Swiggin in Wiggin - Issue 5 - Feb/Mar/Apr 2015

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

www.wigancamra.org.uk

February to April 2015

In this Issue...

+ Much More...

• CASK ALE THRIVING IN STANDISH • THE WAY WE WERE • WIGAN’S PUB SCENE

FREE

WIGAN’SFOUR NEW

MICRO PUBS

INWigan branch of The Campaign for Real Ale

February - April 2015www.wigancamra.org.uk2

INwww.wigancamra.org.ukFebruary - April 2015 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, Darrell Lawton, Alan Wass, Julie Atha, David Davies, John Robinson 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 2015

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.

© 2015 Capital Media Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted, reproduced, recorded, photocopied or otherwise without the express written permission of the copyright holder.

PUBLISHED BY Capital Media Group2 Halifax Court, Fernwood Business Park, Cross Lane, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 3JPt: 01636 302 302 e: [email protected]

Branch Contacts

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

The fi rst time I heard the term ‘micropub’ was through the guest speaker at the CAMRA AGM in Eastbourne in 2009. Martyn Hillier had

opened the fi rst micopub in the UK, the Butcher’s Arms in Kent, in 2005 and spoke of the simplicity of the ‘micropub’ model. Encouraging other people to follow his lead, which proved a catalyst to a friend of ours, Pete Morgan, to open the Rat Race Ale House in Hartlepool six months later.

It’s taken a little longer for the micropub to take on in Wigan but happily in this issue of Swiggin we can announce that we have four new micropubs within the branch. You can read about all four in this issue.

Final preparations are underway for the 28th Wigan Beer Festival. Once again we are at the Robin Park Sports Arena from 5th to 7th March 2015 and this year we have a ‘Viking’ themed festival. As usual we will be having entertainment at all the sessions except for Friday afternoon which will be quiet, so if you don’t like music that’s the session to attend. Transport will be provided courtesy of Wigan Transport Trust, which is a charitable organisation and all donations made will go directly to them. More details of the festival are included in this issue.

The Branch maintains the pub data for the Wigan area on CAMRA’s fl agship pub- fi nding website “What Pub” (www.whatpub.com). We have been praised for the completeness of the information we hold on our pubs (and clubs), but as ever it is a big job to maintain the database so if you fi nd some details wrong then contact us via the What Pub website and we can correct it.

Do you want to infl uence CAMRA policy, see how CAMRA works or just want to meet fellow CAMRA members from across the UK (sometimes beyond)? Then why not join us at the 2015 CAMRA AGM. The venue will be the Albert Hall, Nottingham with the AGM taking place 17th - 19th April 2015 (www.camraagm.org.uk).

Ken WorthingtonVice Chair & Editor of Swiggin in Wiggin, Wigan CAMRA

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHAIRWELCOME



The 28th Wigan Beer Festival takes place from Thursday 5th March to Saturday 7th March, again at Robin Park Sports Arena, Loire Drive,

Wigan and for the sixth year the festival launches Wigan Food and Drink Festival.

This year we have a Viking theme and invite customers to come to our “Pie- king” festival in Viking fancy dress on the Saturday. The person with the best costume for our Viking fancy dress competition will win a prize.

Once again we offer 60+ real ales, 35 real ciders/perries, and many draught foreign beers, so we have something for everyone!

Our large venue has ample seating available and no need for tickets but be aware that Friday nights can get very busy. We have live music at all sessions apart from Friday afternoon but we cannot guarantee the quality of the sound as the venue is not designed for the performing arts so if you are dislike music or noise when imbibing you need to come on Friday afternoon.

We are still in the process of confi rming our fi nal entertainment line up but we will be having Roll Out The Guns as we had an excellent response to their session last year and they will be joined by local

band Chonkinfeckle. Full entertainment details will

be on the Wigan CAMRA website when fi nalised.

