From the Clun Chronicle

Repairs and renovations have slowed up this month, but this is simply because we have been so busy. This being our first summer in the Sun at Clun, every day is a new experience and we are never quite sure what to expect. Work on the dining rooms is nearly complete and we have to say we are very pleased with the way they look – perhaps best described as wattle and daub meets Art Deco! Why not come and see for yourself? The recent heavy rain has proved that the old leaks have been cured by the new roof, although we now have one new leak in the conservatory. It was something of a relief to find the source of the puddles was from faulty guttering above, as initially we thought we had a leak under the floor and had visions of having to dig it all up.

Spirits in the bar – and we don’t mean the whisky! As newcomerswe know very little of the history of the Sun at Clun or any stories attached to it, so were intrigued to be visited recently by a paranormal research team who are collecting material for a book. Not knowing what to expect, we were impressed to find that much of the team’s work involved sophisticated electronic equipment and digital cameras used to record variables such as temperature, light and movement. The team also included a medium, whose role it was to contact any “spirits” present in the building. She was a lot less scary than we had imagined and came up with some interesting observations. She felt that the pub had been popular with soldiers of either World War 1 or World War 2, who had often enjoyed rowdy sing-a-long sessions. Another impression was that area outside the present kitchen door had at one time been used to lay out the deceased during wakes. We’d be interested to know if anyone can verify these, or even tell us any stories of their own. Nothing too hair raising please – we have to sleep here at night! The medium also passed on a message from a former “regular”, telling Fiona that he could see her when she was having a bad day in the kitchen, crashing about with the pots and pans! The technical equipment apparently produced some interesting results although it will take some time to analyse in detail. Oddly enough the team’s digital camera repeatedly refused to work in one of the letting bedrooms, despite functioning without problem in every other part of the building!

Flea Market Our first flea market, held in June, was quite a success. We only had four tables booked but there was a good deal of interest and it is fair to say that all the vendors went home happy. This is recycling at its best and a good opportunity to pick up a few bargains or sell your own bric-a-brac, crafts, plants, books, outgrown toys etc. The Sun Inn flea market will be held every third Sunday in the month, with the next scheduled on Sunday 17 th August 2008 between 2.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Tables are available at £4 each (donated to SAMA82). To book please call us on 01588 640559.

Live Music. As our contacts in the music world are expanding,we are booking musicians that really are something special and probably too good for a country pub. Keep an eye on the acts coming up on Saturday nights – you might miss a rare opportunity.

Darts. The Sun Inn darts team is participating in the Marston’s National Darts Competition, which is currently being played at regional level. The team recently won their games against "The King Billy” from Kidderminster and will now proceed to the fourth round. This being a national competition, we wait to see how far the team will have to travel for the next away game! We like our darts and would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in forming a team for the Winter League 2008.

Pool. The Sun is participating in the Summer Pool League and has played five games so far, with plenty of enthusiasm but no wins yet. It’s the taking part that counts and a great way to have a good evening out and meet the other teams. Even though we are not the champions yet, we are having fun trying and would like to invite anyone interested in making the team for the Winter League to contact Graham.

Cribbage Night . As reported last month there has been some support for a crib night but numbers have been too low to make up a decent round of games. Consequently the crib night has been cancelled. It may be that a games night would be best kept for the winter when folk are not so busy with gardens and enjoying summer evenings. If anyone is keen on a cards night or games night please let us know. We also have a good selection of board games in the Lounge Bar and are happy to add any special requests.

Read and Release. bookcrossing (n) “the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise” was added to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary in August 2004”. www. bookcrossing.com is a worldwide book sharing scheme with around 700,000 members, some of whom, like the Sun Inn, are registered as a Book Crossing Zone. If you have books that you wish to hand on, simply log on to the website, label your book with the unique tracking number provided and leave it at the Sun Inn Book Crossing Zone to be found, read and passed along to others. Alternatively, leave the book with us and we will register it for you. When someone finds a book you have registered and makes a journal entry, you will receive an email notification that allows you to follow your book’s journey. This type of thing really does work at a global level – one day we’ll tell you about the gnome that was stolen several years ago from a garden in Port Stanley and is still sending its owner postcards from around the world!

Help for Heroes . As a standard practice we offer a 10% discount on food and accommodation for members of HM Forces and veterans. We are currently petitioning the Prime Minister to establish a nationally recognised symbol for businesses that offer a special welcome and discount for serving members of the armed forces. Our MP Philip Dunne has taken up the issue with the Ministy of Defence and we are delighted with the outcome so far. We have received a copy of a letter from Derek Twigg MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, which states that the MOD, in principle, have no objection to the setting up of an identifiable symbol and the feasibility is being investigated further. This is good news indeed but we still need public support. If you would like to find out more about the petition and would consider signing it on-line please go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forcesdiscount/

Jolly Green Giant. Our mission to find “The Longest French Bean in Clun Valley” continues. If you have a candidate for this title please bring your bean to the Sun Inn. The bean must be whole and should be submitted to Graham or Fiona for measurement. The bean will be measured in its natural state i.e. kinks and curves not stretched out. Candidates will be recorded on a chart on display in the public bar. The competition will close on Sunday 31st August 2008 and the winner will be presented with either a bottle of Glenfiddich whisky or a donation of equal value to a charity of their choice.

Veg for Vouchers . Dining at the Sun Inn is always an inspiring and worthwhile experience as our dinner menu changes daily, making the best of fresh food in season. Best sellers in July were oven baked sea bass with coriander sauce and a mouthwatering home made lemon cheesecake. We can always use good quality vegetables, salad and fruit and, as we know there are some expert gardeners out there, we would like to offer a swap: veg for dinner vouchers. The swap will be dependent on current requirements but we do prefer to buy local where we can. If you have any surplus produce and would like to swap for a fine dining experience, please call in to see us.

Graham and Fiona Didlick

July 2008 Newsletter