TEN years ago only the bravest and the most unwary of drinkers ventured into The Saddle at Lindley.

For those looking merely for a ‘quiet pint’ this was decidedly not their hostelry.

This is the pub after all where a DJ famously lost a front tooth after failing to play a punter’s cheesy request.

But, eventually, the tide turned as Julia Woodhead, who was born in a pub – The Rose and Crown at Golcar – took over.

Five generations of her family have worked in the licensed trade and she was a woman who meant business.

It took some time to get rid of the rougher element but gradually she imposed her will and she is now celebrating 10 years behind the bar with a party and her favourite band, RetroTherapy.

However, how long she will remain behind it is uncertain.

Last year she threatened to quit if her landlords, Thwaites, failed to refurbish it and now the desperate economic climate means she regularly agonises over whether to throw in the towel.

Indeed, it was only a nearby club – Lindley Lib – which asked its entire football contingent of two teams to find a new base – which stopped her chucking it all in a few weeks ago.

Julia, 45, said: “Having two teams of 30 fit and thirsty young men suddenly coming in on a Saturday every week complete with friends for several hours at a time made all the difference. It had been looking very grim.

“I was seriously debating whether to stay or not. I look upon what Lindley Lib did as divine intervention.”

Given that such a small twist of fate can have such major consequences indicates just how tough times are for the licensed trade.

And it doesn’t matter how doggedly loyal her regulars are, the stress of running a declining business is plain to see.

Having said all that she still enjoys the banter with the locals and would undoubtedly find it a wrench to leave.

She still remembers the first day she walked in after her feisty late mum, Sheila, put up the necessary £10,000 funds for her.

“It was a big decision,’’ she said.“I was a single parent at the time, but I thought if I didn’t go for it then I never would and I am proud to have lasted 10 years. No-one can take that away from me,” she added.

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