SUNDERLAND, MOUNTAIN DAISY. John Holland reports the encouraging news that Trust Inns' Business Manager covering the pub is planning to appoint a new tenant. Also the front runner's business plan includes installing real ale, linking up with CAMRA, and making more of the back room. The pub has a most splendiferous all-over tiled room – essential visiting. 

TWEEDSMUIR, CROOK INN. More slightly encouraging news here at this Scottish Borders pub with fantastic Art Deco and rustic 1930s work but where the owners are hell-bent on turning it over to residential use. A vigorous campaign has been fought and the latest news is that the council are looking for a lot more evidence about the trading position, whether efforts have been made to run the pub successfully etc etc. If you want to read the letter go to www.savethecrook.org.uk

GAWSWORTH (CHES), HARRINGTON ARMS. Future looking rather bright – new tenants in place. They have created (much needed) extra space by opening up a large, former kitchen rear left with a range and ceiling hooks. They intend to do food but locally sourced food. 

LEINTWARDINE, SUN INN. Roger Corbett alerts us to a splendid, long article on 16 April in the local press. You can view at  
www.shropshirestar.co.uk/2007/02/regulars-chip-in-at-pub/
How long they keep such stuff posted I know not – so quick viewing is advised.
ELTON, (DERBYS), DUKE OF YORK. Dave Thornhill reports that according to a website 
http://www.wishful-thinking.org.uk/genuki/DBY/Elton/DukeofYork.html this pub is only open once a week, at Sunday lunchtime. I have tried ringing (this Sunday lunchtime) without success. I’d appreciate any solid news that I will then share. (Once a week isn’t going to do real ale much good).

BATH, LONG ACRE TAVERN. Roger Corbett puts me right on the address – the road is  Long Acre, not London Road as I said

MISCELLANEOUS, SORT-OF RELATED MATTERS

FULL PINTS. Don’t forget to sign CAMRA’s full pints petition on www.takeittothetop.co.uk

VAT ON HISTORIC BUILDINGS (AND THAT INCLUDES LISTED PUBS). It really is a disgrace that you can pull down a building and stick up a new one and not pay VAT. If you do  look after your historic building then you pay VAT on repairs. Marvellous! This is a major issue for conservation lobbyists. Please support the campaign for VAT relief by signing the petition on http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/NoVAToldBuildngs/
And finally, CHEAPER VISITS TO LONDON PUBS. Oyster card for free! Transport for London is trying to get us all to stop paying cash fares and use a pre-paid Oyster card instead which let’s you ride for about half the cash fare. To encourage you to do so they are offering them free (normal initial cost £3) from www.tfl.gov.uk/freeoyster   (Tough cheese for anyone who has already paid out the £3, eh?) You get the card then top it up at any number of newsagents, Tube stations etc. 

Geoff