Burghfield Common Recreation Ground pop-up pubs raise more than £6,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance

A pop-up pub event on Burghfield Common’s Recreation Ground appears to have been a resounding success, despite recent controversy over the ground’s future.

The Burghfield Santas, a group which organises events to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other local charities, ran a pop-up pub on the evening of Friday, July 29, as well as on Fridays throughout the summer.

Residents have recently been divided over Burghfield Parish Council’s plans to build a temporary café on the recreation ground, with some welcoming a new community facility, and others believing it to be a Trojan horse ploy to get a pub built in the village.

Despite this controversy though, the Santas raised £6,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance from the three popular pubs they put on in July.

David Gregory, a Burghfield resident and editor of the Facebook page Burghfield Community, said the day after the event: “We are bloody lucky to live in all this countryside, and the people are nice, friendly, cheerful and supportive.

“We have events and we also have a peaceful countryside parish.

“Maybe five Rebellion Lagers helped but I just wanted to say, I am so proud and happy to live with all my great friends here in Burghfield.”

Many other people from Burghfield shared their positive thoughts about the pop-up pub on Facebook.

Richard Thorrington said in response to Mr Gregory’s comments: “It was a pleasure to meet you and a blessing to enjoy such a fantastic community event.

“It's nice to be reminded what a great, positive community we have in Burghfield Common.”

New to Burghfield, Michelle Richards took along her new-born to the recreation ground and said: “It was so lovely to sit outside in a relaxed family friendly atmosphere.

“We really enjoyed it and will be back again on Friday with our picnic blanket and toys to chill.”

Carrie Shay, who catered at the event, said: “From my side it was amazing to not only see, but also be a part of.

“I live in Burghfield, and to meet my local community was just so wonderful.

“An amazing effort put in by those of the Burghfield Santas, and amazing support from the people of Burghfield.”

The pop-up pub, called the Bulging Sack in the Park, raises money for charity through the sale of local real ale, craft beer and craft lager among other alcoholic beverages.

The Burghfield Santas even have their own craft beer which they serve, a 4.2 per cent American pale ale called Reinbeer of the Mohicans.

The largest annual event the Santas put on is Burghfest, which takes place on the Burghfield Common Recreation Ground on Friday, September 23, to Saturday, September 24, later this year.

The real ale festival will feature live music, a family funfair, and a whole range of food and drink options.