Latest news with #JosephHolt
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'It was absolutely wonderful': Royal Navy veteran gets baptised at Bolton boozer
You've probably heard of communion wine - but what about baptism beer? Going to the pub can be quite the spiritual experience — as Mike McGarry has discovered, after undergoing a church baptism at his local, the Mosley Arms in Breightmet. The watering hole, owned by the Joseph Holt brewery, doubles as a place of worship. It holds weekly services as part of the Church of England's New Life Church initiative, which includes baptisms — making it possibly the only pub in the UK where you can be born again. More: More: More: Mike, 83, a former teacher and Royal Navy veteran, has been attending services at the pub since they began three years ago. 'I also read a lot about faith, and when Ben asked if I wanted to be baptised, I immediately said yes,' he said. 'It was absolutely wonderful — a real family affair with my wife, Joan, our children and grandchildren there, as well as members of the church. "I was christened C of E over 80 years ago, and now I was being born again. It felt brilliant.' Mike was baptised by Reverend Ben Woodfield, a Church of England vicar who co-leads the Antioch Network — a Diocese of Manchester initiative focused on establishing Anglican churches in what he calls 'harder to reach places,' including council estates, urban communities and inner cities. 'For us as Christians, Jesus went to where people gathered,' said Rev. Woodfield. 'A lovely pub like The Mosley is an example of this. Pubs are where people experience life's big moments — weddings, birthdays, wakes — so holding services and baptisms here is a perfect fit. It's informal, people feel relaxed, they sing and pray. To have a church here is just beautiful.' Baptism, which symbolises Christ's burial and resurrection, is marked by the pouring of water on the head of the baptised — and at the Mosley Arms, these ceremonies have included people in their twenties right up to octogenarians like Mike. The church at the Mosley Arms came into being when landlady Bernadette Bates was approached by a friend about using her pub as a worship space. 'I thought it was a wonderful idea,' she said. 'I'm C of E and really enjoy my religion, but some people may be reluctant to go into a traditional church.' The Joseph Holt brewery was established in Manchester 175 years ago by weaver`s son Joseph Holt. It has been in the same family for six generations and the company owns 127 pubs across the North West. As such, says Bernadette, the idea of a church in a Joseph Holt pub very much mirrors the ethos of the independent family business, with their pubs central to the communities where they are located. 'Our pub provides an informal alternative to a traditional church yet we are still in the heart of the community,' she added. 'Joseph Holt pubs are so much more than places to eat and drink. We really are a place where people come together.' Mike said: 'This has been a wonderful initiative by Joseph Holt. 'The church has a lovely atmosphere at The Mosley — it's a place people can really relate to.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
The small picturesque Lancashire village with one pub and plenty of community spirit
They say good things come in small packages, this is definitely the case for one of Bolton's most quaint villages, Belmont. Although this remote Lancashire village is situated seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Belmont's salt-of-the-Earth residents, historic pub and charming architecture is the quintessential British community. Belmont village is located just north of Bolton. (Image: Leah Collins) The beating heart of Belmont is it's only pub, The Black Dog, which has been serving its residents since 1825. I stopped by for a pint and a chat in order to develop a better understanding of the village's rich history. READ MORE: The secret Lancashire village judged one of the most beautiful The Black Dog in Belmont gets £230,000 refurbishment Three scenic walks near to pubs The Black Dog is the only pub in Belmont. (Image: Leah Collins) The pub's barmaid, Becky, said: 'People are proud of it here, they celebrate the history. 'The village is small, I'd say there's about 500 residents here. It's a tight-knit community, everyone knows everyone. The village has so much history, there's the reservoir and the sailing club which are popular attractions. Becky is a barmaid in The Black Dog. (Image: Leah Collins) 'My dad was born and raised in the same Farmhouse here, so Belmont is completely tied up to my own family's history.' The Black Dog, which is also a hotel, is currently under the ownership of brewery Joseph Holt and has won multiple awards and recommendations. The interior of the pub is a modern twist on a classic, complete with an ornate fireplace and dark wooded panelling. After finishing my drink, I paid a visit to St Peter's Church, just a stone's throw away from The Black Dog. The building, which dates back to 1849, is a crucial facet of Belmont living and remains one of six Anglican churches in four parishes serving communities in the north Bolton and Turton area. St Peter's Church in Belmont. (Image: Leah Collins) In true springtime fashion, I was greeted by some fluffy white sheep and adorable lambs pottering the grounds. The church doubles as an outreach Post Office, open on Friday mornings, which compensates for the lack of shops in the village. Next stop was local business the Fresh Farm Shop, based at the Belmont Works on Egerton Road. The sister shop to Fresh Meat Packs, which is based next door, the new shop sells a range of meats and fresh produce such as vegetables, dairy products, cakes, spices and more, all sourced from around the North West. I chatted to shop assistant Freya Hitchford, who grew up in the Belmont area. Freya Hitchford has grown up in the area. (Image: Leah Collins) She said: 'Belmont is a nice spot, I have spent all my high school years here and have grown up in the area. It's home to me. 