Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Spotty showersNews
| 
Submit Comments
Pictured are cyclist Steve Millar; walker Tony Morrison; surfer Deborah Males; darts player Jim Hourie and the marathon runner Rebecca Turner, who are just a selection of the sport fanatic punters at the Waters Green Tavern.
Pub athletes are the town’s real golden wonders
Alex Bell27/ 8/2008
FORGET Team GB – propping up the bar at one town centre pub is Team Tavern.
The Beijing games may have resulted in Britain’s most successful Olympic medal haul for over 100 years, but The Waters Green Tavern in Macclesfield has nurtured a special sporting squadron of its own.
And our very own golden wonders are brewing on both sides of the counter.
In a side fit to compete in London 2012, the tavern boasts a selection of cyclists, marathon runners, surfers, walkers and darts players...who just happen to quite enjoy a pint of ale.
Team Tavern captain and part-time bar worker Rebecca Turner, 28, reckons the pub is the spiritual home to a close knit family of sporting talents.
Rebecca, of Wren Close, Macclesfield, said: "About 80 per cent of people who come in are sport mad. We all do stuff together and it’s like one massive family. We even attend each others houses on Christmas Day – regardless of age gaps, we just enjoy each other’s company."
A marketing executive by day and marathon runner by night, Rebecca revealed some of the team’s training methods.
"Because of our shared interests, we often walk out into the Peak District in groups of five or six to blitz a 15-mile walk before relaxing with an ale. I have worked behind the bar for four years and love talking to all my sporting pals. We don’t have any lager drinkers at the Waters Green and all appreciate real ales and a bag of chips after a hard day of sport to replace those carbs!"
And the regulars are just as fighting fit as the pint pullers.
Mad keen mountain biker Steve Millar, 35, of Park Lane, Macclesfield, said: "I’ve been drinking in the Waters Green Tavern for 14 years and go in once a week around work and training. Everyone is supporting my latest event which will see me cycle 104 miles a day for nine days between John O’Groats and Land’s End. This represents the tavern spirit and attitude for me."
For Rebecca, the squad started out as a simple boredom buster, but now she is gutted to be cutting her Team Tavern ties before the Olympic year closes as she plans a permanent move to London to join up with her boyfriend.
"I’m really sad about leaving, but know that everyone will keep it together for London 2012."
Most recent 2 of 13 user comments
The route he is taking is about 935 miles long, meaning he will be averaging 104 miles per day! He will be ably assisted by Rick Phillips, who will be the man in the support van.
Steve is raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Sponsorship forms are available at the Waters Green Tavern and the Nags Head. You can also donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/stevenmillar - please give generously!
1/09/2008 at 13:03
Got an opinion you want to share?| Card | BT Fee |
| Virgin Credit Card | 2.98% |
| Capital One Low Rate Balance Transfer | 1.7% |
| Capital One Low Rate Platinum | HASH(0x2b6004cc94b0) |
| Capital One Fixed Rate Card | 0.0% |
| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Halifax (Semi-exclusive) | 8.6% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
5.50% |
|
PRINCIPALITY BS e-SAVER |
5.35% |
|
ANGLO IRISH BANK Easy Access Account Issue 2 |
5.25% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
2.75% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER Online Tracker |
4.75% |
|
BRADFORD & BINGLEY eSavings 6 |
4.60% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
4.00% |
|
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER eSaver - Issue 2 |
5.00% |
|
POST OFFICE Instant Saver |
3.75% |
1/09/2008 at 19:12