The Royal Oak  ::  Newsletter  ::  July / August 2007

It came, it went ..... we survived! Yes, the Church Stretton Ale Trail weekend was it's usual manic self. A jolly time was had by all as you will see from the photos below. Also, our thanks to the delightful Emily Floyd for providing the music on the Saturday night. In terms of getting some rest & recreation we enjoy our Mondays off - and last Monday we took the dogs and ascended Caer Caradoc. Not the best of days weather-wise ~ we had sun, cloud and rain during our jaunt ~ however the views from the top made it worthwhile. If you want to see the photos of our ascent, along with directions from the pub, then click here. If you just want the directions to print then click here.

In our last Newsletter we were musing about our distant readers. We had a nice email from Chiyoko saying that she's been 'an avid follower of the happenings at The Royal Oak since the beginning of the Newsletter'. However she is not our most distant reader ~ we've also had an email from Leslie Higginbotham in sunny southern California. Leslie, our most distant reader to date, will be visiting here again in October this year. Also, a 'hello' to Rachel Porter and Cathy Musgrove of Georgia USA who visited the pub during July. So, it seems that all our long distant readers are in the States ~ unless, of course, you know otherwise?

Coming this month we'll have a repeat of our successful Scalectrix Race Night on Sunday evening (26th August) from 8pm. Mmmm ~ Eira's the mama ~ at least on our Italian Food Night. Come and sample our 'Pesce Spada a Cotoletta' or 'Polpette Nella Foglia' on Wednesday 5th September, 7pm - 9pm, more details below.

September also sees the start of our Darts and Dominoes Season. On Thursday 6th September we'll be having a Dominoes Knock-Out with prizes of Whiskey and Port for the first and second places. If you're interested in playing for any of our teams ~ now's the time to contact us to enquire or enlist! Newcomers will be made most welcome.

Shiver me timbers ~ Saturday the 15th of September we'll be splicing the main brace, keel haulin' the crew and walking the plank ~ join us for our Pirate Party (from 9pm). Fancy dress is optional, but there'll be a prize for the best! Our final 'news' photo shows our hanging baskets ~ just to prove that we have had some sun, here at 'The Royal Oak'.

.... Steve & Eira

Strettons' Ale Trail

	The 5th Church Stretton Ale Trail took place on the 6th & 7th of July, with over 700 revellers visiting the pub over the two days. On the odd occasion that we had time to get the camera out we captured (clockwise from top left) Kenny Pugh, Mike Rust and 'Busy' Ray on the trail; Sian Davis and Charlotte Glover armed and dangerous; Will Heywood, Alan Ridge and Tim Barker in the trap and last but not least barmaid Jade stamping Jake Rust's passport. Click on the photos to see larger versions - warning - only click on Jade and Jake's photo if you're not easily offended ;-)

Scalectrix Challenge

Sunday Evening - 26th August

We enjoyed the last one - so we're doing it again! Come down and try your hand - even bring your own cars. We'll kick off at 8pm with Practice Sessions, Time Trials after 9pm for your grid position, with a Knock-Out at 10pm. Costs nothing to enter - we'll even throw in a prize!

Dominoes Knockout - 6th September

Feeling a little rusty before the start of the season or just fancy a good night out in the company of our two domino teams. It's 'fives and threes', starting at 8:30pm. Knock-out format with the playing order drawn on the night. Free entry; winner and runner-up prizes.

First Prize - Bottle of Paddy's Whiskey
Second Prize - Bottle of Warre's Ruby Port

Prove yourself 'The Champ' and we'll sign you up for the team!

Italian Food Night
Wednesday 5th September - 7pm - 9pm

Starters (£3.50)
Zuppa d’Autunno (Autumn Soup)
Zuppa di Pomodoro e Crema (Cream of Tomato Soup)

Main Course (£8.50)
Pesce Spada a Cotoletta (Swordfish Cutlets)
Polpette Nella Foglia (Tomato Sauce Balls)
Carbonata alla Val d’Aosta (Rich Beef in Red Wine)
Risotto di Funghi Selvatici (Wild Mushroom Risotto)

Deserts (£3.25)
Tiramisu
Gelati (Italian Ice Cream)
Pasticcio al Formaggio Dolce (Lemon Cheesecake)

or all three courses for £13.95

!!* - PIRATE PARTY - *!!

Saturday 15th September - From 9:00pm

Ahoy me hearties - gather yer parrots and yer wooded legs and hop down to 'The Oak' for a flagon of rum (or other briney beverage). Cutlasses & Pistols to be left at the door.

Prize Draw

On Sunday the 12th August local Vin Edwards drew a name out of our bowl. July's lucky winner was Ken Day. Congratulations Ken, your prize of a voucher for a gallon of ale awaits your collection from the bar.

Our second photo shows David Thorpe, with his son James, collecting June's prize of two bottles of Rose Wine from Landlady Eira (click on the photo to see a larger version). Congratulations David, we hope that you enjoy your wine.

Commiserations everyone else - but why not drop your details in again to be entered into this months draw. We draw every month from those names left in the bowl on the bar during the period since the last draw, so don't forget to re-enter your name on your next visit to 'The Oak'. To celebrate this month's Italian theme our August prize is for a bottle of quality Italian sparkling wine ~ Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene.

Make sure you're in it to win it!!

News in Brief ....

• The Rushbury and District Flower and Produce Show takes place at 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday the 27th August at Rushbury Village Hall. The Royal Oak is sponsoring the 'five cherry tomatoes' class!

• We'll be open for lunch on Bank Holiday Monday, the 27th August. Food from 12pm - 2pm. Why not lunch at 'The Oak' before popping down to the Flower Show?

• The Cardington Harvest Auction will take place here at The Royal Oak on Sunday afternoon the 21st. October at 2:30pm.

Dates 'at a glance' ....

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