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CAMRA - North Hampshire Branch This Page:           Campaigns - The Plough Inn Last Updated: 19th November 2003   The Plough Inn, Ashmansworth A TEN POINT Plough response! - Letter to an anonymous contributor.     An anonymous writer feels that CAMRA has a "blinkered view" towards pub closures and that it should "take its head out of the sand" regarding the Plough. Well, Mr Anon, why the secrecy? However, because I'm feeling kind and generous - and it gives the opportunity to air some views - I shall reply. Now to the TEN points of your e-mail (the FULL content of your e-mail is reproduced as bullet points - nothing has been cut): ONE "I am a big fan of real ale but a pub is a business not a building to make a village look pretty." RESPONSE At least you recognise it is a business. Not a house or a residential home or a hotel or a development site to sell and line accountants' pockets. It is a business, and a traditional British one, part of our heritage, and one someone decided they would run. In the case of the Plough it was bought as a business - and should be run as such or sold on to someone else to continue. We know there are people who have shown interest. TWO "For a business to survive it needs to be used by the community." RESPONSE Yep, sure does and it also needs to extend its attraction to others outside. Of course if a landlord of any pub had discouraged entry to some of the community, or made it unattractive to visit, then it would not prosper. I wonder how you would address such a situation? If a pub failed to cater for its potential customers who would you blame? Perhaps someone else should be given the opportunity to make the business more viable and to develop it into an asset that all would want to visit. THREE "I think CAMRA should take its head out of the sand and start supporting the landlord to drum up custom and perhaps you will then save the pub." RESPONSE CAMRA does not run pubs for landlords. Neither does it have the arrogance to tell a landlord how to run their own business. CAMRA members regularly visit the Plough, and CAMRA has given the pub and the landlord several awards. Additionally it is listed in the top-selling Good Beer Guide, and in the latest 2004 edition just published there is a particular encouragement for all to visit. Is not this supporting the landlord? FOUR "I have visited the pub on a few occasions..." RESPONSE Why only a "few"? Get out there man. Don't leave it all to others, or you could risk being branded a hypocrite. FIVE "...the Archers beer is an excellent pint" RESPONSE Ah, something we can agree on, and it is very well-kept at the Plough, which is why CAMRA has given the landlord awards and recognition. I particularly like the Village Bitter. SIX "...but the customers who give the pub a warm welcoming atmosphere are few in number." RESPONSE See 'Two', above. Get the picture? SEVEN "There is nothing to attract people travelling along the main road to the pub such as a sign." RESPONSE So are you seriously suggesting CAMRA puts road signs up? CAMRA has certainly campaigned for rural pubs to be permitted to apply for the brown tourist signs and CAMRA made the point at the public enquiry regarding the signage aspect of the Plough both on the A343 and in the village. Quite why the landlord doesn't have one is a mystery. Other pubs in the area do. Why do you think that is? EIGHT "Ashmansworth is only a small village and as you pointed out there are no other facilities in the village to attract new visitors, hence the lack of custom in the pub." RESPONSE Many places are smaller. Many pubs are even more remote, yet they are successful. Have you considered why? The pub should attract custom by being a welcoming, hospitable and well-run establishment, serving good real ale. That is the role of the landlord. There are many positive aspects of such a country pub in such a superb location that could be developed. NINE "I think..." RESPONSE Are you quite sure? I thought the jury was still undecided. TEN "...with your current blinkered view you are closer to losing the pub than ever." RESPONSE Is that what you want? Just what have you done to help save it other than, allegedly, a "few" visits? Now, might I respectfully suggest you shed your cloak and come along to one of our meetings to discuss your views rationally. I would even buy you a pint. Or you could e-mail me direct, jpb.design@virgin.net. If you would really like to help save the Plough, or any other pubs, then why not join us in that aim. John Buckley Chairman, North Hampshire CAMRA     Click here to read the previous article on The Plough: May 29th 2003 Update Please let us have your comments: Write to Us.   << BACK TO CAMPAIGNS ^ BACK TO TOP ^

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