South Leeds pub which became 'lifeline' for community is nominated for Big Thank You Award

The Hare and Hounds pub, on Batley Road, West Ardsley will now join the list of nominees for the awards which aim to shine a light on the heroes who have made a difference during the pandemic.

Within days of the first lockdown being announced and having to suddenly shut its doors, landlady Jackie Fairburn, partner Patrick McElroy and bar manager Keelie Moorby, sprang into action to offer their services to the local community.

The team were among the first to provide a local takeaway and delivery service - which managed to reach an average 100 people a day.

They also created a list of vulnerable and shielding residents who they phoned for a weekly chat as well as doing shopping and running errands for those in need.

Around VE Day, Jackie, 53, developed an afternoon tea treat package, selling 450 in one day, and delivered 75 free of charge to a local nursing home.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “It just escalated. It was phenomenal. It was seven days a week, 12-15 hour days, the phone was constantly ringing. When I think about what we did, and how many people - you don’t realise how much people needed things, even just a chat. There were some quite lonely people.

“We were just there for everyone. We were the hub of the community. As a landlady I feel responsible, I feel I need to give something back.”

And the pub’s generosity of spirit has continued during this second lockdown with plans this time to “make people smile” - including free coffees and teas from a mobile unit on a weekend and inviting people to nominate someone for a free afternoon tea package.

Jackie said: “This lockdown is all about making people smile because, the whole of us, we have lost it slightly. It’s quite a sad time. So we just need to make people smile.”

Profits made from food sales during the first lockdown have been reinvested in the pub to create an extensive outdoor bar and covered area where up to 180 people can visit and socially distance.

The Hare and Hounds’ Big Thank You Award nomination said: “They managed to reach people that are not ‘online’, people who are not able to just go on the internet and seek help or support from the online world.

“In a lot of the cases, the Hare and Hounds’ team were the only face that some people saw, as the lockdown progressed and people became more isolated they relied upon the support of the team more.”

Jackie said she was “humbled” to receive award.

“It’s lovely. I’m quite humbled because it’s something that I enjoyed doing. I don’t do it for the awards. I do it because I feel as a local village pub, it’s what we should do.”

The deadline for the Yorkshire Evening Post Big Thank You Awards closes on November 12. Visit www.bigthankyouawards.co.uk.

The Yorkshire Evening Post launched The Big Thank You Awards sponsored by Sovereign Health Care, to salute those who have gone the extra mile during the pandemic.

The Big Thank You Awards aim to recognise the heroic efforts of key workers, neighbours, families and friends who have been working, often behind the scenes, to keep us safe and healthy.

Anyone is eligible to win an award - from NHS staff to local shopkeepers or volunteers.

We are asking people to nominate their heroes for a Big Thank You Award. Nominations are open until November 12 and are submitted online at: www.bigthankyouawards.co.uk.

Russ Piper, CEO of Sovereign Health Care, said: “Sovereign Health Care was established almost 150 years ago to help the people of Yorkshire access healthcare services and we have remained true to this founding principle. Now, more than ever before, the health and wellbeing of the people in our communities is at the forefront.

“Over the last eight months, we have seen healthcare and key workers become quiet heroes against the incredibly challenging backdrop of the pandemic. These awards are an important opportunity to thank these amazing people and to tell their stories at a time when we all need hope and inspiration. We are delighted to be involved.”

Data Facilities, national NICEIC approved contractor and specialist in all electrical compliance disciplines, has also kindly sponsored the awards.

Readers will be given the chance to pick 10 winners from a shortlist of 30. Winners will be presented with their awards during a virtual ceremony on Friday, December 11 at 7pm.