Jo hopes for great turn-out at first Worksop community pub crawl
A random idea sparked a facebook posting that received a huge response, and has resulted in an event to take place this weekend.
The Great Worksop Pub Crawl is a community event planned to bring people together while supporting the pubs in and around the town.
Organised by Jo Thorpe of Worksop, the crawl is planned around 14 local pubs, but is designed so that anyone can dip in and out – stay for one drink or go the whole route.
Jo, 56, said: “This was just an idea that came up when I was out with a few friends, and we were remembering how people used to go from pub to pub more.
"At one time Worksop pubs would have queues of people wanting to go in, and before mobile phones it was always the arrangement to meet at a particular pub.
"All pubs are struggling to make ends meet now and we want to support them, while getting people to come out and talk to each other, and have a good time.”
Jo was amazed by the response she got on social media when she floated the idea of the crawl. Most were very supportive, but there were some negative comments too, she said.
"People knock Worksop but it actually has some very good pubs and we don’t want to lose them. Apart from the Wetherspoons they are mostly independent and are working hard to survive.
“I’m not getting anything more out of this than hoping to raise some community spirit. If it’s successful then it’s something we could do regularly. The local publicans are all keen to get involved.”
A route has been put together by Jo, starting at the Station Hotel at 2pm on Saturday, April 18, and ending at Amor Cocktail Bar.
"Hopefully the weather will play along,” she said. “People of different ages have expressed interest, and everyone’s welcome to join in.”
Karen Woods, who owns the Station Hotel and the Shireoaks Inn said: “I’m more than happy to support other businesses. We specifically chose a walk-friendly route, and small and independent pubs as opposed to the big chains.
"If it is a success and we do it again, we will choose a different start point and route to try to benefit everyone.”