Bob Copper's Ale

Subject: Bob Copper's Ale
From: Vic Smith
Date: 22 Oct 14 - 04:22 PM

Yesterday, Shirley Collins wrote a letter to our local brewery in Lewes saying that thought it would be a good idea to mark the centenary of the birth of Bob Copper (on 06/01/15) with a special ale. They did not take long to make up their minds on this matter because this morning they were on the phone to her saying what a good idea this was and they would certainly do this. Shirley sounded very excited on the phone.
When you think how many barrels of their ale that Bob sold over the bar of the Central Club over the many years he ran it - not to mention the copious amounts of Harvey's Best that Bob put away himself, I think he deserves it. It was his favourite tipple. I look forward to sampling it myself with some enthusiasm. I shall be able to drink a toast to Miles Jenner, Harvey's head brewer. Come to think of it, I must have contributed a fair amount to Harvey's profits myself over the decades.

O good Ale! thou art my darling,
Thou art my joy both night and morning.

Subject: RE: Bob Copper's Ale
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 23 Oct 14 - 04:37 AM

Wonderful idea! Is there a plan for it to be available at the all day sing?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Bob Copper's Ale
From: Brian Peters
Date: 23 Oct 14 - 05:03 AM

Fantastic news, Vic! Though when I read:

"When you think how many barrels of their ale that Bob..."

...I did think for an awful moment that the next word might be "drank". Though even if that were true - as Bob himself used to say, he only ever drank 'singing beer', not 'fighting beer'.

Subject: RE: Bob Copper's Ale
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 23 Oct 14 - 05:39 AM

I can't drink these days, doctor's orders. But I'd certainly be glad if anyone sampling this special brew could lift a glass to Bob on my behalf.

Subject: RE: Bob Copper's Ale
From: TheSnail
Date: 23 Oct 14 - 06:22 AM

Wonderful idea! Is there a plan for it to be available at the all day sing?

Kitty

I think the proprietors at The Royal Oak, Barcombe understand their customers but we'll give them a hint just in case.

Subject: RE: Bob Copper's Ale
From: OldNicKilby
Date: 24 Oct 14 - 05:15 AM

OH, I do like the sound of this. What a great idea

Subject: RE: Bob Copper's Ale
From: growler
Date: 24 Oct 14 - 03:26 PM

I hope that someone does the same for me, when my time comes. Great idea

Subject: RE: Bob Copper's Ale
From: GUEST,Vic Smith (6 Jan 2015)
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 08:30 PM

The Bob Copper Centenary Ale at Harveys Brewery, Lewes

6th January 2015 marked the centenary of the birth of Bob Copper. The suggestion to Harveys that they should have a brew to mark the occasion came from Shirley Collins. The brewery took the suggestion straight away with enthusiasm, so at 8am that morning six singing members of the Copper family gathered at the brewery to watch the head brewer, Miles Jenner initiate this very special brew. As soon as the process was in motion, John Copper led the family in one of Bob's favourites; a most appropriate song, "Oh! Good Ale"
There was a TV crew there, a radio crew to feed the event live into the "Today" programme and local newspaper reporters.

See a video of the event by clicking here.