S.A.D.C.A.T.S.®

  Sunday Afternoon Drinking Club @ The Saxon ®                                                                  

Archive News Page 2007-9

And that's it for 2009 Folks!  Have a very Happy New Year!

Boxing Day Party in The Tarky Arms

Sunday 20 December ~ SADCATS at Wildernis

Thursday 17 December 2009

  A Christmas trip to The Bell at Wyle
 A good friendly village pub which Kath & I visited with Phil & Paula.
  2 sets of hand pulls, with 4 in the main bar offering Couarge Best, Branscombe Draymans, and Hidden Quest.
  There is an association with the Hidden Brewery which is only a mile or so up the road.
  Beers are in good condition (CAMRA 4).  The food is good and reasonably priced.
  Massive log fire was blazing away which made the place very cozy.
  We need to do a trip here sometime.

Saturday 6 December 2009

  The Derby Arms, Aughton, W.Lancs

   1st reviewed on 9 Aug 2009 - this is a fantastic pub!

  It's about as near to Marg & Robbie's in Kirkby as The Saxon is to us! ie 3 miles
  So after the City Crawl it was nice of Kathie to take Robbie & I to The Derby,
  not just on Saturday night, but Sunday as well.  Prospect Brewery's Blinding Light 4.2%
  was the beer of the weekend and we drank lots of it!

  Gaz was our friendly efficient and entertaining barman.  I left our calling card.
  A student of web design I hope he reads this and passes some professional
  constructive criticism!

  Cheers Gaz, hope to see you again soon! 

Saturday 5 December 2009 ~ Queuing for Liverpool Beer Festival tickets

  1. The Metropolitan Crypt (Paddy's Wigwam) venue of Liverpool Beer Festival (Feb)
   Tickets for next year went on sale at 10am, we joined queue at 08:50 and the Friday
   night session sold out before we got anywhere near the door!  Limit is 4 tickets per
   person so Kath had to queue with me!  Got all our for Fri+Sat lunch sessions!

   Then onto my usual Xmas pilgrimage to The Cavern Quarter for a pint in hallowed pubs
   where The Beatles enjoyed a beer after gigs at The Cavern Club

  2. The White Star back room.   3 The Grapes famous Beatles settle

1. Metropolitan Crypt        2. White Star          3. The Grapes

After a bit of shopping it was time for an afternoon Pub Crawl

The Ship & Mitre                       The Dispensary                                                       Roscoe Head                   David & Me in The Roscoe Head

1 December 2009

It is with deep regret that I must report the closing of our favouite pub in Chippenham - The Three Crowns.
The best pub in Chippenham by far, we will miss it.  Thanks Amanda & Jason for always making us welcome!

Thursday 26 November 2009

An earlier than expected start to see the magnificent Tangmere tackle Parkstone Bank once more!

Departing Poole 1hr early at 08:30, there was a feint whistle in the distance (which only Kath could hear!) and then the distinctive beat of
'I think I can, I think I can' as she reached Parkstone Station (a brief repreive at 1in300) but as she entered the cutting the reverberating beat
became a more powerful 'I know I can, I know I can!'

And there she is in all her magnificence, storming under Sandecoates Road bridge, 11 up unassisted!  A glorious sight!

Bullied Pacific 4-6-2, Battle of Britain Class, 34067 TANGMERE

Wed 25 Nov 2009

Check 'EVENTS' page ~ Dates confirmed for Dorchester & Maltings Beer Festivals 2010

LAST CALL for Shirt & Fleece orders................

COMPETITION !

Who can name all 15 pubs in the banner on our 'Pub Directory' page ?

Sunday 22 November 2009 ~ Xmas Lunch @ Dolphin & 2010 Shirt voting

11 of us queue for opening and are greeted by Laurie!

Laurie pulls the beers                                      A nice group table                                              A good plateful for £5-95 !!

The Shirt Nominations were:-

The Winner was No.1 - Sky Blue

Members/Honorary Members not at the lunch should Contact Bob to order now
Grey Fleeces using the 2009 Gold logo may also be ordered (Approx £20)

Thursday 22 October 2009

8 of us head off to the Falmouth Beer Festival with B&B on Dartmoor each way!
Tour Journal - Volume 7 has the full details.

              Will the real
        BETTY STOGGS
        please stand up!!! 

And this group photo made it into The Falmouth Packet

Friday 25 September 2009

Tony, Teresa, Kath & I popped up to Chippenham for the evening to help Gwyneth celebrate her birthday!!
We all ate at The Rowden Arms.  Leaving the girls there to enjoy a drag artist, the lads headed for the best pub in town....
The Three Crowns.  Many strange things happened that night!  Luckily we were generally too pissed to remember
and for some reason there are no photos.  I think it's about time we had a deputy photographer!!

Wednesday 16 September 2009 ~ Château de Pouypardin, Condom, France.

Follow the R.Garonne some 120km south west of Bordeaux and you will come to Agen a principal town in the region.
Kath & I went to stay with Clive & Catherine in their old farmhouse 30km south of Agen.  The town of Condom is not far away and it's famous for........
 ACTUALLY, it's for it's Church !!!!  
                                                                                      But I found this on the wall outside.... 

The Château is a small family run business 5km outside the town.  If you didn't know it was there you wouldn't find it. 
The wines are exceptional and to be found in only a select few local restaurants at around 40Euro a bottle.  A little gem
which Clive has shared and taken us for a tasting.  Anton Nicollier, the proprietor, was pleased to show us around,
even though Clive had to translate everything!
    Here are a few photos of us enjoying the ambience.......

Antonin loaded all the wine we purchased into Clive's car and very obligingly, Clive is going to bring mine over at the end of October.  Can't wait!!!!
Thanks to Clive & Catherine for a great time once again.  Cheers!!!

Sunday 13 September 2009

Thanks to Clive & Catherine for giving Kath & I a lift to the South of France and for the loan of a car so we could meet up with old friends in Riberac. 
In the early 90's Rod & Eileen Wilmot lived in Gulliver's Cottage, Shroton Common and were regular drinking companions of mine in The Cricketers, Saxon, and
The Union.  If you refer to our 'Club History' page you will see that Rod joined me for my first trip to The 2nd Maltings Beer Festival in 1994.  Sadly I have
no photos of that historic 1st trip to The Maltings, but Rod qualifies as an honorary SADCAT on many counts.  So it gave me great pleasure to present him with
his badge of office.  We commemorated the event with a monumental piss-up and in the morning Rod flew back to his on-site engineering job in China. 
Thanks Clive, for making this possible!!

As for Dick & Wendy, they are good friends of Eileen and we often dossed at theirs in Burnham, Slough to visit the much lamented Blackwood Arms in
Burnham Beeches.  They now live next door in Riberac!

L-R: Wendy, Dick, Rod, Eileen, Kath & Me. (Rod & Eileen's garden - Riberac)

Saturday 22 August 2009 - Villages Tug-o-War:  Cricketers v Plough, Manston

With our Nick pulling for them, The Plough couldn't loose!!!!

Wednesday 19 August 2009

No drinking today, although I passed several nice looking pubs I could have tried as I drove to Wareham, Wool, Dorchester, Yeovil and Parkstone
chasing a steam train.  Lovely weather, roof down but sadly the loco was always against the sun.  Never mind, here is the shot that made it all worthwhile!

