swiggin in wiggin - issue 2 - may/jun/jul 2014

INThe magazine from the Wigan branch of The Campaign for Real Ale

www.wigancamra.org.uk

May to July 2014

In this Issue...

+ Much More...

• PUB OF THE YEAR & COMMUNITY PUB OF THE YEAR - CROOKE HALL INN • CIDER PUB OF THE YEAR - MASONS ARMS • SOCIAL TRIP TO TITANIC BREWERY

FREE

THE ROYAL OAK - ANOTHER WIGAN

PUB CLOSED

Swiggin in Wiggin 2.indd 1 30/04/2014 14:53

INWigan branch of The Campaign for Real Ale

May - July 2014www.wigancamra.org.uk2


INwww.wigancamra.org.ukMay - July 2014 3

Chairperson: Pete Marshe: [email protected]

Vice-Chairperson: Ken Worthingtone: [email protected]

Branch Secretary: Lynda Gibsone: [email protected]

Treasurer: Brian Gleavee: [email protected]

Membership Secretary: Shaun Ashtone: [email protected]

Pubs Offi cer: Donald Appletone: [email protected]

Public Affairs Offi cer: Robin Gibsone: [email protected]

Pubs Heritage Offi cer: Pete Marshe: [email protected]

Young Members Offi cer: Joanna Whalleye: [email protected]

Social Secretary: Roy Pearsone: [email protected]

Cider Offi cer: Carol Worthingtone: c/o [email protected]

Contributors to this edition: Ken Worthington, Carol Worthington, Dave White, Alan Wass, Shaun Ashton, Julie Atha, Jo Whalley and Roy Pearson.

Web: www.wigancamra.org.ukTwitter: @WiganCAMRA

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. All editorial copyright © Wigan CAMRA 2014

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Disclaimer: Views expressed in this publication are those of their individual authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor, branch committee or the Campaign for Real Ale nationally. Wigan CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by Wigan CAMRA.

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Branch Contacts

Advertising Rates

Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. - www.camra.org.uk230 Hatfi eld Road, St. Albans, Herts, AL1 4LWt: 01727 867 201 e: [email protected]

Well...it’s been a tad busy at Wigan CAMRA since the last Swiggin edition with our AGM, some change of offi cer roles, our Festival of

course, various presentations to award-winning cask outlets and a couple of brilliant social trips!

Whilst things may be fairly positive for CAMRA in general (another reduction in beer duty) and our branch in particular there is no escaping the very sad fact that the number of pubs closing each week has risen (according to CAMRA data) from 26 to 28.

I have heard some folk saying perhaps some poor pubs closing is a good thing and means that better pubs get increased custom but whilst some closing pubs have a bad reputation or do not sell real ale the equally sad fact is it is not just poor pubs which close as we have illustrated with our cover picture of the Royal Oak, Wigan Lane, Wigan.

The Royal Oak, a consistent Good Beer Guide entry and winner of Wigan CAMRA branch Pub of the Year in 2010/11, closed at the end of July 2013, not because of high rent or hikes in beer prices, but because owners Chris and June Docherty decided to retire. The glut of pubs on the market has meant this excellent hostelry is still boarded up after over 9 months on the market - a situation not helped by over 200 pubs formerly tied to Marstons going on the market.

Cheers!Ken WorthingtonVice Chair / Editor of this issue, Wigan CAMRA

P.S. In the next edition Wigan CAMRA Club of the Year and Best New Cask Outlet announced

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHAIRA WARM WELCOME TO YOU




At the Branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) we vote for our major yearly pub awards. Members attending the AGM are entitled to

propose and then vote on nominations for the various awards. The Crooke Hall was voted in not only as Wigan CAMRA’s Pub of the Year but was also awarded the title of Community Pub of the Year for the sterling involvement of Greg Liptrot and his wife Jenny within the local community, raising money for charity, providing a shop where locals can buy essentials and a genuine involvement in community affairs of Crooke village.

Greg and Jenny Liptrot have years of experience in the pub trade. Greg previously ran The Old Pear Tree, Wigan and then he and Jenny ran the Hare and Hounds in Hindley, as tenants for All Gates until moving to the Crooke Hall in June 2012.

Set in the picturesque village of Crooke adjacent to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Marina, the Crooke Hall Inn offers ample parking, a beer garden, children’s play area and serves traditional ales and popular lagers. There is also an excellent Cellar Bar Function room.

