Charity Beer Festival hands out over £4,000 to local good causes – Brings total to over £20,000.

Coptoberfest, the charity beer festival held in Copmanthorpe every year, has just handed out over £4,000 to local charities, good causes and community groups.

Coptoberfest, the charity beer festival held in Copmanthorpe every year, has just handed out over £4,000 to local charities, good causes and community groups.

The annual event is held in St. Giles’ Church in the village is now into it’s 8^th year, and has raised over £20,000 to date.

The aim of the event has always been two-fold; to provide a great community event for beer lovers, fans of live music and an appreciation of local produce – and to raise money for good causes.

2022’s event has proven to be the most successful to date, with the Church being temporarily converted into a tap-room with 28 beers, a selection of gin, cider, prosecco and for the first time, a locally-brewed lager. Complimenting the beer are locally-made pork pies and a line-up of live music.

Co-organiser, Andy Herrington, said;

“This event is the work of loads of volunteers who help us go from church to beer festival and back to a church in a matter of days. That really underlines the community aspect of Coptoberfest and it’s a pleasure to give the proceeds of the event profit and sponsors’ money back to people who will really benefit from it.”

The beneficiaries include St. Leonard’s Hospice, Panda Playgroup, Copmanthorpe Primary School, local Brownie groups and the curiously-named “Wombles”

Les Wood, Copmanthorpe Wombles;

“The Wombles are a volunteer group we started 15 years ago. We initially aimed to rid the village of litter but that’s since grown to cutting back vegetation to keep paths clear as well as supporting Askham Bog. The money from Coptoberfest allows us to replace aging equipment and safety wear.”

Gloria Laycock, Chair of Committee, Panda Playgroup, Sticky Mitts and Tiny Tots;

“Panda Playgroup has been providing services for families for 40 years and like many other voluntary groups, times are hard financially. Funds like this from Coptoberfest really do help us provide furniture and toys we use in our groups.”

Rosina Burroughs, Year 6, Copmanthorpe Primary School

“We are going to buy a bird box and camera to give everyone at the school to see birds. Not everyone has a garden so this will bring wildlife closer to them. I think it’s good for wellbeing and helps people feel peaceful. I also hope to see a woodpecker!”

Jennifer Dealtry and Dierdre Souch, 3^rd Copmanthorpe Brownies and 1^st Copmanthorpe Brownies respectfully;

“Extra funds such as this help us do more with the Brownies – for example a trip to Beamish museum which will be loads of fun.”

“Financial support helps us create great experiences for our groups. One thing we’re planning is an adventure weekend which will give the girls a fantastic time abseiling, raft building and going on zip-wires.

Richard Hepworth, Copmanthorpe Cricket Club;

“Our aim is to maintain Junior cricket – they’re the backbone of the future of all sports. We’ve around 80 junior members and thinks like net facilities and batting cages cost money. The more we can maintain what we have then the better experience our members will have. The support from Coptoberfest is greatly appreciated.”

Hazel Roberts – fundraising to take part in the 25^th World Scout Jamboree, Saemangeum, South Korea

“I’m very grateful of the support from Coptoberfest. It means so much to the village and to me personally. By going to Korea on the Scout Jamboree I’m hoping to inspire others to undertake this rewarding challenge when they get the chance.”

Bill Hulme, Medical Director at St Leonard’s Hospice

“We’re incredibly grateful to Coptoberfest for their long-standing support of St Leonard’s Hospice; every little bit raised by our community makes a huge difference and helps us to continue our vital care of local people and families facing life-limiting illness and bereavement.”

Chloe, 10 years old, 3^rd Copmanthorpe Brownies

“I’m a child and don’t drink beer, but Coptoberfest is nice for all the groups and charities – especially the ones with children and young people in.”

The next Coptoberfest in planned for 13^th and 14^th October, 2023.