Pub gathers local pensioners together for free Christmas party
More than 90 pensioners visited the Old Plough in Ashton in Mersey to enjoy a free annual Christmas party, courtesy of the community pub’s fundraising efforts. db looks at what it takes for just one pub to warm the hearts of its locals and combat loneliness.
The event, which included a three-course Christmas lunch, a drink, DJ and a full afternoon of festive entertainment, was paid for by a series of donations, year-round fundraising activities ranging from hamper ticket sales, quiz and bingo night proceeds through to prize raffles that were carried out by the pub’s team, regulars and the local community.
‘Vital’ for the community
The festive celebration has become an important event in the area and a key focus for the pub, which is managed by Niamh Kenny and known for its strong commitment to the community.
The event has also become a poignant get-together while in the wake of there being a rise in pub closures across the UK that has hit communities hard with the spike in loneliness on a par with peak pandemic levels.
Research, gathered from new polling by the British Beer and Pubs Association (BBPA) has shown that two out of three (67%) people see pubs as “vital” in the fight against isolation. According to the results, one in three (33%) revealed that they, or someone they know, have experienced increased loneliness as a direct result of losing their local pub. The data also highlighted how 60% are concerned about pub closures in their area, and 70% consider the pub “important” or “very important” for their local area’s social life.
Fundraising and investment
Originally acquired by Hydes in 1911, The Old Plough received a £550k refurbishment earlier this year as part of the family-owned brewery and pub operator’s ongoing multi-million pound investment into its business. The business, which has also recently seen its brewery and pub tour draw record numbers across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. has revealed to db that it feels that “building loyalty” has led to much of its success. This summer Hydes also toasted Oasis homecoming gigs with a tribute beer named Definitely Not Maybe, which launched in time for the Manchester band’s reunion shows, illustrating that boosting community spirit and bringing back the feeling of a pub being a public house and a hub for all locals is important.
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Niamh Kenny, who joined The Old Plough team last year and was promoted to general manager in June, has already been leading community initiatives and fundraising efforts for local causes such as St Anne’s Hospice. Added to this, she has also participated in the Great Manchester Run with colleagues from Hydes.
‘Joy, comfort and companionship’
Describing what it means to work for the local community and put on events such as this, Kenny told db: “The Christmas party for local pensioners was a huge success and showed the true spirit of the Old Plough, confirming why the party has become such an anticipated event for so many local people. The pub was filled with laughter and genuine happiness. The entire team was determined to deliver a memorable day that brought joy, comfort and companionship to local people who look forward to meeting up with friends old and new.”
Hydes managing director, Adam Mayers explained: “The success of this event reflects the wider community driven approach across the whole Hydes estate. Our pubs play an important part in bringing people together and occasions like this make a real difference to wellbeing and social connections. This is especially important for older and vulnerable people in our communities and pubs such as The Old Plough have a valuable part to play as they are the heartbeat of local communities.”
Bringing people together
Mayers added: “Hydes is fully committed to supporting activity that strengthens local ties and I’m proud of the Old Plough team for delivering another outstanding community celebration. The Christmas party confirmed the role the Old Plough plays at the heart of its community and demonstrates the lasting value of bringing people together during the festive season.”
The Salford-based brewery business was formed in 1863 and continues to supply beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK as well as to its own pub retailing estate of more than 40 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.
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