Annual beer walk at brewery near Petersfield to mark launch of Christmas beer

THIS year one third of the money raised by the annual Ballard’s Beer walk will be donated to the roof repair fund for St Marys Church, Chithurst

The walk this Sunday (December 4) is part of the launch of Ballard’s Christmas beer, and will start at 11am at the Ballard’s Brewery, The Old Sawmill, at Nyewood, between Rogate and Harting.

One third of the takings at the event will be donated to the roof repair fund for the tiny Norman church, St Mary’s, at Chithurst, which will collapse unless the roof is repaired soon.

A brewery spokesman said: “It has become a local tradition to gather on the first Sunday in December at the brewery to launch their new Christmas Beer at the Annual Charity Beer Walk.

“All comers are welcome – dogs on leads please, and as the weather tends to be challenging wellies are strongly advised! We look forward to seeing you all.”

The name of the new 8.5% beer in the “Old Bounder” tradition will be revealed just before the walk.

It starts from the brewery which will be open from 10am to 1am to sell the new beer, on draught and in 275 ml bottles. All other Ballards beers, draught and bottled, will be available. A box of beer makes a great Christmas present!

Local Scouts will provide bacon sarnies, burgers and soup to sustain you on your way, and other entertainments will include music played by a local folk band, Rosie Hodgson and the Portsmouth Prize Old Mummers performing their hilarious play, plus more!

Maps will be provided showing routes to several local pubs taking part in the Beer Walk – The Elsted Inn, 01730 821362; The Three Horsehoes at Elsted 01730 825746; and the White Hart at South Harting 01730 825124. Walkers may visit all or any of these pubs, in any order they choose, and if so wished, enjoy a sit-down meal, or food for large numbers. Groups are advised to call the pub in advance and book.