Streamlined Bullied Pacific, Battle of Britain Class No. 34067 TANGMERE
storming up the 1 in 60 Parkstone Bank with 11 coaches and no diesel assistance at the rear!

Saturday 15 August 2009 - Bankes Arms Beer Festival, Studland

SADCATS now have a Latin Motto, thanks to Liz......

            "Vadem nos cycle"

An impromtu visit to this hugely popular Purbeck Festival, where we met our Poole/Bournemouth contingent - Pad, Andy & Liz
plus friends from East Dorset CAMRA - Robin, Andy & crew, and of course Lightweight and Louise.
Did anyone work out why Lightweight was wearing a Skirt???????

By 4pm every bit of green in the field was covered by someones picnic sheet and you literally couldn't move.  As we'd had our quota by
then it was time to depart.  With a marquee in the field offering around 150 beers and a view over Poole Bay this is a festival worth visiting
BUT..... due to it's popularity it is best to go Friday lunchtime.  Don't use the portaloos - they are DISGUSTING, and the burgers etc are over priced,
and the jacket spuds are even cooked properly.

Saturday 9 August 2009 - A quick trip to Liverpool

 DERBY ARMS, Aughton, Lancs.

  Pubs around Kirkby are not known for their selection of Real Ales, but when we 
 visit Marg & Robbie I try the local 'Spoons and it's never any good.  Pump clips
 displayed for beers they don't have, barmaids who have no idea how to serve let
 alone keep Real Ales.  This time the 2 beers available were truly disgusting. 

 Off to Town then.... Baltic Fleet, Ship & Mitre.... Now we're talking!!!!

 This trip Robbie suggested a pub for Sunday lunch which is just 4 miles up the road,
 and guess what?  It's only The CAMRA Lancs Pub of The Year 2008/9 !!!!!!!

 5 hand pulls offer Tetly Mild & Bitter + 3 guests, one of which is £1-50 A PINT!!!!
 Who says this can't be done? And today it's Arran Ale.  We had a 3 meats Sunday
 Lunch at £5-95  which was a good plateful (if a little 'processed'), and things like
 Sausage & chips in a basket are £2-95.  Are we back in the 70's or 80's?  GREAT!!

Secluded beer garden round the back, and neither of these roads are exactly busy, even though we are on the outskirts of Liverpool.  It really is too much to
take in so I will need several re-visits to get it all into perspective, Robbie!  Why didn't you mention this place sooner?????

Wedneday 29 July 2009 ~ Hidden Brewery Trip

Les Mattey arranged a trip to the brewery for Neil's son-in-law, Clayton who was visiting from New Zealand, and I was asked to tag along! Great!

After a nose round and a few samples we headed for their pub, The Bell At Wyle for more beer & nosebag. Full review in The Book - 172

Saturday 18 July 2009 - The Canal Trip

The Captain's Log is still being transcribed by the Historical Documents team and will appear in The Journals shortly as

Journal 6 - The Voyage of The Mak'Tar.

Saturday 4 July 2009 - The 10th Devizes Beer Festival

Tarkie and I went to this last year with Roger & Gwyneth and had a great time, that's why it was on the Events page for this year.
Gwyn volunteered to get tickets as it's a popular sell out, but we only had 8 takers.  See what you missed........

   The Crew were (left to right)
   Andy Morris, Roger Morris, Gwyneth Morris, Liz Morris,
   Tarkie Morris, Teresa Morris,+ Kath & Bob (Honorary)Morris

  We all met at Rog & Gwyn's in Chippenham and convoyed down in
   2 cars which we left near the canal. 

General Views of The Wharf where we pick up the boat in 2 weeks time!!
[ left hand photo] Our group can just be seen waving in front of stage just above the stack of Speakers 

And The Girls made it to the picture gallery of

The Wiltshire Gazette,

British Lion, Devizes

Probably the best pub in Devizes.  May not look much
from the outside, but has a cosy beer drinkers atmosphere
and 4 hand pulls dispensing an ever changing range of ales
in top condition.  Note the lined glasses!!!  Also has a large
beer garden at rear beyond car park, and a smokers pagoda.

No nonsense Landlord keeps a tidy ship where you always
enjoy your beer with like minded souls.  We saw how serious
he is about this when he turned away 20 odd youths obviously
on a bike ride drinking binge!  Well done, Sir!

Three Crowns, Chippenham

Leaving our cars behind we had an 8 seater taxi back to our favourite Chippenham pub!  The barmaid (Amanda) remembered us and thanked us
for the good write up we had given them.  Some were up for walking home, but I ordered a cab!

 To round off a good session we were treated to
 Breakfast on the BBQ on Sunday morning! 

Saturday 13 June 2009 - The Party in the Park - Child Okeford

You could say Attendance figures were fairly Black & White!

Organisers may find sponsorship more difficult next time.

But all in all we had a good time, and took plenty of booze, Zoe!

Saturday 13 June 2009 - The 1st Just COPING Beer Festival
(Child Okeford Piss-up In Nick's Garden)

And The Winner was................... Daleside Crackshot.  Well done Zoe!
Nick has also designed a commemorative shirt (in red) and is now taking orders....... Nice one!

Saturday 30 May 2009 - Lake District

 Kirkstone Pass Inn, Ambleside
 Remote hillside pub at the top of the pass with picturesque views down to
 Lake Windemere. At 1481ft above sea level, this is the 3rd highest pub in UK.
 A pleasant olde worlde Inn dating from 1496.  3 hand pulls offer a
 changing range of beers in good condition.  A good bar menu, Steak & Ale
 pie £8-90. B&B rooms. Car Park & Beer Garden on opposite side of road make
 best of the superb view.

  Having descended 'The Struggle' we stop to take a shot
  looking back up to the pub - ie the white dot!

 The Church House Inn, Torver
 Building dates from 1387, although not always a pub.  5 hand pulls provided a
 good range of beers.  Bar, eating area, Snug, plus restaurant, with B&B, lovely
 rear beer garden, plus camping fields.

 A friendly pub where we were made welcome, enjoyed a good meal and the B&B.
 Very helpful with local info especially the Windemere car ferry!

 Would make an excellent base for A Lakes Tour

  Kings Arms at Hawkshead
  Nicest of the 4 pubs in this pretty National Trust village and said to be 500 year sold.
  GBG listed with 4 hand pulls giving 2 Hawkshead beers, Black Sheep, & Coniston Bluebird.
  Beers in good nick and huge selection of Malt Whisky.  Bar and separate restaurant with
  quiet little beer garden at the front as traffic is access only.  B&B rooms plus a self
  catering cottage.  Fodd expensive- Bangers & Mash £11-95???!!!

Friday 29 May 2009 - Edinburgh

 Practicing my Nautical skills in readiness for
 our Canal Tor next month I stop for a pint in the
 Petty Officers Mess aboard
 The Royal Yacht Britannia. 

Wednesday 27 May 2009 - Islay Ales Open Day (Feis Ile)

 The Crew of 09 (Left to Right) 

 'Bruichladdich' Steve, Paul Capper, John, Liz, Paul, Cat, Norma, Kathie, Alice, Bob 

Friday 22 May 2009 - A brief report from Bob & Kath's Islay Trip

Coming off the M6 at J34 we headed north-east into The Yorkshire Dales and found a little string of pubs which would be well worth a proper SADCATS outing

 The Old Hill Inn, Chapel-le-Dale
  Part dating from 1615, and rest from 1835 originally a farmhouse and then The Drovers Inn.
  Run by a family of chefs this is nevertheless a cosy wood panelled bar with log burner where
  drinkers are welcome. 5 hand pulls offer Theakston, Black Sheep and 3 local Dent beers, all
  in good nick.   Lamb Shank & Steak are average price, but the Beef & Ale pie seemed a tad
  expensive at £13-50.   Exhibits in the separate restaurant bear testament to Colin Martin
  a leading professional sugar sculptor extordinaire.  Superb views, and B&B rooms where they
  say Winston Churchill has stayed.  Bunkhouse accommodation available at nearby farmhouse.

