Six-a-side champions: Arkell's managing director and Swindon Cares chairman James Arkell presents the six-a-side trophy to Dolphin landlord Phil King
Ex-Swindon Town star-turned Arkell's landlord Phil King and his regulars from the Dolphin pub were crowned Swindon Cares six-a-side champions on 14 July 2004.
In a tournament organised and sponsored by Arkells Brewery, the Rodbourne ale house came out on top after ten teams battled out an evening of high quality football on pitches at Swindon Town Football Club.
Raising money for local charities, the event added over £900 to the coffers of the Swindon Cares charity, a fundraising body that aims to engage all areas of Swindon's community, schools, businesses, groups and individuals, to support people in our town.
In a hotly contested final, the Dolphin and the Cross Link Centre (who had ousted a skilful SwindonWeb side in the semi-final) played out a tense, eight minute-a-side, affair with Phil King himself scoring the only goal of the game to win the trophy.
All eight members of the triumphant team won a medal, a case of Arkell's ale and a VIP day at the County Ground to see Swindon Town v Peterborough next season.
In the competition for those eliminated in the round-robin stages, The Evening Advertiser team staged a superb comeback to come from 2-0 down against the Blunsdon House Hotel to take home the runner-up plate prize.
After presenting the trophy to the Dolphin, Arkell's managing director and Swindon Cares chairman James Arkell congratulated the winning team on their achievement and paid tribute to all those who gave up their time to help raise funds.
"It has been a fantastic night of six-a-side football, played in the best possible spirit. Many thanks to all the individuals, pubs, clubs, and companies that entered teams. Special thanks must also go to Swindon Town Football Club for the use of the pitches and equipment, and to the three referees who volunteered to administer discipline!
Celebration time: Phil King (centre) and his Dolphin team celebrate their six-a-side win alongside Nick Arkell (back row, far left) and James Arkell
"The money raised tonight will all go to good causes in the local area [four main charities the Swindon Cancer Appeal, Age Concern Swindon, the NSPCC and GWR FM Community Trust] and to help us reach our Swindon Cares fundraising target of £20,000 for 2004."
Teams that took part in the event include: Edmont Joinery, Arkells Vets, The Evening Advertiser, Swindon Town Football Club, SwindonWeb, The Dolphin pub, The Manor pub, Blunsdon House, BJ All-stars and The New Inn pub. It is hoped that after the success of this year's tournament the Swindon Cares six-a-side will become an annual fixture.
Other events in a week of fundraising across town include a quiz night, speed-dating, a cycling race and loads more. Full details are available via the link below.
More about The Dolphin
Swindon Cares
Former Para Drops Into The Lord Lyon
New start: New chef Colin Harris with Guy and Sue Tatlow
A former member of the Parachute Regiment has ‘dropped’ in to The Lord Lyon at Stockcross near Newbury to take over as chef.
But customers needn’t worry that all they can look forward to on the menu is bully beef, because Colin Harris trained as a chef before going into the army and only cooks with fresh ingredients.
It’s worked out well for new landlords at this Arkell’s pub, Guy and Sue Tatlow, too. Guy, who used to work in investments in the City and his wife, Sue a former deputy primary school head teacher, took over the pub just two weeks ago after selling a similar business in Weymouth and had to find a new chef quickly.
“Colin is just what the pub needs,” says Guy. “He is very experienced in preparing traditional pub food using fresh produce sourced from local suppliers – even the pastry is home-made just as his mother used to make! The menu ranges from a varied lunchtime menu to an extensive evening menu to include steaks and fresh fish. Vegetarians are also catered for with dishes such as caramelised onion tart that you won’t find on many menus as this is Colin’s own recipe.”
“After fifteen year in the paras, although it was a wonderful experience, I reckoned I’d done enough, so I decided to return to the career I’d enjoyed the most,” says Colin. “I trained as a chef before going into the army and when I came out I decided to work for a restaurant in Majorca. I returned to the UK earlier this year and was lucky enough to find this job at The Lord Lyon straight away.
The Lord Lyon, bought by Swindon-based Arkell’s Brewery in 1989 is named after a famous racehorse which won the Triple Crown in 1866 and was owned by Lord Sutton who also owned much of the surrounding land. Only in the last 40 years was the name was changed and older villagers in Stockcross still refer to it as The Nag's Head.