Free courtesy buses run from town centre from near the Anvil pub, to and from the venue throughout the festival (see our website nearer

the event for timetable). The buses are being run by the

Wigan Transport Trust (http://wigantransporttrust.wordpress.com/) which is a charitable organisation dedicated to restoring and maintaining historic buses. The Trust will be asking for a voluntary donation for those travelling on the bus and it would be appreciated if you could make donation no matter how small

Opening times / Prices - Thursday 5.30 - 11.00 £2.00; Friday 12pm to 11pm Admission 12.00pm - 5.30pm £1.00 after 5.30pm - 11.00pm £3.00; Sat 11.30 am to 10.00pm £2.00. CAMRA members FREE every session. For Thursday there will be limited FREE entry advertising fl yers available from various local pubs and Wigan Food and Drink Festival partners.

CAMRA which has seen a massive growth in membership to around 158,000, so if you are not already a member what better place to join that the festival? There will be membership incentives to join on the day.

Feeling peckish? We have a welcome return for our Continental Sausage stall which is complemented by the In-House catering concession and possibly other stalls selling more unusual belly fi llers.

Once again we ask our customers to donate unused tokens to our favoured charity, Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Last year festival-goers donated £1,234 to the charity.

Would you like to be a sponsor at the festival? Sponsorship is invited from pubs, businesses, societies or private individuals with exclusive major sponsors packages from just £150! You can also sponsor a barrel for just £40. Please note that payment must be received as soon as possible to guarantee entry into the programme and issue of any appropriate sponsor tickets. For more information contact our sponsorship manager Jo Whalley on 07809 438448.

Remember that the festival is run by a band of unpaid volunteers who make the festival happen. We are always looking for additional help, not just serving beer as we need people to fl oor-walk and perform some of the administration roles. Although unpaid there are many benefi ts to volunteering as we provide food and beer to those working and negotiate discounts with our caterers. We may also be able to help with transport for those who work to the end of each festival session, subject to working an agreed number of hours.

For more information about the festival visit: www.wigancamra.org.uk

WIGAN BEER FESTIVAL5TH - 7TH MARCH 2015




A short ride out from Wigan to Standish and you have as many as 4 pubs, 1 club and 21 beers within 1/4 mile radius of alighting your bus*

Start your crawl at the Globe, High Street, a large and friendly pub with outside seated area where you will fi nd 2 beers with Theakstons Best Bitter a permanent beer plus one guest beer

Walking towards the town centre for just a few minuets you will fi nd the newly openend micro pub The Albion Ale House, High Street. Here there are 8 hand pumps, 90% of the beers offered being sourced from local breweries and 2 ciders and wines. Here you won’t fi nd TV’s or music, just a comfortable space to enjoy the beers on offer.

Turning right * at the traffi c lights, yards away, is The Black Bull, Market Street. A large pub with plenty of screens for live sport and regular live music & karaoke nights. Here there are 3 beers. A permanent house bitter brewed by Marstons, Hobgoblin or Golden Goblin and one changing guest beer.

Turning right just yards away is the Lychgate Tavern, Church Street. This is a spacious pub which will start serving food from March 2015. They have live music on bank holidays and an outside seating area. Here there are 3 regular beers, Tetley, Wainwrights & Prospect Silver Tally and one Guest beer monthly.

Leaving the Lychgate cross road and walk round tiny green to Cross Street. At the rear of the shops is the entrance to Standish Unity Club, Cross Street, an independent non profi t making club winners of Wigan CAMRA club of the year 2010 - 2014. Open 7.30pm daily.

Here there are 5 beers, constantly changing. Some sourced from local breweries some further afi eld. Annual beer festival all served from hand pumps.

Coming out of the club turning right and back on the High Street, turn left to head back to the Globe and the bus stop. Standish town centre is now a

thriving area for cask beers a very refreshing change.

*Alternatively if you have time and energy after the Albion and before the Black Bull to walk a little further out along the A5209 passing the Beeches and Almond Brook is the Silver Tally pub - part of the Prospect Inn group and previous Pub Of The Season winner offering Thwaites Wainwrights and a varying range of other exciting beers which is also serviced by 3 regular bus routes from Wigan.

