Issue 77 February - March 2013 FREEFREEFREE take me read me share me the Oxford Drinker
UNDER THREAT
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The free newsletter of the Also including the Oxford Branch of CAMRA White Horse Branch of CAMRA www.oxfordcamra.org.uk www.whitehorsecamra.org.uk issue 77 February - March 2013 Contents
5 Welcome A new year, an interim editor, but will you help to make the Oxford Drinker survive?
6 Closing Time Dave Richardson takes a look at pub closures in South and West Oxford
9 Palmers’ Celebrate The Lamb and Flag in Oxford hosts a Meet the Brewer night
10 News The Wig and Pen reopens, plus all the “The charred pub sign is just other local pub news one sign of its drawn-out agony, as are the hanging baskets still in place and the 16 12-12-12 fly-posters, one poignantly An account of trip to Westminster to lobby MPs over beer duty advertising Rave to the Grave.” Page 6 19 Festival Report Oxford Beer Festival report, plus news from other local events.
20 White Horse News 27 Wheatley & East News and articles from the White Horse Our monthly minibus trip visits Wheatley branch and the Otmoor villages
22 Coast to Cost 29 Pubs honoured Dick Bosley completes his walk from The branch makes two awards to pubs in London to Bristol Abingdon and Oxford
24 Liverpool Weekend 30 8 Years of Old Bog Branch members visit Liverpool to try the Oxford’s oldest surviving brewery city’s 28 Good Beer Guide pubs. celebrates 8 years in business. the Oxford Drinker Page 3 issue 77
Page 4 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013 Welcome...... to the last ever Oxford Drinker?
Welcome to the (much delayed) maintain the magazine’s profile issue 77 of the Oxford Drinker. and to appeal to you, our There is a real possibility that members and readers, for help this issue could be the last. in producing future issues.
Unfortunately, our previous We have a number of people The Oxford Drinker is the newsletter of the Oxford and White Horse editorial team, Steven and who have provided vital branches of CAMRA, the Campaign JoHanne Green, felt they were assistance in producing this for Real Ale. unable to continue in December issue, but we cannot for personal reasons. During necessarily guarantee their help 5000 copies are distributed free of their tenure, they took the in the future, so we shall be charge to pubs across the two Oxford Drinker into the colour holding an open discussion branch’s area, including Oxford, Abingdon, Witney, Faringdon, age, increased its size to 32 session, in a pub, to encourage Eynsham, Kidlington, Bampton, pages, and managed to secure those who possess the required Wheatley and Wantage and most of enough advertising revenue to skills, enthusiasm and the villages in between. allow the publication to be self- dedication, to offer their help to sufficient. Everyone at Oxford the Oxford Drinker Team. This newsletter is also available to CAMRA, and I’m sure all of our download in pdf format from our website oxfordcamra.org.uk/drinker readers, would like to pass on If you feel you would be able to out thanks to Steven and assist in any way, please do Valuable contributions have been JoHanne for all the good work come along to our open social received for this issue from Dave they have done over the past meeting at the St Aldates Richardson, David Hill, Richard few years. Tavern on Thursday 14 March Queralt, Dick Bosley, Tony Goulding, from 6pm until 8pm. We would Palmers Brewery, Neil Crook, Dave The Oxford Drinker remains the be grateful for offers of help, Cogdell and all those who have supplied pub reports at branch branch’s major point of contact however small, in order that this meetings or by email. with beer drinkers in important publication can Oxfordshire throughout the continue. If you are unable to Please send contributions to year. It is therefore very make the meeting date, but still [email protected] important that we are able to wish to help, then please including reports on changes to pubs carry on providing information, contact the branch so that your so that we can maintain our database and report about changes and hopefully entertainment, to offer of help can be included in in future issued of this magazine. our readership and membership our overall plans. for the foreseeable future. With [email protected] For advertising rates contact this in mind, I have taken on the MATT BULLOCK [email protected] - we editorship of this interim issue to are sorry but no phone number is available at present whilst we sort out our new editorial team - see right. Thursday 14 March 2013 6pm to 8pm The views expressed in this St Aldates Tavern, Oxford OX1 1BU publication are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily Open meeting to discuss the future publication of the those of Oxford or White Horse Branches of CAMRA, or of CAMRA Oxford Drinker
Limited. We require volunteers
Printed by Leachprint, Abingdon Selling Advertising Receiving/Chasing Copy from Advertisers www.leachprint.co.uk Editing Articles Writing Articles Gathering and Collating Information for Publication © Copyright Oxford CAMRA 2013 Layout/Desktop Publishing Distribution the Oxford Drinker Page 5 issue 77
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Reduced prices at the General Elliot; Victorian detail at the Marlborough; the same pub’s substantial corner plot; fly posting at the Fox & Hounds
Closing Time Dave Richardson investigates pub closures to the south and west of Oxford city centre
WITH no sign of when the Fox place and the fly-posters, one Road, across the bridges over & Hounds in Abingdon Road, poignantly advertising Rave to Hinksey Lake and the railway, Oxford will be put out of its the Grave. for a pleasant ten-minute misery and demolished, I country stroll to the postcard decided to take a look at some Off Abingdon Road but closer to village of South Hinksey. It’s of the other closed hostelries the city is the Marlborough somewhat blighted by noise around the south and west of House, on the corner of from the A34, but another blight the city. Western Road and Marlborough is the former General Elliot pub Road. Although this pub closed that has stood derelict since The Fox & Hounds is to in 2007 the handsome exterior closure at Christmas 2008. The become YAT – Yet Another looks remarkably solid and landlord did a runner allegedly Tesco – after a four-year battle intact, and some work is under owing Vale Brewery money, a to get planning permission, way which may lead to it sad fate for a former CAMRA which has bitterly divided the becoming student award winner which was a local community and threatens accommodation. delight to visit in summer – but the viability of a convenience couldn’t attract enough custom store just across the road. The Abingdon Road still boasts year-round. The latest attempt pub closed in 2007 and became three pubs – Greene King’s to sell it for housing fell through an eyesore after a mysterious Crooked Pot (formerly in July, and it’s now a very sorry fire broke out some years later, Berkshire House) and Duke of sight. and the community has been Monmouth, and Wadworth’s pressing for its demolition. The Folly Bridge Inn. A pub crawl West Oxford’s pub scene has charred pub sign is just one on a summer’s day in years also been affected by closures, sign of its drawn-out agony, as gone by would often include a the latest being the Osney are the hanging baskets still in trip up Lake Street off Abingdon Arms on Botley Road which
Page 6 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
Osney Arms’ fate is sealed
Another Oxford pub has been lost for ever - this time it’s the Osney Arms on Botley Road.