 We received a very friendly welcome and recommend a visit and evening meal.
  Not open Mondays, need to check opening/food times.  No cheap lunch snacks. 

  The Station Inn, Ribblehead
  It's about 17 years since Paul & I were last here, and not much has changed.  Sitting next
  to the Carlisle-Settle railway the pub is famous for the view from the gents toilet window!
  Back in the 1960s this was a Youngers pub, now a freehouse with 6 hand pulls offering
  Theakston, Black Sheep, and local Dent beers.  Pool table, darts, B&B + Bunkhouse.
  Good pub menu - Station Hot Pot £7-95, and separate dining room,
  A good base for operations.   

  An otherwise anonymous photo on the wall belies the fact that The Master Neverers Association
  has met here every year since 1968 on the weekend nearest to 11th August to reminisce their loco
  cleaning & chasing activities which culminated here with the final shot of the Farewell to Steam
  15 Guinea Special on Sunday 11 August 1968.  Thanks guys! 

  

The MNA 'End of Steam Wake' 10-08-68 [Link]      Oliver Cromwell heads 1T57 north on Ribblehead Viaduct 11-08-68       View from Gents 22-05-09 Class 66 heads south

 Tan Hill Inn, Keld  (Pub No. 47 - revisited)
 A feature pub of the list of 'Pubs To Visit Before You Die' (PTVBYD)
 We stayed overnight this year and had a very enjoyable time.  A wedding had taken place
 just before we arrived where Tracy (Landlady) & Angie (New Manager) were witnesses
and 2 of the pubs sheep were bridesmaids!!

 Not much has changed here! Still as quirky as ever and although Tracy is taking something
 of a back seat, Angie is doing a good job of filling her shoes.

 The Rules are still the same - and declaring a previous experience I'm soon behind the bar. 

Saturday 16 May 2009 - SADCATS abroad!

Nick & Zoe went to Malta for a holiday and of course Nick ended up behind a bar!  Study the pictures carefully, and you probably can't tell
that it's not England.  The Maltese must really like our 'English Pubs'(Don't forget who used to run The Cricketers in Shroton!).  The only thing
missing of course is some Real Ale.  Cheers Nick & Zoe for donning The Shirts and sending in the evidence.

 The Royal Oak English Bar
 Topaz Hotel, Malta 

Saturday 9 May 2009 - A Crawl round Chippenham

Back in January Gwyneth invited Kath & I over to Chippenham to join her, Roger, Tarky & Teresa and we ended up drinking in Lacock.  Today we have driven up
together as T&T are collecting a freezer load of meat from a farm in Badminton, not far from Roger's.  We had expected to walk to Lacock but the route is quite
muddy, so Plan B is put into operation.  Our Hosts have been out on a preliminary reccy to check for real ales and we set out to crawl round Chippenham on foot!

 The Three Crowns
  Sitting in the V between The Causeway and The Butts, this is a proper old boozer.
  It's basic, wooden floor boards, a few tables, Dartboard in right hand bar with
  separate Snug to left.  Loos are surprisingly high standard - DunnyMarque 8.
  3 hand pulls regularly changing, although Landlord has his favourite!
  Sharp's Doombar 4%, Wye Valley HPA 4%, Wychwood Hobgoblin 4.5%
  Beers were in great shape and warrant a 'CAMRA' - 4.
  Room at back to pull in 2 small cars and that's it.
  We were made very welcome by the Landlord and his locals.  Not sure if they do
  food on a regular basis (light lunches possibly) but they do do a great value
  Pint & Curry Nite - £5 (every Tuesday).  Glad to see they have been rewarded
  with an entry in the 2009 GBG.  Had a great time here and decide we all need
  a Dictophone.

The three pictures above tell a story, sadly not a common one, but one from which many could learn!  There we all are, sat round our window table enjoying
our 1st pint of Doombar, minding our own business and discussing how good the beer is.  The Landlord approaches with a tray of taster glasses for us to
sample the next beer - Wye Valley HPA.  We enjoy banter with him.  4 of us decide to have halves of HPA (the others stuck to Doom) and from the photo
you can see that not only are these served in the dedicated glass, but they are well filled above the 'Line'!  As this is a Crawl we were actually only staying
for one but as we were enjoying the second out came another tray of tasters for the 3rd beer - Hobgoblin.  Do we feel like we have been looked after or what?

Reminding ourselves that we are on a crawl, reluctantly we drag ourselves away.  You never know what may be just around the corner......

 The Gladstone
 A sunny spot for a photo behind this otherwise uninspiring pub,  which I mistook for
 The Conservative Club.  Restaurant, Bistro, sofas in bar and surprisingly  3 hand pumps
 giving Butcombe, Tribute & Landlord in average nick.  Not really worth a full review.

 The Bear, a lovely old building at the top o' town, has 6 hand pulls all turned round with a
 handwritten note saying only Hobgoblin available @ £2-50.  Lifeless, soul-less, and presumably
 in the Marston's chain.  We've walked out by now.

 Just across the road we find The Four Seasons, part of the Fullers estate.  There are 3 hand
 pulls: Moles Best, and 2 for London Pride.  A Fullers pub and the Pride isn't on! But the Moles
 was OK.  Pool, Darts, lots of food deals and separate seating areas. Sadly, I lost count of the
 number of flat screen TVs when I ran out of fingers & toes.  Added to which inane music was
 playing obtrusively and not in the background!  Can't be doing with this!  Can we go - Please!

Walking down the main street we take advantage of several different food vendors to soak up the beer as we head towards the railway station.  Best value was
the lady on the market stall doing Mushroom cheese burgers for £2-25, so I went back for a second after refusing to pay £3 for a pastie.  As we climbed the
hill we stopped at The Black Horse.  Shame really.  4 pumps gave 6X & Landlord in fair condition.  Not much seating but mostly torn.  The ladies toilet was foul
and worthy of a minus 10.  Add to that the noise of the kindergarten.  Apparently packed in the evenings, but with whom I wonder?  Time to move on.

Old Road Tavern
  Crossing the GWR main line we approach the above.  Not the best sight, but it is in the 2008 GBG.
  4 hand pulls: Otter Bitter, London Pride, Summer Lightning, and Bombardier.  Quite homely inside
  real fires, a large square shape bar, regular guest ales, pool area and garden.  We sat outside in
  the established garden and I was getting ready to enjoy this one BUT, the beers we tried were poor!

  Exiting through the garden gate we find ourselves near The New Inn.  Roger & I pop in to sus it out -
  busy and the beers are Courage Best & Ruddles.  We decide to give this a miss but later learn it is
  worthy of a proper visit.  Oh well, there's always next time! 

