Neil Hanson has crammed an awful lot of living into just one life, and he outlined much of it during his recent talk to Retford Ladies Probus Club. Since graduating from Oxford University, he has travelled around the world twice and worked as a plasterer’s mate, an ice cream seller and a holiday redcoat, among other roles. He is now a full-time author and has ghostwritten several books for well-known individuals, but the main subject of his talk was how he inadvertently became the landlord of the highest pub in Britain – the Tan Hill Inn – which he recounts in his book The Inn at the Top.
The pub was in a sorry state, having been run into the ground by a previous shady owner who appeared to spend most of his time dealing in knock-off goods. There was also a rather cavalier approach to licensing hours, with last orders rarely called since the nearest police station was 20 miles away. The regulars embodied the archetypal Yorkshireman, who “hears all, sees all, says nowt; eats all, sups all, pays nowt; and if tha iver does owt for nowt, do it for thissen”. The inn hosted various clubs, including, perhaps most remarkably, the British Naturist Society – a challenging pastime in one of the coldest locations in Britain! Significant renovation was needed, as nothing worked properly. When Neil and his family moved in during 1982, they were delighted to receive backing from Everest Double Glazing. Many will remember the famous adverts featuring Ted Moult. However, in later years, all this was removed as it was deemed inappropriate for a Grade II listed building.
The inn was recently featured on television when Reuben Owen (son of the Yorkshire Shepherdess) was shown laying tarmac on the car park. Neil also recalled that Retford locals Audrey and Dave Clifford, formerly of Lime Tree Avenue, had tenanted the inn at one time before him. The group’s next meeting will be on Wednesday 10th September at Westhill Road Community Centre, Ordsall, when Mike Newbold will speak about My Extra Life. All are welcome to go along and enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits in friendly company.