A Union Jack suit, a chorus of wartime favourites and a guest of honour approaching his 107th birthday: this was no ordinary afternoon at a Darlington pub.
Close to 120 people packed into Springfield Hotel on October 23 to welcome a 3D poppy and support the Royal British Legion ahead of November’s remembrance commemorations.
Organisers had expected just 60 visitors, but the turnout nearly doubled as the Darlington community gathered for an afternoon of bingo raffles, and music, with hopes of raising £500 for the charity.
The Salvation Army choir started the afternoon with wartime favourites, including a rendition of ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ bringing the audience to their feet.
Arms swayed as people sang along, while former owner Rus Dawson added a splash of colour in his full Union Jack suit.
Amid the laughter, the afternoon also offered an opportunity to share stories and reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations.
For Salvation Army church minister Adam Silcock, such celebrations remain as important as ever.
The 25-year-old said: “It’s really nice to be able to come along and just share in the joy.
“I think it’s important to continue events like this – it makes veterans feel heard and valued.”
While the music brought people together, it was personal stories shared around the pub that provided the occasion its deeper meaning.
That spirit of togetherness even helped persuade the day’s guest of honour to make an appearance.
Marston's 'Pass the Poppy and Raise a Glass' campaign at The Springfield pub in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Howard Hodgson, 106, had been perfectly content to stay at Grange Care home, with little appetite for having a fuss made over him.
But when a member of staff at his care home offered to accompany him, Howard agreed to join the celebrations.
“I didn’t expect it at all,” he said.
And with his 107th birthday set for next month, there was another reason to join the celebrations.
The place he called home had organised 107 birthday cards from various people and places across Darlington.
The World War Two veteran also spoke of his 105th birthday celebrations, were he received a picture featuring the King and Queen; A picture he described as “unexpected but amazing”.
While he was upbeat about the celebrations, his verdict on getting older was less enthusiastic.
“Horrible,” he laughed.
“I’ve spent my life outside and I just want to be out and about – I wish I was forty years younger.”
Amid the celebrations, wartime memories began to surface.
The guest of honour spoke of his Uncle Teddy Hodgson, who’s son had ‘died during the last war’.
The former owner’s and parents of current owner Rus and Val recalled her grandfather Frank Charlseworth who had been a prisoner of war.
She recalled how the 6ft-tall man had dropped to just six stone during his time in the prison but still managed to live well into his 80s.
The couple also reflected on how big-a-part charity events had become for the pub since they took over in 2016.
Their daughter Michelle Featonby had organised the pubs latest event in just 12 days after the pub was nominated as one of Marston’s ‘Hero Pubs’ for their ‘Pass the Poppy campaign.
The campaign, which sees a 3D poppy passed from east coast to west and back over the course of the weekend, complements its Raise a Glass scheme featuring designs by veteran artist Jane Wilkes.
A Royal British Legion and Marston’s ‘Raise a Glass and Remember’ display at Springfield Hotel in Darlington as the pub supports the Poppy Appeal. (Image: Joseph McLachlan)
Lesley Anderson, Marston’s operations manager for the North East ad Cumbria, praised Michelle for pulling the event together in such short notice.
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The 52-year-old said: “I was only here for a performance review but decided to stay and help out so I could feel like I’d done my part.
“It’s just really nice to get everyone involved; Michelle has done a brilliant job in putting everything together.”
As the poppy continues its journey across the country, the pubs celebrations offered a reminder that the importance of remembrance lies not only in looking back, but in bringing people together.