Swiggin in Wiggin : September 2012 - Wigan

Running Horses, Orrell - Wigan CAMRA Community Pub of the Year
Every year Wigan CAMRA, selects a pub that doesn’t
necessarily sell the most beers, doesn’t have
the biggest or best beer garden or any cosmetic
facilities, but one that we feel best embraces the
local community!
The award for the Community Pub of the Year for
2012 was voted for by members at the Annual
General meeting and the winner was the Running
Horses in Orrell.
Clive and Glynis Frodsham took over the pub
in 1996 and over the years it has become an
important and central part of Orrell and the local
community.
Refurbished in 2004, it gave them an open area in
front of the bar ideal for holding charity events, quiz
nights, and family parties. There are also separate
pool room and darts rooms which are put to good
use for the local darts and dominoes league run on
Mondays and the pool league on Thursdays. Clive
and Glynis’ son Neil and daughter-in-law Emma
take lead roles in running the pool league.
The pub runs charity events through the year and
the highlight is the Christmas Quiz which raises
money for charities local and nationwide such as
Alder Hey, Help for Heroes,
Wish FM’s local charity and Dr
Naqvi Heart Fund. Neil spends
several weeks on the run up
to Christmas contacting local
businesses and sports teams
to gather donated items for
the auction, also run on the
night, which has raised several
thousands of pounds over the
last few years.
The Running Horses provide
bar facilities for the local
schools for their fetes and
fairs, and take part in the
annual cricket competition.
Along with the Delph Tavern
11
and The Robin Hood they play for a trophy. Sadly
this year they lost the trophy but lay claim to
winning the drinking competition!
The running of the pub is a team effort with Neil,
Janet, Jenna and Liz backing up Glynis and Clive. It is
very much a family and pet friendly establishment.
As well as providing a great selection of real ales
on 4 handpumps – Banks Bitter being a regular
with 3 rotating beers, Glynis makes a great cuppa
and Janet, a mean bowl of water and a dog biscuit.
Excellent food is provided on pool, darts and
quiz evenings and they are always happy to
cater functions from christening to funerals and
birthdays to weddings.
No matter what you are drinking you can always be
assured of a warm and friendly welcome.
Our presentation was made on Tuesday 26th June
by new branch Chairman Pete Marsh along with our
branch Membership Secretary Michelle Slater, a
regular at the pub. (see photo below).
Licensee Glynis was keen to praise her staff and
the regulars for making this pub what it is, now
rightly recognised as Branch Community Pub of the
Year!