'I worked at the Black Dog before here, there's a palpable sense of community that you don't necessarily get with other places. 'I would say that the problem with living here is transport, you need to be able to drive if you live here really, the busses can be unreliable and there isn't much public transport. 'Working here is nice, I see people who I haven't seen in years and people always come to visit us from outside of Belmont.' Belmont's history is rooted in its agriculture. Before 1800, it was a small hamlet called Hordern, consisting of farms and a few cottages. By the mid-19th century, the population grew to about 1,000, fuelled by industries like Ryecroft Mill and Belmont Bleach Works.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Popular pub first opened by Man Utd legend undergoes huge £400,000 revamp
The historic venue now boasts a number of new features ALL MADE UP Popular pub first opened by Man Utd legend undergoes huge £400,000 revamp Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR pub first opened by a Manchester United legend has undergone a huge £400,000 revamp. The boozer is home to Manchester's "longest running free comedy night" and has seen some of the country's top comedic talent. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The popular pub has undergone a £400,000 refurbishment Credit: Google maps 4 Denis Law (right) opened the pub in 1997 Credit: Getty 4 The refurbishment also sees improvements to the venue's function room Credit: Google maps The Ape and Apple Pub just off Deansgate belongs to the Manchester-based Joseph Holt brewery, established 175 years ago. First opened in 1997 by Manchester United legend, Denis Law, the historic pub now boasts a number of new features. The new refurbishment sees a top-to-toe decoration including the installation of new white marble topped bars, Manchester Evening News reports. The interior has a brighter, sleeker and more modern design and lighting while their function room and popular roof terrace have also undergone improvements. There are also nods to the pubs history including a photo of Denis Law pouring the pub's first pint at the venue's opening up on the wall. With its weekly Comedy Balloon nights, the pub is one of the liveliest entertainment venues in the city. The venue also plays host to salsa classes on a Monday night, one of the few pubs in the UK that holds these events. It doesn't stop there either with an improvised Murder Mystery night on the second Thursday of each month. The work holds a special place in the heart of Jane Kershaw, whose great-great-great grandfather was founder Joseph Holt, who set up the brewery in 1849. Jane designed the sign for the Ape and Apple at the age of 10 and it still hangs outside the pub today. Her father, Richard Kershaw, the company's CEO, asked Jane to design the sign on a rainy Saturday morning to give her something to do. Jane is now a director of Joseph Holt and the sixth generation of the family to work in the company. She said: "I always loved drawing, and even at the age of ten was obsessed with anything to do with the brewery. "From how the beer was brewed to the pubs themselves. "So I immediately set about making the sign for the Ape and Apple. "I was thrilled when this was then turned into the sign which is still there today. "It remains one of my proudest achievements – especially now the pub is in its 30th year and has this wonderful reputation for being such a popular venue. 'The Ape and Apple is one of our Manchester city centre flagship pubs. "And following its recent refurbishment it's likely to prove even more popular with customers who want somewhere to go to enjoy a lively night out as well as our selection of cask ales. "It's also popular with those who come to Manchester for a city break and are looking to enjoy the night life here. "The Ape and Apple has such a wonderful history and we're looking forward to a bright future for it too.' Jane's handiwork shows an ape balancing an apple in its hand as it perches on a barrel of beer and the sign has hung outside the pub since 1997. A blue plaque can also be found on the wall outside the Ape and Apple. The plaque commemorates scientist John Dalton, dubbed "The Father of Modern Chemistry". The Joseph Holt brewery headquarters have been located in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester since 1860. As of 2025, they own 127 pubs across the North West.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Popular pub first opened by Man Utd legend undergoes huge £400,000 revamp
