The Last Post Memorial Bar is a truly unique establishment, standing as the only memorial bar in England entirely curated by one person over 13 years. Nestled in the heart of Middlesbrough, it serves as a vital community hub, offering support and companionship to veterans, pensioners, and those in need. The bar’s unwavering commitment to charitable work and community support has made it a beacon of hope and a place of refuge.
The Last Post Memorial Bar has created an extraordinary impact by offering an extensive range of community services and support initiatives, including:
- Veteran Support:
- Free breakfast groups for veterans.
- Monthly Headway meetings for veterans with brain injuries.
- Remembrance Sunday parade with free food and hot drinks for veterans and pensioners.
- Armed Forces Weekend support with meals and hospitality.
- Care home visits and house calls for veterans needing home help.
- Supply of white goods to veterans setting up new homes.
- A dedicated memorial and museum space, housing 13 years of memorabilia donated by bereaved families, creating a space of respect and remembrance.
- Overnight respite accommodation for veterans in need.
- Community Support:
- Free food initiatives including doughnuts, pastries, soup, and bread for those in need.
- Regular crumpet and doughnut bingo sessions for pensioners, alongside free day trips, Christmas and Easter events.
- Men’s Pie Club: A space for men to combat loneliness and mental health challenges by making and sharing food.
- Chess club for both adults and children, fostering community connections and mentoring.
- Craft markets where locals can sell their handmade goods.
- Weekly food and shower access for those experiencing homelessness.
- Special Events and Services:
- Regular community events and celebrations, including charity craft fairs.
- Support missions to Ukraine, personally delivering medicine, food, and aid.
- Fundraising for various local and national charities.
- Safe space initiatives, where anyone in need of comfort and support can find a listening ear, hot drink, or meal.
The Last Post Memorial Bar has transformed lives, offering not only physical aid but emotional support to those who need it most. Visitors often describe it as a safe haven, a place where they find family and belonging. Testimonials from veterans and community members speak of the life-changing impact the bar has had on their mental and physical well-being.
The impact of The Last Post Memorial Bar cannot be overstated. It has saved lives by addressing isolation, hunger, and mental health challenges within the community. By rescuing a derelict building and transforming it into a thriving, community-driven space, the bar has breathed new life into the area and given hope to those who felt forgotten.
- Life-Changing Support: Countless individuals attribute their survival and well-being to the support provided at the bar.
- Preserving History: The bar houses a comprehensive memorial and museum, preserving the memory of veterans and creating a place of respect and reflection.
- Community Unity: Through its wide range of services, the bar has become a cornerstone of community solidarity and support.
The Last Post Memorial Bar is much more than a pub. It is a sanctuary, a community centre, and a living memorial. With a commitment to never turning anyone away, it has proven time and again the power of community spirit and human kindness.
