On June 3rd, 2023, Publican Carl Grundy celebrated his 20-year anniversary at The Vulcan Inn in Bolton.
A traditional local, The Vulcan Inn has amassed a strong and loyal customer base over the years. Locally known as a footballing pub, Carl runs The Vulcan with great passion for both the beautiful game and in providing an excellent pub for the community to enjoy.
A former plasterer, and a well-known Bolton Wanderers mega fan, Carl is much loved in the area not just for running a great pub but notably for his incredible efforts to raise money for vital local charities.
Throughout the last 20 years, Carl has raised thousands of pounds for one worthy recipient in particular, Bolton Hospice; a place that provides expert care and support for local people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families, in the hospice or at home.
Reflecting on his magnificent achievement, he said: “20 years ago this industry was completely new to me, I’m a plasterer by trade and only took over The Vulcan after managing the pub for a friend. I’m proud to say that this is a good pub with good people, which attracts a good, friendly crowd.”
Carl’s fundraising efforts accelerated after the death of his adored brother, who was under the care of professionals at Bolton Hospice. Although he had supported the charity for numerous years prior, Carl and a friend who shared a similar connection, endeavoured from then onwards to raise as much money as possible.
This year alone, Carl and his team have already hit their target and have so far raised an incredible £3,600 through raffles, community bingo, fun days, and a weekly bonus ball competition – football edition of course. Having now increased the target to £5,000, he is positive that with the support of the community, the Hospice will be able to continue to provide vital care for those in need.
“I’ve always supported the Bolton Hospice and to be able to give back to them, means the absolute world to me. You never know how life will end up for you and whether you or a loved one, may need to use their services, so I feel privileged to be able to support such a worthy cause.”
Having given back to the community for so long, it was only right that Carl was celebrated for both his magnificent fundraising and his 20-year commitment to running The Vulcan Inn. To his surprise, two of the team’s employees Louise and Jake, organised an extra special party with family, friends and locals invited over to share their support for their favourite landlord.
“We had a great day,’ said Carl. “It meant so much to me that Louise and Jake wanted to surprise me! The best thing about The Vulcan and running a pub is making friends, it’s the people you meet inside of the pub that make it all worthwhile. We have regulars who have become family, one of the local guys is the Godfather to my daughter. It’s a tough industry to be in and there’s times where we’ve struggled to stay afloat, but we keep going for the community.”
The Vulcan Inn is also proud to be the home of the Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group, which hosts a fortnightly drop-in centre for members of the community. The group, which was formed in 2019, is a support network for members of the community who are suffering with bereavement, addiction, stress, anxiety, or loneliness.
Set-up after the death of a good friend, The Bolton Remembrance Group has gone from strength to strength and has also helped to boost Carl’s fundraising efforts. He said: “We’ve had great feedback from the drop-in centre so far, one guy has credited us for saving him and said that he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the group and that’s exactly why it was formed. To know that we have helped just one person, it makes it all worthwhile.”
In support of Carl’s 20-year anniversary, he was congratulated by his Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager Jenni OGrady, who commented: “Carl is a brilliant Publican but also a huge asset to the local community. Without him, The Vulcan would not be the pub that it is today, he should be incredibly proud of the great pub he runs and the fantastic reputation he has within the community.”
