Two long serving pub landlords from Great Harwood have received a lifetime achievement award.
Maureen and Bob Smith, who run the Plough on Queen Street, were selected from 1,100 pub operators to receive the national award run by Heineken owned Star Pubs & Bars.
The couple received the coveted award at a gala celebration night in London from football’s Chris Kamara.
Previously landlords of the Walmsley, the Smiths have been running pubs in Great Harwood for 32 years, making them the town’s longest serving licensees.
They also have the distinction of being the only licensees in Great Harwood to have opened their pub every day since all day opening came into force in August 1988.
The judges said they were impressed, not only by the Smiths’ length of service, but by their ‘unwavering commitment to the highest of standards and quality’ and their success in maintaining the Plough as one of the town’s most popular pubs for nearly two decades.
Well known figures in Great Harwood, the Smiths have not only invested in the Plough to keep it looking attractive for the community including putting on ‘amazing’ displays of hanging flower baskets, but have also helped raise over £200,000 for local charities and good causes over the years.
Maureen, who celebrates her 65th birthday next year, says she’s loved her 32 years behind the bar and it has ‘kept her feeling 21’ but confesses she was a ‘reluctant landlady’ at the start.
She said: “It was a life long dream for Bob.
“When Blakes Vitreos Enamellers closed down he was made redundant and decided to make his dream a reality.
“But I was very upset when he got the Walmsley and said I’d only commit to two years. Thirty years later I’m still here and can’t imagine life without a pub.”
“It’s brilliant to be recognised for all the hard work we’ve put in.”
Chris Jowsey, Star Pubs & Bars trading director, “When you consider all the other businesses that have come and gone in Great Harwood in the last 20 years, Bob and Maureen’s achievement is a true accolade to their dedication and skill.”
