2nd July 2008

Landlord completes his epic challenge

John Bellinger, landlord of Hook Norton’s Bell Inn at Adderbury, North Oxfordshire CAMRA Pub of The Year 2008, rose to a challenge set by his customers when he punted the length of the Thames through Oxfordshire last week.

In doing so he raised more than £4,000 for the Katharine House Hospice. John’s challenge, which started at St John’s Lock, Lechlade, at 10.00am on Sunday 22 June took six and a half days to complete, finishing in Henley on the following Saturday (28 June) at 1.30pm. He had invited customers to bid for a daily crew place at an auction he held at the Bell Inn and those who were successful in securing a place were encouraged to obtain sponsorship for their part in the challenge, to swell the coffers.

People thought John was potty when he accepted his original challenge - to go down the Thames in a swan-shaped pedalo, but when he couldn't find one a customer offered a punt instead.

He was given a musical send off at St John’s Lock in Lechlade by a large party, including Lechlade's finest folk musicians (Lechlade Riverside Folk from the Trout) journalists and customers, including two in kayaks who followed the punt for the day like out-riders.

John shook a bucket at pubs along the way in aid of Katharine House Hospice, which stands to gain from his efforts.His target of £2,000 looks like being doubled now as he ‘calls in’ all of the sponsorship pledged before the start of the event.

The challenge ended in Henley at the famous Angel-on-the-Bridge pub, where a packed riverside terrace clapped and cheered as he stepped ashore wearing his best DJ, to be greeted by customers from the Bell Inn and his wife Trisha.

What about his next challenge? John was a bit non committal. “That depends on what my customers come up with”, he said. “They’ve got the next month to make some suggestions, but they will have to be prepared to do the organizing!” There will be a presentation of the money raised on Saturday 19th July at the Bell at Adderbury during the evening.