Powder Monkey – the Rug has been pulled

Seating outside for balmy evenings

After just six months the new Powder Monkey at the Guildhall in Andover was suddenly closed by their parent company.

It was exciting for Andover
Trade in the pub/bar in the historic Grade II* Listed Building was just getting off the ground with its excellent staff building a following for its friendly service, good beer and a growing number of events. 

The range of beers was good, with six varied modern keg craft beers from their Gosport brewery along with a good range of bottle beers from other breweries in the Powder Monkey Group such as Goddards, and Empire.
It was seen as exciting for the town and a welcome addition to the town's revitalisation.

A buzz was starting to develop

A buzz was developing
After what seemed to be a shaky start with a turnover of local managers it soon settled down and was establishing a supporting and regular clientele.
Quiz Nights, Tasting Evenings and Lifestyle events were held and groups held parties and family gatherings.

It took part in the Andover Rocks charity event, ran Quizzes and introduced a selection of games and drinks offers. Sunday Roasts had been introduced along with a first breakfast menu.

 
Soft furnishing was added with sofas and armchairs while tables and chairs went on the outside cobbled patio area when the weather allowed. It was all starting to take off in readiness for an exciting summer which would have added a wonderfully attractive continental feel to the High Street. 

Powder Monkey 'nibbles'
Good food was often available

A buzz was starting to develop.

But then the rug was pulled. Powder Monkey's owners had other plans. 

Doors suddenly closed
After just six months customers found the doors had been suddenly closed. Staff were told not to go into work and that they were being made redundant. There was little information and even the landlords Test Valley Borough Council could not offer a credible explanation, saying the closure was only temporary. 

Notices on the windows just days before the closure said:  
"Powder Monkey is working on something exciting .... Be back soon!"

But it wasn't. The doors never re-opened.

Some thoughts on the company
As a company Powder Monkey was growing, taking on other small breweries and expanding its small Australian arm. Closure of their new Andover bar leaves disappointment.

New initiatives such as the Andover bar need a time to settle in and to at least have a summer season. Powder Monkey at the Guildhall was not given a chance.

The Bell Whitchurch – some thoughts

What is happening at The Bell? 
Let's recognise it's importance to Whitchurch

The historic timber-framed Bell Inn in Whitchurch is one of few small traditional style local public houses that remain in the area, a place where people meet, converse, make friends, and socialise.

 
When open this 15th-century Listed Building was a fabulous, friendly, sociable place to meet under the wonderful long-standing publicans Jan McGarvey and her late husband Paul.
Yet sadly, it has now been closed over a year.

Whitchurch is a small Hampshire town that was once known for its public houses, a core feature in the deep community spirit that existed. 

That spirit has been stretched with the loss of other social venues, the Harvest Home, the Red House, the Old Brewery, the Railway, the Yeoman, all within relatively recent memories.

There is a famous quote:

Over one hundred years ago the Star newspaper reported:

“Whitchurch is in Hampshire. People who live in it call it a town. People who live out of it call it a village. It is about as big as a good-sized pocket handkerchief. It has three shops and 19 public houses.”

Although the town has since grown considerably and is in line for much greater expansion, Whitchurch has already lost the vast majority of those pubs and today only three remain open.

Although some refurbishment has been taking place at the Bell, let us hope it can also be officially recognised for the value it deserves and the wonderful legacy that Jan and Paul left the community.

A call is going out to have it registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The Kings Arms has already been given this status after work by local residents along with members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). 

The Bell should follow, particularly as ACVs are recognised within the local Neighbourhood Plan.

What is an Asset of Community Value (ACV):

• it is a material planning consideration, which gives the Council additional reasons to reject any proposal involving loss of the pub;
• it gives the community the opportunity to bid for the property if it is sold or leased for 25 years or more;
• 
  it gives Councils powers of compulsory purchase if the community use of the asset is in danger of being lost.

Meanwhile CAMRA is also currently discussing planning matters with government ministers over proposals that ALL pubs that have a recognised 'heritage value' should automatically have ACV registration. There are encouraging signs this may happen.
However, until then individual applications need to be submitted.

The Bell Inn should be given this recognition.

Our Councils are being asked to support this aim given its importance to the people of Whitchurch and area, and to have the Bell Inn duly registered.

