CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE FREE FREE FREE BRANCH DIARY

• Tuesday 12th August - Open Meeting, • Tuesday 7th October, Open Meeting, Unicorn, St Ives (ex Greyhound - Unique White Horse, Eaton Socon (Enterprise - Inns - PubCo) PubCo) • Friday 29th August - Real Ale Ramble • Friday 24th October, Social and Branch around Fenstanton - Crown and Pipes Pub of the Year Presentation, Cock, (Charles Wells) at 8:30pm, George (En- Hemingford Grey (Free) Issue 116 terprise - PubCo) at 9.15pm finishing at HUNTINGDONSHIRE BRANCH NEWSLETTER Autumn 2003 • Friday 7th November, Friday Four tour of the King William IV (Greene King) 10pm. , starting at the Market Tav- • Tuesday 2nd September - Open Meeting, ern (8.30), Cromwell (Wizard Inns) (9.00), FLEXIBLE PUB HOURS A HUNTINGDONSHIRE Prince of Wales, Hilton (Free) Samuel Pepys (Free) (9.30), Old Bridge STEP AWAY NAME CHANGE FOR • Thursday 11th - Saturday 13th Septem- (Free) (10.15) CAMRA ber - St Ives Beer Festival • Saturday 22nd November, Tour of National CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has wel- • Friday 19th September, visit to Inventory Pubs in , details to follow comed the progression of the new Licensing (check branch web site or What’s Brewing). The Campaign for Real Ale is changing the Letchworth Beer Festival, via train from Bill through both Houses of Parliament. The name of its local branch to ‘Huntingdonshire Huntingdon and . 19:34 from • Tuesday 2nd December, Open Meeting, Bill will now go forward for Royal Assent. Branch’. The branch agreed to make the Huntingdon, 19:42 from St Neots, via Hitchin , St Ives (Free) Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Head of Campaigns, change from the old ‘St Neots and District to Letchworth. Returning either on 22:30 or • Friday 12th December, Social, Real Ale said “After years of campaigning we’re only one Branch in April this year at its annual general 23:21 from Letchworth. Ramble of Eaton Socon, starting at the Bell step away from dumping Britain’s archaic li- meeting and CAMRA’s National Executive • Friday 26th September New Members (Charles Wells) (8.30), White Horse (En- censing laws and moving to a more flexible agreed the change at its meeting on June 28th. Social A Real Ale Ramble around St Ives, terprise) (9.00), Millers Arms (Greene King) system. Pubs will soon find it easier to extend A founder member of the branch, George starting at the Aviator (Free) (at 8:30pm), (9.30), and Rivermill Tavern (Free) (10.00) their opening hours to meet the needs of their Cottam said :‘When the branch was formed in continuing at the Floods Tavern (Elgoods) customers.” All meetings start at 8:30pm unless otherwise 1974, Huntingdonshire had recently been abol- (at 9:15pm), and finishing at the Oliver stated. Further information: Kathy Hadfield, CAMRA is calling for all sectors of the beer ished as a political area, and the name ‘St Ne- Cromwell (Free) (at10pm). A free pint for Social Secretary, tel 01480 496247, e-mail and pubs industry to embrace the Bill and work ots and District’ was chosen, although it was all new members who join at the St Ives Beer [email protected]. with the Government and Licensing Authori- agreed for the new branch to take the old Festival! ties. For updates check on-line at http:// Huntingdonshire county area. Now only 50 of • Wednesday 1st October, Branch visit to www.stneotscamra.org.uk (select News from Benner added “It’s essential that the transition our 300 branch members live in St Neots and Beer Festival, via mini bus from the menu). to the new system is made as smooth and pain- the name ‘Huntingdonshire Branch’ reflects the St Ives, Huntingdon and St Neots. Contact less as possible and this will require a partner- branch area and its membership more accu- Kathy Hadfield to book your place! ship between the authorities and the trade.” rately.’ The Branch organises annual beer festivals in OPENING TIMES WHAT’S INSIDE St Neots and St Ives. The St Neots Winter Ale festival is currently looking for a new venue in Page Page the town. The ‘Booze on the Ouse’ event in St Opening Times is published by the Hunting- Advertising Rates 2 - Branch Diary 10-11 - 25/10 Years Ago Ives at the Burgess Hall, St Ivo Centre runs donshire Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Full page - £75, ½ page - £50, ¼ page - £30 Real Ale (Copyright 2002). Views or comments 3 - Pints Sunk 13-15 - Shaws Stroll from Thursday 11 September to Saturday 13 Special discounts are given to regular adver- expressed in this publication may not neces- 4 - Brewery Visit 19 - McMullens Saved! September. Last year’s event was so success- tisers. These rates exclude cover ads which sarily be those of the Editor or of CAMRA. 6 - Pub News ful that the beer almost ran dry on the Satur- have special rates that are negotiable. Please day evening. The Branch is ordering more beer Deadline for Winter 2003 issue (117) is 6 - Pub Design Awards note the deadline dates for each issue, as late to ensure a full range of beers throughout this Tuesday 18th November 2003. copy cannot be guaranteed inclusion. 8 - National Inventory of Historic Pubs year’s event. 9 - Prices Survey Contact Andy Shaw, on (01480) 355893, or [email protected].

OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 1 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 2 PINTS SUNK MEDIEVAL BREWERY VISIT

In June we had a meet- After the White Hart we called in at Great On a sunny the worts. The beers are fermented in four 400 ing at the Chequers, Staughton’s other pub, the Tavern. New land- Summer Satur- gallon vessels and five 800 gallon vessels. Eynesbury, a restau- lords Sue and Graham day a minibus Three conditioning tanks hold up to 1500 gal- rant and free house have continued to took local lons. An old storage barn has been re-thatched that always offers two make improvements CAMRA mem- and renovated with new beams fabricated from constantly changing since arriving in March, bers on a merry old ships’ timbers. guest beers, typically from small independent with a cellar refurbish- jaunt to Suffolk An automatic bottling line on site specially East Anglian brewers. On this occasion we ment already com- to visit St Peters made to cope with the characteristic medicine were treated to Elgoods Double Swan and pleted and a cellar ex- brewery. The bottle shape used by St Peters, is augmented Mauldon’s Moletrap Bitter. pansion to increase capacity planned for the medieval St Peters Hall at South Elmham forms by a manual bottling plant when necessary. The future. They have also started to experiment a dramatic backdrop to the brewery and opens Also in June we had a trip to St Peters Brew- bottled beers are filtered and heat pasteurised with guest beers, and alongside the Greene every weekend as a bar and restaurant attract- ery in Suffolk, reported on in a separate arti- in bottle. King IPA, Morland Old Speckled Hen, and ing locals and visitors to the brewery, which is cle. St Peter’s Best Bit- Courage Directors, they were offering the open for public tours. In July our meeting was held ter, which was on Greene King seasonal beer, Summer Suf- The brewery was set up in 1996 using water at the Chequers, Little draught in the bar, folk, which has a wonderful spritzy citrus char- from a natural deep water well on the site that Gransden. Landlord Bob is a quality drinking acter, perfect as a summer cooler. was the main attraction for the owners in lo- Mitchell’s regular, Adnams bitter with a full We have lots of interesting socials planned for cating their brewery there. In 1280 a priory ex- Bitter, is a yardstick for body and distinctive the Autumn, so we look forward to seeing you isted on the site, as well as a farmhouse that Adnams Bitter “as good as it fruit and caramel all! was extended in splendid style when the owner gets”, and Adnams Bitter gets notes. Grapefruit bought salvage rights to the priory and used pretty good, so this is no Beer was the pick of the bottled beers sam- the materials to extend the house. Parts of a mean accolade. Bob’s guests on this visit were pled. Wheat beer is the base, and the zesty, moat dating from the 11th century are also a Triple fff Pressed Rat and Warthog, and York pithy grapefruit is in complete harmony with feature of the site. Yorkshire Terrier – two beers that could not the hops and the malt. Another favourite was be more contrasting. “Pressed Rat”(the brewer Another attraction enjoyed by the party was Lemon and Ginger Spiced Ale, whilst Cream is a Cream fan) is dry, roasty red-black mild the ducks. Stout, with its aromatic dark chocolate charac- with a good body and hints of blackcurrant and A vast range of cask conditioned and bottled ter and satisfying bitter-sweet aftertaste and caramel (that’s what it says in the Good Beer beers is produced on the site, many using novel an alcohol content of 6.5% could be the per- Guide and I’m not going to disagree). York- brewing ingredients such as fruits or fruit juice fect end to the day. shire Terrier is an uncompromising hoppy bit- concentrates, honey, and nettles. Pale, crys- After the brew- ter – a classic “Northern” bitter. tal and chocolate malt are more conventional ery visit and the Also in July we enjoyed ingredients, although wheat is used in speci- session in the a Sunday stroll around ality beers. The hops are Goldings with some tasting room, the village of Great Challenger, and organic hops from New Zea- we enjoyed an Staughton (this land go into the two organic products, Organic excellent lunch Shaw’s Stroll was in OT Best Bitter in the brewery’s 114 in Spring and can (4.1% alcohol) dining room, be accessed on our and Organic Ale with more beers web site www.stneotscamra.org.uk). After the (4.5%). of course. walk we enjoyed the beers at the White Hart, The copper But there was more to come, and after a rest- a Bateman’s tied house. We were delighted to uses electrical ful return journey to our party find Batemans DM dark mild alongside the elements as a enjoyed a stop at Fulbourn for the Six Bells, regular XB bitter, and XXXB. direct source of with Adnams Bitter and Highgate Beezone the heat for boiling pick of a comprehensive range. OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 3 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 4 PUB NEWS PUB DESIGN AWARDS

