Pub celebrating ‘togetherness’ after lockdowns
COMMUNITY PUB IN BEVERLEY
A BEVERLEY pub is leading a drive to encourage the community to come together again after the isolating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rachel Blake and Alex Perrin, of The Highfield, in Highfield Road, hosted a lunch for Home Instead carers and their clients to remind people of the joy of togetherness.
Home Instead provides care and companionship for people to stay safe and independent at home as long as possible. The event also marked the couple’s six-month anniversary at The Highfield, which had previously been closed for three years, and included the unveiling of an outdoor terrace area.
The lunch was subsidised by Heineken’s Brewing Good Cheer campaign, which celebrates the unique role pubs play as social hubs and in combatting social isolation.
Rachel said: “The biggest reason for wanting to take on The Highfield was an emotional one. I’ve known this place all my life and it played a big part in my youth. We also used it as a family later for many an occasion, including darts, our local, family get-togethers and, sadly, for a few wakes.
“We couldn’t bear to see it closed any longer and are so proud that we’ve been able to reopen it and give the community a place in which to socialise again.”
Rachel and Alex have introduced live entertainment, a weekly pub quiz, bingo and Play Your Cards Right and established a darts team.
Mandy Aitken, of Home Instead, said: “During the pandemic we noticed a big change in our clients who had previously enjoyed getting out to social activities, classes and even to the shops.
“Now that people are more comfortable about going out, we wanted to host a lunch event with The Highfield for our clients and their family members as well as others in the community who want to meet and socialise while enjoying lunch and entertainment.”
James Crampton, corporate affairs director at Heineken UK, said: “Social interaction is vital for mental health.
“We hope this campaign will remind everyone of the joys of socialising, encourage them to get out more and include the wider community, particularly the elderly and vulnerable who may still feel apprehensive about going out.”