The Pub Regulars Who Carried Their Mate to the Pub, Every Day

10 July 2025

Paul Francis

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There’s friendship. Then there’s Cleary Arms friendship.

In the West Yorkshire village of Burthwaite, a group of pub regulars are being quietly hailed as local heroes for a simple but powerful act of loyalty. For nearly two years, they have taken it upon themselves to ensure their mate, 78-year-old George Pickering, never missed a pint at his favourite pub. Even after he could no longer walk.

Bar shelf with various liquor bottles, including Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, in warm lighting. Bottle labels and wooden decor visible.

Every day, without fail, the regulars at The Cleary Arms take turns wheeling George the quarter-mile from his bungalow to the pub and back again. Rain, snow, or sunshine.

“Missing a day? That’d be like missing church,” jokes Pete Lawson, one of George’s oldest mates. “Only we worship ale and pork scratchings instead.”

A Slow Decline, and a Fast Response

George, a retired coal merchant, has been part of Burthwaite’s daily pub crowd for over five decades. Locals call him “The Mayor of Cleary Arms” due to his usual perch in the corner seat and encyclopaedic knowledge of local gossip.

Two years ago, George suffered a stroke that left him with limited mobility. Though his mind remained sharp, walking became nearly impossible. At first, he resigned himself to a quiet life indoors.

“Those few weeks nearly broke me,” George recalls. “I missed the lads. I missed the laughter. I missed being part of it.”

His friends, however, had other ideas.

“They told me to shut up and sit tight,” George grins. “Next thing I know, they’ve got a wheelchair and a rota.”

A Pub’s Beating Heart

Each afternoon, like clockwork, one of the lads collects George. They’ve weatherproofed his wheelchair with a pub-style umbrella and even added cupholders. Some days, he arrives to a cheer. Other days, it’s quiet chat and crisps. But he is never forgotten.

Landlady Maria Dodd says George has become the symbol of the pub’s soul.

“He’s the glue, really. The stories he tells. The way everyone lights up when he’s here. It reminds us what pubs are truly about – community.”

She adds that they’ve modified the pub’s entrance with a ramp and extra-wide access thanks to a local fundraiser.

“We thought we were helping George,” she says, “but really, he’s helping us keep this place alive.”

National Attention

Earlier this year, a passing cyclist posted a video of George being wheeled in by Pete, pint in hand, singing an off-key version of “Jerusalem.” It went viral.

Since then, the story has featured in regional news and morning radio, sparking a wave of admiration. Offers poured in – new wheelchair cushions, local breweries offering free ale, and even a campaign to name him a “National Pub Treasure.”

George shrugs it all off. “I’m just a lucky old bugger with brilliant mates.”

More Than a Pint

In an age where loneliness among older people is a growing issue, George’s story is a powerful reminder of what friendship, loyalty, and a good local can achieve.

“These lads saved my life,” George says quietly. “I was fading. Now, I’ve got something to get up for every day.”

Burthwaite might be small, and The Cleary Arms might not win any Michelin stars. But in a modest corner of Yorkshire, the spirit of the Great British pub is alive, well, and on wheels.

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Celebrating Yorkshire Day with Legendary Folklore Tales

Connor Banks
Jul 29, 2024
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As we celebrate Yorkshire Day, it's the perfect time to delve into the fascinating folklore that this historic county offers. Yorkshire is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its captivating legends that have been passed down through generations. Here, we explore five of the most intriguing folklore tales from Yorkshire's past, each steeped in mystery and enchantment.

1. The Barguest: The Menacing Spectral Dog

illustration of the Barguest: The Menacing Spectral Dog

The Barguest is a legendary black dog said to haunt the moors and towns of Yorkshire. Described as a large, menacing creature with fiery eyes, the Barguest is often considered a harbinger of doom. Stories tell of its appearances in secluded areas, where its presence is believed to foretell death or disaster.

In some versions of the legend, the Barguest can also shapeshift into other forms, including a headless man, a white cat, a rabbit, or even a black dog with chains. The Barguest is deeply embedded in the local culture, with various towns and villages in Yorkshire having their own versions of the story. The creature's fearsome reputation made it a staple of local folklore, with parents often using tales of the Barguest to frighten children into good behaviour.

2. Whitby Abbey: The Haunting Legacy of St. Hilda

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea, Whitby Abbey is steeped in history and legend. Founded in 657 AD by St. Hilda, the abbey became a significant religious centre in Anglo-Saxon England. One of the most famous legends associated with Whitby Abbey is that of St. Hilda turning snakes into stone, which locals link to the ammonite fossils found in the surrounding cliffs.

The abbey played a crucial role in the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD, where the decision was made to follow Roman rather than Celtic practices in the English Church, a pivotal moment in religious history. The ruins of the abbey inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” written after Stoker visited Whitby and was struck by the haunting beauty of the ruins and the town's atmospheric setting. Today, Whitby Abbey remains a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its dramatic ruins and rich history.

3. Robin Hood and Barnsdale Forest: The Northern Adventures

While Robin Hood is often associated with Sherwood Forest, many of his legendary exploits are said to have taken place in Barnsdale Forest in South Yorkshire. Historical ballads and tales link Robin Hood to this region, with landmarks such as Robin Hood's Well and the village of Wentbridge featuring prominently.

Barnsdale Forest provided a strategic base for Robin and his Merry Men, allowing them to ambush wealthy travellers and evade capture. The earliest literary references to Robin Hood, such as "A Gest of Robyn Hode," place him in Barnsdale. The ballads describe how Robin and his band operated in this area, targeting corrupt officials and helping the poor. This northern association underscores the widespread appeal and regional variations of the Robin Hood legend, reflecting the rich storytelling traditions of Yorkshire.

4. The Drummer Boy of Richmond Castle: A Haunting Melody

The legend of the Drummer Boy of Richmond Castle tells of a young boy sent to explore a newly discovered tunnel beneath the castle. As he drummed his way through the tunnel, soldiers above ground followed the sound. However, the drumming suddenly stopped near Easby Abbey, and the boy was never seen again.

A stone marker, known as the Drummer Boy’s Stone, stands at the spot where the drumming was last heard. This monument commemorates the mysterious disappearance and adds a tangible connection to the legend. The story has become an integral part of local folklore, with some claiming to hear faint drumming sounds in the area to this day. Richmond Castle itself is a significant historical site, with a rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest, adding depth to this eerie tale.

5. Mother Shipton: Yorkshire's Famed Prophetess

Born Ursula Sontheil in 1488, Mother Shipton is one of England's most famous prophetesses. Legend has it that she was born during a violent thunderstorm in a cave by the River Nidd. Known for her strange appearance and prophetic abilities, she became a renowned herbalist and seer. Among her many predictions were the Great Fire of London and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Mother Shipton's prophecies often contained cryptic language and vivid imagery, which allowed for various interpretations over the centuries. Her reputed ability to foresee events attracted people from far and wide seeking her counsel. Mother Shipton's Cave remains a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can learn about her life, view the Petrifying Well, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Knaresborough.

Yorkshire's folklore is a treasure trove of enchanting stories that continue to captivate the imagination. These tales of spectral dogs, haunting ruins, legendary outlaws, mysterious disappearances, and prophetic visions highlight the region's rich cultural heritage. As we celebrate Yorkshire Day, let's embrace these legends and the timeless allure they bring to God's Own Country.