The Grange, High Street, Brampton. As part CAMRA, in association with the English Herit- of his ongoing commitment to real ale, Nick age and Victorian Society, has announced the Steiger, the owner of this hotel/restaurant/free five winners of their 20th annual National Pub house has recently invested in new cellar Design Awards, for work carried out in 2001. equipment. He has installed a hydraulic cask The ‘New Build Award’ goes to the Manor tilting system. Adjustable for the size of cask – Barn Farm, Southfleet, Kent. This Shepherd normally firkins or kilderkins – the casks rest Neame pub started out life as an 18th-century on hydraulic pins, which adjust the tilt of the barn and has been rebuilt on its original foot- cask according to the amount of beer remain- print - complete with imposing new timber ing. This completely avoids the need to manu- frame and thatched roof. ally tilt a cask when the beer level is low, and The Test Match, a Hardys and Hansons pub allows the cask once started to be completely at West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, located drained without ever being touched again. The near to the famous Trent Bridge cricket ground, equipment comes with a cask lifter allowing has won the ‘Refurbishment Award’. the weaker of our society to lift and position the cask prior to tapping and spiling. Although The third category, ‘Conversion to Pub Use’, a sizeable investment, Nick says that the added was won by the Gatekeeper in Westgate flexibility of the system and considerably re- Street, Cardiff. This building started life as a duced wastage, not to mention consistent qual- theatre in 1904 and since the war has been ity, has made his investment well worth while. converted into a wholesale chemist and an The Grange normally has three real ales from auction house. a variety of small breweries as well as offering The Bath Hotel, Sheffield was the success- bar snacks, full restaurant and hotel facilities. ful entry in the ‘Conservation’ category, spon- The Dragoon, Buckden Road, Brampton is sored by English Heritage. This award is given another pub where the landlord, John Franklin, for work on a pub which conserves what is good is a keen real ale supporter. He learnt his trade in the pub, improves some of the crass refur- running the World Upside Down in Raunds in bishment efforts of the past and ensures that the 1980’s, which at the time was the nearest the fabric of the place will survive for further pub to Huntingdonshire that sold Marstons. The generations of pub goers and drinkers to en- Dragoon is a Charles Wells tied house selling joy. This important side-street local was recently Eagle and Bombardier, but John has per- the subject of a first-class conservation suaded Charles Wells to provide him with two scheme, designed and executed by the land- independent real ales from their impressive lord in conjunction with local craftsmen and guest list, in addition to the Wells beers. John suppliers. holds Cask Marque accreditation and is in- The final award, the Joe Goodwin Award, spected twice a year to maintain it. Another goes to the best restored local - Holt’s Rail- landlord who is justifiably proud of his tempera- way, Didsbury, Greater Manchester. This ture controlled cellar, John says he has in- small, single-room pub has been refitted and creased sales of real ale by 60% since he took expanded to the rear, into the area formerly over the tenancy two years ago. devoted to the toilets and other services. The (From our correspondent in Brampton, George existing work has been retained, while new Cottam.) elements, such as a salvaged bar counter front, have been sympathetically introduced into the mix. OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 5 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 6 NEW ‘NATIONAL INVENTORY’ OF HERITAGE PUBS

Protection For Pubs With Historic Interiors Not all historic pubs qualify for statutory listing, Of over 60,000 pubs in the UK, less than 250 but they could benefit from inclusion in ‘local have interiors of outstanding heritage interest, lists’ of the kind some local authorities already according to CAMRA’s latest survey results. operate. CAMRA is calling for all local authori- The huge majority of pubs have undergone ties to establish such lists, which can play a drastic alterations and less than 4% have re- major part in influencing local planning poli- tained features of historic significance. cies and raising awareness about locally im- portant historic buildings, including pubs. The ‘National Inventory of Outstanding Historic CAMRA believes that, at the present time, only Pub Interiors’ has been released by CAMRA, about a third of local authorities choose to the Campaign for Real Ale. It features 205 pubs maintain such lists. with exceptional historic interiors and a further 43 pubs with particular internal features of na- Dr. Geoff Brandwood, CAMRA and English tional historic importance. Heritage Pubs Caseworker said, “Many pubs have interiors which are simple and unsophis- Dave Gamston, CAMRA’s editor of the Na- ticated and do not qualify for statutory listing, tional Inventory said, “CAMRA fully appreciates yet they are still of value to the people who that pubs have to survive in the real world of use them and help to define the sense of local commercial pressures, adapting their business community. The local list initiative holds to modern needs, but all too often these pres- promise as a vehicle for protecting valuable sures have led to ‘change for change’s