Saddleworth pub to feed the vulnerable and offer free rooms to key workers

An award-winning Saddleworth pub has been working with local community groups, GMP, the NHS and AgeUK to support vulnerable local people during the Covid 19 crisis.

The White Hart at Lydgate in Uppermill is selling its current beer stock to enable it to provide up to 5,000 free meals for the local community and open up its bedrooms to key workers. The first two guests checked in on Tuesday night for 14 days.

The aim is to provide the following in the next coming weeks:

• 3,000 – 5,000 FREE chef pre-prepared nutritious meals for distribution to the vulnerable in Oldham (working with AgeUK and Oldham MBC) funded through donations.
• open guest bedrooms at the White Hart for any NHS key workers, paramedics or police who want to self-isolate from their families because they are caring for or transporting coronavirus patients. This accommodation will be provided FREE of charge
• a self-service canteen to provide FREE evening meals and breakfast for the above guests funded by Lydgate Brass Band Contest and Love Lydgate, who have pledged £2,000 and £500 respectively.

The plan depends on the local community buying some of the 1,500 litres of beer gifted to Love Lydgate which they can enjoy over the Easter weekend in the comfort of their own homes and gardens.

With the help of 20+ volunteers, a park and queue drive-in off-license will be set up in the White Hart car park. All the correct health and safety procedures will be in place to ensure social distancing is adhered to, together with contactless payments. In line with government guidance, only single customers and cars with one person will be permitted.

No-one will be able to go into the premises, drink or congregate on the grounds. Beer will be available in three-litre containers, with a minimum donation of £4 a litre. ALL funds will go towards providing FREE nutritious meals for the vulnerable.

White Hart owner Charles Brierley said: “During what is a very challenging time for everyone, I felt we could help a lot of people in need in the wider community, preparing nutritious meals that just require re-heating.

“We are closed but our bedrooms are there to be used by those who need them. We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from people in the surrounding areas offering their support, driving home the fact that working collectively in the community will help us get through this.”   

Local groups Lydgate Brass Band Contest, Love Lydgate, The Great Saddleworth Get Together and members of Saddleworth Round Table have all helped with this initiative.

Beer will be on sale 12-4pm on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday.