L-R: Corporals Graeme Hay, John Smart, Landlord Jeff Wright, Sergeant Kevin Turk and Mighty Oak Managing Director John Boyce
[Picture: British Army]
Colchester pub The Fox and Fiddler is frequented by soldiers from the Parachute Regiment based in the town, who will deploy to Afghanistan for six months in April 2008.
Landlord Jeff Wright wanted to show his support for the tour by commissioning multi award-winning brewer The Might Oak Brewing Company, based in g nearby Maldon, to brew a beer to celebrate the Paras.
Launched at the pub on Friday, 15 February 2008, the beer is a 4 per cent traditional dark-coloured ale. It's name, "Every Man an Emperor", is taken from a speech about the Regiment, made by Field Marshal Montgomery in 1944. It has become an unofficial motto of The Parachute Regiment.
Mr Wright has had the passage from Montgomery printed and placed on the wall so his customers can see where the name has come from and understand the pride the Paras have in their Regiment.
"It's important to The Parachute Regiment to make close links with our local community and I think this is a sign of the success of that bond."
Major Paul Blair, The Parachute Regiment
Available exclusively at the Fox and Fiddler, Mr Wright will donate 30p to a charity of the Paras choice for every pint of ale sold. He said:
"We are a small pub in town and over the last six years that we have been here we've had quite a few Paras come in and because both battalions are being deployed together I just wanted to do a little something myself to send them on their way.
"I've seen for myself people before they go away and after they've come back and they are so unfazed. I've seen guys with entry and exit wounds and their friends taking the mick; the camaraderie is something else. It's very interesting and rewarding and it's nice when in my position I can given a little bit back."
Attending the launch were Major Paul Blair from The Parachute Regiment Regimental Headquarters, Sergeant Kevin Turk from 2 PARA, and Corporals John Smart and Graeme Hay, both from 3 PARA, along with John Boyce, Managing Director of The Mighty Oak Brewing Company.
Major Blair said:
"I think it's a fantastic idea. It's important to The Parachute Regiment to make close links with our local community and I think this is a sign of the success of that bond. It's great to know that people support the work that the Paras will be doing in Afghanistan and the money will go to a charity which will support those Paras and their families who need it most when they return."
Cpl Hay said:
"I think it's a great idea. I drink in here regularly and it's great that Jeff has done this to show his support for us after we support him."
Sgt Turk said:
"For the boys of both 2 and 3 PARA it makes us immensely proud that Jeff has made this gesture."
The 2nd and 3rd Battalions of The Parachute Regiment, both based in Colchester and totalling around 1,000 soldiers, are among 2,500 soldiers from Colchester who are deploying to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in April 2008 from 16 Air Assault Brigade. This is the first time both battalions have deployed together since the Falklands.
The Mighty Oak company was started by John Boyce in 1996 and has won several awards from Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), including Champion Golden Beer of Great Britain for Maldon Gold in 2007.