The Bell Inn, a centre of the social scene.

As Expected – Red House Decision – but why?

As expected the latest Planning Application for the Red House in Whitchurch was approved by Basingstoke & Deane. 

The application was an odd one as the applicant already had permission for the Change of Use to Residential following an Appeal.
In fact one of the Councillors at the Development Committee questioned this very point.

So why was this application submitted? You might well ask.

The Planning Inspector at Appeal had imposed a Condition saying:

The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than 3 years from the date of this decision (4th September 2023)

But now Basingstoke and Deane's new Condition states:

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this planning permission. (13th June 2025)

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
With the passing of each day the building is becoming more and more derelict with the costs of any renovation work to the historic structure and fabric rising.

It means there could now be a FURTHER DELAY of nearly two years before work has to commence – from 4th September 2026 to 13th June 2028.
It means more delapidation of the building and less likely the historic fabric can be kept.

So why would such a delay be beneficial?
The owner already has a history of not keeping to promises particularly over the broken pledge that funds from the houses built on the pub's car park would go into supporting the Red House as a pub. It is a well-known fact that it is cheaper to demolish a historic building and build new rather to renovate/convert.
Is that the aim?
Is this a case of 'Running Rings' around the weaknesses of the planning system and the Councils?

Might there be a call for the Red House be DEMOLISHED as the historic building works required would be claimed to be unviable because of deterioration caused by the delays?

Previous article on the 'Conspiracy Theory':
https://thehappypint.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-red-house-conspiracy-theory-or-is-it.html

Community funding under question

In an end of year announcement that has concerned many, the government has closed its Community Ownership Fund which had been made available to allow local people and groups to take on and save community facilities. The closure is despite there still being unallocated funds.
The funding was also available to town and parish councils.

The reason given – or excuse – is pressure on government finances caused by the previous government.

Support for community amenities removed

The scheme, which was to run until the end of 2025, was created to help local groups take on assets such as community halls, leisure facilities, shops, sports grounds, swimming pools, museums, arts centres and local pubs. 

Since its 2021 commencement, 409 projects have received over £140million.

This could have a devastating effect on those working hard to save our country's public houses as well as on groups wishing to take on other community facilities. 

Current efforts

Efforts are now underway by organisations including the Campaign for Real Ale to ensure that assistance remains in other tangible ways. 

This includes discussions with officials in the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government over the current review of other support schemes. These include Assets of Community Value and the hoped for introduction of the Right to Buy to replace the current Right to Bid.

Shocking losses

The scale of long-term pub closures is shocking and the support for the struggling hospitality industry is abysmal. Communities are losing their centres of social interaction, economic benefits and local heritage on a daily basis. 
Here, Happy Pint urges all to lobby their Councils and MPs to support one of the most important cornerstones of our society – the British Pub.

**********************

The Government statement (23rd December 2024)

The Community Ownership Fund is now closed. There will be no further application windows on the COF programme. We have taken this difficult decision due to the challenging inheritance left by the previous government.

Whilst we are closing the Community Ownership Fund, this government remains committed to the communities’ sector and community empowerment.

The government will deliver on its manifesto commitment to replace the community ‘Right to Bid’ with a strengthened ‘Right to Buy’ Assets of Community Value, creating a more robust pathway to community asset ownership. And we will seek to support high streets by strengthening Business Improvement Districts which have helped to improve town and city centres across the United Kingdom for 20 years, while ensuring they operate to high standards and are accountable to their communities. 

Details:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-ownership-fund-prospectus/community-ownership-fund-round-4-prospectus

 

**********************

 

The Red House – A Conspiracy Theory – or is it?

What is the longer game? 

The latest planning application raises some concerning suspicions over the building's future. A 'new' application has been submitted for the Red House in Whitchurch, a Grade II Listed Building whose closure has been the subject of much controversy. 

Red House garden in its heyday.
Now built upon with three houses.

The once successful and lively pub had been allowed to deteriorate by the owners and has been closed since 2018. After promising to reinvest proceeds into the pub from building houses on the car park the owners gained further permission to convert the pub to residential. Many believe they had been hoodwinked. 

That was mistake number one, accepting the owner's word!