CASK ALE THRIVING IN STANDISHA VERY REFRESHNG CHANGE


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

THE S

TA

NDISH UNITY CLUBTHE S

TA

NDISH UNITY CLUB

Winner of CAMRA Club Of The Year 2010,11,12, 13 & 14Runner-up Greater Manchester Regional Club Of The Year 2012, 13 & 14

OUR EVER POPULAR YEARLY BEER FESTIVAL19th, 20th, 21st March

Featuring the �nest of ales from Wales

THE LANKY KATS - ROCK N ROLLEvery 1st & 3rd 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

s

SEE WEBSITEFOR FURTHEREVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS



Standish’sNew Micro Bar

Mon to Thurs 2pm - 10pm • Fri & Sat 2pm - 11pm • Sun 2pm - 8pm

Six Rotating Ales & Two Real Ciders

Find us on Facebook

12 High Street | Standish | Wigan | WN6 0HL

Mon to T at 2pm - 11pm • Sun 2pm -

High Street | Standish | Wigan | WN6 0HL

hurs 2pm - 10pm • Fri & Sa

|


An interesting article was recently received from a CAMRA member from a neighbouring branch who had been visiting family in the US. We have

printed part of this as it provokes some thought when we bemoan the quality of our beers!

“We were based in San Diego which has a lively beer scene listing 95 breweries which is one brewery to 32,578 inhabitants compared to Wigan’s ratio of one brewery for every 63,620 inhabitants.

Our local, the West Coast BBQ and Brew is a beer oasis in the suburbs of La Mesa and we visited on the Thursday night cask night to sample the cask beer called Green Flash West Coast IPA at 8.1% which I found too strong and hoppy for my taste and was also not popular with many of the locals either. Quite apart from the taste the presentation of the cask beer

left much to be desired with no pump clip and staff untrained in the use of a handpump.

I took the opportunity of speaking to Dean Rouleau Head Brewer of The Prodigy Brewery about his recent experiences as a guest brewer for the Wetherspoons International Craft brewing promotion. He had been based at the Pitfi elds brewery in London but whilst here had had the opportunity to visit several other breweries in different parts of the country including one which had produced a Great British Beer Festival award winning beer. He was certainly an interesting guy but like many of his countrymen he could not see that the best way to improve the quality of the end product is to use the same high quality ingredients to brew a cask beer rather than keg it!

Beer drinking stateside has come a long way in the last 30 years and now drinkers are offered an alternative to Coors, Miller and Bud etc but given that the US online beer magazine lists just 6 regular cask beer outlets in New York there is still far to travel...”

A VIEW FROM STATESIDETHOUGHT PROVOKING?



We do not normally print obituaries in Swiggin in Wiggin but Stan Morris was an exceptional man who will be much missed by the Wigan

branch.Almost anyone who has attended the Wigan or

Bent and Bongs beer festivals in the last 30 years or so will recognise Stan, aka “Shrek”. He was an ever-present volunteer at both festivals working hard alongside many younger chaps to help set up the bar and then serving – usually on the dark side so that he could have the odd sip to decide which beer he was going to take home on his carry out at the end of the shift. Stan often drove colleagues to and from their shifts at the festival so did not drink much beer when working.

Stan Morris was a large, warm-hearted man with a sense of humour of even larger dimensions always ready for a joke even if it was at his own expense ! This is where the nickname of Shrek came from as going back years getting festival shirts to fi t him was a bit of a problem and our supplier provided a luminescent green shirt as an alternative to the emerald green other staff had. Stan’s daughter-in-law Claire said that Stan reminded her of Shrek and bought him some Shrek ears which he wore proudly throughout the festival! At another event at Bent and Bongs Beer Festival Stan’s shirt was bright orange and he called

himself “Jaffa the Hut”Stan’s Humour was also evident when he and his

dear wife Pat attended branch social events where he was always cracking a joke and never complained even if activities did not go exactly to plan.

Stan did have a serious side enjoying his crosswords and the company of his family, Pat and sons Andrew and Ian. He took an interest in current affairs holding well-reasoned opinions whilst respecting that other people might have different views.

