There were twenty of us who went on the trip to Nigel Walpole's Public House the “Crown” at Maltby Le Marsh near Mabelthorpe. (Nigel was the former Landlord of The “Plough” at Stapenhill) Fletcher's Coach's “Bob the Bus” was our driver. From Nottingham we went along the A52 to Grantham, then onto a Café stop just the other side of Grantham. We continued on the A52 into Boston, then the A16 to Ulceby & then along the A1104 through Alford to Maltby arriving at 12 30. After sampling Nigel's own range of brews from his own mini brewery, plus eats off the menu, it was time to look around.

We took it in turns, at about four persons at a time to go into the brewery, yes it is quite small, for Nigel to explain how he made such excellent brews using basic equipment, not originally used for brewing, like his mains water heat exchanger using reclaimed water to keep his water bills down. In his early attempts at brewing he suffered an infection from the water which he resolved by adding Camden tablets (sodium metabisulphite) He uses real hops & local malt. Currently he has 3 brews Old Reliable, Smartie's Night Porter & his favourite P.E.A - Popper English Ale. Some local establishments want him to supply his beers, which would mean expanding the brewery. After only a short time the Crown has been voted Louth & District's Pub of the Year. Their banner adorns the outside of the pub. After drinking some more of his beers we thanked Nigel & Janet for their hospitality and an enjoyable visit to depart at 4 00pm.

For our next “port of call” Bob decided on a different route to the Bull at Bottesford. A cross country route took us through Horncastle to join the A46 to Newark, then along the A1 to Long Bennington then the direct minor road to Bottesford to visit the Bull, famous for it's connections with Laurel & Hardy. There are a number of pictures of them round the pub, plus some articles. The Bull was kept by Stan Laurel's sister Beatrice in the 1950's. Stan & Oliver would stay there if they were appearing in Nottingham. Stan Laurel was born in Ulverston in Cumbria on the 16th June 1890 There is a museum to Laurel & Hardy there. Beatrice was born in Bishop Auckland. The Bulls manager was unfortunately on holiday, as he keeps a number of artefacts secure & only gets them out for those who appreciate Laurel & Hardy. The various appreciation groups called “Tents” meet there & are associated with 1933 film Sons of the Desert (log onto your computer and for Sons of the Desert for more information.)

While in Bottesford the triggies bagged another one next to the Bottesford Beacon on the bridleway the other side of the railway station. For those of us who were still hungry (like me) we visited the local “Fish & Chip” shop. Also the near by Rutland Arms was also visited. At 8 30pm we were all back on the bus. Bob got us back into Burton just after 9 30pm, kindly dropping us all off somewhere near where we lived. I should like to thank all those who came on the trip to make it a memorable 65th birthday.

Counciller Peter (Claude Greengrass) Rose