The pub sells a range of All Gates Real Ales alongside regular changing guest beers.

There is a delicious, reasonably priced menu available 7 days a week. Main meals range from roast duck leg, Lancashire hotpot, pork chop with black pudding to rump steak to a vegetable burger. There is also a range of daily specials and special roasts on Sundays. A selection of teas, hot chocolate and coffees are also available.

So for a nice stop after a canal walk for a quiet drink, or for a meal out join Greg and Jenny at the Crooke Hall Inn and you will be made most welcome.

WIGAN CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR & COMMUNITY PUB OF THE YEARCROOKE HALL INN

Do you know that a third of Wigan CAMRA Branch members keep in touch with

happenings within the branch via email?

We send out monthly bulletins about what is going on within the real ale scene locally plus beer lists for local festivals and other ‘hot off the press’ news. If you are a Wigan CAMRA member and do not currently receive our e-mails, please contact our Membership Secretary and let us know your e-mail address. This will only be used for internal CAMRA communications – we do not forward our e-mails list to any other organisation.

Online with Wigan CAMRA



Cross Street, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQt: (01257) 424007 | e: [email protected]

THE S

TA

NDISH UNITY CLUBTHE S

TA

NDISH UNITY CLUBWinner of CAMRA Club Of The Year 2010,11,12, 13 & 14

Runner-up Greater Manchester Regional Club Of The Year 2012, 13 & 14

THE LANKY KATS - ROCK N ROLLEvery 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month

SOUL / MOTOWN NIGHTSEvery 2nd Thursday of the month

Opening TimesSun - Thurs 7:30 pm - 11 pm

Fri & Sat 7:30 pm - 12 am

Full Size Snooker Table • Pool Table • Darts • DominoesCosy Lounge Room

Large Function Room Available to Hire - Fri/Sat/Sun All bookings require a refundable deposit

5 CASK ALES ON AT ALL TIMES FROM VARIOUS BREWERIES, COMPETITIVE PRICES

SEE WEBSITE FOR FURTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONSSmall door charge applicable

UPCOMING EVENTS

Beautiful canalside location

• Plasma TV's • Cellar Bar• Wood Burning Stoves

• Beer Garden • Children's Play Area• Folk & Ukelele nights • Darts Teams

• Wigan Pie Eaters Meet• Annual Beer & Folk Festival

@crookehallinn Crooke-Hall-Inn

THE CROOKE HALL INNGreg & Jenny are delighted to welcome you

Crooke Village | Standish Lower Ground | Wigan | WN6 8LR | t: 01942 204451

Wigan CAMRA Pub of the Year & Community Pub of the Year 2014

ALLGATES CASK ALES ALWAYS AVAILABLE & REVOLVING

GUEST ALES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

•QUALITY FOOD SERVED

12 NOON - 8PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK




Another award decided at our branch AGM in January was that of Cider Pub Of The Year. The Branch award for Cider Pub of the

Year was only established in 2010 when it was won by the Crown at Worthington. The Masons Arm in Billinge has taken the title in 2011, 2012, and now again in 2013.

The Masons Arms can be a bit hard to fi nd – we tried 3 times before we found it tucked away at the back of a housing estate and bordering on open farmland but it really is worth making the effort to fi nd!

The pub can trace its roots back to the late 1700’s from its humble origins as a ’beerhouse’ and the tenancy has been in the same family for generations and is currently run by John Ruffell and his sister and brother in law Ian and Gill Smith. When they took over the pub several years ago it had one solitary handpump selling Tetley cask (albeit reportedly an excellent pint) and over the years their range has extended to it current 5 varying guest beers and a minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 real ciders complemented by premium lagers and wines.

The Masons Arms has been lovingly restored under John’s direction reversing the 1960’s ‘modernisation’ it underwent with so many other pubs of the era. It’s small cosy bar has a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by wooden beams, growing collections of memorabilia much of it with a local interest including historic photographs, maps and a large collection of rugby league artefacts. Facilities including free Wi Fi and satellite TV to cover all major sporting events are also available but are not ‘in your face’ as they are in some pubs.