A planning application was lodged last year to convert the former-free house into a guest house. Naturally, Oxford CAMRA objected to the plans, citing the fact that the former owners purchased the pub from Greene King and spent lot of money on the property only a couple of years ago, suggesting that it as considered a viable business then and should be given another chance now. closed late in 2011 and is Street, and stranger fates have Unfortunately, our earmarked for conversion into a befallen two pubs at the protestations fell upon deaf guesthouse. Also putting up the western end of Botley Road. ears, and the change of use shutters is Maroon Bar in The Carpenters Arms became was granted in February, Hollybush Row, formerly the the second Oxford pub to flip further thinning the pub stock Chequers, which continues to burgers rather than pull pints as to the west of the city centre. advertise ‘ultimate a branch of McDonalds, while . surroundings’ amid the peeling the George Inn became Richer paint – what is the future for Sounds’ new electronics store. this? Fortunately the adjacent The old George still looks every Honeypot seems to be thriving, inch a pub, and even the and was recently refurbished. benches have been retained outside. Just a few hundred yards away down St Thomas Street, the If all this sounds rather gloomy, Brewery Gate has recently then support the remaining been converted into either living traditional pubs while you can. or office accommodation, Still in business in the Botley having been marooned off the Road area are the Hollybush, beaten track since closure of Kite Inn, Punter (formerly the Morrells’ brewery. On my last Waterman’s Arms) and visit, it didn’t even sell real ale. Seacourt Bridge, while The One is mainly a restaurant. At Also converted into housing is least there are some reasons to the Wharf House on Thames be cheerful. the Oxford Drinker Page 7 Page 8 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
Palmers’ Head Brewer visits the Lamb and Flag
THE Lamb and Flag in Oxford is celebrating selling one third of a million pints of fine ale from Palmers Brewery in Dorset over the last 12 years. Pub profits have gone towards scholarships for students at St John’s College, owner of the historic tavern.
The pub and brewery marked this milestone with a special Meet the Brewer event on 25 October last year in the Lamb and Flag front room. Head Brewer Darren Batten conducted a tasting of all five Palmers’ ales and explained the finer points of brewing each one using traditional methods, at ABOVE: From left: Palmers’ Head Britain’s only thatched brewery Brewer Darren Batten, Palmers’ Sales in Bridport. and Marketing Director Cleeves Palmer and Lamb & Flag landlord Beers available on the night Martin Siggery raise their glasses to included Copper Ale, a 3.7% the beer sales which have helped raise funds for graduate students at St hoppy session beer, Best Bitter, John’s College. which was sold on the night at Photo by Marc West its 1999 price of £2 a pint, Dorset Gold, and the impressive Tally Ho, a 5.5% nutty, dark and professors, as well as Beer Guide entry. A choice of beer. writers and celebrities including real ales was introduced, and JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Philip Palmers’ cask ales were added Lamb & Flag landlord Martin Larkin, Graham Greene and Bill to the range, including a house Siggery said: ‘Palmers beers Clinton. Former Prime Minister beer, Lamb & Flag Gold, shortly are always very popular in Tony Blair was a regular visitor afterwards. Since that time, all Oxford and our customers enjoy during his days as a student at of the profits from every drink a really well kept pint. We liked St John’s College in the 1970s. sold are put towards supporting tasting the full range and student scholarships at St hearing more about how they The pub had been threatened John’s. The Lamb and Flag are made.’ with closure towards the end of Scholarships are awarded to the last century, but a fierce graduate students who are of St John’s College acquired the campaign, supported by Oxford outstanding academic building, along with much of the CAMRA, persuaded the College excellence but have no other rest of the east side of St Giles, to keep the pub open, and in source of funding to pursue from Godstow Abbey in 1695. 1999, it took over the running of their doctorate degrees. The Lamb and Flag Tavern the pub from Scottish & began trading around this time, Newcastle. Since the scheme started, too. Named after the two Lamb and Flag scholarships symbols associated with St This was the catalyst that have enabled 37 gifted students John the Baptist - note the crest turned this historic pub into one to further their studies at St in the bay window glass facing of Oxford’s finest pubs, a runner John’s. That’s definitely worth the passageway - the pub has -up in our Pub of the Year raising a glass to! served generations of students contest, and a regular Good Matt Bullock the Oxford Drinker Page 9 issue 77 Pub News
that attended - considering the The evening was a fantastic Abingdon inclement weather, a lot of success enjoyed by a large BREWERY TAP: We start on a sad people made the efffort and gathering. The pub, which is note to record the passing of made it was a fun weekend situated on the Nag's Head Island Marilyn (Marro) Heritage, the ever event. Although the 26 ales and on the Abingdon bridge, had been popular ex landlady of the Crown 16 ciders did not sell out, refurbished beautifully. Deshan and more recently the Brewery everyone helped make a has exposed the floor boards, Tap. Marro continued to work in considerable dent in them and making the pub feel clean and the Tap after handing over to her seemed to enjoy the range fresh, the colour scheme is lovely son and his wife, Matt & JD, offered. The favourite ale that and he has preserved as many of several years ago. Our seemed to come out on top was a the features, the old building has, condolences go to her husband local brew, Moonlight from to advantage. Keith and the rest of the family. Bellingers Brewery. Due to the success of this festival it is hoped There are 6 hand pumps with to hold another one around local real ale; Loose Cannon BROAD FACE: Will shortly be re- March/April time and repeat this Abingdon Bridge is the house opened by Michelin-starred chef event during the Fair week next beer as well as Morland's Original Michael Riemenschneider, who October. and Shotover Prospect. The has taken the pub from Jamie remaining 3 hand pumps has McLean, who runs Greene King’s NAGS HEAD: guest beers, also from local Old Anchor in St Helen’s Wharf. On Wednesday 17th breweries. On the night XT8, He has taken the lease from October, Deshan Salwathura Palmers Copper Ale and Vale Greene King and will run a food- opened the doors to his new pub Gravitas were on. based business. The Broad Face the Nag's Head. After working was run by Dushan Salwathura very hard to refurbish the pub, Deshan provided a selection of from August 2009 until which had been closed for 2 food for his guests along with free September last year, when he years, he was finally ready to beer, champagne and wine, his reopened the Nag’s Head.. celebrate. He invited regulars suppliers of the latter also giving from his previous pub, The Broad tastings. Later in the evening a Face, Local Brewers, CAMRA band played. CROSS KEYS: The first festival members, and friends to an under the new management was private opening night before the The Branch used this opportunity held in October. Landlord Dave official opening on the following to present Deshan with his LocAle Arnott wishes to thank all those Friday. certificate, as Loose Cannon Abingdon Bridge is as local as you can get, with the Loose Cannon Brewery just a bit further down the road. It is great to see Abingdon Bridge being served on Abingdon Bridge.
