Towards
the end of 2010 the F.O.F.B. were contacted by a local historian for
Mold and Flintshire in North Wales , David Rowe. David, who has written
a book on the Pubs and Breweries of Flintshire, had been contacted by
Sue Phillips who had come across some articles of A.O.F.B. regalia that
had belonged to a family member. The family had been owners and licencees of pubs and hotels and Sue wanted to know more.
Long story short, we found ourselves nearly one year later on, with
knowledge gained and interest growing, and the first F.O.F.B. trip north of the Midlands was underway, to the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn.
David Rowe with the opening introduction kicking things off.
David
and Sue had tirelessly worked to promote the day, abetted by the
amiable landlord Steve Marquis, with the hope of raising a few quid for
a local childrens charity. Local brewers Facers
had brewed a beer especially for the day - Frothblowers Ale - and they
donated a barrel for the cause, there was a barbeque laid on along with
some local jazz musicians to aid proceedings.
Landlord Steve Marquis - on the pull
Bluebell
regular Malcolm Jones was elected Chairman for the day and donned a
coat of many bartowels, constructed by fair bar maiden Jeannette
Brookes.
Other
officials were elected with Sue Phillips acting as scrounger and Fine
Master General along with fellow scrounger Louise Partridge - a local
childrens charity Ty Gobaith ( Hope House ) were to benefit from the day. Also present was Amanda from Barclays Bank - Barclays had promised to
fund match any monies raised - and she was duly elected Chief Fairy
Belle & Froth Blower.
The scroungers Sue and Lou take a refreshment break - in moderation of course.
Possibly
the largest collection of A.O.F.B. regalia and memorabilia assembled in
one place in modern times was laid out for general perusal, and what a
sight it was .
The
scroungers soon got to it and fines of 10p were levied for a host of
offences including the use of mobile phones, wearing of socks with
sandals, not joining in with toasts or the none singing of the anthem.
The pipes being tried
With
musical intermissions from Malcolm Hogarth (Official Froth Blower Piano
Artiste) and John Higham (Official Brass Froth Blower). Chairman
Malcolm ran proceedings like a well oiled machine with sudden outbursts
of the Frothblowers anthem - he had to, and did keep, the pipes well
lubricated.
Outside,
the barbeque had a few issues due to the odd downpour but a gazebo kept
it dry and the South African recipe sausages went down a storm.
Back
indoors the AOFB bowler was donned and passed around from time to time.
An attempt to raise a few fines with a toast of 'Aston Villa' from
yours truly fell flat and and found me fined instead.
The
afternoon went swimmingly, lubrication was in moderation and Chairman
Malcolm conducted a couple of auctions of A.O.F.B. regalia. There was a
pair of cufflinks auctioned along with a postcard with an A.O.F.B.
theme, a Membership book or ritual and another pair of cufflinks
donated to the F.O.F.B. by Sue Miller on behalf of the Kellaway family,
they were her Great Grandfathers, and the family were happy that they
should go to a good home whilst raising a little towards childrens
charity which is what the A.O.F.B. were all about.
Chairman Mal auctioning away.
The
mood brightened as did the weather as the day wore on and a quick audit
from David Rowe's better half revealed that over £816 had been
raised - so with Barclays fund matching meant a tidy sum in excess of
£1600 winging it's way to Ty Gobaith.
All that was left to do before the Birmingham F.O.F.B. contingent started to head on home was to bestow the honour of Vat status on the Blue Bell - gratefully accepted by landlord Steve.
Good folk of the Blue Bell Vat - keep up the good work and charity fundraising .