The Masons is located adjacent to woodland walks through the Goyt Valley and Carr Mill Dam. Garswood, Crank, Kings Moss and Rainford are all

within a few miles radius and ramblers and cyclists are always assured of a warm welcome. They do not do food but visitors are welcome to bring their own butties for outside eating in the sunny rear beer garden. Canine friends are very welcome and are readily offered water bowls. Byrchall’s local famous pork pies are available on Fridays but they are eagerly snapped up, so be quick!

The Masons Arms is certainly no stranger to winning awards - in addition to their trio of cider Pub of the Year awards they have also been winners of the Wigan CAMRA branch Pub of the Season Winter 2008, Community Pub of the Year 2009, Pub of the Year 2010, Community Pub of the Year 2011, Pub of the Year 2012, and Pub of the Season Winter 2013/14. All well deserved!

WIGAN CAMRA CIDER PUB OF THE YEARMASONS ARMS, BILLINGE

Have you ever... received a short pint? Deliberately been overcharged for your beer? Been to a pub that serves only keg beers despite advertising cask ales? Firstly let the publican know about the problem but if you don’t get a satisfactory response these matters should be reported to Trading Standards, which exists to protect the rights of consumers.

Wigan Council Trading Standards, Unity House, Westwood Park Drive, Wigan, WN3 4HE.

t: 01942 827476 e: [email protected]

Trading Standards



@RobinHoodOrrell

Sandy Lane, Orrell Wigan, WN5 7AZtel: 01942 511859

www.robinhoodorrell.co.uk

OPENING TIMESMon & Tues: 4pm - Late

Weds & Thurs: 12 noon - 12amFri & Sat: 12 noon - 1am

Sun: 12 noon - 12am

FOOD SERVEDWeds - Fri: 12 noon - 2.30pm

& 5pm - 8.30pmSat: 12 noon - 8.30pmSun: 12 noon - 7pm

• 4 Ever-changing Real Ale Pumps• Fresh Homecooked Food

• Extensive Menu • Chef Specials Board• Function Room - Please enquire for details

Booking is advisable - Give us a call to book your table

A family & community pub situated in Orrell near the beautiful Waterpark. Now boasting a new modern look whilst

retaining a homely character & charm.



The fi rst social outing of the year went down well… as you would expect of a trip to the Titanic Brewery. On March 29th, forty-nine of us made

it out and the same number made it back, although some were a little bit ‘worse for wear’ after a long day of beer sampling.

After the excellent brewery tour, where we were well looked after, we sampled the delights of some of the fi nest pubs in the Potteries. First up was the Bulls Head in Burslem – the Titanic brewery tap. As you would expect the Titanic beers were on top form. The pub next door, the Duke William, also won many plaudits for the quality and range of its beers as well as the striking pub architecture.

Next up was Staffordshire’s Pub of the Year – the Holy Inadequate in Etruria. Despite turning up at 5pm on a Saturday afternoon when Stoke City were at home, we were warmly welcomed by both the staff and locals. It didn’t take long to realise why this pub is so highly-regarded - an excellent choice of cask ales, real ciders and foreign bottled beers. The pork pies were pretty good as well. Extra pies were ordered for our visit and we did Wigan proud by eating the lot.

Our fi nal destination was the Greyhound Inn in Newcastle-under-Lyme, another Titanic pub that was also running a mini-beer festival with 9 beers from 9 different London breweries. Some of us also took the opportunity to visit the newly-opened Hop Inn just around the corner. Although a bit of a ‘wild card’, for many this became one of the highlights of the trip. A freehouse with 6 handpumps, serving beers from some of the best breweries around. A rising star !!

All too soon, it was time to leave the Potteries and make our way back home after a very enjoyable and varied day. For many, it was really a pleasant surprise to visit such wonderful pubs in such unlikely surroundings. A repeat visit may well be on the cards.

The next Swiggin edition will feature a report of the recent Red Willow trip also organised by our new social Secretary Roy Pearson.

TITANIC BREWERY & PUBS OF THE POTTERIESA SOCIAL TRIP

Upcoming expeditions planned by Roy:• Saltaire Brewery 30th May• Magic Rock & Hand Drawn Monkey 28th June• Spitting Feathers 3rd August

We will also be running pub survey trips with free transport for Wigan CAMRA members.

Contact social secretary for more details [email protected]




BREWERY UPDATESLOCAL BREWERY NEWS

A proposed venture into keg production has been put on hold for the time being due to the excessive demand for cask beers.