After fifteen years of beef stew and dumplings, chicken mushroom pasta and treacle pudding, all in unappetizing freeze-dried packages, Colin can’t get enough fresh food. “Give me a lovely piece of meat from the local butchers and some ripe vegetables any day and I’ll create a meal fit for a Lord!”
More about The Lord Lyon
Sally Pussey Treated To A Right Royal Opening!
Royal Re-opening: Sir Maurice Johnson (centre) celebrates next to (l to r) James Arkell, managing director of Arkell's Brewery, landlord Mike Randall, landlady Norah Thomas and Arkell's director George Arkell
Wootton Bassett was treated to an almost Royal occasion yesterday when The Queen’s official representative, The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnson, reopened The Sally Pussey Inn, owned by Arkell’s Brewery, with the help of two mayors and a High Sheriff.
Brewery managing director and High Sheriff of Wiltshire, James Arkell and his son, George, also a director, invited Swindon Mayor Derek Benfield and Mayor of Wootton Bassett, Susan Cooksley to join the Lord Lieutenant and over 100 guests to celebrate the reopening of one of Swindon’s most popular pubs.
And with all these officials around, if anyone had made off with the beer, the High Sheriff, invoking ancient rights and customs could have arrested them, the Queen’s representative could have tried them and the mayors could have thrown them into jail!
The Sally Pussey has been owned by Arkell’s Brewery since 1906. Originally called The Wheatsheaf, it was rechristened The Sally Pussey in 1971 after its most famous landlady, Sarah Purse (or Sally Pussey as she was known locally) whose family ran the pub in the nineteenth century.
This diminutive landlady, who stood just 5’1” high, became a living legend because of her extraordinary powers of faith healing. And such is her continuing reputation that over 150 years later her descendents still come to the pub from across the United Kingdom every summer to celebrate the great Sally Pussey! (The next great ‘Sally Pussey’ event takes place this Saturday 26th June).
Although in awe of the late, great Sally Pussey, current landlords Mike Randall and Norah Thomas are not overshadowed by her.
“We’ve been here three years and we’re sure she would have approved of the ‘new’ Sally Pussey,” said Norah. “The building work has made it airy and bright with a new conservatory, bigger kitchen, bigger bar, new loos and a really efficient cellar to keep the beer at its best.”
Wootton Bassett Mayor, Susan Cooksley, agrees. “With all the upheavals over the last four months, the locals were a little worried that all the work would diminish the character of the pub, but it hasn’t at all. It’s been done beautifully and it looks great.”
Although he said it was the first time he’d pulled a pint since 1944, Sir Maurice Johnson successfully topped up his tankard and toasted the continuing success of this landmark pub.
More about The Sally Pussey Inn
Do Do-it-again Ron Ron
Back at the Red Lion: former landlord Ron Siddall (left) officially re-opens the pub he left in the early 70s next to representatives from Lechlade's business community, Roy Cooper and John Coxeter.
He might be 83 but Ron Siddall can still pull a good pint!
Former Red Lion landlord Ron was the special guest yesterday when he pulled the first pint after Arkell’s Brewery threw open the doors of its newly-refurbished pub in Lechlade, following a make-over which cost the brewery in excess of £300,000.
Ron spent almost a decade behind the bar at The Red Lion when he was ‘head-hunted’ by current brewery chairman, Peter Arkell, in 1963.
“Ron and I go back a very long way,” said Peter Arkell (82) at the opening yesterday. “We were at the old Hammonds Brewery in Yorkshire together – I’d gone there to learn the brewing trade but when I returned to Arkell’s in the late 1950s I never forgot Ron. I finally persuaded him to ‘bravely’ move South to join us as a landlord just as the Swinging Sixties were starting.
Little did Ron know that this was the beginning of a long-lasting career with the brewery and he finally became an executive director at Arkell’s Brewery in 1975, retiring in 1986.
“It’s wonderful to see him again – back where he belongs, behind the bar,” said Peter.
Ron, who now lives in nearby Highworth with his wife Pat, said: “It’s changed a bit since I was here – but it probably needed to! Things have moved on since I was a landlord – and the pubs are much better for it. Most of all I enjoyed the people of Lechlade, it was such a friendly town.”
