A landmark moorland pub is re-launching as a community hub.
The historic Nont Sarah’s, at New Hey Road, Scammonden, has been boarded up for 19 months. But new owner Jan Booth has grand designs for the place.
She wants to put “the Nonts”, as it is known locally, firmly back on the Huddersfield map as the centre of community activities – and has already started running some unusual events.
The interior has a different, more cosy feel; it is warm and welcoming and now has a grand piano and a small library.
The former pub, which is now open at weekends for teas, coffees and bottled beers, has already hosted meetings of a psychic club.
The lonely moorland place has long had a reputation for being haunted and reports of strange lights in the air above have been reported by local hang gliders.
According to medium and psychic Annie Conboy, who will run monthly meetings at Nont Sarah’s from early February, the building is a hotbed of paranormal activity.
At a Halloween seance which included a trip to the cellars, Annie says three spirits presented themselves: a butcher, an old man and Nont (or Aunt) Sarah – a small, robust woman in her 50s with dark hair.
According to owner Jan, there is also the spirit of a mischievous little girl who untied her left shoelace several times as she worked at the computer.
Annie said: “We are very excited to be at Nont Sarah’s; this is an active location with spirit visitors.”
Visitors in a more earthly form are scheduled to arrive at Nont Sarah’s at the end of the month in the shape of BBC programme makers.
They will be filming Remember Me, a three-part period drama about a policeman, featuring Michael Palin.
Jan is also working with Kirklees Council and the local tourist board to promote a host of activities lined up for 2014. These include:
Setting up and hosting a local business network from early February
Forming a UFO club next month.
Becoming a creative and photographic centre.
Compiling, with the help of local residents, an anthology and historical diary of Nont Sarah’s.
Opening a campsite and activities centre for the Tour de France. Local farmer Carl Pogson has already given permission for his field to be used.
For Jan, Nont Sarah’s is a major step on the road to achieving her big dream of “living in the middle of nowhere on top of a hill where I can develop a holistic theme park”.
Behind the dream is an astute businesswoman who has just secured a massive order from China for her essential oil soaps, which she makes in the cellars of the old pub.
Jan added: “It’s all very exciting. We are renovating the building as we go, it will be a labour of love and time.
“We want people to come here and enjoy the place and feel relaxed – and it’s warm now!”
Anyone interested in the activities can ring Nont Sarah’s on 01484 847647 for further details.