Stan was also the mastermind behind several of our festival themes including 007 “the Pie Who Loved Me” and our 2015 “Pie-king” themes.

The admiration and respect people had for Stan was demonstrated by the attendance at his funeral by over a hundred mourners including many CAMRA members from our own branch and other neighbouring branches.

In memory of Stan we will have a beer at our 2015 festival kindly provided by Paul Wood of Martland Mill brewery. Proceeds from sales of the beer will go to the Morris family nominated charity North West Air Ambulance.

If you too have memories of Stan then why not come along and have a pint or two?

CALLING LAST ORDERSSTAN MORRIS: REST IN PEACE

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 CAMRAHave 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




It has been a case of mixed fortunes for Wigan real ale drinkers and visitors alike who will be sad to note that Russ and Frances Miller of the famed

Tudor House pub retired in November. The Tudor now stands empty and is rumoured to be facing demolition for the redevelopment of the nearby bus station.

On a more positive note Pat Gallagher of the Gerard Arms in Aspull has taken over the Lychgate in Standish (see our article on Standish), and there are a clutch of ‘micro pubs’ which have recently opened in our area.

The start of the trend was the Docs Symposium on Mesnes Street which opened in mid August by Chris and June Doherty formerly of the Royal Oak and Doherty’s – this bar has already gained a good reputation winning the branch’s Winter Pub Of The Season award. They sell up to 4 real ales and a

selection of continental beers and have a small deli counter for those who feel in need of a beer blotter. There was then, just like buses, a bit of a lull followed by 3 new real ale bars which opened within 3 weeks of each other in November and December these being led by Blundells Cafe Bar, then the Albion Ale House in Standish (again see Standish article) and fi nally the long awaited Prospect-owned bar Wigan Central.

Blundells is a small terraced outlet which seats about 35 situated on Wigan Lane midway between the Bowling Green, Swinley Club and the Millstone pub. They open at 1pm daily* and offer 2 real ales alongside a range of coffees and some continental beers and also serve fresh sandwiches and soups. However hours can vary *so best to check if you plan a special journey !

The Albion opened just a few days after Blundells again in a mid terrace location near Standish traffi c lights. It is long a narrow seating about 20 but making up for lack of space with its personality! Licensee and real ale enthusiast Kevin has faced a challenge to maintain 8 real ales on handpump since opening but expects turnover to fall in the New Year and plans a

reduction then to 6 different ales at any one time.

Wigan Central bar was formally opened on Thursday 4th December and there were many familiar faces present on the opening night – not just Wigan CAMRA members but others from CAMRA branches in Manchester, Merseyside and South East Lancs. And of course our very own Barry Seale is slap bang on the middle of the opening night picture on the pub’s website!

WIGAN’S CHANGING PUB SCENEKEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE


The bar, situated under the Wallgate railway arches, is named after Wigan’s former railway station (located approximately where Debenhams is now, see photo) which was demolished in the early 1970s. The decor is entirely rail-themed from the specially designed ‘Station’ clock which hangs above the entrance to mock carriage seating booths complete with hat racks and train carriage-shaped ‘refreshments’ bar. They cater for rail travellers in that they have live feed arrivals and departures boards and supply pork pies as well as the usual packeted bar snacks. Beer offered includes 2 Prospect beers from one of their 7 handpumps plus continental beers and up to 4 ciders. They also stock a wide range of bottled British and continental beers for consumption on or off the premises

The Casino De Cuba (formerly the Stables Brasserie) also opened on 4th December but does not currently sell real ale.

The beer scene in Wigan is defi nitely looking up!

Locations and opening times of the new micro bars as provided to WhatPub are shown below but as all of these outlets are new these could be subject to change over time and it is worth checking before making a visit

• Docs Symposium – 85 Mesnes Street, tel 07472 063296. Opens noon to 11pm Thursday – Saturday and 1pm to 10:30pm Sunday.