New landlord, Chris Benton, agrees. “I’ve been here since January, and the renovations have been going on ever since I arrived. But the town is superb – they’ve been so welcoming. I’m really enjoying the new pub – especially since they put the new staircase in because for weeks I had to use a ladder to get to my bedroom, and the first thing I saw in the morning were the cheery faces of the builders!”
The Red Lion is the latest pub owned by Arkell’s Brewery to get the total makeover treatment.
“The Red Lion is more than 400 years old and as people’s drinking and eating habits have change over the years so pubs have to change to accommodate them,” says brewery managing director, James Arkell. “We have a rolling programme of decoration and renovation on all our 103 pubs and it’s wonderful to give renewed life to an old pub which has been with Arkell’s since 1874. We’ve extended the bar, opened up the restaurant and put in wide screen TV, a pool table and air conditioning.
“But most importantly of all, Red Lion customers will be delighted to hear that we’ve put in new loos. As well as the new disabled loos, ladies no longer have to scale two flights of stairs to reach their goal and the gentlemen’s loos are also much more pleasantly-sited than before. As I’m sure Ron will agree - that’s real progress!”
More about The Red Lion
Not quite cricket – yet, at The Bell!
A good catch for Arkells: Teresa and Steven Cleverly take in some cricket practice in front of their pub, The Bell at Purton Stoke
New landlords at The Bell, Purton Stoke near Cricklade are calling for cricket-loving customers to dust off their bats and balls, and come forward to volunteer for a cricket team at this small, country pub.
Teresa and Steven Cleverly, who took over behind the bar at this Arkell’s pub last week, are keen to enter a team in the nearby Cricklade Sixes competition, taking place in July.
“I don’t play cricket myself, but I’m willing to have a go,” says landlord Steven, who also works at Edmont in Swindon as a delivery driver.
The trouble is that not only has The Bell not got a team, but it hasn’t got anywhere for them to practice either! But Steven and Teresa don’t see this as an insurmountable problem.
“We don’t want to have a crack team, we just want to have a bit of a laugh,” said Teresa. “And I’m willing to make a good cricket tea!”
It’s all part of Teresa and Steven’s plan to revive The Bell back to the centre of village life in Purton Stoke – and they not only want cricket teams, but more darts teams, quiz teams and anything that keeps their customers entertained.
“This is the first time we’ve run a pub and we’re looking forward to it,” explains Teresa. “I love the social side of pub life and The Bell is the sort of village pub that is increasingly becoming all too rare. We’re not doing cordon bleu catering or offering cheap booze – just good beer and the sort of bar where you feel comfortable when you walk in.”
James Arkell, managing director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Rural village pubs are precious and the countryside used to be full of them, but unpretentious village pubs are increasingly hard to find. These day if you set off for a country walk, expecting a reviving pint of beer at the end, sometimes you’ll have blisters before you get there!
“Purton Stoke is a lovely village with lots going on and where the local pub has always been the hub. The only bit of trouble we know about (although not from personal knowledge you understand!) is in 1844 when the landlord was prosecuted for keeping a disorderly house – but that was 82 years before Arkell’s bought it and we’ve been sure to keep our landlords on the right side of the law since then.”
More about The Bell
Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire’s High Sheriff Celebrate Unsung Heroes
On Sunday 13th June, more than 250 Foster parents, their children and foster children from Swindon will be welcomed to The High Sheriff of Wiltshire, James Arkell's home, in Hannington Wick near Highworth for a celebration tea party from 4-7pm.
And for the first time, the children of foster parents - the unsung heroes and heroines of fostering - are being celebrated at the event.
According to Graham Senior, team manager at Swindon Borough Council’s Family Placement Team said: “The children of foster parents play a big role in the fostering process. They often have to share their rooms, their toys and their parents time and we want to say a special thank you to them.”
The event will be held at Sterts House at Hannington Wick, by kind permission of James Arkell and his wife Counciller Cally Arkell – a Swindon Borough Council children’s champion.
James Arkell, who is also managing director of Arkell’s Brewery, said: “With four children ourselves, Cally and I know that each child generally has their own place within the family unit. Adding extra foster children can upset that balance and foster parents’ own children have to adapt to accommodate the new arrivals. Most children of foster parents make this sacrifice willingly, welcoming foster children into their homes and their lives, and we want to celebrate them.”
