White Lion Memories

We think our readers may be interested in some history of how the White Lion at Hankelow brings back memories.The writer asked for anonymity, which of course we respect.

My White Lion memories

As the battle to save the White Lion at Hankelow goes on I thought I would write my connections to and memories of this important focal point of the community. I am now a resident of Audlem but was raised in Hankelow.

My connection starts at the age of about eight, young I know and to be honest at this age I was more interested in the shop next door – Mrs Timmis's and the penny tray.

The lights from the White Lion lit up the green as there were not as many houses around. The old school was closed and all the pupils moved to Audlem, but it still had the playground to play on. We lived in the cottage at Hankelow Manor and I was the eldest child of 4. This is why I got to go to the pub.

My father (step father) played dominoes for the White Lion team. Licensing laws meant children were seldom seen in public houses but, as for many, a coke and a packet of crisps were a real treat sat outside a pub. The White Lion had an off license section – well it was a serving hatch as you entered through the front door directly in front of you with a door to the right and left leading into the main pub. The serving hatch would be closed and you would have to knock and wait for it to be opened.

Hence the start of my connection with the White Lion.On a domino night I would go to the Lion whilst my mother was at home with my younger siblings. I would enter the big front door and knock on the serving hatch not daring to go left or right into the pub. The hatch would open and the then landlord or lady would look down at me, then turn into the pub with a shout "Bob your lads here!". I would soon be on my way home with a shandy bass and bar of chocolate for mum and a bottle of coke and a pack of crisps for me. This was our treat as my siblings were tucked up fast asleep in bed.

When we had all started school, mum worked at the White Lion 2 or 3 mornings a week, cleaning, as soon as she had seen us off on the school bus. This extra cash meant we had an ice cream or tea out, when on holiday on the North Wales coast. Most importantly for me was the new pair of football boots at the age of 13 from Woolworths.The brand was Winfield not Adidas or Nike but they were new and mine.

The White lion was part of the community and the landlord also, so there was no crafty underage drinking as you were growing up. He knew you and your parents just like the local bobby and if you tried it on your parents would know before you got home. This is an age before mobiles and facebook.

I started to work in the dairy at Hankelow Manor and on Christmas eve an early finish would see every one go up to the Lion for a plate of sandwiches and Christmas drinks, however 'the lad is not 18 so soft drinks only for him!'. That was until the fateful year of my 18th, that Christmas was completely different as I was introduced to whisky by our Scottish cheesemaker. I had heard people drink whisky and lemonade so when he asked if I wanted a whisky I replied confidently "yes please whisky and lemonade". Whoops! Big mistake, he then decided I needed educating in the act of whisky drinking (It worked I still like a single malt). That afternoon I returned home a little worse for wear as they say. Mum took one look and set about sobering me up very quickly, two lessons learnt in one day.

Now of legal drinking age, the White lion became my local although I was never a big drinker. It was a game of pool or darts and on New Year's Eve it would be a must visit along to the Lord Combermere, The Bridge, Shroppie and do you remember the Crown and the Lamb?

My 21st was celebrated at the White Lion with family and friends. I soon went from a patron to employee, I worked two or three nights a week behind the bar to earn a little extra as we saved for our wedding. My (now) wife would also wait on at any functions that were held there.

The White lion went through many changes but as a family it was always supported, a regular stop for a bar meal and taking mum there on visits and special occasions. Brother's wedding breakfast, it was also the ideal venue for the christening celebration of our daughter. It was in the White lion that we have photographs of four generations of our family together.

As I stated at the start my father played dominoes at the Lion so how appropriate that we should hold his wake there and I must not forget the lunch to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
Even when the White Lion changed to an Indian restaurant we would have a meal or take away on occasions but so happy when it returned to its original use as a public house.

And then to the next generation, yes, my daughter started to work part time whilst at college waiting on at the newly opened White Lion. My wife and I started to visit the pub regularly again and it was clear to see how many of the local teenagers were benefitting from work experience whilst studying and earning a few pennies. They experienced interaction with the public and gained confidence.

Unfortunately the last landlord decided to focus on ventures further afield.
As part of the Hankelow community the White Lion was an integral part. During events on the green the doors were opened to use the facilities without question. A first experience of employment for many, and the place families could gather in celebration or remembrance.

I am sad to see reports that it is not financially viable but can I just highlight the success of country pubs that are well run, the Boat Inn at Erbistock and closer to home the Combermere Arms at Burleydam. So it can be successful with a landlord who is in tune with the community and has the autonomy to send customers away with a smile and a feeling to return.

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