Broken promises
The houses were built and a further application to change the pub to residential was submitted which was granted, but only after a lengthy Appeal.

 
But, despite a time-limit on the application set by the Appeal Inspector still no work has taken place. The building has been deteriorating further with broken windows, rotten window frames, damp, falling rendering and rodent invasion.

A TWIST – WHY ANOTHER APPLICATION?
Now in a 'twist' the owner has submitted another application which is a virtual replica of the first.
The main difference is that they are now claiming to have leased part of the pub out since March 2024 to a tenant for residential use.

This claimed residential letting could mean they would not be liable for any Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a sum a developer pays which goes towards support for the local area. Yet the only tenants of the near derelict building anyone has seen have been rats, lots of them; so many that complaints were made to the Environmental Health Department.

But is this a red herring as the CIL would be a relatively small amount?

This raises those further suspicions.

WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT?

Come back to the Conspiracy Theory.

IS DEMOLITION NEXT?

Consider this:

• The Appeal Inspector, in allowing the Change of Use, imposed a Planning Condition that works shall begin not later than 3 years from the decision date. 
• That was over 15 months ago on 4th September 2023 and time is moving on. Meanwhile the historic building deteriorates even more.
• Anything that causes delays such as investigation into the claimed tenancy means further dilapidation and a case for demolition becomes stronger.
• THE QUESTION: Is the plan to manipulate delays that lead to further deterioration leaving the only option to demolish and thus reduce building costs rather than having to invest in keeping and renovating the historic structure and features of the Listed Building?
  
• So do the owners want objectors to challenge the CIL/habitation claim in order to deliberately create those delays?

And coming back to how the community was mislead over investment in the pub can there be any trust? Any at all?

A FRUSTRATING FARCE

What is certain is that the whole sorry caboodle is becoming a frustrating farce and it seems the councillors and planners don't have enough teeth to ensure the applicant/owner doesn't run rings around them. 

Meanwhile the pub users and local residents have lost a valuable amenity. 

It is not their fault, but that of a very weak planning system that places developers wishes above those of local people, a failure is being worsened by the actions of a developer who has lost any local trust.

The 'latest' Planning application documents (ref: 24/02820/FUL) can be viewed here:

https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SNVNDVCRG8N00&activeTab=summary

The Dove to close

Another local pub is closing this month as the Dove Inn shuts its doors at the end of September.

The Grade II Listed Building at Micheldever Station which recently gained planning permission for additional letting rooms is both on the market for sale and/or for a new tenant. 

Earlier this year the planners approved a new building at the rear to replace the old coach house which would provide five new letting rooms. The applicant, Lochstill Ltd, submitted the plans to complement the accommodation within the existing main building of the Inn, and to improve its commercial viability. 

Although the pub is for sale these plans are still very much 'live'. There is a lot of potential, and with a possible 3,000 house development nearby at Popham the future could change.

The Dove is currently listed for sale freehold at a guide price of £790,000 or as a premises under a lease with the agents saying:

"The business provides a tremendous opportunity for an experienced operator either looking to run a successful business themselves or alternatively, looking for a business to lease or run under management."

Let us hope a buyer comes forward or someone takes on the tenancy.

The Dove Inn closes at the end of September. 

Historic Red House is falling derelict

Further deterioration is taking place at the Red House in Whitchurch as the Grade II Listed Building within the Conservation Area becomes an increasing eyesore on the street scene following the granting of an Appeal against a Change of Use.

An eyesore was predicted
This was predicted when the owner had previously promised to invest monies in the pub business from the building of housing on the car park evaporated into thin air.
Many feel they were hoodwinked as the owner subsequently applied for conversion of the pub to residential use.

While planners and Councillors objected from both Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Whitchurch Town Council along with many local residents to the loss of the public house, the applicant lodged an Appeal against their decision to refuse change of use.

Following a Government Inspector's site visit in July 2023 the Appeal was regrettably allowed.

The building is now becoming derelict
To date no work has yet been undertaken and the historic building continues to rot away to the town's dismay. However there is much in the Inspector's Report that refers to the importance of the historical value of the building and to its position within the Conservation Area and the Whitchurch street scene.

The Report states:

"The overall form and main façade of the appeal building is a key building within the CA (Conservation Area), and contributes to the character and appearance of the CA."

