In October, regulars at the Wheatsheaf Stores, Keelings Road, Northwood, undertook a sponsored abseil down the YMCA building, Hanley, in aid of the Douglas MacMillan Hospice. £500 was collected at this event, and Enterprise Inns have added £200 to make a total of £700 donated. Very well done everyone who took part!

There's a change of licensee at the Clough Hall, Kidsgrove, with Colin and Jane, formerly of The Yeoman, Audley Road, Alsager taking up residence. A new feature at the Clough is the appearance of guest beers, which Banks's are now obliged to allow.

Another new licensee is Nigel Wooliscroft at the Old Brown Jug, Newcastle. This is former market trader, Nigel's first venture in the licensed trade, and he is enjoying the challenge This one-roomed pub, just outside the town centre, is very busy at weekends, and has a very good atmosphere.

Regent Inns opened Newcastle's latest cafe bar, The Guildhall on November 24th. Boasting to have Newcastle's largest television screen, the white, gold and turquoise signed former civic building comprises two bars - an opened up downstairs bar, and the former court and council chamber upstairs - and sells Draught Bass and Marston's Pedigree.

Ironmarket, Newcastle Hogshead manager, Paul Leek has left to take up a new position in Derbyshire.

At an emergency meeting, Newcastle Borough Council's Planning Committee reluctantly granted planning permission for McDonalds to bulldoze the former Dimsdale Hotel, and to build a brand new 'Driv-Thru' burger restaurant. Originally, planning permission was refused, when the councilors voted against the advice of their own planning officers. Within days the 1930s building was a pile of rubble.

The Beartown Brewery Tap, formerly The Grapes, opened in Congleton in November. Potters Bar was invited to the opening, and is pleased to recommend a visit for the excellent Beartown range of beers.

The Werrington, formerly the Pig and Whistle, and the Werrington Hotel was severely damaged by fire in a suspected arson attack on the night of 23rd November.

Following on from Banks's takeover of Marston's, a casualty is Marston's Bitter, which has been axed in favour of Banks's Bitter. Owd Roger is also thought unlikely to re-appear in draught form. The good news is that Banks's tenanted houses can now stock a guest ale.

Tony Moss, landlord of the White Swan, Middleport, pictured above officiating at the wedding of his daughter Joanne to John earlier in the year.

There is no truth in the rumour that Tony is to re-name his pub "The Impolite Vicar".