Cambridge Beer Festival

Saturday 28th May, saw Aylsham RT visit Cambridge Beer Festival for the second time, our last visit being in 2009.

An early start was the order of the day, as Nigel 'Castro' Jackson, insisted on a rendevouz at 7.57am before catching the train to Cambridge. Those heading to Cambrdige were, Paul East, Chairman James Marks, Paul Morris, Leon East & JT.  

Chairman - Cambridge Beer Fest 2011

Once in Cambridge, the boys headed for the usual, wait for wait for it, no surprises here, a WEATHERSPOON's BREAKFAST, I bet you were not expecting that! Breakfast was consumed with the usual first pint of the day, Straw Dog!

After breakers, some of the boys, were keen to take in some punting. Chairman Marksey, took the punt in his hand and the boys set sail for which should have been a relaxing cruise along the picturesque city of Cambridge. Instead it nearly turned in The Posideon Adventure, with the boys escaping the drink on more than one occasion. However, we were a novelty factor for the Chinese and Japanese tourists and we will feature heavily in many 'eastern' photo albums!

Once back on dry ground the boys had a quick look round one of the colleges, thanks to the Chairman and then a pint was in order at the fest. The boys had a great time over the next few hours, beer, food, beer and food (you know the score by now!), but several of the ales were off, which meant that the selection was a little poor. By 5.30pm, Chairman Marksey, suggested 'The Eagle' pub for tea. A great little number this turned out to be. Reasonably priced, very old (17th century) and severing a decent pint. The boys had fish and chips all round, while Marksey had a soup!

The boys then moved onto a pub, which they found on their previous trip, which allowed some of the troop to lay 'ghosts to rest', a they enjoyed a leisurely pint and stroll back to the train station.

Once on board the train back to Norwich, Easty provided snackettes of chocolate eclairs and a bottle of 'red' which was quickly consumed, as farting then broke out in abundance within the carriage. I have never seen a conductor check tickets so quickly!

A great day out and well done to James and Nigel!

Jonathan Thetford,
International Officer, 

Aylsham & District RT No.784 

Aylsham Beer Festival 2011 - May 2011

Aylsham & District RoundTable No.784 hosted their 6th Annual Charity Beer Festival and it provided to be their most successful so far!

This year saw the festival have a choice of over 35 ales, all brewed solely in Norfolk. Ranging from large brewers, Woodfordes to small micro breweries such as, Spectrum, Tipples, Panther and Fox. Whilst it also included brews from Grain, Wolf and other medium sized breweries. As in the last few years, the festival also provided a selection of ciders, again all produced within the county.

The Friday evening, saw numbers slightly down on the previous year, as Norwich City were being shown live on Sky in an important top of the table Championship clash. However, this did not stop the number of beers being sunk, as the people purchasing further tokens, proved to be one of our best evenings yet. 

Entertainment on the Friday evening, was provided by the ever popular 'One Foot in the Grove'. A talented jazz band, who always surprises us with some of their numbers....nice!

Saturday from 11am onwards, was another pleasant surprise, as the public to full advantage of the reduced entry fee, during the afternoon session, to £10, for 3 pints, a glass and entry. Members of the 'Table' really get a chance on this session to mingle with the public and its great to see so many regular faces and to catch up. Many positives could be heard in relation to the excellent selection of beers.

The early evening started quietly, but the community hall really began to buzz at approximately 8pm, as the godfather of rock, Giovanni, took centre stage with his accordion, as the numbers swelled within the hall. Giovanni, kicked up a frenzy on stage with such classics as 'Knees up Mother Brown' and 'We're off to sunny, sunny Spain', which infused the Aylsham faith full in to the palm of his hand.

The 'Cider Shack' was fast becoming another success, as the barrels began dropping off like nine pins! Chief cider connoisseur, Richard Codling (ex-Aylsham & District RT) hailed time at 10pm, as the last drop of cider vanished for another year!  

By 10.30pm, the last glass had been sold at the festival as numbers rose, equally the takings had doubled to the previous year, meaning that the 'Table' had made £4K for local charities, a quite staggering effort, of which everyone associated should be very proud of. Whether they are a member, honorary, friend, sponsor or a member of the public who came along and enjoyed! We thank you all for contributing to a fantastic event in Aylsham's diary.

Here's looking forward to next years event, raising a glass - April 2012 here we come!!

Jonathan Thetford, International Officer, Aylsham & District RT