Look out for new brews from Allgates, e.g. Ella (or may be called Victoria), Chocolate Vanilla Stout, Plum Porter. Big Pit IPA was a success as Allgates 2000th brew and as a result is currently in production.

www.allgatesbrewery.comAll Gates Brewery

Unite Pale ale received very well as part of the International Women’s Collaborative Brew Day. All sold.

Brewery tours as part of Wigan Food & Drink festival sold out and very well received.

Dynamild has been brewed for CAMRA Mild month. Monthly specials based on birthstones are selling extremely well. April’s Carat sold out. May’s brew is Envy. Go on the website to enter the competition to name the next one.

New lease has been offered for the current brewerysite. Negotiations ongoing!

Possibility of a summer beer festival at the brewery. Follow website for details.

Just releasing a house beer for the Fifteens group which will be available permanently at The Raven, 15s of Swinley, 15s Pemberton, 15 @ The Fox, Little 15, and Cross Keys in Ashton.

www.prospectbrewery.comProspect Brewery

Problem Child

Their 5th beer was part of Jonny’s quest to create hoppy, pale, quaffable beer and was recently marketed under the name Rascal 3.8% and looks super pale.

Only a few months now from the brewery’s 1st anniversary!

www.problemchildbrewing.co.uk

• THE ANVIL - Dorning Street, WN1 1ND• THE BERKELEY - Wallgate, WN1 1LD• THE BOULEVARD - Wallgate, WN1 1LD• BRICKMAKERS ARMS - Woodhouse Lane, Springfi eld, WN6 7LN• BROCKET ARMS - Mesnes Road, Swinley, WN1 2DD• CROOKE HALL INN - Crooke Road, Crooke, Standish Lower Ground, WN6 8LR• CROWN HOTEL - Wigan Road, Aspull, WN2 1DP• CROWN HOTEL - Platt Lane, Worthington, WN1 2XF• DELPH TAVERN - Tontine Road, Orrell, WN5 8UJ• EDINGTON ARMS - Ladies Lane, Hindley, WN2 2QJ• GERRARD ARMS - Bolton Road, Aspull, WN2 1PZ• HARE & HOUNDS - Upholland Road, Billinge, WN5 7JH

• HARE & HOUNDS - Ladies Lane, Hindley, WN2 2QA• MASONS ARMS - Carr Mill Road, Chadwick Green, Billinge, WN5 7TY• MILLSTONE - Wigan Lane, Swinley, WN1 2LF• THE RAVEN - Wallgate, WN1 1LD• THE ROBIN HOOD - Orrell, WN5 7AZ• ROYAL OAK - Standishgate, WN1 1XL• THE SILVER TALLY - Shevington Moor, WN6 0SQ• SIR THOMAS GERARD - Gerard Street, Ashton-in- Makerfi eld, WN4 9AA• STOCKS TAVERN - Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN• THE VICTORIA - Haigh Road, Aspull, WN2 1YA• WAYFARER INN - Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NL• THE WHITE CROW - Chorley Road, Worthington, WN1 2XL• WINDMILL HOTEL - Mill Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NW

The following local pubs are currently in the scheme:

LocAle UPDATE

LocAle accreditation is awarded to pubs which pledge to always offer at least one locally brewed real ale on their bar

Two new Wigan breweries are planned and may well be producing beers before our next edition – these are:

• Martland Mill brewery - based in Wigan• Hophurst - based in Hindley

Watch this space!

COMING SOON...




Thirty-fi ve years agoThe Market Hotel on Mesnes Street reopened at

last as the Market Tavern, offering Youngers Scotch Bitter and IPA at a rather pricey 35p and 38p a pint respectively.

Joe Gormley, president of the National Union of Mineworkers opened the Pit Pony, a new Thwaites pub in Ashton-in-Makerfi eld selling cask best mild and bitter.

The decision by Boddingtons to axe its ordinary mild meant that the Gerard Arms in Aspull now sold traditional bitter only.

Thirty years agoRumour had it that Thwaites had bought the

Swan & Railway, Wallgate, which had been closed and boarded up for over a year. Not far away on Clayton Street, the Buck i’ th’ Vine closed and was due for demolition.

