A PACKED Village Hall at Monday's annual parish meeting heard that our sole remaining pub, the Brewers Arms, has been registered with the District Council as an Asset of Community Value.

Mark Haslam, of CAMRA, explained that this designation, made possible by a clause in the Localism Act 2011, is effectively an 'insurance policy' that could help to protect the pub from possible closure, against the background of the impending departure of present tenant Sue Adamson in September .

Mr Haslam also outlined alternative ways the Brewers could be acquired by the local community, either through residents taking shares in a company managed by an elected executive committee, or by acquisition by the Parish Council using a loan from from the Public Works Loan Board. A meeting is to be called next month to consider whether one or other of these options might be suitable for our local pub, which Mr Haslam described as a treasure.

However Judith Aldridge, a near neighbour to the Brewers, said that she had recently assured by the area manager for present owners Admiral Taverns that they were well satisfied with the performance of the pub, had no plans to sell and were already on the lookout for an experienced successor to Sue Adamson. Warm tributes were paid to Sue for her devoted efforts in maintaining the pub following the sad loss of her partner Trevor Marston five years ago.

Robin Whittlestone, retiring after twelve years' efficient and conscientious service as parish Footpaths Warden was also warmly thanked, and received a presentation from Council chairman Bill Shearer.

Last Saturday's talk by local dog expert Louise Cox on understanding domestic pets through the social structure of a wolf pack attracted an interested audience of around 20. After she had outlined the hierarchy and varying social status of different members of the pack, the meeting became in effect a clinic for local dog owners, who raised – and received advice on – the behaviour and oddities of their various family pooches! £115 was raised for the St James's Church organ fund.

COLIN JACKSON 01684 577604