The public house provides a local community many benefits but there is one that is often overlooked when they are threatened by closure – their support for local charities.
£100 million raised annually
It is reported by Pub Aid that pubs raise more than £100million each year for charity which goes back into supporting a plethora of good causes.
Whether its a quiz evening, a swear box, or a red nose fancy dress, local pubs are a major fundraising source. From meat draws to auctions and haircuts the list of opportunities for a pub is almost endless.
There are few pubs without the charity pot on the bar where even the odd pennies of change dropped in the slot will soon add up and help a good cause.
Attracting customers
Fundraising goes further too, as it can attract customers. In an independent survey commissioned for CAMRA and PubAid, research showed that more people would use their local pub if more charity events were held. This was especially the case for younger adults.
Many pubs raise funds for specific causes.
One favourite local pub in Andover has chooses a charity for the year and runs a number of events. The last year has seen the Andover Tap at the Lamb raise over £2300 for the Alzheimers Society, through a raft of events ranging from a hairdressing event to a cycle ride. It has now just started to raise funds for its next chosen charity, Naomi House which provides hospice care for children and young adults.
£2370 raised by The Andover Tap at the Lamb |
From Coffee mornings to Quizzes
Another popular fundraising event is running coffee mornings and several local pubs excel, including the popular Anton Arms and others in Andover that raise funds for cancer support.
A local town and its Quizzes
The north Hampshire town of Whitchurch also excels with regular quizzes in many pub venues.
Bish's lockdown quizzes are now held in the Kings Arms |
One of the town's most regular quizzes is held started online during lockdown and has now continued in the Kings Arms where 'Bish' runs numerous fundraising evenings.
Also watch out for the landlord Steve Howard's infamous Tin Foil Challenge. That really is fun!
Value to Communities – JOIN IN
The value of the Pub to charities and is all too often ignored when a pub is under threat of development.