• Blundells Cafe Bar – 90 Wigan Lane tel 07810 396736. Opens noon – 9pm Mon, noon – 5pm Tues, noon – 10:45pm Wed to Sat and noon – 10 pm Sunday.

• Albion Ale House - 12 High Street, Standish tel 07411 081342. Opens 1pm – 10pm Mon to Thurs, noon - 11pm Fri & Sat and noon -8pm Sunday.

• Wigan Central Bar - Arch number 1 Queen Street tel 01942 246625. Opens noon – 11pm Mon- Thurs, noon – midn’t Fri/Sat and noon – 10:30pm Sunday.

BREWERY UPDATESLOCAL BREWERY NEWS

There were several new brews for the Christmas season alongside old favourites.

A new storage facility is being sought to ease space pressures at the brewery and it is hoped this will be operational very soon.

Erratum our last edition mistakenly said that Allgates Gin Pit had been successful at the recent SIBA festival – this should have read Dry Bones – apologies to all at Allgates!

www.allgatesbrewery.comAll Gates Brewery

Nothing reported.

www.prospectbrewery.comProspect Brewery

Nothing reported.

@WellcrossBrewerWellcross Brewing Co.

www.hophurstbrewery.co.ukHophurst Brewery

Their brews are getting distributed at good real ale outlets out and about the North West. They had great feedback on their second beer Twisted Vine and their next beer to be released, a Stout called Debonair @ 4.9%, is described as “A luxurious robust stout with fl avours of roasted coffee, liquorice and an aftertaste of pleasant bitterness.”

Next brew, a mild named Campfi re, should be available by the time this is in print

Finally - their website is up and running and is simply www.hophurstbrewery.co.uk

Problem Child

Nothing reported.

www.problemchildbrewing.co.uk

www.martlandmillbrewery.co.ukMartland Mill Brewery

Nothing reported.



Almost ten years ago I wrote an article, The Way We Were for “Swiggin in Wiggin” following a visit to a small rural pub in west Wales. The

pub, the Dyffryn Arms, is set on the edge of the Preseli Mountains in a valley where the locals still follow the early Roman calendar. They celebrate New Year on 1st March. It’s an area where time and the pub would appear to have stood still. Below is an abridged version of what I wrote at the time.

“It was a chilly afternoon in early October. The sky was heavy with dark clouds as I navigated the narrow lanes and cattle grids on the windswept moors. In the distance I could see the outcrop of rock which was the source of the massive bluestone used to build Stonehenge nearly 4,000 years ago. Here the stone was hewn from the hillside and dragged to the tidal waters above what is now Milford Haven. In fact the whole area is littered with Bronze Age burial cairns and Iron Age defences.

Situated on its own down a narrow lane and next to a farm building it was not an easy pub to fi nd. Only a small sign bearing the name “Dyffryn Arms, licensee Bessie Davies” above the door gave me any clue that I had indeed reached my destination. There was no car park, or outdoor seating. The front door was locked and you entered by a side door to the right of the building.

I walked into what can only be described as a time-warp. I entered a small front room; there was no carpet, just black and red tiles. The walls were papered in a very

faded green; it looked more

like bedroom wallpaper, it was grubby and stained. To my left was an open fi replace, built of locally cut rough

stone, probably when the house was built. The smouldering log emitted an almost homely ambience to this stark room. To my right was a serving hatch. It was closed. Above that was a portrait of the Queen, I suspect it was painted when she was still Princess Elizabeth. There were several other pictures on the wall; two in particular caught my eye. One was a photograph of the then Prince of Wales who looked splendid in his military uniform. He later became Edward VIII. The second was not a photo, but a print of a soldier dressed in a First World War uniform titled, “The Hardest Goodbye”. He was holding the fi ngers of a newly born child.