Since the opening Deshan has not had a moment to sit down! The pub is very busy with both diners and people coming in for a drink. It is great to be able to report on a success story when pubs are having such a hard time.
LEFT: Deshan receives his LocAle certificate at the Nags Head during the opening night celebrations.
Page 10 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
Cassington from a courtyard of Wellington Place. Thankfully, the front snugs CHEQUERS: Is a free house, and the bar area remain offering Hook Norton as its untouched, though the famous regular beer and guests from a Rabbit Room will inevitably number of local breweries. become even more of a corridor Shotover Scholar featured in the than it is now as it will be the only new year, and Vale Red Kite and route through to the large Brill Amber were due to follow. restaurant to the rear.
The pub is due to close Charlton-on- imminently for the work to be Otmoor carried out and, like the Lamb and Flag opposite, will be run by CROWN: is currently for sale, the College rather than Nicholson’s upon reopening. freehold, by Fleurets. after a period of closure. The local villagers are now looking for GRAPES: Garsington a tenant to run the pub, which Now run by Bath Ales, of faces the village green. We wish course, a real cider has been THREE HORSESHOES: the villagers well with their added, and it is also made by Wayne Bath Ales. They describe Tiller is the new landlord here and enterprise. Bounders Traditional as a with the help of his team medium dry still cider. (girlfriend Diane,chef Patric and Oxford Lucy behind the bar) he intends to use his 13 years of experience EAGLE & CHILD: Planning to ensure that the Three permission was granted in Horseshoes is a thriving pub February for a complete overhaul serving excellently kept beer. It is of this pub, owned by St John’s a Greene King pub and will sell College and recently leased to three real ales from the Greene Nicholson’s. King range. All of the rear extensions are to be demolished, including the Islip corridor area behind the Rabbit Room, the conservatory, toilets SWAN: Now a Chinese restaurant and the kitchen. The approved as well as a traditional English plans shown a new extension to bar. The internal layout is as the pub, of 150m2 (1600 sq ft), before with a bar area near the thus more than doubling the door. A changing Greene-King trading area of the pub. A new beer is available on handpump. kitchen and servery, plus new HONEYPOT: Reopened on the 1st toilets will also be added. On the November after being closed for first and second floors, seminar around six weeks. This Admiral Kidlington rooms will be provided, accessed Taverns pub has been taken over by Paul Gabbott who used to run SIX BELLS: Has installed a third the White House in Bladon. At handpump and now sells present there is one changing Oxfordshire Ales Triple B, Sharp’s real ale but one or two more will Doom Bar and Brian’s Reverend be put on if there is demand. The James. beer varies, but Hook Norton Old Hooky and Sharp’s Doom Bar have featured since the re- Marsh Baldon opening. Food returned at the SEVEN STARS: beginning of December after the The pub has been bought by a consortium of local kitchen was refurbished. villagers, and will reopen shortly continued overleaf ► the Oxford Drinker Page 11 issue 77
Oxford cont’d Two Greene King beers are be a “beer of the week”, at a supplemented by Shotover price of £3.00. The early guest WHITE RABBIT: Prospect and Scholar, a beer beers were from Marstons, with The former from Oxfordshire Ales (Detox at Ringwood Best Bitter featuring Gloucester Arms has been the time of opening) and a beer frequently. A new menu is substantially refurbished and has from Everards. All beers are offered; meals are served 11-2 & reopened as the White Rabbit. served through a tight sparkler, 6-9.30. The interior is now much brighter which is a shame as the Shotover and you can see in from the beer certainly doesn’t need this ROBIN HOOD: street! Beers, reportedly well- treatment, and it does have a The freehold of this kept, are from White Horse detrimental effect on the flavour. pub on the Hailey Road is brewery and pizzas are the house currently for sale; let’s hope speciality. somebody takes this pub on. Witney WIG & PEN: Greene King has refurbished the former Copa on PLOUGH: After a short period of George Street and has given it its closure, the Plough has old name. It is run by George reopened. The owners are keen Momcilovic, who until fairly to make this a prominent real ale recently was the manager of the venue, serving 4 real ales, Grapes next door. The interior although they only have capacity layout of the former Irish Linen for 3 at the moment, with a new Store remains the same, albeit pump going in soon. Beers will be redecorated, but the bar now Brakspear Oxford Gold and Taylor boasts six handpumps and Landlord as regulars, and two prominently features real ale. that will change, one of which will Brewery News Loose Cannon Mr Bradford, who lives in Compass Abingdon, was on hand to pull A NEW beer was launched in the first pint of Gunner’s Gold, THE NEW brewery in Carterton is February. Gunners Gold is a 3.5 at the Nag’s Head pub on up and running. and Compass golden beer, and is named after Abingdon Bridge. He was also have now joined the SIBA wartime ace Stan Bradford, who presented with a case of the Direct Delivery Scheme to downed six enemy planes beer to enjoy at home! ensure their cask beers can be during the Second World War. supplied to a wider number of He was a flight sergeant with 57 pubs across the region. Squadron, who manned the mid -upper gun on Lancaster The new site has its own bombers flying missions over bottling plant, and the second Germany out of RAF Scampton beer to be bottled in Carterton, in Lincolnshire. King’s Shipment IPA, was awarded Silver medal for In 1944, he was honoured with Bottled Beers over 5.0% at the the Distinguished Flying Medal SIBA regional competition in (DFM) for “an act or acts of Nottingham in October. The valour, courage or devotion to bottled-conditioned beers are duty whilst flying in active beginning to appear in several operations against the enemy” restaurants around Oxfordshire by King George VI in a who wish to offer interesting ceremony at Buckingham beers to diners, but are unable Palace. to serve cask.
