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The organisation of Beerex 2009 did cause a headache because the weather forecast was so bad. Cancellation was definitely an option.

In the end, the show did go on much to the relief of festival regulars.

Beerex Chairman David Aldwinckle admitted that they did consider whether it should go ahead but then the committee's thoughts turned to people who might be stuck in the snow.

He said, "We did think that if there were 200 cars stuck in Dorchester and they needed somewhere to go and rest up they could always come here and I'm sure they'd find this a very lovely respite centre."  

There were 80 beers instead of the usual 50

As it was, the total through the door over the weekend was about 100 down on the previous year with fewer people coming from further away. There were also one or two extras - stranded motorists who found they couldn't leave town because of the snow. 

Among those who did manage to get there was Brenda Lassiter from Porchester in Hampshire. She's a regular at Beerex, this being her 12th year.

She said, "It's nice because it's small and it's friendly and you get different beers. If you make the effort to go a little bit further you get a different choice of beers."

More choice

There was certainly plenty to choose from. 80 beers rather than the usual 50 on offer selected from across the UK. Fortunately these were brought to Dorchester before the snow set in.

Organisers David Aldwinckle and Mark Allwood

The increased selection was bizarrely caused by matters of health and safety. In previous years West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale which selects and orders the beers would order in fewer, larger barrels which were very heavy to lift.

Bar manager Richard Gabe said that for the 2009 festival they had to bring in barrels half the size.

He said, "The 18 gallon barrels are a nightmare to lift. It takes four people to lift them so we got 9 gallon barrels which meant we had a greater choice for people

The increased choice included the strongest brew the festival had ever served. At 12.2% 'Baz's Bonce Blower' was an ale designed to end the evening. "Not for the feint-hearted," said Richard.    

The bigger selection meant it was even more difficult for people to choose what to try. Peter Barnes from Dorchester tasted a beer called 'Bewley Old School'.

More than 1000 people came to the festival

VIPs

Dorchester Carnival Queen Shelly Walter, who's more accustomed to wine and cider tried 'Bridle's Perry' which seemed to suit her better.  

Another VIP on the scene was Dorchester's Mayor Kate Hebditch. "It's excellent they (Dorchester Round Table) raise lots of money for charity and it also gives small brewers a window."

The principal purpose of the festival is to raise lots of money for good causes and the total expected is around £5,500. An impressive total considering the snow threatened to ruin Beerex's 21st birthday.