Over the years it hasn’t been unusual to see television cameras and film crews flocking to Goathland – but news that village sweetheart and actress Tricia Penrose was part of a business trio taking over the pub which featured in Heartbeat has led the national news agenda for days.
Tricia, Andrew Fiddler and Jason Wood – who have entered into a joint venture to take over The Goathland Hotel – say they have been overwhelmed with the reaction from the public, from locals to Heartbeat fans as far away as Australia.
Ever since Tricia, the actress who played barmaid Gina Ward in the 1960s set police series Heartbeat for 18 years, announced she would be back behind the bar and the pub will be renamed The Aidensfield Arms, there has been a constant stream of customers and visitors to the pub with people queueing out the door hoping to catch a glimpse of the actress.
Crews from local, regional and national press have covered the story and fan facebook pages have been non-stop with comments, shares and well wishes.
The Anchor’s video coverage has been viewed almost a million times.
A job advert put out asking for staff got applications from Manchester, and even Denmark where the applicant was willing to re-locate to Goathland if successful.
Tricia told The Anchor: “Last week was crazy, absolutely surreal. So many people have been asking about the rooms which will be Heartbeat themed, I don’t think we will have enough. People are wanting to book now even though they are not even ready.
“I can’t believe the response we have had. We didn’t expect it to be anywhere near as big as it has been but it has been so nice and not one negative comment.”
Andrew Fiddler, who has had businesses in Goathland for more than 20 years, said even with the time that has passed since Heartbeat stopped filming in 2010, interest in the show hasn’t waned.
He added: “Even with the Heartbeat vehicle weekends, the actors and actresses which appear at it are still overwhelmed. You think people might forget but they haven’t.
“The reaction to the announcement has been way beyond what I was expecting. It is a great story and I can see why it has captured people’s imaginations.
“Every time you look on the news there is doom and gloom and then the national news finishes with this and you can see the smile it is putting on people’s faces.”
There is a genuine enthusiasm between the three partners, added Andy, and they are all buzzing with ideas to take the pub forward. They have taken it over after the previous owners retired.
Plans already announced are to rename the pub to The Aidensfield Arms as it was in the show; the bar will be stripped back to look like it did on the set; the accommodation rooms will be refurbished and themed on Heartbeat’s early characters such as Claude Greengrass and Oscar Blaketon; and Tricia will sing and host Heartbeat themed quiz night and music events.
“We have all got something we are bringing to the table”, says Jason Wood. He grew up in the village and is also on Goathland Parish Council. He says the venture will benefit the rest of the village businesses, particularly The Inn on The Moor where the two pubs have been helping each other out.
He said: “Living in the village and being from the village, I knew it would be big news, but it totally blew me out of the water with just how big it was.
“The reaction has been great. Lots of locals who, for whatever reason, have not been in for years have been back in this week. One hadn’t been in for 39 years. Some might not have been in for 20, 15 or ten years so there is a really nice feel to it.”