Page 12 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013 Branch Diary Branch Meetings - Wednesday 6 March Saturday 23 March new year, new ideas Branch Meeting Branch Social Kings Head & Bell, Abingdon Brewery Tap, Abingdon OX14 5BZ Acknowledging that branch OX14 5EA meetings might not appeal to all Beer festival weekend, meet from of our members, I pledged upon Pre-meeting socials as follows: 1.00pm. 18.30 Nags Head being elected Chairman of 19.00 Punchbowl Oxford branch last September 19.30 Kings Head & Bell Monday 8 April to make some changes to make (see panel right for details) Branch Meeting meetings less formal and more Cape of Good Hope, Oxford of a social event. Friday 8 March Pre-meeting socials as follows: Branch Social 18.30 Angel & Greyhound It has often been the case that 19.00 Half Moon meetings drag on for two to Headington and Cowley Survey Pub 19.30 Cape of Good Hope Crawl (see panel right for details) three hours, and some of the Meet at 6.30pm at the Butchers Arms, business is rushed as people Wilberforce Street OX3 7AN. From Saturday 13 April leave to get public transport our here we shall visit pubs in Headington out of sheer boredom. My plan and Cowley areas using the no 10 bus Branch Social is over the next few months to service. Jericho Survey Pub Crawl trim the amount of business Meet at Midday at The Anchor, done at branch meetings down Thursday 14 March Hayfield Road OX2 6TT. Visiting all the to a few key items. The agenda Open meeting about the pubs on and near Walton Street, and will vary from month to month Woodstock Road. Oxford Drinker depending upon what needs to be discussed at that point in St Aldates Tavern OX1 1BU Friday 19 April to time, and it is hoped that the From 6pm until 8pm we shall be Sunday 21 April meeting will last no longer than holding an open session to discuss the future of the Oxford Drinker. See Members Weekend an hour and a quarter. page 5 for more details. If you are able St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich to help in any way, please come along. In addition, we have introduced If you cannot make that night but wish CAMRA’s annual Members Weekend a pre-meeting social at two to offer help, please contact the and AGM, being held in Norwich. Find more at www.camraagm.org.uk. nearby pubs. This not only editor: gives us the opportunity to visit [email protected] more pubs, but also offers Tuesday 7 May members the chance to join us Saturday 16 March Branch Meeting for the social side if they do not Branch Social Wychwood Brewery, The Crofts, wish to be part of the meeting Beer Festival Helpers’ Trip to Witney OX28 4DP itself, and also allows for some Nottingham. Pre-meeting socials as follows: general discussion which This is a free coach trip for people who 18.30 Angel would not happen after a volunteered at the 2012 Oxford Beer 19.00 Three Horseshoes meeting if people are rushing Festival. We shall be visiting 19.30 Wychwood Brewery off home. (see panel right for details) Nottingham, with a stop off on the way home for refreshment and to break Our first trial of this in February the journey. All volunteers will be Saturday 11 May notified by post or e-mail to reserve was most encouraging, with their seats. Any spare seats will be Minibus Trip over a dozen people enjoying sold to other members. Pick-up points To survey rural pubs the lively discussion in the as follows: Departs Stratton Way, Abingdon, at James Street Tavern and the 09.15 Stratton Way, Abingdon 11.00 am and the Lamb & Flag, St Fir Tree, and two members 09.30 Oxford Railway Station Giles, Oxford, at 11.30am. Call Tony taking the opportunity to attend The coach will return via these two 07588 181313 to book a seat. points, arriving in Oxford around Itinerary to be announced. their first branch meeting. 9.30pm. MATT BULLOCK the Oxford Drinker Page 13 issue 77
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Page 14 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013 Festival Diary Wednesday 6 to Friday 22 to Friday 8 March Saturday 23 March Street’s pubs notch London Drinker Beer & 1st Gloucester Beer & Cider half century Cider Festival Festival Camden Centre, Bidborough Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellegate Few licensees stay at the same Street, London (opposite St. Street, off Southgate Street, pub for more than a few years Pancras Station) Gloucester these days, but one Oxford 150+ beers, ciders, perries & 35 beers plus 12 ciders & perries street can now boast fifty years imported beers gloucesterbeerfestival.org.uk of service between the www.camranorthlondon.org.uk landlords of its two pubs.
Thursday 28 to North Parade Avenue, just off Thursday 14 to Monday 1 April the Banbury Road north of Saturday 16 March Woodman Easter Beer Oxford City Centre, is a pretty, Bristol Beer Festival Festival narrow street of shops, Brunel Passenger Shed, Temple New Yatt Road, North Leigh, nr restaurants and has two pubs. Meads Station, Bristol Witney On 21 February, licensees 130 beers plus ciders & perries 20 beers plus 6 ciders & perries Andrew and Debbie Hall Entry by ticket only - see website 01993 881790 celebrated 30 years of running www.camrabristol.org.uk note: this is Easter Bank Holiday the Rose and Crown, once a weekend Punch Tavern tenancy but now Friday 15 to a free house. They are pictured below with son Adam (left) and Saturday 16 March Saturday 6 to Oxford branch chairman Matt Winslow Beer Festival Tuesday 9 April Bullock (right). Winslow Public Hall, Elmfields, Far from the Madding Winslow, Bucks Crowd Spring Cider Festival Over the road at the Greene www.winslowlions.org.uk King-owned Gardeners Arms, Far From the Madding Crowd, licensees David and Jenny Tuesday 19 to Friars Entry, Oxford Rhymes will be marking twenty 01865 240900 years at the pub in March, Saturday 23 March www.maddingcrowd.co.uk Far from the Madding giving a total of fifty years between them. Crowd Spring Beer Festival Thursday 2 to Far From the Madding Crowd, Sunday 5 May Both pubs are well respected Friars Entry, Oxford 19th Reading Beer & Cider for the quality of their real ales. 25 beers plus cider & perry The Rose and Crown sells Festival 01865 240900 Adnams, Shotover, Hook www.maddingcrowd.co.uk Kings Meadow, Reading Norton and other local beers, 550 ales and 150 ciders and whilst the Gardeners has a perries. Tuesday 19 to house beer brewed by Greene Live music Friday and Saturday. King, plus two guest beers. Saturday 23 March Hosting national cider and perry Brewery Tap Beer Festival awards on Friday and Saturday. The Brewery Tap, Ock Street, See advert on page 18 for more Abingdon details or visit the website: 01235 521655 www.readingbeerfestival.org.uk www.thebrewerytap.net
If you wish to add a festival to the diary page send details to [email protected] the Oxford Drinker Page 15 issue 77
Call of Duty
On the 12th day of the 12th month in the year 2012, hundreds of CAMRA members went to London to lobby their MPs over the beer duty escalator. Andrew Hall, licensee of the Rose & Crown on North Parade, was one of them.
