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

10 July 2025

Paul Francis

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

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.

Current Most Read

The Price of Free: CapCut's New Terms of Service Raise Big Questions for Creators

Eyelash Serums and Lash Health: What Really Works?

Ellie Waiton
Apr 8
2 min read

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether eyelash serums really work, you’re not alone. I’ve been diving into this recently and found a few helpful insights, especially about alternatives that may not necessarily grow your lashes but can definitely boost their health.

Close-up of a blue eye with long eyelashes, looking upward. Soft lighting highlights the texture of the skin and subtle makeup. Neutral background.

Castor Oil: Does it help your Eyelash

Castor oil is one of the most talked-about natural remedies for lash growth. While there’s no solid scientific proof that it actually increases lash length or volume, many people swear by it. What it can do is improve lash health by moisturizing and conditioning the lashes, which may help reduce breakage and make them appear thicker over time.

Aloe Vera (the real stuff)

Aloe vera, when it's the real, natural gel from the plant, can be soothing and hydrating. It’s rich in vitamins and enzymes that are good for skin and hair health. While it’s not guaranteed to grow your lashes, applying pure aloe vera may support lash strength and prevent them from becoming brittle.

Lash Conditioners

Lash conditioners are designed specifically for eyelash care. These products usually contain nourishing ingredients like peptides, panthenol, and biotin, which can improve lash flexibility, reduce breakage, and promote a healthier lash line. Again, they won’t give you overnight results, but they do help lashes look fuller and more resilient over time.

Why lash health matters (especially if you wear makeup)

Even if these treatments don’t lead to dramatic lash growth, improving lash health can make a visible difference. Healthy lashes tend to fall out less, look shinier, and feel stronger. Over time, this can give the illusion of longer and fuller lashes, even if the growth itself is subtle and gradual.

Safety first

Whenever you're putting anything near your eyes, be extra careful. Always do a patch test first. You can test products on your inner elbow or wrist for at least 12 hours (overnight is ideal). If you want to be more certain it won’t cause irritation near your eyes, try applying a small amount to the skin around your eyes (but not directly on your lashes) before using it more broadly.

Lash serums and natural alternatives can help improve the overall health and appearance of your lashes. While you might not see dramatic growth, you can still achieve stronger, healthier lashes with the right care, and that alone can make a noticeable difference.