Band Club makes it a CAMRA hat-trick!

John Holden (right) is pictured with CAMRA’s Peter Alexander at an earlier award win ceremony

A historic band club has notched up a remarkable triumph by claiming a premier award for the third successive year.

Dobcross Band and Social Club has secured a coveted Club of the Year award in the Campaign For Real Ale (Rochdale, Oldham and Bury) branch, completing a memorable hat-trick.

Presented annually, this is the first time a club has taken the 'hat-trick', having won the award in 2018 and 2019.

CAMRA’s Clubs Officer Don Booth explained the main reason for the club's success is the exceptional quality of its beer, which is down to steward John Holden, who has been at the club for 36 years.

He also mentions the award is very fiercely competed for and difficult to win, so to have achieved this feat three times in a row shows sustained commitment not only to the quality of the beer, but the friendliness shown to all visitors and its place in the local community.

CAMRA branch chairman Peter Alexander said: "This is such a great achievement.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of social clubs selling real ale, so for Dobcross Band Club to hold on to its title is a fitting tribute to those involved.

"I'm looking forward to presenting the award when Covid-19 conditions permit.

"I know we'll get a very warm welcome."

Band club president Terry Lawless said: “It’s always nice to get recognition for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and the fact Dobcross Band Club has won the R.O.B. CAMRA Club of the Year for three years running is largely down to the hard work and dedication of our steward, John Holden.

“John epitomises what the club is about: welcoming, jovial and most of all an excellent host.

“The beer at the club has always been kept well, but as the range has increased in recent years, John has proved what an excellent cellar-man he is.

“You would have to go a long way to find a better kept pint and though the award is for Club of the Year, the honours definitely belong to John.”

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