Thatcham’s White Hart Pub Celebrates 15 Years with Fond Farewell

The long-time landlords of The White Hart pub in Thatcham, siblings Sandra Hallett, Ray Dillon, and Neville Dillon, officially handed over ownership last weekend after 15 years of service. This significant transition marks the beginning of their retirement, celebrated with a lively farewell party attended by loyal patrons and friends.

On Saturday, local customers gathered at The White Hart to express their gratitude and bid farewell to the beloved family. The evening featured a disco, dancing, and heartfelt speeches, with Ray Dillon taking a moment to reflect on their journey. “Thanks to you loyal customers – at the end of the day, regular customers are the most important to any business,” he said during his address. He emphasized the importance of regular patrons, stating, “We’ve had people come and go, but the regulars we really appreciate you.”

The pub has been a vibrant hub for live music, hosting various bands over the years, including Sub Zero, Fubar, and Midnight Riders. Sandra Hallett shared her thoughts on the farewell celebration, stating, “It was fantastic. I will miss them all terribly but I am hoping to stay local so I can catch up with them all.”

Throughout their tenure, The White Hart has also played a pivotal role in supporting local charities. Notably, a bingo night raised £1,520 for the air ambulance service, showcasing the pub’s commitment to community initiatives.

Starting from the end of November, Jimmy Mills will take over ownership of The White Hart. Sandra expressed her gratitude to the community, saying, “After so many years here, we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us. To all our customers, regulars, friends and neighbours, you’ve made this place what it is.”

Reflecting on their time at the pub, she added, “We’ve shared countless stories, celebrations, busy weekends, quiet afternoons, and more laughs than we can begin to count. It has been a privilege to run this pub and to be part of such a wonderful community.”

The Dillons are leaving The White Hart with immense appreciation for the experiences and connections they have built over the years. “From the three of us, Sandra, Ray and Neville, thank you for everything,” they concluded, leaving behind a legacy that will surely be cherished by all who have frequented the establishment.