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

The Growing Trend of Parasocial Relationships Among Younger Generations

Connor Banks
Jun 17, 2024
3 min read

The digital age has given rise to a new form of relationship—one that is largely one-sided and deeply emotional. Parasocial relationships (PSRs), where individuals form strong connections with media figures like YouTube creators or fictional characters, are becoming increasingly prevalent among younger people. The recent study published in Scientific Reports from the University of Essex sheds light on why these relationships are not just a passing fad but a fundamental shift in how emotional needs are met in the 21st century.

Why Are Parasocial Relationships Booming?

Let's face it: today's youth are digital natives. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, our lives are interwoven with the internet. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are more than just entertainment—they're lifelines. The study reveals that PSRs are more effective at fulfilling emotional needs than casual acquaintances, though they still fall short of the intimacy provided by close friends and family. These virtual connections can be incredibly comforting for young people, who often face social challenges and a constant quest for belonging.

The Role of Accessibility and Consistency:

Unlike traditional relationships, PSRs don't require reciprocation. A YouTube creator is always there, posting new content regularly, sharing their thoughts, their lives, and sometimes, their vulnerabilities. This consistency creates a sense of reliability and emotional safety that can be harder to find in real-life relationships, especially during tumultuous adolescent years.

A mobile phone with Social Media apps on it.

High Self-Esteem and Social Rejection:

Interestingly, the study points out that individuals with high self-esteem find these parasocial bonds particularly satisfying when facing social rejection. In an age where bullying and social exclusion can extend into the digital realm, having a dependable, albeit one-sided, emotional support system can make a world of difference.

Why Is This Happening?

The rise in PSRs can be attributed to several factors. First, the pervasive influence of digital media means that young people are constantly exposed to media figures. These figures often share content that feels intimate and personal, creating an illusion of friendship. Additionally, societal shifts, including increased social isolation and the fragmentation of traditional community structures, have left a void that PSRs can fill.

A Double-Edged Sword for Mental Health:

While PSRs can provide much-needed emotional support, they also come with potential drawbacks. Over-reliance on these relationships might impede the development of real-life social skills. The key is balance—using PSRs as a supplementary support system rather than a replacement for actual human interaction.

Is This a Good or Bad Thing?

The answer isn't straightforward. On one hand, PSRs offer a vital source of support and connection in a world where traditional social bonds are weakening. They can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with social anxiety or lack a strong support network. On the other hand, there's a risk that these relationships might discourage people from seeking out and nurturing real-world connections, which are essential for a well-rounded emotional life.

Final Thoughts:

Parasocial relationships are more than just a quirky byproduct of our media-saturated world; they're a testament to the evolving nature of human connection. For younger generations, these relationships can offer significant emotional support, filling gaps left by traditional social interactions. As we navigate this digital landscape, understanding and integrating the positive aspects of PSRs could be crucial for fostering emotional well-being in an increasingly connected yet isolated world.

The full study provides a deeper dive into these dynamics and can be accessed [here](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58069-9).