Each child of a foster parent will receive personal thanks and a certificate from James and Cally Arkell and the Swindon Borough Council Family Placement Team during the day.
“Although we are paying particular attention to these young people, the tea party is very definitely for everyone involved in fostering,” said James. “We want to give both the foster children and foster parents, as well as the children of foster parents a really enjoyable Summer afternoon out.”
Royal Treat For CAMRA Beer Festival
Royal Brew Beer festival goers will get the chance to try Arkell's 1981 commemorative ale
The Red Lion at Cricklade is holding its first vintage beer festival this weekend. The event kicks off today [28 May 2004] when representatives from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and brewers from across the country converge on this pretty Cotswold pub to taste real ales from yesteryear.
One very special beer, which has been contributed by Arkell's Brewery, is the Charles and Diana Anniversary Ale, brewed in commemoration of their wedding.
Brewed 1981 by the previous head brewer, Don Kenchington, using much the same traditional methods that are still used today, Arkell's has stored four kilderkins (18 gallons) in its cellar for the last 23 years and the brewery has brought out just one for Real Ale Drinkers at The Red Lion.
According to current head brewer, Don Bracher, it certainly doesn't taste like beer - and is being sold in 175 ml wine glasses!
James Arkell managing director at Arkell's Brewery, said: "We're thrilled to be able to give The Red Lion such a special beer to support their vintage beer festival."
Arkell's has also provided barrels of 2002 Noel Ale and 2002 Kingsdown Ale which, according to Don Bracher, taste really lovely!
Landlords Mark and Tracey at The Red Lion can be contacted on Cricklade (01793) 750776.
Ringing the Changes at The Eight Bells
Back in Fairford: Sue Wakefield, Oliver & Sheila Cleary
Fairford might have just lost its well-loved vicar to retirement, but residents were able to welcome back two familiar faces to the town this week when landlords Oliver and Sheila Cleary made a triumphant return to take over at Arkell’s Brewery’s The Eight Bells.
The Clearys moved to Fairford six years ago to run The Plough, just 200 yards away, and made many friends amongst the local community.
But just two years into their tenancy, Arkell’s asked them to help launch their then newest-built pub, The Jovial Monk, in North Swindon.
Now they’re back, bringing with them Sue Wakefield who takes over as bar manager.
“It was a huge wrench to leave Fairford at the time – and in fact The Jovial Monk’s opening party had more people from Fairford than it did from Swindon,” said Oliver. “But we’re really delighted to be back amongst our great friends in Fairford – and it’s especially welcome for Sue because her daughter’s already a pupil at Farmor’s school.”
The Eight Bells threw open its doors again to Fairford residents last Thursday (20 May).
“We’ve got big plans for the pub,” said bar manager Sue. “And I’m bringing back the hugely-popular Sunday Roasts – just as soon as I’ve found my feet behind my new bar!”
Managing director at Arkell’s Brewery, James Arkell, said: “Oliver and Sheila are quite simply amongst the best landlords a pub can have, with their energy, good humour and enthusiasm for the job. And because Sue Wakefield has been with them for years, she’s learned bar management from the best in the business.”
Fairford is an Arkell’s heartland for the brewery. Most of the Arkell’s family lives quite close by and there are three Arkell’s pubs in the town, so they’ve got somewhere close for a pint of 3Bs!
“We’re lucky enough to have three pubs in Fairford, all with excellent landlords at the helm,” adds James. “In this town we can truly say three cheers for our three pubs.”
More about The Eight Bells
Flying the Flag for the OFLADS!
Keeping in The Flag flying: Lorna Sumbler and her husband Andy with her vodka shots and beloved Beatles
With around 80% of the country’s disposable income lying in the pockets of the older generation, according to a report*, new landlady Lorna Sumbler at The Flag on Bridge Street in Swindon is targeting the over forties!
“There are a lot of OFLADS (Over Forty Likes A Drink)’ in Swindon town centre, but nowhere really aimed at them,” says this Arkell’s landlady – who’s just pipped forty herself!
