Ode to the Dove

Sad times tomorrow- last home game until the doors are shut for the last time. First pub I really went to with my dad - driving up from near Ponte used to go most home games from 1990 - 1994 then a regular spot when I was home from Uni or back from living away. Always there with my old man 1330-1430 like clockwork. Meeting same mates of my dad's and their "kids". Felt like a home from home.

Just after Wembley 2000 my dad got diagnosed with cancer and died 6 months later aged just 55. Still went to Dove as a comfort blanket pre match. Drifted away from it around 2005 when newly born kids meant less spare time and a rush to the game for 3pm. Mates fell away, got old and stopped going to the pub and never really got back into the habit. Been a few times in the last few years now kids are older, kids my dad never got to meet. Will be popping in tomorrow for a last pint and to raise a toast to my dad, gone but very much not forgotten. He's the reason I still schlep down from Horsforth every fortnight, and why the kids (now 17 and 19) are dedicated supporters. My lads at Newcastle Uni and proudly carries the torch for the reds with his mates up there. Sins of our fathers eh?

 

A lovely post, but sad at the same time.

 

I think lots of us old uns have used the Dove at some stage. Especially those east of Barnsley. Approaching via Donny Rd. On public transport. Myself and friends during the 60s/70s and 80s. Sad time indeed.

 

All the best Paul, goodbye, good luck, an thankyou for all your help an advice back in 2012, Auf Wiedersehen PAUL.

 

Been my regular for many a year. Gutted, and hoping to make at least a pint pre-match.

All the best Paul & Julie & Staff

 

Great words. I'll be the large, greying fella with the bright orange winter coat stood with the other fella of a similar vintage if you want to say hi and goodbye

 

Sad day indeed. Spent many an hour in the Dove before games in the 80s and 90s. Also travelled to many away games with the supporters branch they had there, including the Prem season. Happy memories…..

 

Oi!! Less of the greying, please!

 

Just to mention also, Paul is open to offers for all the fantastic reds memorabilia he’s collected over the years.

 

A moving post, but from the title I was expecting something à la Richard Kell.

 

Thank you for sharing something so personal, brought a tear to my eye.

 

Such a shame. Really hope Camra can successfully oppose it being turned into flats/houses. Stood out as the one decent pub serving good beer amongst a sea of absolute shìte that end of town.

 

Sad day. Really not sure where else to go pre-match. I shall certainly miss those 7/8ths of a pint. Best bit of matchdays in recent times.

 

If it wasn't for those 1/8ths it would have shut ages ago.

 

Sad day to lose another pub in Barnsley.I did most of my drinking in there when Ron and Doreen had it.
My mother in law passed in October and after the funeral we had the "wake" in the Dove and Paul did a fantastic job.All the best for the future.

 

First pub I bought a pint in at 16 erm sorry 18 in 1983 on my way into my first Saturday night session round Tarn. Sad to say it's just another one of the "local" pubs from my youth that have gone / going The Black Bull, The Cross Keys,The Coach and Horses, The Pheasant in Stairfoot, Paddy's and the Kendray Hotel in Kendray. The infamous Benders, The Junction and The Pindar Oakes on Doncaster Road. The Keel is the only one left open. Very sad

 

The prosecution rests. Go well Paul & Julie

 

Today saddens me more than it should. Great atmosphere but in 10 mins or so that'll be it.

End of a few eras.

 

You can always ask them to top it up though

 

Been asking for years