sake’, local pubs and their historic interiors so that with wide-scale loss of historic internal features. future generations can enjoy them”. The National Inventory is about raising aware- ness of this problem with politicians, local au- · The CAMRA National Inventory of pub in- thorities, pub companies and fellow consum- teriors of outstanding historic interest is ers. It’s also about celebrating the best of the available from CAMRA, priced £2.50. pub heritage we have left”. · Looking for a heritage pub in your area? The third edition of the National Inventory has Full listings of National Inventory pubs can been painstakingly compiled by CAMRA’s Pub be found at www.camra.org.uk under the Heritage Group. It includes pubs from across category heading ‘Historic Pub Interiors’. the UK including Northern Ireland. Pubs are In recognition of the interest in these pubs, the selected purely for their internal physical fab- Huntingdonshire Branch of CAMRA has linked ric and things such as beer quality or ‘atmos- up with neighbouring Peterborough Branch to pheres’ are not considered. offer occasional rambles of some of the re- A large number of National Inventory pubs are gion’s most historic pubs. These will all be or- in statutorily ‘listed’ buildings - most of them at ganised by Mick Slaughter, a noted expert on Grade II, which means their safeguarding is historic pubs, a member of the team that main- essentially entrusted to local planning authori- tains the CAMRA National Inventory, and the ties. In the past, local planning authorities have photographer that brings you the spectacular not always exercised their control powers with pictures of the pubs featured in the CAMRA the same force to the insides as to the out- members’ newspaper What’s Brewing Beer sides of listed pub buildings, and this has con- supplement. The first of these trips will be to a tributed to the loss of many valuable pub inte- select group of pubs in London, planned for riors. Saturday 22nd November - look for details on our web site,or contact Andy Shaw on 01480 355893. OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 7 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 8 REAL ALE IS GREAT VALUE AT UNDER £2 A PINT! A LOOK BACK IN TIME

CAMRA Prices Survey - Real Ale is Better price of a pint was £1.75. The most expensive 25 YEARS AGO Value than Lager was the South East where a pint costs on av- · In the Autumn of 1978 the revered real ale · Wisbech brewers Elgoods launched Cen- CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, have to- erage £2.15. brewers Theakstons were on the verge of tenary Ale, a dark ale with a strength of 1050 day released the results of their new prices The least expensive area for cider is, not sur- losing their independence as 48% of the (5% alcohol). It was put on sale in all their survey revealing that real ale remains good prisingly, the South West where it is £1.83. The brewery was sold to a City investment com- 58 pubs on draught, many without gas top value for money at under £2 a pint! most expensive was East Anglia where a pint pany. Theakstons denied that the deal was pressure, alongside their mild and bitter. The prices survey was carried out during March will set you back £2.36. half way to a full take-over. Theakston’s · Independent brewer Darleys of South York- by CAMRA members throughout the UK. In Benner concluded, “The important thing for Yorkshire brewery and its brands eventu- shire were taken over by Vaux of Sunder- total, almost 6,500 beer and cider prices were beer drinkers is to look for good value. A real ally became part of the Scottish Courage land, who insisted that Darleys would con- collected from over 1,000 pubs. The pubs sur- ale served in proper condition at a fair price. A conglomerate, where they remain in 2003. tinue unchanged, and pointing out that veyed were a mixture of tenanted, managed beer that is badly served, has off flavours or is · St Neots brewers Paines launched Wards of Sheffield had retained its brewery and free houses and included those owned by lacking in condition is a poor bargain at any ‘Lunchlight’, a new light mild, into its 24 pubs. and brands for 5 years since being taken breweries, pub companies and individuals. price. It’s essential that pubs strike the right George Cottam of CAMRA St Neots branch over by Vaux. In 2003 all these breweries balance between quality, price and variety.” The average price of a pint of real ale was felt that the beer would ’suit the drinker who and brands (including Vaux) are no more £1.98, an increase of only 2.65% from the New Pub in Huntingdon does not want to fall asleep in his office af- than names from the past. same time in 2002 (£1.92). In comparison the The Cromwell, Huntingdon - the new Wiz- ter his lunchtime session’. But the optimism · CAMRA discovered a cask ale called PMA average price of lager was £2.17, up 2.7% ard Inns pub - will be opening on August 4th. surrounding Lunchlight could not disguise (Pale Mild Ale), brewed by Kimberley brew- since 2002 (£2.11). This is lower than inflation The Cromwell has 2 handpumps, one for the troubles within the company with board- ers Hardys and Hansons for many years which was 3.1% between April 2002 and April Greene King IPA, and the other for a changing room feuding, low profits and