There are also strong references that the proposed works would "secure the building's repair and renovation" and that the new use would "constitute a significant public benefit".

Effect on nearby properties – and rats
And while the owner was wishing to make more monies the effect has probably had a negative effect of the values of nearby properties. There have even been reports of rats seen in the vicinity which cannot be good for health or value.

So when will those works commence?

Duty of Councils
Whilst the pub's use may be lost through the granting of the Appeal our Councils still have a duty towards the historic building. Local planning authorities have powers they can use, including compulsory purchase to remedy deliberate neglect or damage. Will they use them?

As the applicant has not commenced any work and the site is now virtually derelict, the question to our Councillors must now be how will retention of the historic building be accomplished?
What actions will be taken on the lack of progress and to prevent more of the structure falling into the street below and the town's character and heritage further lost?

Details of what can be actioned are here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-upkeep-and-repair-of-historic-building

 

 

What action will now be taken?

Famous Pub and Mural could be destroyed – Weyhill Fair

A pub that has a long history in the local pub and beer scene is at risk of being demolished and an amazing artwork mural lost if an application being placed before Test Valley Borough Council is approved.

UPDATE
The Weyhill Fair is being demolished.

The Weyhill Fair just outside Andover has been closed since January last year after a series of licensees ran the business following its sale to Fullers Smith & Turner, a brewery now owned by global brewing company Asahi of Japan. Fullers are also closing other pubs, including the Fox at Newfound.

Pub losses
The closure had left Weyhill without a pub with the nearby Star having closed some years ago and converted into a restaurant while the next nearest, The Bell, is also long term closed.  

The success of the Weyhill Fair
When a Free House under the ownership of Dave and Jan Rayner, the Weyhill Fair had been developed into one of the most successful real ale and good food pubs in the area.
Dave and Jan had become famous for being leaders in supporting independent breweries and had introduced also a very successful annual Beer and Music Festival that continued after they retired. 
Another casualty of this application may be the loss of use of the field to the Andover Whippet Club, a long time user of the land.

Award winning, but then Fullers came along
The pub had previously been awarded the coveted Wessex Campaign for Real Ale Pub of the Year as well as winning many local accolades. It became one of the longest running entries in the national Good Beer Guide, known by many as the "Beer Drinkers Bible" and was a regular venue for CAMRA meetings.
However under Fuller's ownership it has been far less successful as is often the case under companies with less local community commitment and who may wish to cash in on residential land values at the expense of community facilities.

THE APPLICATION

Plans for nine large houses
The planning application submitted for Rivendale Developments is for complete demolishment of the pub and the subsequent building of nine three and four bed dwellings.

The Sun Inn before its name change

The application shows little regard for the pub building and there has been no detail provided on whether any independent historic assessment has been carried out.
The present building seems to be at least 18th century and pictures from the turn of the century, when it was called The Sun, show at least the frontage largely unaltered from today. 

In addition the applicant's reports on marketing the pub have a bias towards future development of the site rather than it being placed for sale 'as a pub' or indeed as any other use.
The non-viability as a public house has therefore not been adequately shown.

These concerns are amongst those being made to Test Valley Borough Council.
The Council should not allow any change of use, let alone demolition without taking these critical issues into account. As such the application should be rejected.
Objections can be lodged here:
https://view-applications.testvalley.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SAECMNQCHO800&activeTab=summary

ANOTHER MAJOR CONCERN – the famous Mural

Of major concern is the potential loss of an amazing painted mural that covers a wall of the upstairs function room. Anyone using the room would have been awestruck by its content and quality.

The mural depicts the historic Weyhill Fair that was one of the country's largest sheep fairs in medieval times when over 100,000 sheep a day were traded. The Fair was also famous for trading by hops growers, and other farmstock goods. with traders travelling from all over the south of England to attend. 

The demolishing of this pub goes far further than just loss of an eating and drinking establishment.

The famous upstairs mural that covers one wall.

Thank you to Sian Coles for kind use of the above picture
©Sian Coles Photography https://www.siancolesphotography.co.uk/
•

It could be saved
The proposed demolishing of the pub could see this tremendous piece of artwork lost forever.
With today's building technology that even allows whole buildings to be moved intact it is believed it could be saved and possibly become part of the nearby Weyhill Fairground Craft Centre or another community facility. 

