A social enterprise has been set up to bring real ale brewing back to Thorne.
An industrial unit on King Edward Road is now home to the newly formed micro brewery Thorne Brewery Community Interest Company. Chief Executive, Mark Burton, said,
“The glass is half full at the moment and we’re very optimistic about the future and the positive impact we can make on the community. We have secured the rights to their old beers so we’ll be brewing from the old range such as Thorne Best Bitter.”
“Here’s a brief history lesson in owners: the brewery remained in the family until late 1978 when Sunderland Brewers Vaux acquired the company. Brewing continued until 1986 when the brewery was closed and production transferred to Wards Brewery in Sheffield, also part of the Vaux Group. Vaux themselves then became bought out by Whitbread and in turn Whitbread just wanted to concentrate on their High Street brands suchas Costa Coffee, Premier Inn, Table Table, Brewers Fayre, Taybarns and Beefeater. So to cut a long story short, Whitbread’s sold their brewing rights to InBev. It’s InBev we’re eternally thankful to for giving us the rights.”
“We hope in the future to drop a borehole to use Thorne water and all supplies of ingredients to be sourced from local suppliers with neighbouring farmers growing the malt, barley and hops. That’s very much in the long term, planting and getting the seasons right is all importantat the moment.”
“The equipment is secured and comes as a natural 12-barrel brew plant, which includes a kettle to brew all the liquor. The team and I have been working on this project for over 6 years and we’re starting production in May.”
“After mining, the brewery was one of the key industries for Thorne and I thought if we bring it back we’d create employment opportunities and training for local people. As a by-product hopefully this would be to stimulate tourism by opening a visitor centre help to regenerate Thorne. Pubs may follow again creating opportunities for more jobs. That’s my goal …and I know a lot of good people will raise a glass to that thought! Cheers!”
The Thorne Brewery Community Interest Company is working to promote Thorne, and their logo includes representations of the different aspects of the town. At the centre is the white rose of Yorkshire, behind this is an anchor. This symbolises the tradition of boat building, which still goes on today. To the sides is wheat to show how important agriculture has been tothe growth of the town, and above them are nightjars. This nocturnal bird can be found on the Thorne Moors, one of the most significant wetland areas in the UK.
The company is selling 1,000 shares of £100 each, with the dividends being paid in their products (beer). This will be of significant interest to those that love real ale or have an interest in the community. The shares will help to finance the business and demonstrate pride in community ownership. Any remaining trading profits will be ploughed back into the Company and the community to support our aims. Significant progress has been made including the ordering of a brew plant and rediscovering the original Darley's recipes. As aforementioned once the remaining start up funds are secured, the brewery will be able to start producing their flagship beer Thorne Best Bitter.
The Thorne Brewery Community Interest Company is working towards having their beer on the market by March 2009. Mark Burton can be contacted on 01405 741685 or e.mail mburton@thornebrewery.com