Sheffield residents raise over £1,000 in a bid to save ‘community hub’ pub
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The White Lion - a traditional Sheffield pub on London Road - has been welcoming customers for many years but due to the coronavirus crisis, it announced on March 20 that it would be closing its doors ‘for the foreseeable future’.
Locals may have described The White Lion as ‘the best pub in town’, but what some people might have underestimated is the role it played as a ‘community hub’.
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Hide AdJames Norton - a sports coach who used the pub as part of his C25K programme - said: “For four years and 10 courses, at the end of week, the White Lion gave us the space for our 'theory workshop' and more importantly gave the ideal space and cues to form the bonds that for many have become life long and essential parts of their well being.
“Jon and Mandy have looked after us every week, even putting additional staff on at times. Without them we would just not have been able to do what we have done.”
A unique part of C25K sessions were the workshops held in the pub, as it was where participants shared experiences and built friendships and support networks.
It allowed people to feel part of a ‘thriving support community’.
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Hide AdJames fears that given the current situation, it could be the end of the pub, so he has chosen to set up a fundraiser in a bid to save it.
James’ crowdfunding page has raised over £1,000 since it was set up on March 23.
Other groups and communities, as well as local pub frequenters, have been quick to show their support for The White Lion and its owners Jon and Mandy.
Julia described the pub as the ‘heart of our community’ while Heather added that it was ‘the base for many a gathering, building a support network and friends for many of us’.
To support The White Lion, see here.