The Mural must be Saved!
and
The Planning Application as submitted rejected

Objections can be lodged here:

https://view-applications.testvalley.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SAECMNQCHO800&activeTab=summary

UPDATE
The Weyhill Fair is being demolished.

Cricketers Inn, Longparish – Closing

News broke today (23rd February) that the popular Cricketers Inn in Longparish is to close, though hopefully not for long.

They published the following:

Hello all, 

we have made the heartbreaking decision to close the Cricketers Inn, we are working hard for a solution to possibly continue next week. Thank you for all of your support, and I am really sorry we have had to close. But there may be a solution next week.

The welcoming and friendly pub has been run by local publican Mark Etherington since March 2020 and is leased from Red Oak Taverns a pub company based in Ipswich and who own 229 pubs across the UK. Red Oak bought the pub from Wadworths brewery in 2019. 

It features in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for 2024 and always serves a good range of traditional brews from its handpumps, including beers from local breweries.
In addition it has a very good reputation for its home-cooked food, its pizza oven and excellent Sunday roasts. Fish and steak dishes also feature highly.
The Cricketers Inn had been registered as an Asset of Community Value in recognition of its importance to the local community.

Recently it had suffered from the drainage issues in the area when the road to the pub had been closed by Southern Water. It also sadly lost its bus service recently when Hampshire County Council removed their support. It had been possible to visit the pub for lunch by public transport.

We hope that The Cricketers Inn will soon be back serving the both local people and visitors to this lovely part of Hampshire.

Local action needed to Protect our Pubs

Can our own area follow suit in protecting our public houses?

The loss of many of our public houses such as those previously raised here is often caused by poor planning controls and a lack of understanding by local councils. Neighbourhoods, villages and communities are losing their public houses at an alarming rate. This has also been brought to the forefront of many minds following the national news coverage of the 'Crooked House' fiasco at Himley in the West Midlands.

The famous Crooked House, a historic pub, was sold and within days it was burnt down and demolished to the ground without it seems any planning permissions or input from the local community. An investigation is now underway and there have been arrests, while all that remains is a pile of bricks.

A threat that could devastate communities
The anger and realisation that our pub heritage is under a threat few had realised has pulled local people together to look at what may be at risk under their very noses. 

A West Midlands Combined Authority campaign along with CAMRA's List Your Local campaign to give greater protection to heritage pubs has received over 155 nominations in just three weeks.
The same needs to be instigated in all areas throughout the country.

List Your Local
The List Your Local campaign encourages residents to submit applications for Historic England and Asset of Community Value listing.

As well as reviewing historical sites, the review also explores how local plans can be better used to protect pubs and to ensure those that are illegally shut down or demolished are rebuilt "brick by brick".

Could this be extended?
Yes, and it is hoped so, perhaps in Test Valley and Basingstoke & Deane areas, as well as reaching out nationally.

BUT FIRST – firstly we need to identify the  pubs mostly at risk, those heritage pubs, community estate pubs, roadhouses.
Please contact us if you would like to help. Use the Contact Form.

Also previous article here:
CHANGES TO PLANNING REGULATIONS NEEDED

The Crown at Upton Closes

Sad news has been announced today, as The Crown at Upton, six miles north of Andover in the Bourne valley closes. 

The popular stylish traditional pub nestling in the north Hampshire countryside had built up a reputation for fine food focussing on local produce under head chef patron Dave Watts, whose career started under raymond Blanc at Le Manoir Quat Saisons. The pub had been listed in the Good Food Guide and had retained its Michelin Guide recognition in 2021.

Three to four handpumped beers were usually on the bar, along with an extensive wine list as would be expected. The pub was popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders who were out to enjoy the many quiet lanes and trails in this part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The closure of The Crown is a major blow to the attractiveness of the Bourne Valley, although there are still nearby pubs to enjoy – in particular the wonderful George Inn at Vernham Dean as well as the George & Dragon at Hurstbourne Tarrant.