ON 12-12-12 I joined the North badges upon which we wrote communities. Oxford CAMRA branch free bus our name and our pub/company • “Beer Duty Escalator is to Westminster to lobby our name. Also we were given a Harming the Economy” – MPs and persuade them to ‘Save Your Pint’ information pubs closu8res lead to consider the abolition of the booklet, which we personalised unemployment, loss of beer duty escalator. by adding the following exports etc. information provided by CAMRA • Upon arrival at the Emmanuel volunteers at our section: “Beer Duty Escalator is Harming the Nations Health” Centre in Marsham Street, (in • the number of CAMRA the heart of London, just five – over taxed beer under members in our area taxed spirits, wines and minutes walk from the Houses • of Parliament, we alighted our the number of pubs in our alcopops. comfortable Worth’s coach and constituency were greeted by a posse of hi- • the number of jobs the trade A further page in our booklet vis wearing CAMRA volunteers supports in our constituency gave us helpful responses to popular questions such as: who showed us the way in. • list any pubs in our area that
have closed. • They offered a welcome cup of we need the revenue to plug tea as we entered the This information would be used the hole in our economy , auditorium and were directed to in discussion with our MP, later • we are continuing policy from the group of CAMRA volunteers in the day. the previous administration, that would take us through the • the government is already next stage of the day. The room Our ‘Save Your Pint’ information had about 6 different groups doing enough to support booklet added four further pubs scattered throughout, identified points that we should cover with by various coloured balloons. our MP: Each section in the packed On arrival I had been told that auditorium would descend upon my constituency (Oxford West • “The Beer Duty Escalator and Abingdon) was in the group Westminster in colour groups. doesn’t add up” – increase in The black balloon group would denoted by black balloons. We tax at last budget of 5% saw arrived at our section where be leading the ‘charge’ to duty paid rise by 0.3%. Westminster. I had now been more CAMRA volunteers took • our names and checked them “Beer Duty Escalator is joined by Geoff Day and Andrea against the website registrations Harming Communities” – Bunce who were also from my (and added a few more I pubs closing due to taxes constituency and had travelled believe), gave us CAMRA result in a loss to our local up on the Worth’s bus. At every
Page 16 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
that CAMRA’s figures were so overwhelming that pressure must be imposed by CAMRA on the Treasury by challenging them to use CAMRA’s figures to see if there was a case to be made. Nicola analogised the Treasury and tax and a new mother with a new born baby. Once they’ve got the tax they are VERY RELUCTANT to let it go. She promised her support to the public house and local community. We had talked for some thirty minutes or so.
We now adjourned to the terrace for photographs that Nicola had kindly agreed to. On the way she stopped us to introduce us to Andrew Griffiths, ABOVE: From left: The Rt. Hon. Andrew Griffiths MP, Andrew Hall, Rt. Hon. MP for Burton and chairman of Nicola Blackwood MP, Geoff Day and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Andrea Bunce on the Terrace at the Group. Short discussion ensued Palace of Westminster. then he also agreed to join us for a photographs on the corner on the short walk there tea. After our wait at the lobby terrace. After this, Nicola led us were CAMRA volunteers we all agreed and followed back to the central lobby and braving the low temperatures to Nicola to the MP’s cafe, we all said our goodbyes. guide us to Westminster collected our teas and coffee Palace. and sat with Nicola at a table in Now, we returned to the the cafeteria. Emmanuel centre where upon After queuing through security presentation of a written report we walked a few yards to the It was now up to us; Nicola was of our day’s endeavours we entrance of the magnificent very easy to talk to, she was were given a pint of beer, and a Westminster Hall where we interested was very aware and wide range there was, supplied were serenaded by musicians flattering toward the brilliantly by brewers and managed by the and carol singers as we passed organised and large CAMRA Society for Independent through, guided by further lobby. We filled in a little Brewers (SIBA). CAMRA volunteers, to the background as to who we were Now refreshed we returned to Central Lobby. In the lobby the and then started, guided by our the auditorium, decorated with CAMRA volunteers told us to booklet, to run through the redundant inn signs, and speak to the parliamentary staff pertinent points. listened to some great at the lobby desk and ask them speeches from the chief to inform our MP that we were I felt that Nicola Blackwood is executive of CAMRA, MP’s, waiting there to meet them. fully behind the public house brewers and publicans. and its standing and role in the Speeches over, we repaired to A while later, as she left the community. With specific the St. Stephen’s Tavern on House of Commons chamber, reference to the beer tax Westminster bridge then the Rt.Hon. Nicola Blackwood escalator she would want to strolled round the corner to the MP walked into the packed wait for the review of the Red Lion at Parliament Street to lobby to find us. escalator that the government wait for our comfortable and have promised, following the swift Worth’s coach to return us Quite quickly we were back bench debate before to Oxford. introducing ourselves to Nicola. making a binding decision. She She asked if we were thirsty as said that matters concerning the Exhausted, elated, satisfied. she would really enjoy a cup of Treasury can be slow, but felt Andrew Hall the Oxford Drinker Page 17 issue 77
Page 18 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013 Festival Report Oxford CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival 2012
