From the Clun Chronicle

Staff Changes

In June we said "cheerio" to two 'Sun at Clun' bar staff. our son John and family friend Daniel, who have returned to the Falkland Islands. John plans a three month working holiday, then will be flying back to UK to join the Royal Navy in October. We also said "Welcome!" to Peter Weigand, our excellent new chef, and to Flora Buckle and Michelle Burge, who are our new friendly faces behind the bar. Peter's menus focus on using fresh local produce in season: his June best sellers were sea trout with creme fraiche, chives and English asparagus and a heavenly fresh strawberry creme brulee. Peter has also re-instated a traditional Sunday lunch (booking recommended) and will be introducing food theme nights.

Repairs and Renovations

Still ongoing, but less visibly so then when we were encased in scaffolding. Work this month has included repairing ceilings in the laundry, downstairs corridor and one of the letting bedrooms. We are also in the process of glamorising the dining rooms, which have been considerably improved by simply removing the creepy pictures that gave so many customers the chills!

Flea Market

Another flea market is scheduled for Sunday, 20th July between 2.00 & 4.30pm. This is a good opportunity to pick up a few bargains or sell your own bric-a-brac, crafts, home made jam, books, outgrown tricycles etc. A flea market is recycling at its best! Tables are available at £4.00 each (proceeds to be donated to SAMA82). To book please call us on 01588640559.

Darts

The Sun at Clun darts team is participating in the Marston's National Darts Competition, which is currently being played at regional level. The team have now reached the third round and, in a home match against 'The King Billy' from Kidderminster, won 7-3. An away match against the same team has been scheduled. The team winning most points from the two games will proceed to the fourth round. We would like to hear from anyone interested in forming a team for the Winter League, 2008.

Pool

The Sun at Clun is participating in the Summer Pool League and has played four games so far against the Crown at Newcastle, The Malthouse, Stokesay Castle Hotel and Lydbury North. No wins have been secured as yet but we are still smiling and have had very enjoyable evenings meeting the other teams. Anyone interested in making the team for the Winter League should contact Graham.

Cribbage Night

Some interest has been shown in the Monday evening Cribbage Night but, at the time of writing, numbers are a little thin on the ground. If anyone is keen but would prefer a different day or time please let us know. Or how about a different game, such as Whist? Through July we will keep the Cribbage Night open every Monday, but review it at the end of the month. Cribbage is a traditional pub card game, easily learned and played in pairs with no betting involved. 'Cribbage School' is available for beginners and rusty players. Please contact Graham for more information.

Board Games

We now have a good selection of board games in the Lounge Bar and are happy to add any special requests. Anyone for Backgammon?

Help for Heroes

As a standard practice, we now offer a 10% discount on food and accommodation for members of HM Forces and veterans. This is our way of recognising their courage and sacrifice and of saying "Thank you" for their role in protecting us. Forces' discounts seem to be uncommon in UK but not so in the United States, where support for the armed forces is more overt and many businesses display a logo to advertise the fact. 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. 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/

How long is yours?

We know that there are a number of keen gardeners out there and would be interested to know just how good they are. We hereby lay down a challenge to produce 'The Longest French Bean in Clun Valley'. Entrants (i.e. 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! Entrants will be recorded on a chart on display in the public bar. The competition will close on Sunday, 31st August 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. On the same theme, we can always use good quality vegetables, salad and fruit and would be pleased to hear from gardeners with surplus produce.

Graham and Fiona Didlick