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Vicar swaps pulpit for pulling pints

by Sarah Carless

DURSLEY'S rector was such a success behind the bar of a local pub that she could become an annual attraction.

The Rev Janet Bromley was pulling pints in the town's Old Spot Inn last Friday to raise funds for the St James the Great Church Appeal.

Her stint as a barmaid raised £1,000 for the church's refurbishment appeal.

"Everybody felt they were drinking beer for God this weekend," said landlord Steve Herbert.

The idea for the fundraising event was mooted by church bell ringers who use the Old Spot each week after their ringing practice. Mr Herbert agreed to donate takings from sales of Bellringer Ale to the appeal.

"We all had great fun," said Mrs Bromley. "There was a lot of support from local people and a lot of church people came down for lunch and then again in the evening.

"The regulars were great and really entered into the spirit of the event.

"Those who didn't know it was happening seemed a little surprised to see me behind the bar but everybody was donating their change to the appeal.

"By Sunday we had raised around £900 but they kept having a whipround to make it £1,000. It was a worthwhile event and I didn't spill too much beer."

Mr Herbert said: "It was a brilliant event and Janet was fabulous.

"We did offer her a job but she said she had another calling.

"To see the shock on people's faces when they saw a vicar behind the bar was priceless.

"We would have Janet back again and could even make it an annual event if she was up for it."

The church appeal aims to raise £300,000 to improve facilities at the Grade One listed building, which has stood at the centre of the Dursley since the 12th century.

The church, which is already used for many community events, needs a new roof, while interior alterations will include refurbishment of the west end, providing a toilet for the disabled, a kitchen and further facilities for meetings.

To date, fundraising activities have raised more than £40,000.

Mrs Bromley said: "We are doing well at the moment. Everybody is still in a wonderful mood about it. We are very pleased with how the appeal is going."

Reproduced courtesy of GLOUCESTERSHIRE GAZETTE. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2005.