IT MAY seem a long time ago, venue for this year, and the but this is the first opportunity festival will be open on we have had to report on the Thursday 17th , Friday 18th and Oxford Beer Festival held in the Saturday 19th October 2013. Town Hall last October. More details will. of course, be New look for published nearer the date. Around 4000 people visited Beer Scoring over the three days, and all of A free trip for festival helpers System the 200 casks of beer and 48 will go to Nottingham on 16th tubs of cider sold out by March. Saturday evening. According to the national CAMRA website the National Beer Scoring System (NBSS) “is an easy to use Our “LocAle Beer of the Rose & Crown, system that has been designed to Festival” was again popular, the Charlbury assist CAMRA branches in selecting panel this year boasting pubs for the Good Beer Guide and CAMRA and OURAS members, THE first local (very local for also monitor beer quality by brewers, publicans and Oxford me) festival of the new year is encouraging CAMRA members from Brewers Group members, and the annual event at the Rose any part of the world to report beer quality on any pub in the UK.” we were delighted to welcome and Crown in Charlbury, held beer writer Tim Hampson onto on the last weekend of January. All these CAMRA members now the panel too. The Champion have a much easier to use interface Local Beer was Vale Pale Ale, The pub is a multi-award winner on the CAMRA website to report the second time Vale Brewery with North Oxfordshire branch, their beer scores which allows you has won the award, and our with seven real ales and real to select the town and pub from dropdown lists, and then do the congratulations go to all at the cider always available, but for same for the brewery and beer. brewery. The runners up were the festival the pool table is Two Cocks Diamond Lil, and replaced with a stillage, and 20 Either go to the national website at Chiltern Copper Beech. A beers are offered alongside a www.camra.org.ukwww.camra.org.uk and select presentation to the winners will range of real ciders. Campaigns on the top menu; be made sometime in the National Beer Scoring System is then listed under Additional Spring. This year’s choice of real ale Information. Or go directly to was enterprising, with some wwww.camra.org.uk/nbssww.camra.org.uk/nbss. We changed a few things at the unusual beers and breweries. festival from previous years, The best beer of Friday night To enter the NBSS you will need and it worked very well - we was undoubtedly Saltaire your membership number and your dropped the entry charge for Hazelnut Coffee Porter (4.6%), password which should be your postcode (all capitals, with no CAMRA members (and for a fantastic beer which was more gaps). members of Oxford University nutty than coffee, and which and Brookes real ale societies), sold out on the first night. To enter ratings for pubs around and we reduced the price of Saturday visitors still had a Oxford, Abingdon and Witney you many of the beers to £3 a pint, great choice, and Newman’s should use the pubs database on making it one of the cheapest Continental Drift (5.9%), a red the local website places to drink in the city! rye IPA with American and New ooxfordcamra.org.uk/pubs.phpxfordcamra.org.uk/pubs.php.
Despite this, a handsome Zealand hops, was the beer of We do appreciate members surplus was made, and funds the day, though the Wentworth entering beer scores as it gives us have been returned to CAMRA Oyster Stout and Wye Valley an idea of beer quality when we for national campaigning. Black Ruby were both very come to shortlist for the Good Beer popular too. Guide. We have already booked the MATT BULLOCK DAVID HILL the Oxford Drinker Page 19 issue 77 Branch Diary
Wednesday 27 February Saturday 13 April Branch Social Beer Festival Helpers Trip Three pub social in Shrivenham Bristol Starts at 7pm. Departs Wantage at 10.00am. To be 19.00 Prince of Wales confirmed, see website for further 20.00 Crown details. 20.45 Barrington Arms Friday 19 April to Tuesday 12 March Sunday 21 April Branch AGM Shoulder of Mutton, Wantage Members Weekend Starts at 7.45pm St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich CAMRA’s annual Members Weekend and AGM, being held in Norwich. Find Friday 29 March more at www.camraagm.org.uk. White Horse Branch Contact: Branch Social Saturday 18 May Neil Crook Two pub social in Wantage Starts at 7.00pm [email protected] Regional Meeting 19.00 Royal Oak Masons Arms, Headington Quarry 20.45 Shoulder of Mutton www.whitehorsecamra.org.uk Oxford OX3 8LH Central Southern Region Meeting
Wantage Beer Festival Sells Out
THE fifth White Horse Branch attract 340 drinkers on the Dark 'Orse 'Gunk', both of Beer Festival, held for the Friday and 270 on Saturday. which went on Friday. second year at Wantage Civic This year, our ciders and perry Hall, proved even more also proved popular, with only Dark 'Orse 'Gunk' was voted successful than last year, with a couple of pints of each left at 'beer of the festival' by a clear all the beer being sold by the end.' margin with Red Squirrel 9.30pm on Saturday night. 'West Coast Stout' runner-up, The attendance consisted of both being dark ales. The Neil Crook, Branch chairman, 285 CAMRA members and event also raised £119 in reported that he was delighted 325 non-members, some of donations for the Royal British with the result, proving once whom joined the organisation, Legion. again that there is room for so as a showcase for CAMRA small festivals with a carefully the event was also successful. Neil said 'This year we selected beer list. Neil provided some entertainment commented 'We had a good There were 28 beers on offer, in the form of light live music range of beers which attracted a 5 from within the branch area which was well received. We wide range of people. In spite of ranging in strength from 3.6% also had plenty of positive Wantage being a perpetual beer to 6.0% and reflecting a comments over the beer/cider/ festival, thanks to the constantly variety of styles. There were perry range, the venue and changing and varied selection also 4 ciders and 1 perry. .In the organisation. Finally, I of ales on offer at the Royal total, 2,150 pints were drunk. would like to thank all who Oak and the Shoulder of The first to sell out was gave up their time to help and Mutton, we still managed to Oakham Citra, followed by to those who attended.'
Page 20 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
Everards in a Glass WHILST sharing an acephalous (due to poor pouring rather than flat beer I hasten to add) glass of Everards Equinox recently, a fellow CAMRA member, Andrew Loutit, mentioned that his great aunt, Theodora Salusbury, had designed and made a stained glass window in memorium to Thomas William Everard. The window was installed in 1929 at All Saints Church in Narborough, Leicestershire. In case you cannot get there to see the window it is pictured here.
Everards were founded in 1849 by William Everard with the aim of ‘supplying ales of first rate quality’. Thomas succeeded William, his father, as chairman in 1892 and remained in post until he died in 1925. Everards are still a family brewery and after a spell at Burton on Trent they returned to Leicester in 1979 - now producing 18,720,000,000 pints per year – and have fostered strong links with local CAMRA groups and the city at large. DICK BOSLEY
the Oxford Drinker Page 21 issue 77
The 2Bs Walk
Dick Bosley completes his coast to coast walk with a stroll beside the River Avon from Bath to Bristol.
