Opening Day Is A Roaring Success

If you were there you will already know what an absoultely incredible turnout we had on Saturday. The first pint was pulled at 12 o'clock and from then on it out did all of our expectations, apart from the slight lull around 4 o'clock, which was certainly  welcomed by all the bar staff and gave them a chance to get ready for the evenings onslaught, the bar was pretty much three deep all day.

Come closing time, as the last few stragglers were asked to drink up, it became clear that the call for support from the community had been wholeheartedly embraced and met with the kind of passion  only a community project can inject. I don't think I've ever heard so many people say "keep the change" in my life. People from all over the area as well as freinds and family of locals turned up, amazed at the progress made over such a short period of time. A number of people I spoke to had only come along for "a quick drink" and ended up staying far past their intended home time. The Hog Roast arrived at 1pm and by 4pm they were picking the carcass clean and had to fall back on the barbeque for sustinance.

Additional funding was raised from the "Soak The Bloke" side stall although I am of the firm belief that "the bloke" was unaware of just how good a shot the local children were and he didn't seem to ever get used to just how cold the water direct from the mains was. Needless to say that the "wenches" were not stepping up for the drenching the sign promised!!

All in all it was once again a fantastic effort by everyone involved in ensuring that everyone was well catered for, and for those that showed their support in the best way possible, by turning up and taking part, a massive, massive thank you. With this kind of support there is no reason why The Norton shouldn't become one of the best pubs in the area, whilst having the fairly unique position of being run by the community, for the community.

Opening Day Photos