A community pub and brewery that raises thousands of pounds for charity is facing an uncertain future, prompting regulars to organize fundraisers to secure its survival.
Last month, 17 regulars from The Griffin Inn in Hud Rake, Haslingden, completed a 26-mile walk across the Yorkshire Three Peaks, supported by a crew, in memory of Gary Hogg from Middleton. Gary passed away from cancer at Springhill Hospice in Rochdale. His wife Vilma works at The Griffin, and Gary used to service the van of landlord Alejandro Romero. Gary's death in January at the age of 53 came as a shock to everyone.
Landlord's Commitment
Landlord Alejandro Romero, originally from Cuba, has been at The Griffin for four years. The pub cellars are home to Rossendale Brewery. He expressed delight that the walk raised over £3,500 for Rossendale Hospice and other charities supported since his arrival.
Alejandro stated, "I own the business—the pub and the brewery—but the building is currently up for sale." The sale has cast uncertainty over the future of The Griffin, a historic inn in Haslingden dating back 250 years.
Fundraising Efforts
Alejandro has raised 20% of the deposit needed for a mortgage on the premises. When he informed regulars of the need to raise an additional 10%, they immediately began devising ways to help. He said, "This building is more than just a pub, and it would be a great loss to the community if it were not here. The regulars were determined to find a way to make sure it stays as it is."
Numerous fundraisers have been suggested, including a barbecue, ticketed music events, sponsoring beer names, and a football match. Alejandro added, "I put it to the community, and everyone wanted to help and donate. We will be holding a mega fundraising barbecue at The Griffin on Sunday, May 30, but we will continue to raise money for good causes. We will also have a karaoke event on May 10 for Balladen Food Box."
Community Spirit
Alejandro has lived in the UK for 12 years, initially in Liverpool, and now resides at the pub. He said, "I love it here. In the beginning, it was hard learning the language, but I learned from the people. They showed me the magic of the Rossendale Valley, and we all go out for walks. Everyone is retired except me, but they have educated me so much about the history, the reservoirs, the villages, the traditional trades, and dry stone walling."
The pub's walls feature a photo of licensees James and Hannah Riley, who ran the pub from 1923 to 1933. Their great-grandchildren recently visited. Another photo shows the Rossendale Male Voice Choir outside The Griffin in 1952; members still visit every Monday after rehearsals. There is even a resident ghost named Harry, whose portrait hangs on the wall.
Alejandro reflected, "There used to be 45 pubs in Haslingden, and now there are only a handful. I want to keep this place as a pub. I am happy here, and the customers say they want to keep it as a community pub."
