LINDLEY PUBS RECEIVE TUG OF WAR CHALLENGE (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

LINDLEY PUBS RECEIVE TUG OF WAR CHALLENGE

July 25, 2008 11:01 PM

Pubs across Lindley Ward are being asked to take part in an inter-pub tug of war challenge at next year's Lindley Carnival.

Cllrs Christine Stanfield and Tony Woodhead - who are the Lib Dem Members in the area - have written to local publicans on behalf of the carnival committee inviting them to stake their claim to the title of "Lindley Carnival Tug of War Pub Challenge Winners 2009".

The Carnival returned to the ward for the first time since the early 1970's on the 5th July this year. The event was well attended, with approaching 2000 people visiting the field by the Black Bull in Lindley. Andy Booth opened the event.

Cllr Stanfield says:

"This year's event was a fantastic achievement and everyone involved deserves a massive thank you. But we're looking ahead to next year and hoping that the idea of a tug of war competition will be taken up by the local pubs and develop into an annual carnival tradition. It certainly would be an exciting centrepiece and I'm sure that if the publicans get behind the idea they'll get plenty of willing participants as well as lots more support on the day."

The carnival committee is also looking for a sponsor for the event to come forward:

Cllr Tony Woodhead says:

"We're hoping one or more of the breweries might want to be the sponsor and pay for a trophy and may be some prizes for the runner ups. We had the idea that the winning pub could be presented with the rope to hang over their bar for the year on an inscribed plaque. "

The councillors also hope that the pubs' involvement in the carnival will help them to develop and sustain their businesses in the local area:

Cllr Woodhead says:

"We all know times are tough for local pubs at the moment. If they are to survive they are going to have to diversify and re-establish themselves in their communities as hubs for local activities. Being involved in things like the carnival would be one way to start achieving this. We had excellent support from a wide range of local firms and shops last year, so it would be really nice to have the pubs on board this time round."

Cllr Woodhead has also discovered that the tug of war has a forgotten Olympic past:

"It's a little known fact that the tug of war was at one time an Olympic sport. Even more shockingly, it is one that the British are still champions at apparently. Who knows, may be the 2009 Lindley Carnival might start of a revival in time for 2012?"

If any pubs or potential sponsors want to get in touch with the councillors they can be reached through Kirklees Members' Support on 01484 221801.