Monday 25th January 2010

What a fun evening we had. All the tradition of Burns night, but without too much formality.

Guests were welcomed with a ‘wee dram’ from a choice of 6 whiskys: 3 blended – 3 malt.

Starters included Scottish smoked salmon, cock-a-leekie soup or prawns in whisky cream.

Our Haggis was piped in and we enjoyed readings. Apart from the haggis, neeps and tatties, there were options for all to enjoy. Puds of course were to the usual Swan high standard and all ‘home made’.

Make a note in your diary for 2011 - Tuesday 25th January. See you there!

Tuesday 19th January 2010

A second pub quiz at the Swan Inn on Tuesday night at Stoford brought the total raised from two quiz nights in the last four months to £1000 for the Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal.

The teams pitted their wits over 75 questions compiled by Assistant Manager Matthew Watts and all enjoyed a very tasty light supper provided by the owners of The Swan, Carl and Maris Pearce who said: “We are delighted to support The Stars Appeal for a further quiz here at The Swan and would like to thank everyone who came to support us”.

The Star’s Appeal Fund Raising Manager, Hannah Paye, said: ‘We’re thrilled to have the continued support from The Swan Inn at Stoford which will benefit local children in hospital in Salisbury. The money will go towards providing a dedicated waiting and treatment area for children in A&E and a family unit for the parents and siblings of premature and critically ill babies”.

11 teams were formed from a mixture of regular Swan visitors and local businesses. “A fun evening in a fantastic venue and raising money for a worthwhile local charity. What more could you want?” commented The Salisbury Printing Team.

The winning team, “The A Table”, shared a fabulous hamper generously supplied by some of The Swan’s local suppliers, including Sandridge Farm in Bromham, Stourhead Farm, Chef’s Delight, Salisbury’s own Hopback Brewery in Downton and Enterprise Inns. The two runner-up teams shared some great beer and T-shirts!

Sara Willan, who is a Governor of the hospital and on the Stars Appeal Committee, was there to receive the cheque for £500 and said “We are really grateful to The Swan Inn at Stoford for raising funds for the Stars Appeal by holding this fun quiz night”.

James Purves and colleagues from the Upper Woodford based website design company Unstuck Design, who manage both the Swan’s and the Stars Appeal‘s websites fielded two teams. James said: “It was such a great opportunity to be able support both ‘‘organisations’’ and enjoy a fun and relaxed evening at The Swan”.

The Swan is very grateful to the providers of the prizes and to Unstuck Design for their photography.

Read the following article below from the Salisbury Journal website:
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/4875513.Stoford_quiz_raises_money_for_Stars_Appeal/

·         Two nights’ accommodation for two people sharing a room
·         One two course dinner for two on one of the nights
·         One bottle of (proper!) Champagne
·         A dozen red roses

For just £200.

And then back to normal!