A POPULAR pub first opened by a Manchester United legend has undergone a huge £400,000 revamp. The boozer is home to Manchester's "longest running free comedy night" and has seen some of the country's top comedic talent. 4 4 4 The Ape and Apple Pub just off Deansgate belongs to the Manchester -based Joseph Holt brewery, established 175 years ago. First opened in 1997 by Manchester United legend, Denis Law, the historic pub now boasts a number of new features. The new refurbishment sees a top-to-toe decoration including the installation of new white marble topped bars, Manchester Evening News reports. The interior has a brighter, sleeker and more modern design and lighting while their function room and popular roof terrace have also undergone improvements. There are also nods to the pubs history including a photo of Denis Law pouring the pub's first pint at the venue's opening up on the wall. With its weekly Comedy Balloon nights, the pub is one of the liveliest entertainment venues in the city. The venue also plays host to salsa classes on a Monday night, one of the few pubs in the UK that holds these events. It doesn't stop there either with an improvised Murder Mystery night on the second Thursday of each month. The work holds a special place in the heart of Jane Kershaw, whose great-great-great grandfather was founder Joseph Holt, who set up the brewery in 1849. Jane designed the sign for the Ape and Apple at the age of 10 and it still hangs outside the pub today. Her father, Richard Kershaw, the company's CEO, asked Jane to design the sign on a rainy Saturday morning to give her something to do. Jane is now a director of Joseph Holt and the sixth generation of the family to work in the company. She said: "I always loved drawing, and even at the age of ten was obsessed with anything to do with the brewery. "From how the beer was brewed to the pubs themselves. "So I immediately set about making the sign for the Ape and Apple. "I was thrilled when this was then turned into the sign which is still there today. "It remains one of my proudest achievements – especially now the pub is in its 30th year and has this wonderful reputation for being such a popular venue. 'The Ape and Apple is one of our Manchester city centre flagship pubs. "And following its recent refurbishment it's likely to prove even more popular with customers who want somewhere to go to enjoy a lively night out as well as our selection of cask ales. "It's also popular with those who come to Manchester for a city break and are looking to enjoy the night life here. "The Ape and Apple has such a wonderful history and we're looking forward to a bright future for it too.' Jane's handiwork shows an ape balancing an apple in its hand as it perches on a barrel of beer and the sign has hung outside the pub since 1997. A blue plaque can also be found on the wall outside the Ape and Apple. The plaque commemorates scientist John Dalton, dubbed "The Father of Modern Chemistry". The Joseph Holt brewery headquarters have been located in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester since 1860. As of 2025, they own 127 pubs across the North West. 4
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Region 2 Arts Council awards $18,000 in Artist Support Grants
Apr. 6—BEMIDJI — With the support of a community panel review, the Region 2 Arts Council recently awarded $18,000 to individual artists from within its five-county region. According to a release, these grants provide financial assistance to artists in any artistic discipline and at any stage of their career residing in the counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen. "The Artist Support Grant program is supported by a grant from the McKnight Foundation to fund costs associated with the exhibition, performance or production of creative work, purchase of equipment or materials to create works of art, educational opportunities in the arts, and other opportunities to enhance an artist's development such as working with a mentor artist, attending a national conference, taking part in an artist residency program or marketing themselves or their work," the release said. The following artists received grants: * Keila McCracken of Turtle River was awarded $2,000 to explore woven pattern structures, natural hues and fiber treatments using black and cream sheep's wool for textile development on a Hattersley loom to highlight wool's natural organic texture. * Joseph Holt of Bemidji was awarded $1,458 to purchase a used recording studio "channel strip" to help facilitate better quality in his audio recordings for his work as a singer/songwriter. * Kristina Hamilton of Williams was awarded $2,000 to purchase supplies to create and package her handmade wire-wrapped crystals and stone jewelry. * Brian Dow of Bemidji was awarded $1,145 to purchase leather and tools to create hand-crafted regalia belts hand-painted in the Woodland style. * Tawnnee Corning of Bagley was awarded $2,000 to purchase supplies to create a new series of oil paintings incorporating elements foraged from nature. * Ann Gorman of Bemidji was awarded $2,000 to purchase metal photography prints and supplemental supplies for two exhibits, and supplies for two corresponding mindfulness community workshops. * Ryann Wallin of Puposky was awarded $1,454 to pay for private violin lessons with Dr. Eric Olson and to attend the Summer String Institute in Bemidji. * Lera Hephner of Mahnomen was awarded $1,943 to purchase a computer to aid in graphic design, promotional videos, and photos to showcase her beadwork, quilling, birch bark biting, regalia making and digital art. * Jon Heller of Solway was awarded $2,000 to purchase camera stabilizing tools to help him elevate his storytelling abilities and produce compelling film projects. * Tami Montgomery-Henriksen of Bemidji was awarded $2,000 to purchase professional color pencils, paper and storage for her studio and framing of her drawings for gallery shows.