I SHOULD make it clear from coupled with our train to Bath stretch beside the track. We the start that this is a trip from running six minutes late meant soon returned to the river bank, Bath to Bristol and nothing to we finally set off around 9.30. meandering gently through do with the Arkells session ale. The temperature was about 30 some lovely countryside – as This is despite the fact that degrees cooler than when we did the river! Jane’s husband Richard went to walked to Bath – see issue 75. school with their chair, Nicholas Past Keynsham marina we saw Arkell. I hope that that is We joined the river very soon the Lock Keeper along the enough of a plug to be given a after leaving the station and road although Jane’s free pint! maintained a reasonable pace, assurances of another pub “just dodging cyclists and joggers, a mile away” persuaded us to And so late October saw us before reaching open country. carry on. Two miles further on setting off to finish our coast to At Saltford there was a little we finally saw our destination coast walk – London to Reading confusion regarding the route of but there was no little concern on the Thames, Reading to the towpath but by walking that it looked very Greene King Bath on the Kennet & Avon through the village we found like. Luckily ‘hawkeye’ John had Canal and now the final leg that the Bird in Hand had spotted the Free House next along the River Avon. For this opened three minutes earlier – door. stretch our usual motley crew of that delayed train was obviously reprobates (Jane, Tim, John & serendipitous. Bath Barnsey The Old Lock & Weir at myself) were joined by Andrew (4.5%) and Butcombe (4%) Hanham Mill proved to be an K, who added brains, Gina, who were both sampled in this inspired choice for lunch. Bath added glamour, and Pete. welcoming and friendly pub, Gem and Otter Ales with the ladies checking the accompanied very good food Tim’s connecting train from “oop lime & soda, coffee and cake. It and the usual inconsequential north” hadn’t appeared, was with some reluctance that banter. Also it was now warm resulting in a last minute dash we left, climbing up to the Avon enough for us to sit outside and by his wife - Linda – and this, Valley Railway to walk a short watch the river go by as we ate.
Page 22 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
ABOVE: The thirsty crowd takes a well- earned break. RIGHT: Pumpclips adorn the walls and ceiling at the Cornubia.
Just before it got too cold we search for the pub was It seemed only sensible to try resumed our trek, passing a interrupted by a sign advising more than one pub and so we curious ‘unquantifiable danger’ us that the Kings Head could did move on to the Cornubia - sign – could they mean our beer be found at the end of Petticoat which incidentally was the consumption? Lane. Concerned that we had Roman name for Cornwall. taken a wrong turn and had Another really good pub with a As there were no more pubs on ended up in a London market collection of pump clips to rival the river bank we reached we thought it best to investigate any I have ever seen. A friendly Bristol sooner than expected and found a fantastic pub. local recommended Long and, to avoid a busy road, we Eared Owl, which I had while detoured around an old To be honest I have seen most of the others chose the industrial area being bigger garden sheds but with a Cornubia Ale (3.8%) brewed redeveloped before crossing the CAMRA listed historic interior for the pub by Arbour Ales. blindingly shiny GW footbridge and more than 350 years old leading us to the Temple Meads this is a pub not to be missed. Some of the more sensible station. What a lovely walk and Between us we tried the amongst us were now thinking why don’t the local CAMRA Butcombe Gold, Hogs Back about food and Magnus, who groups make it an annual T.E.A., Fullers London Pride lives in Bristol, took us to the event? and Sharps Doombar (in fact, River Station where good food one of us tried them all) and was accompanied by draft Bath We considered our options for found all to be in excellent Gem and other bottled beers. A many – well a few – seconds – condition. By this time the short stagger then saw us back train home or find a pub? A others had found us – although to the station and a train home phone call to fellow, but non- Lesley was a little confused as giving us time to start planning walking, members Lesley, our visit coincided with the our next expedition and to think Andrew L, Yvonne and Magnus Bristol Zombie Walk and it was what a good place for a pub resulted in a plan to meet at the hard for her to tell the two crawl Bristol appeared to be. Cornubia but our sat-nav aided groups apart. the Oxford Drinker Page 23 issue 77
Mersey Mission an intrepid bunch of Oxford members attempt to visit all of Liverpool’s 28 Good Beer Guide pubs in one weekend
OUR Liverpool trip had been in round the corner from the fantastic pub, with a long bar in the planning for many months, Cavern Club. We were the Grade II listed building, but in late November a group pleasantly surprised to find a dispensing eight ales. Pick of set off from Oxford for a range of Bowland beers, the bunch was Salopian Vortex, weekend in this fantastic city. A including the excellent Devil’s though the Liverpool Organic traffic jam on the M40 meant Rock, as well as Sorely Cascade ran it close. From here that our proposed lunch stop Tempted and Golden Trough. we went to the Vernon Arms, a had to be abandoned, and it The pub was busy (something boisterous corner pub where was around 5pm when we that all the pubs seemed to Boggart Rum Porter was the eventually arrived at our hotel to have in common), and we best choice. This pub often the south of the city centre off enjoyed the lively atmosphere in features live music, and Aigburth Road. We met up with the front bar. After this brief pit- preparations were under way the rest of our group, and stop, we made it to Dale Street for a gig on this night too. We whiled away the checking in and went first to the Hole in Ye retraced our steps to the Lion time in the pub next door, with a Wall, a small pub down an Tavern opposite Moorfields surprisingly good pint for a alleyway, which was a new one Station. This is another classic family food pub. for me, and had a good choice street corner pub, on CAMRA’s of beer including a spicy Cains National Inventory, so as we Once we were all checked in, Christmas beer and the admired the interior fittings, we went into town by bus. I excellent Cross Bay Dusk. artwork and stained glass, we lived in Liverpool for five years a enjoyed beers from the long time ago, but much of the The next two pubs were literally Peerless brewery, which is central area has been next door. Firstly the Lady of based in Birkenhead. transformed since by the Mann, one of several Okells Liverpool One development. We pubs in the city, where three Our final two pubs of the night wound our way through this beers were available in modern were the disappointing impressive complex, heading surroundings at the rear of a Excelsior and the excellent Ship for the pubs around Dale Street, courtyard it shares with its & Mitre. I can’t recall all the and decided to break our neighbour, the ever-popular beers in the Ship & Mitre – journey at the White Star, just Thomas Rigby’s. Rigby’s is a there are usually thirteen to
