Wakefield CAMRA names three pubs honoured for their community work
Three pubs across the Wakefield district have been recognised for the support they provide to their local communities.
The Dam Inn in Newmillerdam, the Mason’s Arms in Ackworth and the Thorn Tree in Ossett have received Wakefield and District Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Community Pub Awards for 2025/26.
CAMRA’s awards recognise pubs that go beyond serving drinks by providing spaces for local groups, hosting events and raising money for good causes.
The Dam Inn has raised more than £35,000 for Wakefield Hospice and has supported My Hospitals Charity through its fundraising activities.
Its annual Christmas giving tree has also donated more than 2,700 gifts across the Mid Yorkshire Trust over the past three Christmases.
The pub hosts regular quiz nights and live music, while its fundraising efforts have included charity events, a Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks walk, abseiling down Wakefield Cathedral and a skydive from 15,000 feet.
It has also been nominated for the national Pub Aid Awards for the second consecutive year, having finished as overall runner-up last year.
In Ackworth, the Mason’s Arms has been recognised for its support for a range of local groups and charities.
The pub raises money for Pontefract’s Prince of Wales Hospice and supports the annual Ackworth Charity Pram Race.
It also hosts the Brackenhill Allotments Association, known locally as the Cabbage Club, which raises funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and welcomes school groups to the allotments.
The Mason’s Arms is also a meeting place for the Ackworth Road Runners, Ackworth Choir and Ackworth Ukulele Group.
Regular events include bingo, quizzes and live music, while its Liverpool supporters’ club has helped raise money for the Jamie Carragher Foundation Trust.
The Thorn Tree in Ossett received 13 nominations, more than any other pub shortlisted for this year’s awards.
Landlady Kat Calvert and her team provide space for community organisations including Visit Ossett, Ossett Civic Society and a British Sign Language group.
A room is also available free of charge to other community groups.
The pub hosts charity events and Christmas markets, alongside live music, bingo and quiz nights.
It has also established darts and dominoes teams, with its darts team winning the league in its first season.
Ms Calvert said: “In today’s day and age, when hospitality is shrouded with negativity and hardship, it’s really wonderful to receive an award nominated by the community. It really means the world to us and we are really touched.”
She thanked the pub’s staff and customers for their support and encouraged people to continue backing their local pubs.
Wakefield CAMRA introduced its Community Pub and Club Awards in 2023 to recognise venues that make a contribution to their local areas.
The scheme invites CAMRA members and the wider public to nominate pubs and clubs that demonstrate active community involvement, inclusivity, a local focus and a welcoming space for families and social groups.
Wakefield CAMRA has more than 650 members and is part of the national Campaign for Real Ale, which was founded in 1971 to protect real ale, traditional pubs and brewing heritage.