high dividend and available in just two outlets in a Not- 2003. guest beer. payments bringing uncertainty over the fu- tinghamshire mining area. The beer had Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Head of Campaigns & ture of the company. never been listed in the Good Beer Guide Communications said, “British real ale still of- · CAMRA claimed that the Courage cockerel and the brewers explained that it was a fers good value for money at under the £2 mark was ‘in a flap’ as Courage dropped cask slightly weaker version of their Best Bitter. and is on average19p cheaper per pint than mild from Kent and East Sussex. · St Neots CAMRA held their August social lager. There are over 2,000 different real ales · Greene King were under attack from at the Half Moon in Kimbolton. The Half on today’s market and it is pleasing to see that CAMRA at their AGM for their policy of serv- Moon after having been in the Good Beer they are generally on sale at an affordable ing cask beer using carbon dioxide gas top Guide for 10 consequtive years 1975 – price. Real ale is the best of British beer, pressure in most of their pubs. The brew- 1984, was closed in August 1988. brewed using natural ingredients, with more ers believed that most of their customers taste and diversity than any other beer style. preferred the beer that way, but CAMRA It’s amazing that it is generally cheaper than disagreed, believing that most people pre- inferior mass-produced lagers.” fer cask beer with lower levels of carbona- Benner continued, “The Chancellor put a penny tion. But the company did concede that they on a pint of beer in this year’s Budget, which would consider applications for handpumps will have increased prices in pubs by 2 or 3 from pubs in areas where a choice was not pence a pint. We’ll continue to campaign for a offered. In 2003 Opening Times knows of reduction in beer duty as this will help to stamp no Greene King pubs in the local area us- out smuggling and encourage people to visit ing gas pressure to dispense cask beer. and enjoy British pubs on a more regular ba- · Joe Goodwin was newly elected chairman Half Moon, Kimbolton sis, rather than drinking cheap imported lager of CAMRA at a meeting of the National Ex- at home!” · In October 1978 the branch met at the Fal- ecutive in Liverpool. con in Buckden and the Green Man, The least expensive region in the UK for real Gamlingay. The Green Man closed in 1989, ale was the North West where the average and the Falcon in 1995. OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 9 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 10 A LOOK BACK IN TIME

10 YEARS AGO · CAMRA were outraged at Government · Adnams Extra won CAMRA’s Champion plans to drop a new ‘full pints’ law after a Beer of Britain award, the first win by a re- pledge to stop short measure for beer drink- gional brewer after wins by a national brewer ers appeared to have been scuppered by and microbrewers Woodfordes and pressure from the brewing industry. CAMRA Mauldons in the previous three years. promised to use over-sized lined glasses.for · An Inntrepreneur pub was stripped by bail- full pints at its Great British Beer Festival at iffs after a dispute between owners Grand London Olympia, CAMRA’s second annual Metropolitan and its lessee, Tricia Boyce, festival at the venue. leader of a national association of · By the Autumn of 1993 CAMRA’s newly Inntrepreneur lessees, NAIL. In a case typi- formed East branch had in- cal of pubs owned by the new non-brewing creased its membership by 35% in just 3 pub companies, the rent for her pub had months. Branch Secretary John Walsh said been increased from £4,250 to £18,500 ‘Local publicans have shown an enormous when she had taken over. The dispute was interest and many have joined CAMRA’. over a contested demand for rent arrears. · CAMRA submitted its pilot inventory of un- · Bass axed its Springfield Bitter, 2 years af- spoilt pubs for consideration as listed build- ter closing their Springfield brewery in Wol- ings after meetings with English Heritage, verhampton. Bass blamed the loss on ‘peo- who had agreed to consider listing pubs (in- ple moving towards national brands’. cluding their interiors) on their merit as in- tact classic pubs, rather than just worthy buildings that happen to contain pubs. · Protesting villagers at Steppingly in Bedford- shire set up a drinks marquee outside their pub the Drovers Arms, closed by Charles Wells, who had sold the pub for non-pub use in the face of a bid by villagers to buy the pub as a going concern. · CAMRA were urging a cut in beer duty in the Autumn of 1993, to prevent the demise of brewers and pubs threatened by a 37% increase in beer duty since 1979 and a 15% drop in beer sales over the same period. CAMRA claimed that its Great British Beer Festival would save £40,000 if held in Cal- ais. · CAMRA slammed a back-track by the na- tional Trading Standards body allowing brewers to use the term ‘draught’ for canned beers. CAMRA said that ‘if canned draught beer is acceptable then so is ‘fresh’ frozen vegetables’. OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 11 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 12 Regatta field, site of a popular annual event, Walk through the church yard round the right SHAW’S STROLLS site of a popular