The furniture was basic; several high backed chairs, two tables, one round and one oblong, a chapel pew and near the door an ancient settle. There was a large chair by the side of the fi re. I knocked on the glass serving hatch. The small recess counter was littered with dirty glasses. It was opened by an elderly lady clutching a mug of tea. She was wearing a housecoat and had fi ngerless gloves. Behind her was a small Formica worktop and attached to the wall were three shelves. The fi rst one held half-pint glasses, the second, pint glasses, while the top one held varieties of bottled beer and a selection of disposable cigarette lighters. I am sure she must have sold lager and stout but I could see no evidence of them. As there was no bar, there were

no visible hand pumps, but knowing it was popular in this part of Wales I asked for a pint and a half of Bass. She picked up an empty jug, returned and fi lled up the glasses. Now at this point I must say this was one of the best pints of Bass I have ever drunk and believe me I have supped a few!

I sat in the large chair next to the fi re. On top of the mantelpiece was a folded

DYFFRYN ARMS REVISITED

THE WAY WE WERE


newspaper. I glanced at the back page, it was a cricket article. I looked at the date, July 29th. Today was October 12th; perhaps someone was a slow reader!

Just as we were getting ready to leave three locals walked in. They spoke in Welsh with the odd English word thrown in when it seemed easier to remember. It was interesting to note that although they were in their thirties they referred to the licensee as Mrs Davies rather than Bessie. I wasn’t sure if it was respect or fear, besides it was a long way to the next pub!

I am sure that when she retires changes will be made and it will be a shame. The building has remained unaltered for over fi fty years. Admittedly it would benefi t from a lick of paint, but not much more. I would hate to go back there and fi nd a satellite TV, jukebox, fruit machine or it had been opened up for a dining room. Years ago many pubs served through hatches, but they have now gone. It would be a shame to lose this one as it must be one of the very few to have made it into the twenty fi rst century.”

I made my return visit this summer and am delighted to report that there has been little or no change. There is now outdoor seating, well; there are two benches near the front door. On entering, still via the side entrance, the fi rst thing I noticed was the colour scheme, what was pale green is now pale yellow. It hadn’t been re-papered, just coloured, as it was still peeling off around the serving hatch, which on this occasion was fully open. The only other change inside appeared to be a wood burning stove which replaced the open fi re. Other than that the interior, the furniture and pictures remained exactly the same. There was still no TV. After a few moments the landlady appeared; it was immediately obvious she is now having mobility problems as she was heavily reliant on a walking frame. On this occasion I noticed she was only wearing one fi ngerless glove!

Enquiring about her health, she told me with a wry smile that she had suffered with wind for a couple of days but was feeling better now. She made no mention of the walking frame. As there were no other customers she was happy to chat. She explained that the pub had been in her family since1845, she herself was now 84, and that she had been running it for 64 years and intended to carry on doing so. Retirement it seems is out of the question! I asked if she ever went out, she explained that one of her sons occasionally takes her out in his car on to the mountains to look at the view. I tentatively asked her if she had ever

re g re t te d not having moved on during such a long tenure. She looked at me incredulous ly , “Why would I want to leave here?” she replied.

Why oh why indeed!The Bass which she still dispensed directly out of

the cask into a jug was just as good as ever.

David Davies

The Dyffryn Arms can be found on page 608 of the 2015 Good Beer Guide.

Bessie Davies




Thirty-fi ve years agoGreenall Whitley refurbished the Ince Hall

Hotel in Lower Ince and renamed the pub the Black Diamond, its former nickname. Cask mild and bitter remained on sale, which was unusual for Greenall’s after a refurb.

The future of the Colliers Arms in Ashton-in-Makerfi eld looked uncertain. The Burtonwood inn was closed, boarded up and said to be in a poor state of repair.

Thirty years agoGreenall’s Original Bitter disappeared from the

New Inn, Kitt Green, although the landlord hoped to restore it soon. Traditional mild and bitter were still available on electric pump. Original Bitter also disappeared from the Bridgewater Arms, Marsh Green, due to poor sales.

The Alrar Hotel, Swinley, reopened as the Charles Dickens. Tetley mild and bitter were available with the promise of Ind Coope Burton Ale to come. “It’s worth a visit”, gushed your roving reporter.

Twenty-fi ve years agoSwings and roundabouts with Tetley Walker.