 Desperate for the loo we stop at The Sir Audley Arms, a 1930's estate pub.  It's dreadfully dark
 inside as all the blinds have been drawn so the hand full of customers can watch footy on the big telly.
 2 beers and I can't remember them.  Bought a nice cheap ham roll. Then the entertainment arrived.
Well more likely the remains of a Wake as everyone was in black.  One girl was wearing a very tight skirt
upon the pert ass of which was a bit of fluff.  You know, the annoying sort.  So much so that it generated a Dare!  First it was which one of you blokes is going
to tell her, then it was who is going to remove the fluff for her!  I came up with my best solution which was to remove it, not delicately, but with something of
a hefty slap!  Sadly no one came up with the funding for the dare, so we will never know!

Back at Roger & Gwyneth's I tried to lie down and avoid more beer, but I couldn't avoid a large plateful of splendid curry.  What to do for the evening?
Lacock?  By now we have walked to town & back and some of us are getting on for buggered.  Lacock would be expensive with a minibus each way.  The
Hungry Horse down the road is out - can't tell the Abbot from the 'Hen.  We vote to walk back to the 3 Crowns via a more direct and shorter route and
get a taxi back.  By now the daytime black shirts are looking tired so we switch to yellow!

  Three Crowns - Best Pub in Chippenham!! 

   Stayed all night.  The locals were friendly and great fun.

   Roger & Gwyneth's friends usually have strange nicknames and so we are introduced to 'Chap'. 

   On Sunday we went to Badminton to collect the meat and got bogged down by the horsey trials.
   But we did meet 'Petal' and his family and enjoy a few beers in the garden of their unique
   thatched cottage - next time I'll take some pictures. 

Friday 8 May 2009 - Swanage Railway Diesel Gala & Beer Festival

It's 3 years since they had a Beer Festival on the Swanage Railway.  A slightly different approach this time saw us park up at Norden and buy a CAMRA
discount return ticket to Swanage £12.  Then we stopped off at Harman's Cross on the way back.  A marquee had been conveniently placed in the field
next to the cinder path leading to the over bridge.  We sat in the sun outside the tent while I had a few beers and waited to hear my favourite diesel appraoching!

and here she is 'D9000 (55 022) Royal Scots Grey' waiting at Harman's to depart for Norden with me aboard hanging out of a front window!  MAGIC!!!!!

Saturday 25 April - The 17th Maltings Beer Festival, Newton Abbot

Bob, Kath, Tarky, Teresa, Roger & Gwyneth (The Crew of 6) foregather at Wildernis on Friday night for a few pre-festival drinkies.
Well, most of us went off to The Cricketers.  Not too much mind - got to be up early!
A 6am Roll Call ensures we have plenty of time to eat bacon sarnies before we leave.  I think we had time for a full fry-up really.
We all pile into Tarky's Merc ( oops! only 5 seats - Roger volunteers to be put in the boot) and head for Gill.

  Cheer Up, Tarky! 
  At least you didn't get put in the boot!

Arriving early for the planned 09:07 the Crew catch the 08:41 from Gillingham as far as Sherborne to greet the Corton Denham contingent.
We find Neil emerging from the Buffet with a bag, the contents of which must remain secret!  Sadly, and for the 1st time ever, Neil is the only
traveller joining the group here.  We take a commemorative photo, and a moments silence for 'Absent Friends'.

Traditional Group Photo at Sherborne                                      17th Maltings, and it's the 1st time it has rained!
                                                                                             Group photo in the Marquee - 7 SADCATS plus Sid, Kathy, and Neil. 

  
Largest Group photo to date - 29 + 1 interloper behind Teresa!
Roll Call: L-R (Standing):
Pad, Rob, Neil, Les, Chris, Graham, Melissa, Mark, Jean, Roger, Steve, Gwyneth, Roger, Tarky, Simon, Lightweight, Louise, Kathie, ??, Teresa, Bob
(Seated): ??, Clair, Jim, ??, Lizzie, ?? in front, Barb, Dee, Vic.

Missing in Action: Robin & Andy (Poole CAMRA), Ant Veal, Keith, Sid, Kathy 

A.W.O.L.: Terry, Chris Bunker, Little Steve, and partners Suzanna, Julie, Jackie, Lesley, Deb; Jeana & Graeme; and
                   SADCATS - Mark, Rita, Warren, Tony A, Wendy, Andy, Liz, Nick, Zoe

It was a great pleasure to finally meet Ant Veal                                   Rob Sartori (Burntwood Jollyboys)
His website greatbeer.co.uk gave me much inspiration                           receives presentation glass "2008 ~ AWOL"
for our site.  Visit it via our Lynx page. 

Apparently there are some pics circulating of people asleep on the train home, but luckily I haven't received any for publication!
Couldn't have been me of course as I only had 15 new beers this year.  Almost an all time low, but I'm not just here for the beer.
 

   Although SADCATS Nick & Zoe had commitments and couldn't join us today, they turned up at Gillingham
   station at 19:40 to meet our train and make sure we got home safely.  Thanks guys!!!!!
   So having devoured the curry we headed to The Cricketers for a few more beers....
   because we hadn't had enough yet! 

   A nice mature cheddar to follow with a suitable Port of course.

   And we couldn't help playing with the cheese wax!

   All's well that ends well and another great 'Maltings' comes to an end.  Thanks everyone! 

Sunday 12 April 2009 - Kath's Birthday Braai

Thursday 9 April 2009

Guess who had to get up and make the tea!  After the obligatory full fry up, Tarky has me toiling away and if I work had enough, I can go to the pub lunchtime!

The Mayfly, Fullerton.
From left to right: (out of shot)[A3057, Andover & Redbridge Railway (The Sprat & Winkle Line), River Test] then Small Island, River Test, and Pub.

The railway opened in 1865 as a southern extension of the Midland & South Western Junction Rly taking trains from Cheltenham through to Southampton.
Closed to passengers in Sept 1964, and finally closed in 1967.  The pub was built circa 1850 as a farmhouse becoming a pub around 1880 initially selling
Weyhill Ales.  Acquired by Strongs, and for many years known as The Seven Stars.  Taken over by Whitbread in 1968.  The present Landlord has been
in-situ since 1985 and presumably changed the name.  Now a free house with 4 hand pulls offering Ringwood Best, Wadworth 6X, + Guest.  This is very much
a food orientated pub with limited floor space utilising a 'Post Office' style queueing system for the food counter!  Superb riverside setting with quayside
patio, decking and garden.  Probably too commercial for my liking, but you can't blame the landlord for that, he was friendly and obviously proud of his pub.
He took the time to talk us through pictures around the walls and give us the history of the premises.  Thanks!

 
  John O'Gaunt, Horsebridge.
   I remember visiting this pub many times around 1985-7 with friends from Andover, where I lived at the time.
   The pub was built around 1800 and named after the 4th son of EdwardIII, John of Gaunt b1340.  I haven't
   found any more history, but could easily have been 'The Railway' at one time given it's close proximity to
   the closed line and station.  3 hand pulls offer, Ringwood Best and 49er, plus Palmers IPA which was in
   superb condition.  Seems we had walked in back door before opening time but were made most welcome and
   beer was drawn off before serving.  Menu looked inviting and there is a B&B cottage at rear.

The Boot, Houghton
Olde worlde pub half turned over to restaurant.  Bar meals all £11 including Pie of Day.  Restaurant more expensive.  2 hand pulls offer local beers from
Andwell Brewing Co:  Resolution 3.8%, King John 4.2%.  Not much else to say except there is a nice quiet garden down to the river.