LET US ALL HOPE THE CROWN REMAINS A PUB and doesn't fall foul of any Change of Use application.
__________________

Statement
Today, Monday 28th August 2023, The Crown posted the following on social media;

Good morning 

 

I have to let you know with huge sadness and heartache that I have had to make the decision to close The Crown for good as of last week .

It has certainly not been an easy decision to do this but due to raising costs and other unforeseen circumstances I have no other options and can’t financially afford to support and keep The Crown afloat. It has been a huge part of my life and my dream since taking over in July 2019 and I’ve had many challenges but also many amazing experiences and wonderful memories. I have met so many wonderful people and some that have become amazing friends. 

 

I wish to thank all my wonderful team, past and present for everything that they have helped me achieve at The Crown and making it into what I dreamed it could be. It is just so unfortunate and saddening that everything that we have tried to accomplish couldn’t succeed. 

I wish to thank all my wonderful team, past and present for everything that they have helped me achieve at The Crown and making it into what I dreamed it could be. It is just so unfortunate and saddening that everything that we have tried to accomplish couldn’t succeed. 

I would also like to thank all of our wonderful guests that have supported us throughout the last four years. We will miss you all. I wish you all well and good health for the future. 

Be kind to others as we are all only human.

 

SAVING LOCAL PUBS AND AMENITIES

Communities are being encouraged to bid for new cash to save their local public houses, and other amenities.

The third round of the Government's Community Ownership Fund announced on 12th May, makes it easier for local communities to "seize back control of prized local assets" including their pubs at risk with £1 million available. In addition match funding is being reduced to as low as 10%.
It can also be used for a wide range of other community facilities.

One pub might benefit

For the first time Parish Councils can also apply to the Fund that was previously only available to charities and community groups.

 
The Fund may be of use in one local Hampshire town.
In Whitchurch, the Red House, a valued Listed Building, is closed and awaiting the outcome of an Appeal to change its use to residential property. Meanwhile it is deteriorating and has become an eyesore. 
The Fund is already supporting nearly 100 projects throughout the UK – maybe something for the Whitchurch Town Council to consider give that so many pubs have already closed which has been detrimental to the economic and social needs of the town.

Welcomed by CAMRA
The launch of the third round has been welcomed by the Campaign for Real Ale.
Chairman Nik Antona said:

“Our locals are a vital part of both our social fabric and our local economies. They deserve to be protected as community assets which is why more and more local people up and down the country are taking over their local as a community-owned pub when it is faced with closure, demolition or conversion.

“It is really encouraging to see Levelling Up Ministers announcing today that another round of funding is being made available through the Government’s Community Ownership Fund. This funding is a lifeline for local people who have come together to save their local pub and keep it at the heart of community life.

“I hope that as many communities as possible that are looking to save their local pub submit bids for funding."  

Full details are available on the government’s website:
COMMUNITY FUNDING

WEYHILL FAIR CLOSES

Some of the worst news possible has come from the Weyhill Fair which holds such a special place within the real ale scene, but worst of all, given the current economic situation, this is not a shock.

The pub closed its doors on Sunday 8th January 2023 at 5.00pm

The Weyhill Fair became a beacon for real ales when under earlier publicans Dave and Jan Rayner who turned it into the go-to free house in the area, serving up a wide range of real ales. It became known for its superb beer festivals, and providing a special customer experience and was a regular entry in national beer guides and a winner of several awards. 

When Dave and Jan retired the Weyhill Fair moved under Fullers and has enjoyed a number of publicans and who kept many of the long established qualities present and developed their own successful modus operandii.


But times have changed.
Fullers sold out to Asahi of Japan and the pub was no longer able to provide that special experience you get with a free house as pressures on them increased to fill the pockets of the accountants and corporate shareholder pockets. 

Covid saw a great many pubs struggle and the current whammies of the energy crisis, production cost increases, excessive inflation, and little or no support from the government has led to a disastrous situation for many in the pub trade.

Present publican Claire Revius had built a lovely community atmosphere with a friendly welcome to all and providing good beers and an excellent menu, as well as running charity events and quizzes for local good causes.

So it is a very sad time as Claire who has done so much to provide a high quality service and welcome to all has decided enough is enough. We wish her all the very best with utmost thanks for all the enjoyment she and her team have provided for so many.

_________________
Here at Happy Pint we wish everyone affected well.