In Higher Ince the Oddfellows Arms awaited the same fate as the Buck i’ th’ Vine; elsewhere on Manchester Road the Imperial Hotel reopened as Tetley pub only a year after being transformed into a Peter Walker house.

The New Amberswood in Hindley reopened as the Hockery Brook. Cask Burtonwood mild and bitter remained.

Twenty-fi ve years agoStanley’s Snooker Club was renamed Stanley’s

True Free House and went over to real ale. The membership fee for the Powell Street club was “next to nothing” and at one point during the Spring there were three cask milds on the bar – Batemans, Taylors dark and Tetley dark.

Ind Coope Burton Ale died the death at the Raven Hotel on Wallgate; hardly a surprise, as the beer had weighed in at a jaw-dropping £1.02 a pint.

The word around Worthington was that the Crown free house was to become a fi fteen-room

residential hotel.

Twenty years agoReal ale was popping up in clubs all over the

Wigan branch area. The Gidlow and Beech Hill Social Club sold Tetley dark mild, bitter and Boddingtons bitter; Wigan Bowling Club offered Whitbread Castle Eden Ale and Flowers IPA; Beacon Park Golf Club in Dalton had Theakstons best bitter and XB whilst Aspull Labour Club sold cask beers from Banks’s, Bass and John Smiths.

In Billinge the Unicorn went over to cask Greenalls mild and bitter which meant that the Eagle & Child (also Greenalls) was now the only pub in town not to serve real ale.

The name of the Old Original Seven Stars in Standish was changed to the Shamrock, the Burtonwood inn’s long-standing nickname.

Fifteen years agoSwings and roundabouts in the club trade.

Handpumped Tetley bitter could be found at St. James’s Social Centre in Orrell, but the Gidlow Sports and Show Bar went over to nitrokeg and Beech Hill bitter became but a fond memory.

Eponymous boozers were having a hard time of it with both the Norley Hall and the Platt Bridge Inn joining the ranks of the closed and boarded up.

The word was out that J D Wetherspoon had his eye on premises in Pemberton near the crossroads by the White Swan.

Ten years agoSaturday 29th May saw the relaunch of Mayfl ower

brewery at the back of the Royal Oak, Standishgate. Initial production is expected to be around 3.5 barrels

FROM THE MISTS OF TIMEA LOOK AT THE LOCAL PUB SCENE OF YESTERYEAR



per week. Two beers were available on the day: Trial 1 (4% ABV) and Trial 2 (3.7% ABV).

Wigan council granted a planning application to transform a listed building at the back of Last Orders on Wallgate into a brewery. The plant will have a 7.5 to 10 barrel capacity and brewster Jenny Burrows hoped that production would begin in the Autumn.

Wolverhampton & Dudley reopened the Queens in Bickershaw after a refurbishment, but cask Banks’s beers did not survive the changes.

Five years agoThe Wiggin Tree in Parbold reopened as the

Miller and Carter Steakhouse but no longer served real ale.

Jaydee’s (formerly the Beer Engine) in Poolstock was to be transformed into the Shanghai Palace restaurant, selling Cantonese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Due to open August 2009.

Recently closed pubs included the Black Diamond in Lower Ince and the Pit Pony, Ashton-in-Makerfi eld.

Dave White




The Tudor House Hotel attracts all sorts , not just ‘old’ wierd-beardys like me but also ‘Hipster’ bearded youth, rock monsters, and indie luvvies

- no-one is out of place. Recently Jo and I were treated to some hard-core thrash metal, but it isn’t always the case.

The Tudor has hosted live performances for the past 30 years across all manner of genre, from spoken word to metal – and has extremely demanding requirements of their sound system. Luckily Russ ‘Sound Guy’ Miller has the expertise to keep it rocking. Russ has also been lucky enough to travel the world and sample some truly ‘out-there’ beers. Being back in Wigan the Tudor not only try to push real ales from Blackedge, Phoenix, & Moorhouses but craft beer from all over the world. And there’s always real cider too.

What was amusing is that both Russ’s came over that night separately recommending the Flying Dog ‘Kujo Coffee Stout’ - an 8.9% import. I was happy to smile, laugh, and chat back - stating that it was the fi rst beer we’d tried already. That night we also noted many other American imports - and whilst they are more expensive than UK beers the owners don’t push the prices to the silly levels of some city centre fashionista spots. On our visit we were also able to choose from Moorhouses ‘Pendle Witch’ (Russ ‘The Elder’s favourite we think but we always forget to ask!) and Moorhouses ‘IPA’ a beer I love. They also had a Phoenix beer which we did not try.

