Donna Briddon

Donna Briddon is Deputy Bar Manager at The Grange and a steady, trusted presence at the heart of the building’s social life.

A mother and grandmother, Donna brings with her a lived understanding of people, responsibility and care — qualities that sit naturally within how The Grange works day to day.

She had her children young, at nineteen and twenty, and much of her early adult life was spent busy bringing them up. That experience shaped her sense of commitment and reliability, and those same qualities have carried through into her working life. Donna has worked at The Grange for over twenty years, a continuity that speaks to loyalty, trust and a deep familiarity with the building and the people who use it.

Her role is both practical and relational. Donna supports the smooth running of the bar, looks after the team, and helps ensure the atmosphere remains welcoming, respectful and well managed. She values consistency and common sense, and believes strongly in doing things properly, without fuss or show.

Through her day-to-day leadership of the bar, Donna plays a direct role in delivering the Masterplan by helping ensure that The Grange remains a safe, well-run and sociable space where community activity, events and cultural life can properly take place.

Donna understands the importance of shared social spaces. She knows that friendships are formed through simple things — conversation, laughter, turning up regularly — and that places like The Grange matter because they give people somewhere to gather and feel at ease. This belief shapes how she works: attentive, approachable, and always mindful of the people behind the bar as well as those in front of it.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys walking her dogs, spending time with her granddaughter, and the simple pleasure of going out for a drink and socialising with friends. She also enjoys travel and new experiences, interests that reflect her open, grounded outlook on life and community.

Rooted in the local area, Donna reflects the values that underpin The Grange’s wider purpose — continuity, care and connection. Above all, she is dependable. Her loyalty, calm presence and long-standing commitment make her an integral part of the bar team and a valued figure within the wider Grange community.