TEWKESBURY CAMRA
ALE 'N' HEARTY
NEWSLETTER OF THE TEWKESBURY SUB-BRANCH OF CAMRA
AUTUMN 2007
AUTUMN 2007
A large proportion of Tewkesbury CAMRA's GBG-listed pubs suffered from the July floods. A riverside location may seem ideal during long, hot summers but, when climate change makes it's presence felt, there is a price to pay.
THE BOAT AT ASHLEWORTH, our legendary 'gem' suffered with unprecedented water levels and, thanks to the dedication of landlord Ron, (ably assisted by Henry) the re-opening (with suitable celebrations) is not too far off.
THE YEW TREE AT CHACELEY STOCK (formerly the Ferry Boat) was also badly flooded but was quickly back in action, with the help of local residents, selling their great selection of ales (including the legendary Butty Bach from Wye Valley) and an outside barbecue.
LOWER LODE HOTEL , Tewkesbury CAMRA Pub of the Year, is recovering well thanks to the hard work of devoted regulars including the biking community. Great beers are available and temporary catering is in place
THE WHITE BEAR , Bredon Road, was quickly engulfed - see photos http://www.jacksrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/c1338821.html and became stars of many TV news items. Since then the building had been gutted, re-designed and work is well advance in the reconstruction. Amongst other ideas is a plan for a 'Codgers Corner' for those of advancing years who haven't appreciated the juke box since the days of Bill Haley. Reopening with a splash (geddit?) around 1st December.
All the above deserve our support why not plan an autumn visit?
Our (13th) Festival will happen over the weekend 1st2nd February 2008. As for the last two years, it will be held at the Watson Hall, Barton Street Tewkesbury starting at 11.30am on Friday 1st until 3.30pm and again 6.30 11pm. On Saturday 2nd the Festival will be open from 11am-11pm.
A special Grand Opening and Preview evening for CAMRA members will be held on Thursday 31st January from 7pm until 11pm.
Around 60 real ales will be on sale and, as always the emphasis will be on those wonderful beers brewed only during the winter months. Local ciders and perries will also be on sale.
The Festival gets bigger and busier every year and takes a great deal of organisation. Volunteers are needed to set up the Festival (26/27th January), prepare the hall, sell the tickets, serve the beer, act as stewards, clear up afterwards and a hundred other jobs. Why not volunteer, it's good fun and there is a beer allowance! Contact Steve Kisby on 0117 946 6292 or steve.kisby@btopenworld.com
Following the July monsoon, it soon became clear that the annual August bank holiday cruise down the Severn would not be possible.
Most of our favoured pubs had been badly flooded and there was a question about the boat getting through King John's bridge.
Thanks to Eddie Fulcher and past adventures by the Gloucestershire CAMRA expedition a couple of years ago, a new plan was devised which involved a leisurely cruise to Eckington bridge and then the use of the White Bear mini bus (grateful thanks) to ferry the passengers to three local pubs, the Anchor in Eckington, The Defford Arms, Defford and the Swan in Birlingham.
All agreed to stay open for us and their hospitality and beers were well appreciated. The usual great food and drink on board the Tjalk of Tewkesbury and the lovely sunshine contributed to a super day out.
Many thanks to all involved.
Another chance to sample all those wonderful pubs which make us wish we lived in Lower Gornal!
Old favourites like the Old Swan (Ma Pardos), Sarah Hughes brewery in Sedgeley and the Old Bulls Head will all be in the reckoning by Bill Hunt our local expert and tour guide.
Date: Saturday 24th November
Time: Leave from outside Montells at 11am.
Cost £12 (plus beer of course)
Bookings to Bill Hunt on (01684)276190 bill@tewkesburycamra.org.uk
With the sad departure of Ian and Jo from the Berkeley Arms at the end of November, it seemed like a good opportunity to try somewhere new.
After much deliberation it was decided that the new, improved Tudor House should be the venue for the 2007 end of year get together.
The Chairman's end-of-year speech and the Member of the Year Awards make it the social occasion of the year. Not to be missed!
Date: Thursday 20th December
Time: 7.30 for 8pm
Cost: £10 pp for slap up buffet (and first drink free!)
Bookings: to Geoff Lippett on (01684) 298641
APRIL: Proposed visit to BRISTOL led by our man in Bristol, Steve Kisby
MAY: The CARDIFF CAPER by train. Gareth finds more hidden gems every year.
JUNE: The BIRMINGHAM STROLL. Our annual wander around the second city where new pubs are popping up all the time.
Copyright © 2007 Tewkesbury CAMRA