Former Keighley Cougars rugby league player Steve Mortimer and his partner Fay Howell have stepped in to save a Yorkshire pub that was last in their family in the 1930s.
They've purchased The Turkey Inn near Oakworth, in the hamlet of Goose Eye, after locals campaigned to save it from being sold off for housing development.
Prior to that, it had been closed for 15 months and was starting to fall into disrepair.
Supporters had raised £60,000 but that wasn't enough on its own for a community buy in.
So Steve and Fay made an additional offer, pledging as part of it that The Turkey would remain as a pub for the local area to enjoy.
They only live a stone's throw from the pub themselves, last visiting in March 2020 before it was forced to close due to coronavirus. Up until then, they'd been regular customers at The Turkey - often popping in after long dog walks on the moors or for mid-week meals.
Fay even admits she wanted to buy it the first time they stepped foot inside, so the acquisition is really a dream come true.
The Turkey Inn is very dog friendly, they'll even provide your pup with biscuits / Image: The Turkey Inn
“Lots of people thought we were mad buying a closed pub during a national pandemic, but it felt right and now we’re finally able to open!” said Steve.
"We’re excited about the future and are keen to take The Turkey Inn back to its roots, making it a traditional, country pub with roaring fires, a cracking Sunday roast as well as a spot to get home cooked mid-week meals.
"We want to embed the pub firmly back into the heart of the Goose Eye community. We will be doing everything we can to keep customers and staff safe while enjoying a pint or a meal in a relaxed dining environment.
"We pinch ourselves every day that this special pub we used to call our local, is now ours."
News
Jacob Elordi says the sexiest thing about Yorkshire is ‘rocks and sheep’
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Georgina Pellant -
3rd June 2021 
