In 1978, after 12 years working as a salesman for various companies Ivan, (Below in July 1984) found himself after a few attempts to get into the licence trade, finding a job with Ind coope, part of the Allied Breweries group, one of the largest drink companies in the world, calling on free trade in the North-East of Norfolk.

After 6 years, always of the opinion that he was on the best, on the other side of the bar, Ivan found himself behind the bar on July 16th 1984 as the proprietor of the Gardeners Arms/ The Murderers free house, purchasing the pub, along with Douglas Brandwood as a silent partner, from former landlord, Duoro Potter. "What a turn around." Ivan said, "Shortly after taking over, I met my wife to be Jackie. In those days all pubs had customers, the better one's simply had more, and although the Murderers enjoyed very good trade, with a change around of clientele we soon became extremely successful. We lived above the pub for 6 years and had 2 lovely girls along with my Son.

Those early years were great, and I had the pleasure of having a great customer base and some fantastic staff, one being a young Mr Philip Cutter who started work with me at tender age of 15, and now, some 27 years on from being a glass collector, is now our partner and the front man of the Gardeners Arms. We have been so fortunate to still be part of such a great pub."

Ivan and Jackie December 2013