Harwich & Dovercourt Winter Beer Festival
2005
Thursday 1st - Saturday 3rd December 2005Back in 2002, a crazy idea began to take shape - the creation of a new Beer Festival. Although everyone who heard about the idea was filled with 'alcoholic' glee, foresight into the hard work involved in setting up a 3rd beer festival filled many with a chill. As you can see above, that didn't stop Richard Oxborrow, Pete Goodwin and Ken Brand from forging ahead, and we're all the better for it! This December sees the 4th Harwich & Dovercourt Winter Festival, and what another cracker we've got lined up. Along with the now infamous Colin Miller, Home Brewer Extraordinaire, the Harwich Crew set about Mersea Island Brewery and created a new beer for the beer festival. Rather than give the game away here, I'll refer you to the Harwich site where you can read all about it and get some extra information about the fest. In the meantime, here are a few of the details that you'll need...... Opening TimesThursday 1st December, 11am to 11pm - £1 admission all day Friday 2nd December, 11am to 11pm - £1 admission before 6.30, £2 after Saturday 3rd December, 11am to 11pm - £1 all day Remember, card carrying CAMRA members get in free at all times. Getting ThereThe festival is held at the Kingsway Hall in Dovercourt. If you're coming by train then head for Dovercourt Station. The last train back is at 11:05pm each evening, by the way. Kingsway Hall is a short walk from the station. Click here for a map. EntertainmentMusic for this years festival is on Friday night with two locals bands, The Beach Monks and Four More Years. Staff WantedCreating a marvel of liquid delight doesn't come easily, and months of work are put into organising the beers, music, food, stillage and a host of other things. This is before the doors have even opened on the first night. However, no amount of effort in the run up to the festival can make up for the time required to actually serve people - over 360 man hours. Every festival sees the branch die-hards play their part and putting in the effort, for which everyone is grateful, but I'd like to appeal to those of you that have often considered giving a helping hand, but not quite got round to it! Every minute that you can put in means that someone else can have a few minutes break from what is an extremely long week. Afraid that you'll be quizzed by someone and not know the answer? Worried that you don't know how to pour a pint? Stressed that you'll be run off your feet by some bearded madman? Is there something else running round your head that's putting you off? All I can say is fear not. I've lost count of the number of people that had some worry or other, and without exception, every one of them all said they really enjoyed themselves on the inside of the bar. If nothing else, use it as an excuse to stay a little longer! If I've managed to tempt you into offering your help, then please contact the Staffing Officer, Paul Mellor on 01255 502658 or email him at yog.up@ukonline.co.uk. Don't forget to start your Christmas shopping early, and we'll see you all at the festival soon.... Additional information can be found on the Harwich website, www.harwich.net/beerfest |