We ended that Friday night sharing a bottle of Sly Fox’s ‘Incubus’ at 10.3% - a 750ml bottle designed to be shared between friends though admittedly I probably had the lion’s share that night. And I could defi nitely feel it in the morning when we headed out on the Branch Social to the Redwillow Brewery!

I laugh when people sometimes tell me that the Tudor is too noisy or too loud - it’s a place busy enough with folk who have an opinion to be expressed or a point to be argued just like the Anvil which also attracts a

diverse range of beer lovers. We don’t want CAMRA to be all about one set of people. The Tudor has seen fresh-faced college students enthuse here about beer as well as any seasoned beer researcher we’ve met. And yes I’ve had the odd bad pint, over many years - but I always get an apology and an immediate replacement. Can’t ask for more! I’ve had many more nights were we’ve popped in for ‘the one’ - and stayed all night!

The Tudor has also successfully hosted Write Out Loud for a while now - it’s a monthly Open Poetry Night - usually held every 2nd Thursday of each month - www.writeoutloud.net. It’s a Clapping- Cheering - Positive Feedback event - which has included ukuleles spoken word, and general random entertainment. This is not the loud noise of bands, but the self-expression which a lot of people struggle to fi nd an outlet for. Over a nice beer we’ve heard some great individuals open themselves up to the public - and been greeted warmly. In an era of declining pubs, this is one of those values we should all hold on to! Russ’s latest innovation, the ‘Tudor Cinema Club’ was also planned at the time of writing.

Jo & I will keep going back to the Tudor - we want to recruit new people to CAMRA and support pubs and beers, and if we get some live cultural events at the same time - it makes our beer research that much more enjoyable! Jo & I do worry about the next generation of beer drinkers for CAMRA - the Tudor makes us worry a little less. If there’s one thing Jo & I like, it is people with passion - whatever their interests are!

Cheers to Beer(d)s!

Shaun, Membership Secretary & Jo, Young Members Secretary.

For further info visit www.thetudorwigan.co.uk.

POP IN TO THE TUDOR HOUSE HOTEL TO SEE WHY

ALE ISN’T JUST FOR BEARDS...




14 UPPER DICCONSON STREET,WIGAN, WN1 2AD

01942 237877

5 Hand Pumps

Dochertys

Wide selection of lagers, bottled beerand fine wines from 5 continents!

SMALL FUNCTIONROOM AVAILABLE

Mayflower Douglas Valley, Bass and Tetleys plus 2 rotating guest pumps including beers from

Weetwood, Dunscar Bridge, Facers and many more.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat, 12pm - 11pm & Sun 12pm - 10.30pm

MONTHLYQUIZPOOL

DARTS

LIVEMUSICEVERY

SUNDAY

Mayflower BreweryMayflower Brewery

The 27th Wigan CAMRA Beer Festival - one of the biggest and best festivals in the north of England became a record breaker (again). Whilst not

record attendance (though over 3,500 people come through the doors to try 70 real ales, 35 real ciders and perries and a great selection of foreign draft beers) the quantity drunk by our customers was a record amount. We sold 12555 pints of real ale, 3669 pints of cider and perry and 4431pints of draught foreign beer!

Each year, the festival takes on a theme. This year it was pirates (with our Pieman logo as a Pie Rate). The main bars were adorned with Pirate fl ags and infl atable parrots with festival volunteers wearing pirate attire at various stages throughout the festival. On Saturday festival visitors were encouraged to embrace the theme and dress up as pirates to gain free admission and we held a competition for the best dressed pirate. There were lots to choose from and the winner, chosen by the audience, was awarded £20 worth of beer tokens as their prize.

Festival entertainment was excellent as usual. Thursday’s visitors were entertained by Billy & The Tempramentals, a local band with a varied repertoire. Friday night saw Glamorize climb on stage decked out in 70s glam rock attire with music to match and soon had everyone singing along. Saturday was an entertainment fest with Kiss The Blarney (Irish music at its best) followed by Silverstone (hailing from Wigan and entertaining all ages playing hits from, amongst others, The Jam, Kings of Leon, Snow Patrol and The Beatles). Finally the evening was rounded off with the very entertaining Run Out The Guns (what else for a pirate festival?) an acoustic lineup featuring guitar, fi ddle, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bass and percussion, mixing their own music with songs, shanties, jigs and reels of the distant past to modern day. For those who don’t like music the Friday afternoon session is ‘Quiet’.

