Club of the Year

Club of the Year 2026 – Barkisland Cricket Club

Branch Club of the Year Award 2026 – @Barkisland Cricket Club

This award was presented to Peter Elsworth, Chairperson of Barkisland Cricket Club, by Stephen Taylor, Halifax and Calderdale Clubs Officer, on Thursday 11th June 2026, before a packed bar of local supporters and CAMRA members. In making the presentation, Stephen noted that Barkisland Cricket Club has achieved the remarkable distinction of winning this award for three consecutive years — a rare and impressive accomplishment.

Barkisland Cricket Club will host three festivals this year, helping to make it the vibrant community club it is today: the Beer & Cider Festival from 17th to 19th July, Barkifest on 23rd August, and the much-loved Beer & Pie Festival from 13th to 15th November, where the club hopes to surpass its record of selling more than 1,000 pies.

The quality of beer available across the club’s five handpulls is consistently excellent and always served to the highest standard. In his response, Peter paid tribute to the team behind this success: Dave Robinson, who carefully sources the beers; Chris Greenwood, who manages the bar and ensures every pint is kept in top condition; and Rebecca O’Neil, who serves them with great care and professionalism.

Congratulations to everyone at Barkisland Cricket Club on this well-deserved achievement. May the club continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead, and we wish all those involved every success for the future.

Club of the Year 2025 – Barkisland Cricket Club

Presentation details will appear here shortly

Club of the Year 2024 – Barkisland Cricket Club

On Thursday 11^th July 2024 Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA members attended Barkisland Cricket Club to present the branch’s top club award – Club of the Year 2024. On the day of the event five beers were being served on handpump. It is not unusual for so many cask ales to be available making Barkisland Cricket Club one of the top clubs in Calderdale for selling and supporting real ale. The beers on sale on the day were Coach House Innkeeper’s Special Reserve (4.5%), Abbeydale Moonshine (4.3%), Craven Blonde (4%), Moorhouse’s White Witch (3.9%) and Saltaire Blonde (4%). In addition a range of wines, spirits, lager, snacks and sweets were also available.

In his speech, Richard Lee, Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA’s Branch Chair, congratulated Barkisland Cricket Club for achieving the award and stated that the Club of the Year award was the highest award presented to clubs by the branch. He praised the Club for its commitment to real ale, the range of other alcoholic drinks available, the friendliness of the bar staff and the welcome Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA members had received.

Barkisland Cricket Club is situated in beautiful surroundings and is well-supported by its members and local people of all ages.It can be reached by using the 561 and 562 buses from Halifax and the E4 service from Brighouse.

Barkisland Cricket Club will host its annual Beer and Pie Festival from the 8^th-10^th November 2024. Approximately 24 handpulled beers and plenty of pies will be available during the event. Last year’s festival was a tremendous success with virtually all the beers being sold, plus 700 pies. This event is highly recommended by Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA.

Club of the Year 2023 – Greetland Social Club

Greetland Social Club Wins Halifax & Calderdale CAMRA’s Top Club Award.

On Wednesday 21^st June 2023 members of Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA attended Greetland Social Club to present the branch’s top club award – Club of the Year 2023. Around 70 people attended the event and enjoyed an excellent complimentary chilli supper to accompany the good quality real ale on offer. 

In his speech, Geoff Eagle, Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA’s Club’s Officer, stated that the Club of the Year award was the highest award presented to clubs by the branch. He explained that of the 47 clubs in the branch area, Greetland Social Club had received consistently high scores throughout the year and that this, in addition to many of other factors, had led to the club receiving this highly prestigious award.

Greetland Social Club has two rotating beers which are always served well and it offers excellent value for money to members and non-members alike. The club has a strong community feel and sense of camaraderie and there are a range of community activities on offer including bingo, darts, table tennis, snooker, pool and traditional games such as dominoes, cribbage and other card games. There is an excellent function and events space which hosts a wide range of entertainment performances and trips and excursions are organised to places and events outside the Calderdale area. 

Club of the Year 2019 – Midgehole Working Men’s Club

Major Award for Popular Club

On Saturday 25th May, Midgehole Working Men’s Club (aka The Blue Pig) near Hebden Bridge was presented with the CAMRA Halifax and Calderdale Club of the Year award for 2019. CAMRA members, staff and customers celebrated the Club’s success and CAMRA Halifax and Calderdale’s Branch Chair praised the staff and highlighted the qualities of the club in his short speech. Four handpulled ales were served and free pie and peas were available to all those attending.

The Club, which was founded at the beginning of the twentieth century, is one of the oldest Working Men’s Clubs in the country and was originally built as a worker’s cottage for the employees of Midgehole Dye Works. It is affectionately known as The Blue Pig because of the large number of blue pigs displayed inside and outside the building and is completely staffed by volunteers. It is well-known for its beer festival which takes place in the first weekend in August.

For those wishing to visit, it should be noted that the bus service which previously connected the Club to Hebden Bridge has now been discontinued and therefore it is best reached on foot or by taxi, or by car if you don’t wish to drink too much!

Midgehole Working Men’s Club is open on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with extended opening hours on Bank Holidays, but it is always wise to phone in advance to check it’s open (01422 844052).

The Blue Pig President, Adrian Fellows, (right) receives the Club of the Year certificate from Branch Chair Richard Lee

The jubilant volunteers celebrate the Club of the Year success

Club of the Year 2017 – Halifax Catholic Memorial Club

On Wednesday 27th April we presented the Halifax Catholic Memorial Club with our Club of the year. The club continues to serve an excellent range of beer and the award is richly deserved. Here are some pictures of presentation of Club of the Year at the Halifax Catholic Memorial Club – Thanks to all concerned especially Maggie Heath for a splendid evening.