The Railway Inn faced competition from over 1,000 entries nationwide in the fifth year of the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards. Despite being a small pub, The Railway Inn has made a significant impact through its creative and community-focused fundraising initiatives. The pub has raised over £6,000 for various local and national charities through a variety of events, including a monthly quiz.

Dave Clarke shared his excitement, saying, “We are overwhelmed. It’s quite amazing. We put a lot of hard work into the pub along with both of our wives, so we want to dedicate the award to them. The Railway was our village pub, which closed after Covid. We wanted it to stay open as it’s important for our community. So in 2021, I rang Mike and asked if he wanted to rent the pub with me. He asked if I was mad as I’ve never worked in a pub before but 13 days later we opened it up again.”

Mike Quinn added, “We care so much about all of the people who come to the pub and they are the ones who’ve helped us to win this award. They support everything we do and that is what the Community Pub Hero Awards is about.”

The pub’s annual memorial event raises money for the local Ambucopter, and this year, they have set a target to raise £1,500 for MacMillan Cancer.

The local community has shown immense support and appreciation for The Railway Inn’s fundraising efforts. The pub’s dedication to supporting various causes has strengthened community bonds and provided essential support for those in need. The award has further solidified the pub’s reputation as a pillar of the community.

The Railway Inn’s initiatives have had a significant impact on Thorpe on the Hill. The funds raised for local and national charities have supported vital services and research, benefiting many individuals and families. The pub’s commitment to community support has fostered a strong sense of solidarity and well-being among its patrons.

The Railway Inn in Thorpe on the Hill exemplifies the powerful role a community-focused pub can play. By winning the PubAid Community Pub Hero Award, the pub has demonstrated its commitment to supporting local causes and fostering community spirit. Dave Clarke and Mike Quinn have created a welcoming and supportive environment that continues to benefit the people of Thorpe on the Hill.