annual event, the last of its hand side of the church, and pass through the kind to still use ordinary pleasure craft rather wrought iron gates and down to The Waits, The Hemingfords and St Ives than racing boats. which takes you along the side of the river to- wards the centre of St Ives. Our route back to Introduction: The walk starts at the Cock, The Walk: Pass through another kissing gate, through a small wood, and across a field. Now the path Hemingford Grey will now take you past the Hemingford Grey, passing along the riverside, From the front of the Cock, facing the road, passes between houses and holiday chalets. roundabout at the end of the road, either down then through the delightful Hemingford Abbots, turn right along the High Street, following the At the road turn right, passing through the cen- Crown Street past the Royal Oak to your left, continuing across meadows and the River road towards the river; passing many fine build- tre of Hemingford Abbots, branching left at the or down Merrylands passed the Nelsons Head Ouse to Houghton, and along a wooded path ings from Glebe Cottage, a timber framed Axe and Compasses. Continue past even more to your right, both leading to Bridge Street, to St Ives. After refreshments in St Ives, the thatched cottage dating from 1583, to the at- delightful thatches cot- where you turn right and continue over the walk returns via further meadows and the back tractive yellow brick tages, and along Com- bridge. By now however you will be thirsty and lanes of Hemingford Grey to the Cock. River House, built in mon Lane at the end of there are lots of great pubs in St Ives (please Hemingford Grey was originally owned by the late 18th century. the High Street. Note read the accompanying article for some ideas). in 1041, but eventually passed When you reach the the Old School House Continuing over St Ives Bridge, note the chapel. into the ownership of Reginald de Grey. river, go left along the – how many thatched The last prior of St Ives priory was allowed to Hemingford Abbots dates back to 974 and the riverside footpath, schools do you know? retire to the chapel to church of St Margaret of Antioch dates from passing the gate to the th Turn right into Meadow Lane, crossing a bridge live out the rest of his the 12 century. Houghton has many fine Geor- Manor House. Origi- leading to Hemingford Meadows. Crossing the life after the dissolution gian buildings. nally a stone Norman River Ouse again at of the monasteries in Distance: 11 km (7 miles). Hall, built by Payn de Hemingford in the 12th Houghton Lock, you 1539. In 1736 it under- century, it has since had many additions in How to get there: From the A14 going from will arrive at Houghton went restoration work varying styles. The original moat surrounds the Huntingdon towards Cambridge, take the Mill (National Trust), and two additional sto- house on three sides. Believed to be the old- turnoff for Hemingford Abbots, then follow the which is well worth a ries were added to it. By all accounts this did est inhabited house in , it is presently signs for Hemingford Grey. From the south visit. Pass under the little to improve it, making it rather ugly in fact. occupied by the family of the famous children’s approach via the A1096 road between the A14 mill, and rather than Over the next 200 years it passed through authoress, the late Lucy M. Boston. and St Ives, turning left at the roundabout op- take the river path, turn left and follow the road many hands and amongst other things was a posite the Vindis VW garage. Passing through a kissing gate, and continu- into Houghton village. Here you will find an at- private house, used for toll collection and even Parking: The Cock has a car park. ing alongside the river, you pass across the tractive village centre, with a central thatched a Public House! It is now listed as an ancient clock tower, surrounded by an old post office, monument and has been restored to its origi- many old buildings, and the Three Horseshoes. nal size. Leave Houghton down Thicket Lane at the Immediately after the Dolphin Hotel, take the corner of the Three Horseshoes. Further down public footpath on the right, signposted to the lane, note the somewhat eerie gothic Hemingford Grey. The path crosses Houghton Manor. At the end of the village, Hemingford Meadow, and then follows the line when the houses end, continue to follow the of a tree lined ditch. Pass through 2 gates, metalled road, which leads to a good path across what was the old railway line. This leads through Thicket Wood. There is a diversion to a rough road (Meadow Lane) beside a large through a nature reserve half way down the garden with a lake. At the junction with Meadow path. The path passes paths on the right that Close, turn right and take the public footpath lead to water meadows, and a Scout hut, then (beside the driveway to No 3), which passes the gardens of houses on the left, eventually between houses leading to a road where you reaching All Saints Church in St Ives. There turn left. At the next junction continue straight, has been a church on this site since 970, but and at the next turn right – you are now in the current building was mainly bult in the 13th Church Street walking through the heart of a and 14th centuries and was extensively re- quiet secluded