The Tally Ho! Inn, Broughton
   We are definitely in The Strong Country and this was a Strong's House until taken over by Whitbread in 1968.
   Sold to the free trade about 1995 when the bar was enlarged.  Tastefully refurbished, with 2 nice rooms and real
   fires.  3 hand pulls offer: Ringwood Best, 49er, Archers Crystal Clear 5.0%.     They attract lots of walkers and
   cyclists and have a nice elevated rear walled garden with views of church.  Food looks good, well priced and there
   are lots of deals.  Need to revisit and also look at the adjacent 'Greyhound' opening May'09.

The Inn on the Chase, Cashmoor, was still open on our way by so we stopped for a quick look.  3 hand pulls offering Ringwood Best & 49er plus a 'Guest' from
the Marston's family.  Main bar is a restaurant but it's a good pub menu with keen prices:_ Bangers+Bubble&Squeak in a Yorkie for £6-50.

Wednesday 8 April 2009

Tarky has 2 days work to do at a school in Stockbridge and asks me along for the ride.  I help out carrying bits & pieces, moving machinery and making the tea.
Well actually Kath made the 1st lot, I just poured it from the flask!  Rather than trek home and back to finish off tomorrow I have persuaded Tarky to book us
into a pub in the village.  So it looks like a tour round several pubs in the main street for tonight and a little tour on the way home tomorrow! 

The Vine Inn, Stockbridge
We stayed in this 18th Century coaching inn along the High St. The B&W photo c1890 was given to us by Landlady Chris Battrick (Thanks very much!) where the
Inn can be seen standing tall 2nd on the left.  The view looks due west with The Grosvenor Hotel's columns standing out further down on the right.  The Vine retains
much of its character - low beams, creaky uneven stairs, separated areas - 2 for food, pool table, extra seating, and bar with 3 hand pulls offering Ringwood Best
and Wadworth's 6X.  The old postcard shows the Vine to be a Strong's House and it remained so until the Whitbread takeover in 1969 and was presumably sold as
a free house in the Whitbread sell off in 1994.  Friendly, full of character and offers great value, excellent food (Value Index 90).  We highly recommend eating
here.  There are 4 B&B rooms. 2 ensuite, and not unexpectedly the other 2 are rooted somewhere in the 1960's. As a seasoned Time Traveller, I wasn't disappointed
with Tarky's choice of room.  Pub benefits from a lovely rear garden with stream & willow tree and sunny aspect.  We enjoyed our stay here!

  
  The White Hart, Stockbridge
  My 'Strong Country Bible' tells me this too was a Strong & Co of Romsey house.  Retains the
  character low beams and small cosy areas, but has been subject to a major brewery makeover
  which has drained much of the soul.  Now a Fullers house with 6 hand pulls offering 3 house
  beers and 2 from a good well known local brewery - Gales, which sadly has been closed by
  Fullers with   production of HSB & others transferred to Chiswick.  Food a tad expensive. 
  Pub sits on the roundabout where A30, A272 & A3057 meet, east end of Stockbridge High St.

  The Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge 
   You guessed it, another ex-Strong's House!  One time fine old coaching inn, now a bar with restaurant.
   3 hand pulls offering uninspiring Greene King beers.  This place has obviously had its day and our
   impression was not helped by the transvestite behind the bar.  Sydney Swallow (1921-2005) a great
   friend and patron of the hotel, would surely turn in his grave.  We sat in his favourite corner.

Next stop, along from The Grosvenor was The Greyhound.  We walked in thinking this was a pub!  OK there were 2 hand pulls and Butcombe was on offer, but at
£3-50 a pint, I don't think so!  Norm is still £2-50/£2-70.  Then we noticed the menu Specials Board where Soup of the Day was on offer at £6-00.  Well, I
couldn't resist asking if they sold very much.  Loads, was the reply, but then we were the only people in the place!  We walked.

Across the road we found The Three Cups Inn, a 15th Century coaching inn.  A friendly inn with usual character.  4 hand pulls offering a good range of beers.
Bar area is OK, rest of the pub is really a restaurant.  Has a really nice beer garden.  Food a bit pretentious and over priced.  However, we were made to feel
welcome and stopped for a couple more beers.  Uncharacteristically I decided to leave pics until morning to get a better aspect of the sun.  It rained!

That's all for toady.  Back to The Vine to eat and sleep.  Thanks Tarky. Another good little tour.

Friday 2 April 2009

A return to Pub No 137

Thursday 2 April 2009

With friends Sid & Kathy visiting for the weekend we decided to take advantage of today's splendid weather and have a trip out for lunch.
Not to miss an opportunity, I thought this was an ideal time to search out a pub I have been wanting to visit for some time.

    The Royal Oak, Langstone Harbour, Hayling Island.

    This pub is a legend.  It's outstanding waterfront location & views make it probably
    the most painted & photographed pub in the UK.  Built in 1555 as 3 cottages which became
    a pub in 1700.  Traditional fires, low oak beams, wood & stone floors, separate eating areas
    and a nice beer garden at rear.  Previous owners include, Portsmouth & Brighton United
    Breweries, Brickwoods and then Whitbread.  In more recent times it sold a good pint of
    Gales HSB.  Sadly now a Greene King tie, and 'managed' to boot!  The staff on duty today
    were however, cheerful, attentive, and efficient. We enjoyed our food.  3 special sausages in
    a bowl of creamy mash and onion gravy was excellent value at £6-95.  Sid & Kathy both
    had the Ham, 2 eggs, and chips at £6-50 which was also a great plateful.
    I'm not a fan of GK beers but the IPA was in Good ('3') form.

VERDICT: It is the most picturesque pub I have visited to date!  I couldn't stop taking pictures of it - 53 shots from all angles.  Thank god for digital cameras!
Our friends were very struck with the setting and preferred the low tide aspect.  Kathy will no doubt produce a fine painting in due course!  But, I need to go back
at high tide and have acquired a tide table to do so!  Under private ownership this pub could undoubtedly be a whole lot better, BUT........
The beer was OK, the food was very good, and so was the service.  By the time we left the rear beer garden was full.  I would have been quite happy sitting on
the quayside supping a few more pints while I watched the sun move across the blue sky and the world go by. 

The view and the setting is idyllic and all things considered one to experience before you die!  So it goes into the PTVBYD list.

We had actually parked by the slipway behind The Ship and walked round the corner on the riverside path, which affords great views of the Royal Oak.
So after our meal and pint we popped into The Ship for comparison.

    The Ship, Langstone, Hayling Island

    Not much to write home about really.  Hasn't quite
    got the view of Royal Oak, nor the setting.
    A Gales pub, turned over by Fullers, Managed and
    basically soul-less.  Still sells HSB and Butser Brew.

    In this picture you can see The Royal Oak
    on the far right.

Sunday 29 March 2009

With the sunny weather over the last 2 weeks you would think it were almost Summer!  So today we arranged to meet in The Shed (Tarky's Arms) to celebrate!
Looking past the bar to the West we stood and watched the sun go slowly down until it 'plopped' below the horizon.  A time during which to reflect.

    No one realised, it was actually the 2nd Anniversary of Founding SADCATS on 25th.
    Should have got a group photo.............ah, well..........

As I watched the sun set I thought of Poor Old Sooty
as tomorrow marks the 2nd anniversary of him
peacefully passing away aged 17.

 This is a Bar with A View!

