31st January 2007

The Bell Inn, Adderbury celebrates Community Pubs Week – February 17th to 24th

To mark Community Pubs Week, The Bell Inn, Adderbury, Oxfordshire is organising a week of events! Community Pubs Week is a CAMRA initiative to celebrate British pubs and to help raise the profile and importance of pubs in the community and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to use community pubs more often.

It's a frightening reality that at least 26 pubs are closing in Britain each month and, worse still, the majority of these pubs are not high street chain bars or theme pubs, but community pubs, recognised by most people these days, as important community amenities.

The local pub, after all, is often the heart of the community. Landlord of the Bell Inn, John Bellinger, said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a number of events again this year to mark Community Pubs Week 2007. As members of CAMRA, Trisha and I support them in their efforts to encourage more people to visit pubs and hope people in the area will come and join us for a fun time.

Community Pubs Week at the Bell will coincide with the official opening of the newly refurbished ‘Wifred’s Lounge’, with its contrasting décor and mood, where customers can enjoy a drink, or a meal if they wish, in a smoke free environment, ahead of the total smoking ban to be introduced later in the year!

To mark the occasion, John will be making available the full range of Hooky cask ales throughout the week, including Hooky Dark, Hooky Bitter, Hooky Gold and Old Hooky, in addition to the seasonal brew, Double Stout and St Austell’s Tribute, their guest ale for February! This is the first time that the full range of Hooky beers has been available at the Bell Inn since the pub was awarded a Beautiful Beer Gold Award in December of last year! In addition, the Bell will also be hosting the following events throughout Community Pubs Week.

Saturday February 17th
Steak Night, with low, low prices! 'Open the Box' Night (proceeds to Katharine House Hospice). Live music, with Ian and Katrina of the Rogues, with a celtic flavour

Sunday February 18th
The Bell Inn Quiz.

Monday February 19th
An evening of folk and acoustic music.

Tuesday February 20th
Lunchtime Pancake Race Challenge.

Wednesday February 21st
Dart match against the Elephant and Castle, Banbury.

Thursday February 22nd
CAMRA branch meeting followed by a social, 'Pub and Ale' quiz!

Friday February 23rd
50/50 darts match. Under 50's v Over 50's.

Saturday February 24th
6 Nations final matches (total points for the day sweepstake). Steak Night, with low, low prices! 'Spin it to Win it' Night (proceeds to Katharine House Hospice).

Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Chief Executive, said: “Community pubs, particularly those in more remote areas, are often the hub of the lives of local people. None of us want to be in a situation where the only way we speak with our neighbours is through a car window or at a supermarket many miles away.

However an increasing number of these pubs are being lost.” With the continuous changes pubs are facing, they are going to have to work hard to pull in customers and redefine themselves as a vital service for their communities, but they can’t do it without the help of the people they serve.

Pubs are closing at an alarming rate, especially in the small communities which need them most. As with many things, you don’t miss things until they are gone and, clichéd or not, if you don’t use it you’ll lose it!”

For more information contact: John Bellinger – 01295 810338
CAMRA website www.camra.org.uk