The Community-Owned White Hart in Wolvercote is continuing to recover after a thief stole around £4,000
After suffering the overnight theft of around £4,000 on January 11, the pub staged the “Big Hart Weekender” at the end of January which was supported at the rate of double its normal weekend turnover as customers, suppliers and performers all weighed in.
Madd Todd, of the community group running it, said: “There was no break-in, but we are classing it as a robbery as the thief used a key to access the pub and knew how to access the safe and steal the CCTV equipment, including the hard drive with the recording.
“On the positive front, the community response has been tremendous and heartwarming. The weekend fundraiser had Godstow Soul, and a shanty festival with Man Choir Mutineers, the Jolly Grogstas and Short Drag Roger all donating their time and singing.
“Our suppliers 434, Twisted Tree Brewery, Oxford Brewery and Carlsberg all donated barrels of beer. We received donations approaching £2,500 from well-wishers and customers over the fundraising weekend, as well as £106 from our Warm Space group. All in all, we were only around £500 short of covering our estimated loss of £4,000.
“This has been a mighty blow to the business, but not a fatal one. Investigations are ongoing to bring the culprit to justice, but we are moved and energised by the pulling together and support of our local Wolvercote community, both intermittent and regular pubgoers, our suppliers and all those far and wide who have shown their support.”
Teresa Hall, one of our volunteer directors, stood in as acting general manager, assisted by Katie Haynes and Jude Campbell.
