The White Hart and Dinnerstone support vulnerable in Oldham

The community has come together with volunteers and funds to help deliver this vital support. The committees of Lydgate Brass Band Contest, Love Lydgate, The Great Saddleworth Get Together and members of Saddleworth Round Table have all volunteered, alongside team members in both businesses.

The ambition is to deliver/provide the following in the next coming weeks;

1. 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.
2. Open guest bedrooms at the White Hart Lydgate for any NHS key workers, paramedics or police who would wish to isolate from their families as they are caring for or transporting Coronavirus patients. This accommodation will be provided FREE by the White Hart.
3. The setting up of a self-service canteen to provide FREE evening meals and breakfast for the above guests – funded by Lydgate Brass Band Contest and Love Lydgate whom have pledged £2,000 and £500 respectively.

Part of this plan relies on the local community buying from the current stock of beer, hopefully to enjoy over the Easter weekend in the comfort of their own homes/ gardens. Utilising over 1,500 litres of good beer/ale from the cellars of the White Hart and Dinnerstone; which have been gifted to Love Lydgate; the plan is to set up a drive in, with a park and queue off-license in the car park of the White Hart. With the help of 20+ volunteers, all the correct health and safety procedures will be put in place to ensure social distancing is controlled, alongside offering contactless payments. In line with government guidance only single shoppers 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.

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. As a pub, 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.”

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