and the MND Association by visiting mndassociation.org