Friday 27 March 2009 

Tarky gets another call out to a school, in Beaminster this time,  and once again very graciously takes me along for the ride.
Of course, we have to try out a few more pubs!

From Beaminster we join the A356 Dorchester - Crewkerne road and head north for South Perrott in search of The Coach & Horses which has reasonable reviews. 
Sadly we find this pub, one of Dorset's most northerly, has Closed down.  We turn around and go back to:-

    Winyard's Gap, Cheddington, Dorset
   2 regular ales plus guest & 2nd guest in summer - The Doom Bar was good!
    Refurbished 2 years ago with slate floor & bar which sadly has a 'new' feel.
    Has some lovely old rustic tables - see picture below

      Bar Menu is very limited and Restaurant a bit on expensive side,
    but there is a superb view across Mosterton Down to Somerset

 
Nice view across lane to Beer Garden and Somerset                                        Rustic Wagon Wheel Table & Tarky

    Fox Inn, Corscombe
   16th century rustic village pub. One time GBG entry used to be very popular.
   2 small rooms and bar are dark, dinghy, very nicotine stained and completely
   laid up for eating with twee blue check table cloths.
   The romanesque olde world conservatory is like sitting in a garden, shame about
   the smell from the toilets!

   4 hand pulls offer 2 beers and The Doom bar has seen better days.
   Tarky & I were the only customers at 1pm so it was difficult to understand
   why there were at least 3 kitchen staff literally hanging around!

In stark contrast, around the corner in Brenville we find a completely refurbished Talbot Arms which declares 'Opening 1st April', so we'll come back.
Winding our way due east we find ourselves close to Buckland Newton and another Pub Stop....

    Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton
    Now owned by the proprietors of the European Inn, Piddletrenthide which we visited
    on The Burra Tour back in November 2007.
    4 hand pulls give us Butcombe, Ringwood and a guest which today is St Austell Proper Job 4.5%
    and seemed to be in good condition.
    Pub has had a bit of a makeover and has a nice skittle alley.
    Food looks to be good, a bit 'Bisto' like The European and similarly a tad expensive.

    We were made very welcome and the owners are friendly people.
    Need to come back for the Goose Fair & Beer Festival, 2nd Sunday of September.

Another good little trip round.  I said we ought to do this on a regular basis!  Thanks once again Tarky.

Friday 20 March 2009 

Tarky gets a call out to a school in Swanage and takes me along for the ride. And before you know it we have to try out a few pubs!

    The Red Lion, High St, Swanage
    3 real ales + 1 guest and too many ciders to count!
    Patio beer garden, pool, darts, shove ha'penny, restaurant area.
    Coach House at rear converted to 5 B&B rooms from £35 pppn.
    Good bar menu & steaks at down to earth prices!

    Tarky suggests we all go stay there for a night & 'Do Swanage'.
    Friendly Landlady (Karen) & hubby offered 'deals' inc a discount
    taxi-bus to get us to The Square & Compass!

    Great friendly atmosphere - well worth a look at folks!

    The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers
    This pub is legendary.  One of the 'Tenacious Ten' (albeit now only 9 left)  which
    has been in every CAMRA Good Beer Guide since 1st issue in 1974.  It's also been
    in the Newman family since 1907 and publishes an excellent book on its history.

    3 real ales on gravity dispense served from hatch in hall. 2 rooms to drink in and
    the only food available are Pasties @ £2-90. They have their own Museum and the
    beer garden out front has splendid views out to sea.  Idyllic.

    This Pub is right up there in my PTVBYD list.

        
The Square as it was 22 years ago in Ray Newman's days - 21 May 1987     The old Whitbread Pub Sign & My Legendary '63 Zodiac MkIII

Scott Arms, Kingston                                             As it was in Aug 2005                                           Amazing view of Corfe Castle from Beer Garden

Sadly this pub has had it's soul ripped out!  Clearly 'Managed' and the 2 beers suggest either Marston's, Greene King, or some such like PubCo.
A far cry from the days when we used to drive out from Poole to drink the rough cider where if you could drink 4 pints, the 5th was free!
I never managed that, at least I can't remember doing so.  But I do remember Mike achieving that exalted status!
So pop in to admire garden, view of Castle, take picture and Head for The Square!  Well actually we headed back to Wareham.

    The Duke of Wellington, East St, Wareham
    A nice old side street low beam market town 17th Century Inn 
    6 ales on hand pump of which 3 are Guests and in very good condition.
    Extensive menu gives good pub grub, not sampled
    but £8-95 seemed a bit high for Bangers & Mash.

    Chap behind the bar needs to brush up on his
    'Meet & Greet' socialising skills!

Another good little trip round.  We ought to do this on a regular basis!  Thanks Tarky.

Wednesday 18 March 2009 

We do say, 'New Friends are Always Welcome'.
And today we take our hats off to someone who drove 250 miles from the depths of Yorkshire and arrived at The Saxon on Sunday
at precisely 4pm to join us for a drink.  That someone was David (aka Zoë's Dad!). A commendable effort for which Tarky & Teresa
invited him to an informal 'Shed Party' and he was unanimously voted an honorary member.

Tuesday 3 March 2009 ~ Bob's Birthday

Tarky wanted to reciprocate but had a hospital appointment in Poole, and work to do while in the town.  But there's always a plan!
I went along with him to the job, waited in the hospital for an hour and then we went for a walk down Poole High Street.  I think I can remember a few pubs.......

   
The Foundry Arms, Lagland St                                             Pure Drop Inn, East St                                                Poole Arms, The Quay
Nicely preserved by Marston's, good grub                           Painted but still lacking any character                          Fish only menu & Ringwood

   
    The Guildhall Tavern (aka The Yacht Inn), Market St.
   
    Oh, Dear!  No longer a pub, but an over expensive french themed restaurant.
    Sadly, I learn from a local of 52 yrs standing, who still insists on going in for a pint of Ringwood,
    that the old Landlord Neil died and the current people took over in 2000.
   
    We by-passed the following pubs on our walk round the Quay area for various reasons:
    Royal Oak & Gas Tavern - Closed, Cockleshell(New London Inn) - No Beer and asked if we're CID
    Swann - Closed, Lord Nelson - Badger, Jolly Sailor - Greene King, Portsmouth Hoy - Badger,
    Inn on the Quay (Helmsman, Kings Arms) - Closed, Kings Arms - Badger, Antelope - Greene King,
    Cranberries@No.4 - Closed, King Charles - bad refurb, Crown - Closed, Angel - never liked it.

We ended in The Brewhouse which no longer brews but does a good pint from Milk St Brewery of Frome. A bit rough, hence no photos.
Thanks, Tarky!  A great walk down memory lane.
   

Sunday 1 March 2009 ~ Bob's Surprise (Early) Birthday Party

Didn't realise anything was 'going on' until Peter wheeled out the Thomas the Tank Engine cake and nibbles.
Thanks to my Wife for being so thoughtful, Zoe & Nick for taking the pics, and everyone who turned up!

Saturday 28 February 2009 ~ Tarky's Surprise Birthday Party

While I had been wheeling Tarky round the Wiltshire border pubs, Kath assembled Tarky's family and a few friends at our house for a surprise party which
started with a good old fashioned Braai (That's Afrikaans for BBQ).  This is the earliest Braai we have ever done, beating last years 23 March by 3 weeks!
Unfortunately, Tony & Wendy couldn't make it as they were hosting their own family party to say 'Bon Voyage' to Glor & Lou who are off to Portugal shortly.