part of Hemingford Grey, with stored in Victorian times. many fine houses. At the gates of Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey. OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 13 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 14 Hemingford Grey House, turn left into Church A BRIEF GUIDE TO ST IVES BEST PUBS Lane, after a short walk you will find yourself Join The Campaign For Membership Application AVIATOR, Ramsey Road. Close to All Saints Please fill in your details below. back at the Cock, where its restaurant will await Church. Interesting guest beers do not disap- Real Ale you. Bon Appetit! point, often including Oakham JHB. Love beer? Want to help protect it as well Title Surname The Pub: FLOODS TAVERN, Broadway. A local outpost as drink it? Want to make sure you can continue to enjoy your favourite pint of Cock, Hemingford Grey and flagship for Wisbech brewers Engoods. A friendly welcome, well presented Elgoods real ale in your local pub? Well, you may Forename (s) D.O.B 47 High Street, Tel: (01480) 463609 Cambridge Bitter, Greyhound and usually a be interested to know that’s what the 11.30-3, 6-11; 11.30-11 Sat; 12-10.30 (Sun) third Elgoods beer, and the best local setting Campaign for Real Ale, CAMRA, is try- Adnams Bitter; Elgoods Black Dog Mild; for a riverside beer garden. ing to ensure. Partner Title / Surname (If applicable) Oakham JHB; Woodforde Wherry (H) OLIVER CROMWELL, Wellington Street. Turn We are one of the most successful con- right onto Bridge Street and left along the old sumer organisations in the country. We river quay. In the 18th century this was known campaign to help protect consumer Forename (s) D.O.B as the Feathers, and beer was brewed on the rights, promote quality, choice and value premises until 1920. This warm, friendly wood for money as well as campaigning to panelled bar is the epitome of the traditional save local pubs and independent brew- Address English pub and a new lease of life has fol- eries. lowed the arrival of new owners last year. Adnams Bitter makes a welcome appearance So why not help support us and join to- as a permanent beer in St Ives, and there are day! three guest beers. Oakham JHB and How? Just fill in the CAMRA application Postcode Woodfordes Wherry were notable recently. form or join online at www.camra.org.uk Tel No. NELSONS HEAD, Merryland. This is a very Membership costs just £16 a year and Email busy circuit pub on weekend evenings. For- for this you receive: The Cock has been serving the village since merly the Three Tuns, this pub name is an unu- • Our lively monthly publication What’s 1767. An impressively revamped local, in a sual local reference to the maritime hero, more Please indicate below (circle amount) stylish and picturesque old village, it has an common around his birthplace. Jazz Brewing, giving hard news from the which category applies to the recipient: idyllic setting on the . The real every third Sunday afternoon. Beers are from world of pubs and beer as well as pro- Single...... £16 Greene King, with IPA, Abbot, Ruddles viding information about festivals and ales are served in a simple unpretentious small Joint...... £19 bar with basic furnishings and a solid fuel stove. County and Old Speckled Hen. special events. Under 26...... £9 There is a relaxing atmosphere and a firm em- WHITE HART, Sheep • Free or substantially reduced entry phasis on well-kept local ales. The large res- Market. Re-built in the to all CAMRA beer festivals through- Under 26 Joint...... £12 taurant offers a great scope with its modern, 18th century, its out the UK, including the Great British Retired...... £9 imaginative menu; it attracts visitors from a wide present layout is typical Beer Festival. area. Booking is advisable for the restaurant of old inns, and was Retired Joint...... £12 at all times (no food is served in the bar). No conserved in a sympa- • Discounts on many CAMRA publica- meals offered on Sun eve or Mon. thetic 1997 renovation tions, including our best-selling Good I enclose a cheque, Car Park, Garden, Meals Lunchtime, Meals but permission has recently given for further Beer Guide. payable to CAMRA, for £______. Evening, Quiet Pub, Real Fire. changes – hopefully these will not change the There are over 180 branches and 66,000 layout. A central cobbled covered passage, Other publications: members Nationwide. Between cam- Send to: CAMRA, Membership Secretary, formerly a coaching arch, separates the two 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide, for more details paigning, beer festivals, brewery trips and bars. Accommodation is available and this re- 4LW of other pubs in this area serving excellent real mains a busy pub on St Ives market days. Cask pub visits there is plenty going on. So ale. The Good Beer Guide can be purchased beers comprise Greene King IPA, Tetley Bit- find out more about what’s going on in on-line at www.camra.org.uk, or by mail order your local area and join online at ter, Draught Bass and the excellent Fullers Signed...... Date...... (call 01727 867201). London Pride. www.camra.org.uk

OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 15 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 16 Always a good selection of quality real ales. Always a good selection of quality real ales.