“We’re the only traditional pub in Swindon town centre, and during the day we get a lot of the more mature people who drop in for a drink and lunch, so now we’re nailin our colours to the mast and flying the flag for the older generation!”
Despite being the new landlady, Lorna has in fact been working at The Flag for almost a year, and took over the license earlier this month.
“The Flag’s a fantastic pub, and very different from the bars and venues that surround us which aim for the younger drinker,” explains Lorna. “We provide a different type of environment. No TV (sorry!), but live music, jam sessions and karaoke – and much of our music is from the 70s, 80s and 90s, especially The Beatles because I’m a real fan.”
But younger drinkers aren’t just sneaking in for Lorna’s vodka shots, which she makes herself from melted chocolate bars, sweets and a secret ingredient – she thinks that they’re also drawn to the foot-tapping and familiar music she’s playing.
“In the evenings, we seem to be attracting lots of would-be OFLADS – younger people who enjoy this style of pub, and want to take time out from the bigger and busier bars across the road. This makes for a fabulous evening when old and young mix together – and I just love the buzz.”
Brewery managing director, James Arkell, a bit of an OFLAD himself, says: “Lorna’s a terrific character and we love what she’s doing with The Flag. Swindon is a much more interesting place when it can offer a whole range of different pubs and bars to suit everyone and she’s got the energy to really keep The Flag flying.”
More about The Flag
*Survey Results
Falklands Veteran takes over helm at The Friar
At The Helm: John and Nora Worsdale
Falklands Veteran, John Worsdale and his wife Nora have taken the helm at The Friar pub in New Marston – but running a City pub will be almost a walk in the park after his previous career.
John spent 22 years in the Navy and saw action in The Falklands and Northern Ireland. Not content with a fulltime naval career, after retiring from service he became a police officer in West Oxfordshire.
“Whilst in the Falklands, my ship, HMS Antrim, was bombed with a 1000 ton bomb and it took 24 hours to get it off,” said John. “It was a tough time for all of us and certainly not one I would like to experience again.”
Between them, John and Nora have eight children and 14 grandchildren and after their more exciting careers (Nora worked with people with learning difficulties), they now want to make The Friar a friendly, neighbourhood pub for all the family.
“Our children live around Oxfordshire and they’ve all been to see us already,” said Nora, who only moved in last week. “We’ve got a large garden at the back with a play area and a bouncy castle, so we’re looking forward to welcoming all the locals with their families over the Summer months.”
The Friar’s regulars in New Marston haven’t been slow to welcome the new couple, and almost drank the Arkell’s pub dry during their new landlord’s first weekend behind the bar.
Managing director at pub owners Arkell’s Brewery, James Arkell, said: “John and Nora will be wonderful landlords at The Friar, but we hope that John won’t find life behind the bar too staid after his previous career – I don’t think you could get much more land-locked than Oxfordshire.”
More about The Friary...
No Gold Clock for Peter's 50 Years!
Surprise gift: Arkell's Chairman Peter Arkell receives his fifty year momento from Swindon Mayor Derek Benfield
Some Chairman get a gold timepiece for clocking up 50 years with the same company.
But directors at Arkell's Brewery decided to go one better when they presented Chairman Peter Arkell, 81, with a specially-commissioned painted collage of staff members as a memento of his half century at the brewery.
"We promote ourselves as a family brewery, and that's just what we are," said his son, and managing director, James Arkell.
"But it's not just the Arkell's family. Everyone here is part of an extended family and often generations have worked at the brewery. We felt that a painting depicting office staff, such as Karen Conn who looks after transport (the draymen), and Lesley McDonald in the administration department as well as Peter's PA, Teresa Hill, would have more meaning than the more usual gifts. And anyway, we're not planning for him to leave the brewery yet and are looking forward to celebrating his sixty years at a the helm - perhaps then we'll give him a gold clock!"
Swindon Mayor, Derek Benfield, presented the surprise gift, which shows 26 members of Arkell's staff, and was painted by Bristol-based artist Simon McCouaig, during a special lunch at the Brewery this week.
Peter Arkell said: "This is such a surprise and probably the nicest and most thoughtful gift I could have been given. Those shown in the painting are just some of the loyal staff I work with every day. Of course, over the last fifty years there have been many more, but if they had all been in the painting it would have been rather crowded!"