  
Lost for Words - That expression made it all worthwhile           The Crew of 17

Saturday 28 February 2009 ~ Tarky's Surprise Birthday Pub Crawl

The Channel 4 Horse Racing 'Scoop 6 Tote' was a bumper roll over today so I'd arranged to go round to Tarky's and 'Lump on' with him.  For you non race
goers that means we are doing a big bet.  Bigger than normal.  Probably bigger than we should.  Got the idea?  So we spend an hour or so pouring over the
online Sporting Life and carefully select our 6 winning horses.  Ok, so I let Tarky pick them!  He knows lots more about it than me.  He won a similar tote
back in the 60's when it was called the 'ITV 7'and a 2/- bet (For the under 40's that's Two Shillings - ie 10p) won him the equivalent of 3 weeks wages! 
The standard Tote bet is £2 now, and the prize today has rolled to to approx £500,000.  We permed our bet up to £16 and hedged our bets with an 8-1
dead cert. Luckily that won 'cause the rest didn't!

Anyway, I suggested we ought to go and have a few lunchtime drinks and to make it special I said I would drive as I knew a few good pubs we could string together
for a mini tour.  We head off up the A30 out of Shaftesbury and stop at the first pub we come to, The Rising Sun and consider it worth revisiting for a meal.
By mistake we then stop at a Badger pub - The Grove, Ludwell.  Won't do that again! 

Some 25 years ago while chasing steam railway charter trains from Salisbury to Yeovil, I visited some of the pubs along this route.  I remember going in and out of
the village of Swallowcliffe from the two sign posted directions without finding the village pub.  Recently I noticed one of the 'Brown Tourist' signs pointing down
an entirely different road.  So today I was looking forward to finally visiting the establishment.  Sadly in these days of The Credit Crunch, I am just too late!

Getting off the beaten track brings us to The Compasses at Lower Chicksgrove.  Idyllic enough but you really need pink trousers, a cravat, a Volvo estate and a bag
of plums to feel at home.  Finally we arrive at The Horseshoe, Ebbesbourne Wake.  Clearly pub of the day and one we ought to be visiting regularly.  The full
reviews are of course in The Pub Directory but this is definitely a pub you have to visit before you die!  AND before Tony Bath, the 68 yr old Landlord, retires.

Rising Sun, Donhead St Mary (A30)                                       Grove Arms, Ludwell - A Badger Pub!!!                Royal Oak, Swallowcliff  [Closed]

Compasses, Lower Chicksgrove                                             Tour photo at The Compasses                                     The Horseshoe, Ebbesbourne Wake

Tony Bath, Landlord of The Horseshoe for some 23 years    
 A character, in a character Pub of Distinction!

  5 excellent beers on gravity stillage:

  Bowman 3.8% Swift One 
  Bowman 4.0% Wallops Wood
  Otter    3.7% Otter Bitter
  Palmers  4.0% Copper Ale
  Yeovil    4.5% Ruby

Bob & Tony at the bar in The Horseshoe

Archive photos from previous outings: 25 January 2003

 
Paul Hathaway & Myself at The Compasses                     Paul, Me, Rita, and Mark at The Horseshoe

Thursday 26 February 2009 ~ Tarky's Surprise Birthday Present

As you can see from this News Page, last year Tarky took me on a surprise lunchtime pub crawl for my Birthday (3rd March).
I enjoyed that surprise so much that I wanted to do something special for his Birthday this year.  When I went with him to Ringwood Brewery on Fri 13 Feb
to pick up the beer for the Valentine's Day Party I saw a notice that a few odd places were available for Brewery Tours in the coming weeks. 
So I contacted the Brewery the following week only to find out that the places had all gone!  But when I told them what it was for they said
they could squeeze 3 in for Thur 26th.  So the plan was for Tarky, Teresa & Me to do the trip, Kath would drive and wait outside for us. 
The Brewery took pity on her and decided to let us have 4 tickets for tonight. 

The Brewery Tour wasn't brilliant as there really isn't much to see these days.  But we got to 'snort' one of the brews and end up in the Bar in a timely fashion.

Then there was time to stop at The Inn on the Furlong for our complimentary Ploughman's and a quick pint at The Drovers on the way home. Thanks Kath!

Left hand pump at The Drovers is
 Brakspear, Pride of the River 4.2%.
 Clearly mine was the first out for ages and had
 that warm & murky taste.  Full marks to their
 Barman who wasted no time offering to change it!

 Brakspear is now brewed at the Wychwood plant in
 Witney, owned by Refresh UK.  Turns out they bought
 the Brakspear Brand when the Henley brewery was
 criminally sold for development. 
 
 No prizes for guessing who bought Refresh UK last year?
 That's right, Marston's.... so NOT a guest ale then!

Sunday 15 February 2009 ~ Black '09 Tour Shirt Launch

Pad, one of our Honorary SD&WDS members, came over for his             Jenny has to put up with us every Sunday afternoon, so we got her
1st Sunday session and to collect the new shirt.                                     a shirt too!

Saturday 14 February 2009 ~ Black '09 Tour Shirt Launch

To celebrate St.Valentine's Day we were all invited to enjoy a session at the Tarky Arms.  A big 'Thank You' to Tony & Teresa for their hospitality
once again and for providing a barrel of Ringwood Best and 49'er.  Although Whittakers couldn't get the new Tour Shirts to us in time for The Dorchester
Beer Festival, they arrived earlier this week and with so many of us in attendance for this 'Do' and to collect shirts, tonight became the perfect time to have
our Official Launch photograph - in The Tarky Arms! 

Largest group photo to date with 12 members present:                                      Or was it 13??

Saturday 7 February 2009 ~ Dorchester Beer Festival

A brief account for those of you who couldn't make it! As I said in my e-mail at the start of the year, Tickets are like gold dust because of numbers
being limited by Fire Regulations at Dorchester's old Corn Exchange.  So next year, take note and plan ahead!

Due to the untypical snowfall in the last week, I suppose there had to be at least a question mark over whether we would start out today.  Although the snow
had all but disappeared by last evening, the over night freeze and another small powdering really affected the roads due to the Council's present lack of salt & grit.
Apparently a boat load will arrive from Spain next Wednesday!!

Kath & I were picking up Tarky & Teresa, and Nick & Zoe were taking themselves.  1st problem was that we were frozen out of the Jag
and half an hour was spent thawing out the doors!  The climb from Bessels to Shroton Common nearly proved too much for the Jag's traction
control but I just managed to crawl her over the hill.  By the time we reached the Bakers Arms the roads through Child Okeford were clear.
Not going to be a problem then!  How wrong can you be.  The main A354 to Dorchester had not been cleared as well as you would expect! 
We trundle along as slowly as we can (It's A JAG!) with minor slipping.  The approach to Winterborne Whitchurch required no braking
going down the hill as the road was sheet ice!  Then there was the pair of ambulances blocking the road just before the A35 by-pass. 
Just when we thought we were about to get going, the hill at Troytown presents another problem and we are barely able to keep crawling
along.  Shouting "Don't Stop!" at the Tosser in front seemed to do the trick though.

We abandoned the car in a car park where we can only park for 4 hours at a cost of £4, and then they want £4 per hour!  Chiselling Bastards!  In the snow
I couldn't see any lines and just joined the best looking row.  Kath later found us boxed in as the snow had melted and now everyone was parked in the proper bays! 
Have they no sense, Tossers!

