Those who are regulars at The Bell will have recognised the absence of Pat from the pub, after running around busily for the last few years her right hip gave out and she has had to succumb to a new one . Having undergone the operation in early October she is now making good progress walking once again and should be returning to the fold in the New Year . I have discovered all sorts of new fangled objects in our house , such as a hoover and a washing machine , but now , after quite a few laughs, we seem to have a routine for getting her up and about each day and keeping the domestic duties in order , I also seem to be losing weight with all the exercise !!

Finally , a story from which we have now thankfully moved on . In early October I had the opportunity to put a question to AA Gill at the Cheltenham Literature Festival . I had attended his book promotion with no intention of bringing attention to myself . But having listened to the astonishing and rambling verbosity of this man I felt that I needed to ‘fight my corner’ for the reputation of The Bell .

I think that the awards we have gathered over the last few months speak for themselves and once again would like to thank all those who have supported us so loyally over the last few years and both Pat and I look forward to continuing to keep The Bell at the forefront of great British Country Pubs .