Our courtesy shuttle bus ran at regular intervals from the award winning Anvil in Wigan town centre to

the festival venue and for the fi rst time this year, another courtesy bus service made it even easier to get to and from the festival or for more adventurous souls to take the opportunity of a mini-beer trail as well. The ‘hopper’ bus drove a circular route from the Festival with pick-up and drop-off points at a number of pubs around the Wigan area, the Anvil, the Brocket Arms (Wetherspoons on the outskirts of town), the Boars Head, Globe and Silver Tally (Prospect Brewery’s brewery tap) all in Standish; Crooke Hall Inn (Allgates pub and Wigan CAMRA Pub of the Year and Community Pub of the Year) at Crooke Village.

Both bus services were free. The ‘hopper’ bus was sponsored by Prospect Brewery in Standish in association with the Wigan Transport Trust, a charitable organisation that renovates and preserves pre-1984 Wigan buses.

Food was available all sessions and what a mix from pie, peas, chips and black puddings from the onsite caterers, to German sausages and crepes from Melbourne catering, Chocolate from Merry Berry Truffl es and Mexican delights from Cath Howarth.

A really big thank you to our sponsors.

A massive thank you to our volunteers without whom there would be no beer festival.

We are always looking for extra hands to work at our festival so why not consider volunteering your time for next year. Volunteers are required not just for dispense of beer for a host of supporting roles too and even if you can only spare a few hours on Friday or Saturday evening it may help our hardworking volunteers to get a break at our peak times! Any enquiries about volunteering to work at the festival should be sent to the staffi ng offi cer at Wiganbfstaffi [email protected]

Here’s to the 2015 Wigan Beer Festival ... make a note in your diary - 5th-7th March 2015.

27th WIGAN BEER FESTIVAL 2014A RECORD BREAKER!



14 UPPER DICCONSON STREET,WIGAN, WN1 2AD

01942 237877

5 Hand Pumps

Dochertys

Wide selection of lagers, bottled beerand fine wines from 5 continents!

SMALL FUNCTIONROOM AVAILABLE

Mayflower Douglas Valley, Bass and Tetleys plus 2 rotating guest pumps including beers from

Weetwood, Dunscar Bridge, Facers and many more.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat, 12pm - 11pm & Sun 12pm - 10.30pm

MONTHLYQUIZPOOL

DARTS

LIVEMUSICEVERY

SUNDAY

Mayflower BreweryMayflower Brewery




Roll up, Roll up to

12-16th Aug - Olympia, London

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350Fun, Food,

Live Music & Frolics

in a

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www.gbbf.org.uk

900Tantalising beers, ciders and

perries to try

proudly presentsThe Campaign for Real Ale

50,000Thrill seekers

expected through the door

GreatBritishBeerFestival GBBF

British Breweries represented at this beer extravaganza

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www.gbbf.org.uk/tickets0844 412 4640www.gbbf.org.uk/ticketstickets

available from May

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Roll up, Roll up to

12-16th Aug - Olympia, London

the

350Fun, Food,

Live Music & Frolics

in a

carnival atmosphere

www.gbbf.org.uk

900Tantalising beers, ciders and

perries to try

50,000Thrill seekers

expected through the door

GreatBritishBeerFestival GBBF

British Breweries represented at this beer extravaganza

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More

than

join over

www.gbbf.org.uk/tickets0844 412 4640

ticketsavailable from May

Details correct at time of print. For up to date information visit www.gbbf.org.uk




A TraditionalFriendly Pub with

a GreatAtmosphere,

Real Fire and an Ever

Changing range ofReal Ale

Cooper St. St Helens Tel 01744 751289

Draught Continental BeersTuesday - Quiz night 9-30 pm

Thursday - Curry and Jazz NightCask Marque Good Beer Guide 2013

Open Mon & Tues 2-11 Wed - Sun 12-11 We are now serving Quality

Homecooked foodWednesday - Sunday.

Bee

THE BEST CHOICEOF ALES INST HELENS!