The Imperial Hotel in Higher Ince reopened selling traditional mild and bitter again while the recently revamped Railway Inn in Appley Bridge offered Ind Coope Burton Ale alongside cask Tetley mild and bitter. No real ale, alas, at the refurbished Eckersley Arms in Poolstock, though.

The New Inn (formerly the Cherry Tree), Kitt Green, reopened as Kennedy’s, but cask Greenalls beers didn’t survive the changes. City Road was now drier than the Kalahari with both the Brookhouse (Tetley) and the Miner’s Arms (Whitbread) also on keg beer.

Twenty years agoTraditional Vaux beers from the North-East

became available in the Wigan area. Samson was on

sale at the Bird i’th’ Hand, Hindley whilst Vaux Bitter and Samson were to be had at the Manley Hotel, Lower Ince and the Bispham Lodge in Billinge.

The long-closed Cross Keys on the A58 in Hindley moved a step closer to demolition after schoolchildren set fi re to it.

Fifteen years agoReal ale disappeared from two ex-Greenall

Whitley pubs: the Eagle & Child, and the Crooke Hall Inn, Crooke. Elsewhere in Ashton the King’s Arms was closed and in darkness on a recent call.

Cask beer – Jennings mild and bitter – returned to the Clarence Hotel on Wallgate for the fi rst time in years.

Ten years agoThe Alexandra Hotel in Whelley reopened in time

for Christmas, offering real ale for the fi rst time in donkey’s years: Draught Bass and Boddingtons Bitter.

Amongst the closed and boarded up were the Crispin Arms at Birkett Bank; the Eckersley Arms, Poolstock; the Dog & Partridge, Pemberton; and the Hare & Hounds, Aspull.

Five years agoResidents in Shevington Moor launched a

campaign to prevent building developers Wainhomes from demolishing the Hesketh Arms. There had been a pub on the site for centuries and rumour has it that Oliver Cromwell spent a night there.

Prospect Brewery relocated to Bradley Hall Industrial Estate, largely due to increasing demand for Patsy Slevin’s excellent beers.

Dave White

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



Wigan’s Pub of the Season Winter 2014 is Doc’s Symposium, Wigan’s very fi rst micropub which was opened on 14th August 2014

by Chris and June Doherty in a former fl ower shop opposite Mesnes Park in Wigan town centre. With a very light and airy ‘lounge’ and outside on-street seating, this pub has a very continental feel. The bar has fi ve handpumps for real ales and features many locally brewed beers including some from the new Wigan breweries of Martland Mill and Hophurst. For those not wishing to imbibe just real ale there is a variety of European wines and continental beers. The pub has a small deli counter with a selection of nice light snacks on offer and tea and coffee available.

The award was made on Sunday 21st December by Wigan CAMRA Chairman Pete Marsh accompanied

by around fi fteen branch members. Pictured are June, with Pete in the centre and Chris to the right. In Pete’s speech he made reference to Chris’ comment before he left a former pub that he had enough of the pub game. Lucky for us he did not keep his word!

June and Chris Docherty are well respected Wigan landlords and you are guaranteed a warm welcome. Note that the bar is closed Monday to Wednesday and open from 12pm -11pm Thursday to Saturday and from 1pm to 10.30pm Sundays.

A must visit when you’re in Wigan (opening times permitting).

In our November edition we advised our readers of MAJOR changes to the way the Wigan branch operates its LocAle scheme and asked regulars

reading Swiggin to draw the attention of licensees who might qualify to the fact that from 2015 publicans need to self-nominate their pub/bar/club for the award.

As of the time of going to press we have had no nominations and though we have awarded LocAle awards to 28 Wigan pubs in the past these accreditations ceased to exist as of 1st January 2015.

We will shortly be contacting the pubs which had LocAle accreditation in the past but would like to remind drinkers and licensees that you can apply or get more information by emailing [email protected]

PUB OF THE SEASON, WINTER 2014

LocAle 2015 - APPLY NOW!

