A Saddleworth social club which has been open for more than 100 years has been named among the four best CAMRA clubs in the country, and is in with a chance of being named the best in the country.
Dobcross Band Social Club was named alongside Parwich Royal British Legion Club in Derbyshire, Marden Village Club in Kent, and Cheltenham Motor Club in Gloucestershire as one of the four best by the Campaign for Real Ale.
The announcement took place at the 2023 Club Awards awards ceremony in Leicester’s Athena venue on November 22.
The four clubs now have a chance to win the National Club of the Year title for 2023, which will be announced early next year.
Dobcross club steward Cameron Mason thanked the club’s ‘brilliant’ members for the ‘massive achievement’.
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The 27-year-old, who lives in Littleborough, has been involved with the club for 10 years, after joining a snooker team with his friends.
Speaking to The Oldham Times, he said: “It’s great to be recognised as one of the four best clubs in the United Kingdom, it’s a massive achievement not only for me, but everybody involved in the club.
“John, the old steward who I’m still really close with, it’s a great achievement for him, and it’s something we’re looking to progress even further and find ways to improve the club day by day.”
Former steward John also picked up an award for his long service, having spent 39 years in the role.
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Cameron added: “We knew we’d be in with a chance of getting the top four, but on the night there’s 20 clubs there. Then they announced the top four on that night. The judging takes place all throughout the year, it’s like a ‘secret shopper’ process, so that happens all the time.
“We know what we’ve got going’s good at the club, but obviously it’s always nice to be recognised for what we are doing with our beer, and obviously what we do for the community and other things as well.”
National Club of the Year Co-ordinator Phil Greggs said: “All of these clubs should be very proud of themselves for reaching this stage in the competition.
“It is a huge honour to be considered one of the top four clubs across the country.
“While each of these clubs offers something unique to their visitors, they all share the foundation of what makes a great club – a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent service and a fantastic range of beers.”
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