Lancashire landlady wins ‘Community Champion’ Award at 2BR radio’s ‘Local Hero 2017 Awards’
The Clifton Arms in Blackburn has scooped a prestigious regional award at the Local Hero Awards 2017, hosted by 2BR Radio. Licensee Carole Lesley Davis was nominated for the award by her locals, for the support she has provided to the community, turning the Clifton Arms into a thriving pub hub since she took over the pub in 2005.
The category celebrated individuals who have made a big difference to their community and Carole was shortlisted from 1,000 initial entrants down to one of four finalists, before being awarded the title on 12th October, at the awards ceremony. The pub consistently fundraises for local causes and Carole has recently raised over £700 through a darts charity event last week in aid of two locals.
The two men, both working in the building trade, had been injured at work and forced to take time off. Carole Lesley organised for four professional Lancashire darts players including Lisa Ashton, Darryl Fitton, Wes Newton and Tony O’Shea, to hold an exhibition night at the pub. Locals had the opportunity to play against the professionals, with the event raising money to help their fellow customers.
The evening drew together over 150 people from the local community, many playing in both doubles and singles matches with the professionals. The evening included a BBQ and a live auction, which saw a darts board, signed by all 4 of the professional players, auctioned for £91. The money raised, which totalled over £700 will be presented to the two customers on the 29th October 2017.
Commenting on the award licensee for The Clifton Arms, Carole Lesley Davis said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have won the 2BR Radio award. My customers mean everything to me and we wouldn’t be able to survive without them so it is fantastic to be named their ‘community champion’. Community spirit is something we strive to create at the Clifton Arms, whether it be fundraising for a specific cause, helping locals or just offering someone a shoulder to cry on.
When you’ve been injured and can no longer work, things can be really tough. The money raised in the darts evening has gone to a very worthwhile cause and it is testament to the pub’s community spirit that they’re able to pull together and support those in need. I firmly believe that charity begins at home and the spirit of the pub has shone through here.”
Commenting, John York, Business Development Manager for Admiral Taverns, said:
“We’re thrilled that Carole has won this award. It is very much deserved and lovely to see her recognised for all her hard work in the community. Carole is an extremely passionate and motivated licensee. The Pub has thrived under her leadership and her award is testament to this.