DOC’S SYMPOSIUM

OLD LOCALE SCHEME NO LONGER EXISITS

If you are a licensee who can satisfy our LocAle 2015 criteria then please contact us for an information/application pack by emailing [email protected]

Or, if you drink in a pub which you think would satisfy the LocAle 2015 criteria, then please bring to the landlord’s attention.


174 Ormskirk Road,Upholland, Skelmersdale,

Lancashire WN8 0AA

PLOUGH & HARROW

2 Cask AlesGood Food AvailableSky Sports & BT Sports

Ormskirk R, Skelmersdshire WN8

ask Alesd Food AvSports & p

174 OUpholland

Lancavailable

& BT Sports

GrandRe-Opening

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6TH



It has been quite a busy time – so much so that reports of trips are running some months behind at the moment both due to the time taken to write and

the opportunity to fi nd the space to print!Our fourth social trip of 2014 was to Huddersfi eld

in West Yorkshire including visits to two breweries, a beer festival at a former Regional Club of the Year, and fi nally visits to various pubs in Huddersfi eld town centre. Thanks to both breweries donating ‘free beer’ this trip proved to be great value running at just £10 per person.

First up was a visit to the iconic Magic Rock Brewery where we were greeted and shown around by head brewer, Stuart Ross. It was a real privilege to be allowed behind the scenes at ‘offi cially’ one of the best breweries in the world.

A short-hop of a few hundred yards then took us to the quirky but delightful Hand Drawn Monkey Brewery. Once again, being met and shown around by the brewers – Rob Allen and Tom Evans. Rob and Tom kept us entertained with their whimsical tales and their free nibbles and snacks were also well appreciated.

Another short hop of a few hundred yards then took us to Marsh Liberal Club, a former Regional Club of the Year. It just so happened that they were holding a mini-beer festival. Their pies were almost as well

received as their beers.

It was then back aboard our coach for the short trip to Huddersfi eld town centre where we dropped off in 3 locations – The Sportsman, The Star and The Rat and Ratchet. A few hours later, we all met up at The Grove for a couple of last pints in readiness for our journey home.

A great time had by all I think!Our Annual Branch BBQ was held on Sunday,

August 31st at our reigning Pub of the Year – Crooke Hall Inn. Many thanks to Greg and Jenny for hosting the event and for Sandra sourcing and cooking the food!

Reports still to come in our next edition on the Broughton Festival of Beer trip in October, the December pub survey trip and the ‘Twixtmas’ Southport trip.

Roy Pearson.

SOCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

SOCIAL TRIPS

ARTICLES FOR SWIGGIN IN WIGGIN?Local beer related articles are always welcome! If you would like to contribute please let us know or email your copy to [email protected] note that for legal reasons that a full name & postal address must now be submitted with any contributions.

3000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED 5 TIMES A YEAR TO OVER 120 PUBS, CLUBS, LIBRARIES AROUND WIGAN &

BEER FESTIVALS ACROSS THE NORTH-WESTFull Page - £125 • ¼ Page - £55 • ½ Page - £95

Special Positions - £175 eachBook 5 editions & receive 15% discount. Free design.TO BOOK CALL CAPITAL MEDIA ON 01636 302 302

Advertising Rates


• 13 TVs & A BIG SCREEN, All major sports shown

• LIVE BANDS EVERY FRIDAY from 9.45pm

• SATURDAY NIGHT - RADIO DJs

• FOOD 7 DAYS A WEEK from 12pm Midday

27-29 WALLGATE | WIGAN | WN1 1LD | T. 01942 242041

CREEN, hown

RY 5pm

T - RADIO DJs

WEEKay

WIGAN | WN1 1LD | T 01942 242044141

Participant inSky’s TV series

‘Quiz the Nation’

s

1LD | T 01942 2420441

‘Q

5 CASK ALES& 1 CASK CIDERchanging weekly




Date post:	22-Jul-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	capital-media
View:	218 times
Download:	0 times

Swiggin in Wiggin - Issue 5 - Feb/Mar/Apr 2015

Documents