A CAMRA REGIONALPUB OF THE

YEAR

A Runner-up for theCAMRA

NATIONAL PUB OF THE YEAR

r Festivals throughout the year

16handpumps

Serving Traditional Ales

Ciders and Perry




• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits.

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

• If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

- If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd. asks you to.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Join CAMRA TodayComplete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd. with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

Instructions to your Bank or Building Society

Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Signature

Date

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

Postcode

Name

Membership Number

FOR CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALES LTD. OFFICIAL USE ONLYThis is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society.

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

Name(s) of Account Holder

Branch Sort Code

Bank or Building Society Account Number

Reference

To the Manager Bank or Building Society

Address

Postcode

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society

9 2 6 1 2 9

Service User NumberThe Direct Debit

Guarantee

Your Details

Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________

Forename(s) _________________________________________________

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ____________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_______________________ Postcode __________________________

Email address _______________________________________________

Tel No(s) ____________________________________________________

Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership)

Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________

Forename(s) _________________________________________________


Single Membership £23 £25(UK & EU)

Joint Membership £28 £30(Partner at the same address)

For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201.

Direct Debit Non DD

I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

I enclose a cheque for _________________

Signed ______________________________

Date ________________________________

Applications will be processed within 21 days

Campaigning for Pub Goers& Beer Drinkers

Enjoying Real Ale& Pubs

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to:Campaign for Real Ale Ltd., 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus



• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits.

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

• If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

- If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd. asks you to.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Join CAMRA TodayComplete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd. with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

Instructions to your Bank or Building Society

Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Signature

Date

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

Postcode

Name

Membership Number

FOR CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALES LTD. OFFICIAL USE ONLYThis is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society.

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

Name(s) of Account Holder

Branch Sort Code

Bank or Building Society Account Number

Reference

To the Manager Bank or Building Society

Address

Postcode

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society

9 2 6 1 2 9

Service User NumberThe Direct Debit

Guarantee

Your Details

Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________

Forename(s) _________________________________________________


Address ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_______________________ Postcode __________________________

Email address _______________________________________________

Tel No(s) ____________________________________________________

Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership)

Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________

Forename(s) _________________________________________________


Single Membership £23 £25(UK & EU)

Joint Membership £28 £30(Partner at the same address)

For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201.

Direct Debit Non DD

I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

I enclose a cheque for _________________

Signed ______________________________

Date ________________________________

Applications will be processed within 21 days

Campaigning for Pub Goers& Beer Drinkers

Enjoying Real Ale& Pubs

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to:Campaign for Real Ale Ltd., 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus


Platt Lane, Worthington, Standish, Wigan, Lancashire. WN1 2XF. Free Phone: 08000 686678

www.thecrownatworthington.co.uk

A unique country pub in the heart of the Lancashire countryside. A warm welcome, fine beer and superb quality food.

MEET . EAT . DRINK . SLEEP

hire WN1 2XF Free Phone: 08000 686678

CELEBRATEDan & Tracey’s

10th Anniversary as owners of The Crown

CELEBRATEDan & Tracey’s

10th Anniversary as owners of The Crown

13 CASK ALES ON HANDPUMP ONLY £2 A PINT ALL WEEKENDSaturday 24th Hog Roast & Entertainment throughout the day

13 CASK ALES ON HANDPUMP ONLY £2 A PINT ALL WEEKEND

24th & 25th May Weekend24th & 25th May Weekend

Join the ‘Updates Club’ on the website and we’ll let you know about all the latest special o�ers, events, guest beers & new menus

Served at your table, cooked to your liking!

Home of the Famous Butchers BlockAll our beef is locally reared, traditionally butchered and dry aged for at least 21 days. At our famous Butchers Block you get your choice of Steak, cut to your preferred size, cooked the way you like, with your choice of accompaniments. Your steak can be pan-fried or chargrilled.3 Steps To Steak Heaven -Step 1 – Choose your cut of steak & size. (All steak is priced per 100gsm)Step 2 – Select a sauce and/or toppingStep 3 - Choose your sides

S

f

Beer Heaven

at Home!

Very best beer from the pump in

a take away beer jug

Beer TakeawayService

Visit Website for more details

Saturday 24th Hog Roast & Entertainment throughout the day

Join in the

Celebrations!


swiggin in wiggin - issue 2 - may/jun/jul 2014

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