This is our 23rd ‘Booze on the Ouse’ and the sandwiches. Free Soft Drinks will be available twelfth held at the St. Ivo Centre, to be organ- from the Real Ale bar for the designated driver ised by the Huntingdonshire Branch of the of your party. Campaign for Real Ale. CAMRA Products: Come along and chat to Real Ales: We hope to serve over the course our staff and learn about CAMRA, beer brew- of the festival around 50 real ales from both far ing and pubs. CAMRA and Brewery products and wide, both from the well-established inde- will be on sale, including sweatshirts, T-Shirts pendent breweries and the newer, smaller mi- and Polo shirts, as well as books, pens, badges cro-breweries. Visit our Web Site for details of and beer mats. Adjacent will be the fabulous the beer list: www.stneotscamra.org.uk. ‘Every One’s A Winner’ Tombola stall. Foreign Beer: We will be selling a range of Children: Whilst Lunchtime is the ideal time Belgian bottled beers including examples of the to bring the family to the festival, we do allow most distinctive individualistic beer styles in the children into the hall up to 9.00pm in the world, such as Trappist, Lambic and Wheat evening, and we have a separate family area beers, plus German, Czech and beers from on the balcony above the hall. even more exotic locations! Staff: The Festival is organised and run by Cider & Perry: The traditional cider bar will be members of CAMRA who are all unpaid vol- serving around 6 taste-bud shattering unteers. The Festival always needs more staff, delectations. so if you are a CAMRA member and can help Food: The St. Ivo Centre will be operating a at any session, please contact Andy Shaw on food counter selling both hot and cold food at 01480 355893 or all sessions, including homemade chilli’s, cur- [email protected]. ries, and lasagnes plus a good range of filled OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 17 OPENING TIMES 116 AUTUMN 2003 PAGE 18 HERTS BIGGEST BREWER SAVED FROM CLOSURE!

The news that McMullen, Hertfordshire’s old- tower brewery, built in the 1890’s and redun- est and biggest brewer, is to stay in brewing dant since a new brewery was completed 20 has been well received by members of the years ago. Campaign for Real Ale. CAMRA has been bat- Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Head of Campaigns tling to save the brewery from closure since and Communications said, “We’re delighted 2002 when a review of the business was an- that drinkers will be able to enjoy McMullen’s nounced. beers in the future”. It was said that some of the McMullen family “We believe the decision by the McMullen were dissatisfied at the return on their board to stay vertically integrated, selling their shareholding and wanted to sell the compa- fine ales through own pub estate is the right ny’s site in the centre of Hertford. thing to do and it will secure a future for the Now peace has been restored following the company.” CAMRA is calling for an urgent revaluation of the company’s large portfolio of meeting with McMullen to discuss the future of unlicenced property. their cask beers and pubs. A company spokesperson said that McMullen’s Mr. Benner added, “We want to show our sup- had picked up property piecemeal in nearly two port for what they are trying to do. We’d also centuries of expansion. The portfolio would now like some reassurance that Mac’s beers will be sold and the proceeds returned to the share- still be available in the free trade as well as in holders. The company is also to sell it’s old their own pubs.”

BRANCH CONTACTS TRADING STANDARDS

Chairman: Roy Endersby, (01480) 473364, Your local Trading Standards organisation is [email protected] Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Stand- Secretary & Publicity Officer: Paul ards at Hinchingbrooke Cottage, Brampton Moorhouse, (01480) 496247 (h), Road, Huntingdon PE29 6NA. [email protected] If you have any complaints about trading stand- Treasurer & Newsletter Editor: Andy Shaw, ards issues at local pubs please contact them. (01480) 355893 (h), (07802) 485449 (m), Cambridgeshire Trading Standards have a role [email protected] to protect consumers from errors or frauds con- Membership Secretary: Margaret Eames, cerned with quality, description or price of (01480) 385333 (h) goods, services or facilities and to detect and rectify unfair advertising practices. Social Secretary: Kathy Hadfield, (01480) 496247 (h), [email protected] If you wish to contact them about any such mat- ters you can telephone the Cambridgeshire Visit us online: Trading Standards helpdesk on 0845 CAMRA’s Home Page 3030666. The trading standards web site is http://www.camra.org.uk www.tradingstandards.gov.uk St Neots Branch Home Page http://www.stneotscamra.org.uk

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