Page 24 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
TOP: The crowd poses for the camera outside Peter Kavanagh’s CENTRE: Saturday’s meeting point was the Baltic Fleet in Wapping, RIGHT: The White Star, first pub of the night on Friday. Pictures by Dave Cogdell and Matt Bullock
choose from – but I’m sure it Our plan was to visit as many of Fly in the Loaf (another Okell’s was good! Not surprisingly, at the Good Beer Guide pubs as pub), and to the Roscoe Head, this point most of us retired to possible – there are 28 – so we one of a handful of pubs that our hotel. set off for pub number ten. The has appeared in every edition of Bridewell is located in a former the Good Beer Guide. Day two began with a walk police station, and the seating around the city, and a midday area is in the cells. There were After trying some more meeting at the Baltic Fleet. This two beers, Lancaster Straw and Liverpool Organic at the pub is near the old docks on the a local beer, the 6% Liverpool Grapes, where we were made river front, and is now One Brass Monkey. This is an to feel most welcome, we called surrounded by luxury flats amazing building, and is worth in at the Dispensary, a Cains rather than the warehouses and seeking out. pub with a lively atmosphere wharfs that once thrived here. and very talkative locals! We We were joined by Neil’s father, We set off by bus to the edge of had time to go to the Swan on who is Liverpool born and bred, town to visit Peter Kavanagh’s. Wood Street, a rock pub that and he gave us a fascinating This served as my local for a has Phoenix Wobbly Bob (6%) history lesson about the docks year, and has lost none of its as its stock beer. The pub is and shipyards, the remnants of charm in the fifteen years since. arranged over three floor, with which we could see from the The small bar is flanked by two different music on each. Next pub’s round bay window. The beautiful snugs, and the was the Globe, a tiny pub Baltic is a bit run down and building oozes interesting opposite Central Station, where always looks like an unfinished artefacts including some the beer range was fairly DIY project, but it has its own Victorian murals. From here we ordinary, but again the pub brewery in the cellar, so we went to the world-famous catered for a mature but loyal were able to sample the house Philharmonic, to admire the crowd. Last stop on the crawl beers. The Wapping Bitter architecture, especially those was the Crown, opposite Lime (3.6%) was unexciting, but the gents’ urinals, as well as some Street Station, another classic Stout (5%) was better, if a little fine beer. There are lots of pubs Victorian palace, a fitting venue heavy for this time of day. very close to here, so our rapid for an excellent weekend. fire crawl took in Ye Cracke, the MATT BULLOCK the Oxford Drinker Page 25 issue 77
Page 26 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
A minibus trip out east
CLOCKWISE: The Nut Tree at Murcott, The Sun, King & Queen and Kings Arms in Wheatley
A survey and social trip took the is a former Morrells house that local beers very much to the branch out south and east to has been a lively meeting place fore. some of our overlooked pubs, for all ages for many years. starting with The Plough in Strangely, it served the same A couple of miles south is a Wheatley – a former Morrells range of beers as the King’s very pleasant “locals’ local”, local on the old London Road. Arms, again in good order. A The Crown at Charlton-on- What an impressive make-over short practice match of Aunt Otmoor, another former Morrells has taken place here as the Sally rounded off our visit. and now Greene King house. It previous layout was enjoys good local support with unrecognisable, the then dark For some reason, The Railway many sports teams, and on the and dingy interior replaced by a in Wheatley was not visited. day was serving excellent bright and airy up-market Heading to the rural area east Sharps Doom Bar and Black restaurant with a small bar area of Oxford, the Star Inn and Talk Sheep Bitter. Another large serving two beers, Greene House in Stanton St John were garden was also temping for King IPA and Shotover both busy with a festival or fete Aunt Sally practice. Our last Prospect. A short ride up in progress. The Abingdon port of call in Islip found the London Road took us to the Arms at Beckley, a Brakspear Swan now closed, to become King’s Arms, a Greene King pub serving up to three beers an exotic restaurant, but up the pub for many years well before and good quality food, was also hill the happy sound of children the Morrells and Morland take- not visited due to shortage of playing told us the beer festival overs. This spacious community time and opening hours, but a at the Red Lion was in full pub also has a covered and recent report gave a good swing. With 15 beers and three comfortable roadside outdoor account of the pub. The Nut ciders, including a brew by drinking area, with IPA, Abbott, Tree at Merton needs no Fisher and Co from the village Morland Original and Elgoods introduction, as the food is of Noke just up the road, this Cambridge Bitter in good always top class and beers all was a very pleasant village order. in good condition, including affair with much local support. Sharps Doom Bar, Vale Best In the centre of Wheatley, the and Oxfordshire Pride of If a day out or a similar tour Sun Inn is now more of a Oxford. A visit here is a must appeals to you, then contact us restaurant serving Brakspear with gardens and duck ponds to receive info on the local Bitter in very comfortable front and rear, and while not a branch’s network of 300 pubs. surroundings. Down on the typical old “locals’ local”, it Use them or lose them! bottom road, the King & Queen makes everyone welcome with TONY GOULDING the Oxford Drinker Page 27 issue 77
Page 28 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
Branch honours 2012 Pub of the Year winners
ABOVE: Oxford branch Chairman Matt Bullock (left) presents the City Pub of the Year 2012 award to Dave and Lauren at Far from the Madding Crowd in January. Picture: Neil Hoggarth RIGHT: The Town & Country Pub of the Year 2012 award was presented to the Brewery Tap, Abingdon, in December. Proud licensees JD and Matt are seen with their award. Picture: Lawrence Harman
the Oxford Drinker Page 29 issue 77
Old Bog - Oxford’s Oldest Brewery
THE Mason's Arms in Headington Quarry is an excellent pub which is a regular Good Beer Guide entrant and has won CAMRA local Pub of the Year awards in 2004, 2005 and 2010. In addition, it is also home to the Old Bog Brewery, which celebrates being eight years old this February, making it Oxford's oldest surviving brewery.
Andy Meeson, brother of landlord Chris Meeson, started brewing in 2005. He brews only at weekends, and, all being well, produces four 9-gallon casks per fortnight which appear on the "guest beer" rota at the Masons. DAVID HILL
Page 30 the Oxford Drinker February - March 2013
Oxford Branch
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@oxforddrinker the Oxford Drinker Page 31