Community pub sets its sights on £40,000 charity target!

STAFF at the White Hart in Atworth have set their sights on breaking through their fundraising target of £40,000 before the end of the year is out.

Since Nathan and Kirsty Cortilla took over in January 2009, the pub has become a hive of activity, raising money for local village organisations, groups and local charities. To date, the team has raised £39,268.24, and with a whole host of fundraisers planned for the remainder of the year – the £40,000 target looks set to be smashed.

“When we first moved in we decided that we wanted the pub to be for the village – a real community pub,” explained Kirsty. “We started small with the fundraising, but that escalated quite quickly and every year I wanted us to beat the amount raised the previous year. 

“Events have started to get bigger, like the annual music festival and the village get togethers. It’s really important to us that the pub and our events are family orientated – we want the whole community to get involved.”

Fundraising events over the years have included breakfast clubs, race nights, quiz nights, and a swishing party. “I personally love my quizzes and being the quiz master,” said Kirsty, “I’ve been doing that for nineyears.

“To help us reach our £40,000 target by the end of the year, we have lots of events planned including a breakfast club, race night, and more quiz nights in the coming weeks.

“Next year it’s our tenth anniversary and for our annual music festival we are going for gold with a ‘Glitter & Glam’ themed party to celebrate.”

As the team focus on their fundraising efforts, two new members of staff have joined Kirsty and Nathan behind the bar. “We’re really excited for autumn and have welcomed two new team members who will help us with some exciting changes,” explained Kirsty. “We have new chef Dave Baker (former Quarryman’s Arms’ head chef) working with Nathan to create a new fresh autumn menu, still with our classic dishes and some great deals on food, including curry night, mid-week madness, smaller plates, and a kids eat free offer.

“Sasha A’Court has also joined me to manage front of house, working together to provide great drink deals, and keeping the team motivated, giving great friendly customer service to all.”

For more information about the upcoming fundraising events at the White Hart visit www.white hartatworth.co.uk or turn to the Melksham News ‘what’s on’ section on page 19.

Above: White Hart owners Kirsty and Nathan Cortilla and their children Tegan and Freya, with staff members Dave Baker (far left), Louise Francis (second right) and Sasha A’Court (far right) – and not forgetting Ralph the pub dog!