Punch licensee celebrates 20th year at Bolton site

Carl Grundy, who is also a huge Bolton Wanderers FC fan, has helped fund 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 – through initiatives at his pub.

Reflecting on his achievement, Grundy 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.”

Endeavoured to raise money​

Grundy’s fundraising efforts accelerated after the death of his brother, who was under the care of professionals at Bolton Hospice. Although he had supported the charity for numerous years prior, Grundy and a friend who shared a similar connection, endeavoured from then onwards to raise as much money as possible.

This year alone, Grundy and his team have already raised £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.”

Extra special party​

Two of the Greater Manchester pub’s employees – Louise and Jake – organised an extra special party with family, friends and locals invited over to share their support for their favourite publican.

“We had a great day,” said Grundy. “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 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. 

Punch Pubs & Co operations manager Jenni O’Grady said: “Carl is a brilliant publican but also a huge asset to the local community. Without him, the Vulcan would not be the pub it is today, he should be incredibly proud of the great pub he runs and the fantastic reputation he has within the community.”