As part of the West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) 50th anniversary celebrations a local Ale Trail was launched early in April which apart from encouraging people to visit pubs also high-lighted the 50 pubs that have appeared the most in the CAMRA “Good Beer Guide” publication in West Dorset since the branch was founded in 1976.
Ale Trail Co-ordinator Many Priest explains “Potential participating publicans were initially asked if they wished to take part, once the 50 pubs were listed they were given a stamp to show a customer had visited the pub. In the recent addition of the Giant’s Pint publication (which are available in most West Dorset pubs), the centre piece shows the 5 trails for participants to visit. On ordering any drink they receive a stamp, there are ten pubs on each trail and prizes on compleition with full details in the Giant’s Pint.”
Mandy Priest said “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the West Dorset CAMRA 50th anniversary celebrations in-particular the ale trail. So far we have had very good feedback from the participating pubs and people taking part in the trail. I am now personally looking forward to visiting all of the trails by the close of the end of August and celebrate a successful event”.
Speaking on behalf of the Giant Inn, Cerne Abbas Janine Ryan said “Every shift someone comes in on the ale trail it’s definitely brought in extra trade”. While Lucy Orton from the Chetnole Inn, Chetnole said “Some people have already nearly completed the trail, people seem to love it and not just cask ale drinkers, it’s boosted our trade”. Landlady Geraldine Baker of the Rope Makers; Bridport said “We have had customers in the pub we have never seen before, I think the ale trail is a really good idea and I would love to do a trail myself”.
Speaking on-behalf of West Dorset CAMRA committee members branch spokesperson Rich Gabe said “When the trail was launched we had never done anything like this before, the whole point of the trail is to encourage trade in the participating pubs but also encourage support for other pubs within the near vicinity. With the summer months ahead of us this is the perfect time to visit a pub and take advantage of the gardens or go somewhere you would normally not visit”
