The Ale Trail: Chipping Sodbury

Out for an evenings stroll

We are coming to the end, finally... of this part of the Ale Trail.  I have decided I like the Henry the Eighth Masthead so I am keeping it... The reason?  Well I can be My Happy Eye and also celebrate the goodness of Ale even if I write about other subjects, Ale you have to admit is a mighty fine thing in our otherwise very busy lives.  I have been using various Mastheads these past few years but non beat old Henry...

Chipping Sodbury is home to many old period buildings on High Street

When my bride and I married 26 years ago, we honeymooned in this local area.  It's not that far from Bristol but back then it was less populated and more country then today, yet Chipping Sodbury has held true to it's origins.  Chipping Sodbury has been a market town since the late 12th century.  J. K. Rowling the author of the Harry Potter books lived here as a child.  I have read that Chipping Sodbury has 7 Pubs, I am sad to report as of this writing, and here I am on the Ale Trail, I have yet to frequent one of them.  I surely promise to remedy that and will get back to this blog in future with a full report.

Remember to look both ways when crossing High Street

What you will find strange and also funny is Chipping Sodbury has it's own Yacht Club, yes there's this weird story about how it was founded, and I am certain it was all in good fun, but it's real, it has members and being it is somewhat land locked... well I think it's marvelous... see the link at the end of this posting for more on that.  Upon formation, owing to the fact the local river Frome (pronounced "froom") is not navigable, it was decided for safety reasons that members should not be allowed to own a yacht... a difficult decision, however, the club boasts a 100% safety record.

I hope not when you use the loo!

As with any town, village, city or place of gathering of people in the UK, some one is watching.  At lease the local authorities in Chipping Sodbury are nice enough to let you know.  I would think this would have to be one of the most boring jobs in the world, watching the dog lady walk her dogs, American tourists gawking in the wine shop window or looking for the public loo.  It might be, but don't count me accurate, they need the cameras because the town has 7 pubs and everyone get's drunk and then goes on a rampage looking for the Yacht club on a Saturday night. I hope this is no indication crime is high for this will certainly scare away the American tourists.

A charming police station

Say you do step out of line trying to steal a Yacht from the Chipping Sodbury Yacht club because you were drunk and disorderly and were caught on CCTV being naughty.  Chances are you would find yourself guest at this facility, and for my money a fine one at that. 

Has anyone bothered to tell BT about the i-Phone?

And if you are in need of repenting then just down the street is the Baptist church where I am certain you will be warmly received.  You know, I found the Off License but I am a bit annoyed to have not found a Pub as that would have been magic.  Seven pubs and I didn't see a one... I think it's time for new eye glasses.

period buildings line Chipping Sodbury's High Street

We always seem over the years to pass through Chipping Sodbury but seldom stop, so this was a nice break on a day that started at Christ Church in Downed where I met the Hon. Vicar "Jo," then it was on to the White Hart in Ford at Chippenham for a meal and Ales which still... I have to tell you... you need to go there... drink in the hospitality... you won't regret it.  Then we were off to Castle Combe... just "Wicked."  And finally to top the day off we stopped for an early evenings look in Chipping Sodbury... it just can't get any better.

Don't be sheepish, come to Chipping Sodbury

My advice, all silly jokes aside, visit Chipping Sodbury, it's visually a very nice place to see, it's quiet, don't worry about the CCTV cameras as they are everywhere in the UK anyway and no one gives a hoot.  Send me a comment if you have been to a pub there and want to recommend it.  Free advertising is A-OK with me.  We are drawing to a close here on this segment of the Ale Trail, not to worry, we have a Royal Wedding to attend... now that's simply got to be bloggable, so trust when I say, "more to come."

Christ Church in Downend (Click Here)
The White Hart in Ford at Chippenham (Click Here)
Castle Combe (Click Here)
More about Chipping Sodbury (Click Here)
The Chipping Sodbury Yacht Club (Click Here)