BEER lovers in Wokingham can raise money for the Berkshire Poppy Appeal and enjoy a special drink at the same time.
The Windsor & Eton Brewery has launched a Guardsman Best Bitter to mark the centenary of the First World War armistice.
It is on sale at The Crispin in Denmark Street and is proving to be very popular.
The brewery is also hoping to raise £1,918 towards this year’s Poppy Appeal through a JustGiving Page called GUARDSMANREMEMBER
A special pump clip for GUARDSMAN Bitter replaces the familiar red coated Guardsmen with five silhouetted soldiers walking across a First World War skyline while behind them stand five poppies, each with a different coloured centre to match the plume colours of the five regiments.
The brewery are also hand labelling 500 bottles of specially labelled GUARDSMAN and will be selling special coasters through their brewery shop with profits going to help achieve the target.
Angie and Aid Evans who run The Crispin said customers were enjoying the new beer.
“It is a traditional best bitter,” explained Angie.
“I have ordered three extra barrels as customer really like it. We will be selling it right up until Remembrance Sunday.”
Bob Morrison, Co-Founder and Marketing Director, said: “As a garrison town, we have close links with the different Guards regiments stationed here, and as official brewery sponsor of the Berkshire Poppy Appeal we wanted to remember the sacrifices made by the Guards on this important anniversary.
“The war affected all areas of the armed forces and the Guards were no exception, losing 14,900 killed and many, many more wounded physically or mentally.
“The Poppy Appeal is about remembering but it’s also about providing support to past and present military personnel, their families and loved ones.”
Co-Founder Will Calvert explained the initiative was “a real team effort.”
“We have been delighted with the support we have received from our suppliers.
“Everyone has been happy to help such a good cause. Berkshire Labels, just down the M4 from us, are producing the specially printed labels, our pump clip manufacturer Leawood have donated 150 special coasters and Katz Ltd have very generously supplied 10,000 fund raising beer mats free of charge.”
