I think I read a quotation in a Cynics' Lexicon, once, which declared that "A committee is a group of people who can do nothing individually, but who meet and decide collectively that nothing can be done", writes Mervyn Edwards.

Having been a member, and even an officer of other groups before I joined PPPG, I am well aware that this is true of some organisatlons, which is why I have been patient for PPPG to achieve its goals to "investigate, protect and promote" our special interest in pubs. So has the group been "all talk and no action" since its inauguration in 1996, or have we achieved tangible success?

The highlight of our crusade has been the saving of the Springfields Hotel in Trent Vale, which, after being threatened with demolition at the hands of Allied Domecq Leisure, became a listed building thanks to the efforts of PPPG and members of the Potteries Heritage Society. PPPG felt strongly that this splendid structure was worthy of protection and our approach to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport duly bore fruit. For a small, voluntary group such as ours, it was important to prove to ourselves that David can sometimes defeat Goliath. We have been less successful in our efforts to preserve interiors such as the one which gave the Boat and Horses (Newcastle) its especial character, but in an era in which pub owning companies hate to hear the "C" (conservation) word mentioned, groups like ours will always be climbing uphill into a headwind.

To this end, it is necessary to educate drinkers, brewers and pub-owning companies in terms of heightening the profile of the few decent pubs we have left.

Our Community Pub of the Year Award gives us the platform to do this, and the Group's first winner (1998-9) was the superb Golden Cup in Hanley, kept by Colin and Kay Steele Pubs are gradually realising that we can work together, and two have joined PPPG as corporate members, to wit: the Saggar Makers (Burslem) and the Crown Hotel (Longton). Tricia Ball, the licensee of the latter, recently received a five page historical profile of the hostelry, and is keen to promote the history of this former coaching inn.

Add to these achievements the fact that we are now on the Internet, have a photographic archive of about 400 illustrations, and continues to develop good working relationships with several local licensees, and it will be seen that this Group is no paper tiger. Our AGM took place in June at the White Swan in Middleport, a photograph (left) of which appeared in my book "Potters in Pubs" (1998). The Group would like to thank the licensee, Tony Moss, for his wonderful hospitality on the night, and we recommend the pub as a prime example of the sort of hostelry we are eager to promote.

N.B. Three members of PPPG were involved in the Save the Archer (Wolstanton) campaign, and although the pub eventually closed in 1998, it was at least included in an extended Wolstanton Conservation Area, constituting a minor success for the campaigners.

All those who remember this epitome of the village local - and the nectareous Abbot Ale which it sold - may be interested to know that local artist and former Archer tapster Jane Baker has produced a painting of the pub, copies of which can still be purchased.

Contact Jane on (01782) 628793.

ARTICLES IN ISSUE 88

Stoke Beer Festival Pub of the Month National Pub Prices Survey Pints of View Belgium in a Bottle Titanic News Pub News

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