Gift Drive 2026: Spreading a Bit of Proper Yorkshire Warmth This Christmas

Last year, you lot completely bowled us over. When we asked for help putting smiles on faces for the youngsters and families supported by Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, the generosity that piled up under our roof was enough to bring a lump to the throat of even the hardiest regular. The difference those parcels made on Christmas morning was immeasurable, and seeing that local spirit firsthand is something we never forget.
That’s why, once again, we are running our Christmas Gift Drive in aid of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice throughout the whole of November.
For those who don't know the full extent of the work they do, Forget Me Not is an incredible charity that brings magic, comfort, and vital care to children with life-shortening conditions and their families right across our region. When a family is walking through the toughest times imaginable, the hospice provides a haven of joy, respite, and precious memories. It’s an honour to back them, and we want to make sure every single child and sibling they look after knows they haven't been forgotten this winter.
To make things truly special, we don't just box these gifts up and send them off in a courier van. Our very own, proper Father Christmas, The genuine article, beard, red coat, boots and all, he loads up his sleigh ( that looks a bit like a car) right outside the inn and personally delivers every single present straight to the children and staff at the hospice before the big day arrives. Seeing the joy on their faces when Santa turns up with an armful of gifts chosen with love by our locals is nothing short of pure magic.
If you’d like to be part of that magic, we’ll be collecting new, unwrapped donations at the bar all through November. Whether it’s a toy, a board game, a sensory gift, craft sets, or something nice for a teenager, every single item makes an enormous impact. Just pop in whenever we’re open, drop your donation off with the team behind the pumps, and maybe stay for a quiet pint or a bite to eat by the hearth while you’re here.
We know things aren’t simple for anyone right now, which makes any support you can give mean that much more to us and the hospice team. Thank you, as always, for keeping the heart of this ancient inn beating so proudly and focusing on the community around it xx