Anyway, we enjoyed a large greasy breakfast for a Fiver in The Gorge.  It's a tradition with those who go every year!  Should have taken a picture really.  T
hink I need an Assistant Photographer!  We met up with fellow SADCAT, Pad in the caff and our old friend Alan (aka Lightweight).  Pad went off to secure a place
near the front of the queue and I pushed in just short of opening time - 11am.  Nick joined us and Zoe & Kathy went off shopping. 
So 5 SADCATS enter the Festival, and here are the pictures to prove it!  Cheers everyone!

Sunday 25 January 2009

Does anybody know where this pub is?

 

Thanks to Paul Hathaway at Islay Ales for letting us know that this very picturesque pub is almost on our doorstep.
It's The Royal Oak, Langstone, Hayling Island.  A 15th Century waterside pub which claims to be the most painted
and photographed pub in the country.  Sadly in recent years it has become a Greene King managed house.

Friday 23 January 2009

An impromptu tour of The New Forest - A Jaguar & 3 SADCATS - Bob, Tony, & Pad.

    The Cuckoo - Hamptworth
    A fantastic find which joins the PTVBYD List.
    18th century building, originally a school & one time village shop has 4 rooms
    off bar area which has stood in time for a good 50 years.
    3 good beers on gravity dispense + a scrumpy cider. Extra ales at weekends
    Occasional food nights. Lovely garden.
    A quintessential English village pub.

    Beer Festival in September !!

  
 The Lamb - Nomansland - Decent country boozer           Royal Oak - Fritham - Tiny basic pub, worth a visit. (Popped home & changed cars!)

Fighting Cocks - Godshill - A return by Bob & Pad after 30 years. Not much changed, but the beer is much better.
 

Sunday 18 January 2009

Thanks Laurie!  An excellent Sunday Roast in The Dolphin, kindly organised by Zoe, so we didn't have to cook on our
return from Ski-ing.  Just as well, eh Hoppy!
 

Tuesday 13 January 2009
                                                               
 

                          

3 SADCATS indulging in Apres Ski activities -
Le Foyer Bar (2340mt) La Thuile, Valle D'Aosta, Italy

It's hard work, doing all these Pub reviews, but someone has to do it!!!
 

Saturday 3 January 2009

Tony Morris and Teresa went to see Roger (Tony's brother) & Gwyneth for the weekend in Chippenham.  A lunch-time walk in the crisp but sunny weather
brought them to the lovely National Trust village of Lacock, where a little look round unearthed 4 pubs.  Kath & I were delighted to get a call from Gwyneth
asking what we were doing that night.  Nothing as it happens, so we were invited to join the party!  A good bucket of Chilli then hiring a mini-bus
we trawled Lacock once again and reviewed the following pubs:

The Bell ~ NW Wilts CAMRA pub of the year for the last 5 years but 6X scored a lowly 2.5 and the guest ale not much better!!!??

Red Lion ~ Dating from 1360 this imposing Waddys Hotel serves a good pint and pricy food

Carpenters Arms ~ A pub since 1610 delivers excellent Courage beers + good well priced food. Ornate Ladies toilet.

George Inn ~ A proper old pub since 1361.  Great atmosphere, good pint of Waddys, shame food is pricey.

The Crew relax in The George at the end of a hard days work!
 

Sunday 28 December 2008

The last 'Official' meeting for the Yellow '08 Tour shirts, but only Tony Addley & Bob were wearing them!

We welcomed some of our 'Honorary' members who founded the old 'Somerset Dorset & Wilts Drinking Society' several years ago and
presented their Badges in The Saxon.  Welcome to SADCATS Mark, Rita, and Warren.

Bob, Kath, Rita, Mark, Warren.

Stopping for a quick snifter at The Tarky Arms on our way home, we found Roger & Gwyneth who want to join us on Tour.  So we took them back down
The Saxon to present their Badges.  By this time I was too pissed to even remember I had a camera, let alone use it!  But we welcome them as new SADCATS.

I did manage to take orders for the new 2009 Black/Gold shirts.  And as our favourite barmaid has a lot to put up with on Sunday afternoons, we have
included her in the order.
 

Christmas Day 2008

Didn't take any pictures today, but most of us managed to meet for the customary 'Xmas Drink' from Peter & Helen.
Thought I would add a scan of an old Polaroid taken just before midnight on Xmas Eve 2003.

    At this point in time I don't really 'know' the person
   foreground right, looking at a Polaroid of Himself! 

 Thursday 18 December 2008

As we are a Club, we thought we should organise a traditional Christmas Party.  We managed to find a date when everyone could go and the consensus was to find
a pub with a good selection of beers, have a decent meal without spending a fortune, and an economic taxi ride home. 
One or two names went into the pot and the winner was...................... The Dolphin (aka White Hart) in Blandford.

As all 10 of us turned up it was not easy to accommodate us in this tiny pub but the Landlord and his team did an excellent job.
The beers were great and the food was exactly what we were looking for!  many, many thanks!  Obviously this place gets a good review and goes in The Directory!

This was the first time the 10 of us had got together all wearing the 2008 Yellow  Shirts, and guess who forgot to put the memory card in his camera!!! 
Hopefully there may be some pictures to come from various phones.  Watch this space.

Anyway, the main business of the evening was to choose the colours for next years Tour Shirts.  The options were....

And The WINNER was......... No.8  Black Shirts/Gold lettering, amended to 2009.

The girls took on the boys in the pub quiz and won by 1 point, thanks to Bob!!!

   
               Teresa, Zoe, Nick                                  Nick, Tony A, Tony M                            Wendy, Andy, Teresa

Monday 3 March 2008

It's my Birthday today, and Tony M very graciously offered to take me on a lunch time pub cruise.
We visit 5 interesting pubs between Westbury and outskirts of Devizes, none of which I have seen before, but this is Tony's old stomping ground.
As a special treat I am introduced to Inspector Wexford in his 'local' - The Churchill Arms, Littleton Pannell - but resisted the urge to ask Tony to
take photographs. I think he wanted the floor to open at that point.  And although the pub were selling his Biography - I didn't seek an autograph either!
Here are a few pictures, and the full reviews are of course in The Pub Directory.  Sadly as we got back to Bratton, near Westbury, The Duke was closed
so I didn't get to look up Allen & Helene Snelgrove who used to run The Queens Arms, Ivy St, Salisbury which I frequented on many a lunch time when
I worked in the city.  Pub-of-the-Day was easily The Owl.  Thanks Tony, great day out!

   
The Bell, Great Cheverell                                       Churchill Arms, Littleton Pannell                           The Owl, Little Cheverell

 
Angel, Dave                                              Fox & Hounds, Warminster

9 August 2007 ~ SADCATS on Tour - Botswana

A month long trek of the Southern African continent  took in Cape Town, PE, East London, Durban, Joburg, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Botswana.
That's a drive of about 10,000 km and for once I couldn't do it on my own.  Shame Kath wasn't driving then.

 
Largest group of SADCATS Abroad:-                      The view from the bar !!!    -    Okevango River Delta, Botswana.
Warren, Bob, Kath, Mark, and Rita
with Amanda (far right) and Miqueila at the Bar

 
Bob & Warren enjoying a Castle together                       Excellent value for money food too

Copyright © 2008 S.A.D.C.A.T.S.
Last modified: 26-Jul-2010