Donate to help Eastry celebrate New Year!

Hi, my name is Claire. I am the daughter of the Landlady at The Five Bells in Eastry- Mary. Mum has carried that title in the village now for 16.5 years! What an achievement!

New years eve is always an expensive time to put on any form of entertainment, especially when you consider the additional cost of paying the front of house team that bit more, and loss of income through the kitchen being closed for the evening. (We like to give the kitchen team the night off as a bit of a thankyou for all their additional long hours and extra efforts over the festive period, and lets face it, NYE is all about getting merry and having a good dance, isn't it?!)

Anyway, I sourced some quotes from bands who looked good for the pub for NYE but they are definatley out of budget for our small village pub. Mum has never-ever charged, or wanted to charge entrance for any event we hold at the pub, as we believe in doing everything we can for the local community.

However this year, with the higher quotes I was recieving from bands, I put a little poll out on Facebook and asked the question, "Would you pay £5 to enter the pub on NYE to help fund a band?" The majority said Yes! How lucky are we. However, it doesn't feel quite right... Mum doesn't feel comfortable doing that. She don't want to discourage anyone from coming, we have always been inclusive to all. She doesn't want to charge people for a ticket. (Love her heart!)

A friend put this suggestion to me, and I thought "What a great idea! That solves all the problems!" So thank you to said friend, and now I reach out to you guys.

If you're one of those who said you'd pay £5, please pop your donation in and then give the pub a call and book a seat/table for the pub if you'd like one. I have secured a band from 8pm-12:30am, hoping we'll raise £500, enough to cover part of the cost, and we will fund the rest.

Let's do what Eastry does best. Let's look after eachother. Let's be considerate to all in our local community, let's consider everyone who wants to celebrate but might only have a small budget. How could we possible request £5 off someone who might just pop in for a few soft drinks just for the atmosphere so they aren't at home alone. This pub feels like home to many. (Me included actually, becuase of everyone in it!)

Eastry, Mum loves being here. She's made this village her home. Please prove to her your gratitude and help fund the band we have chosen for you. The band is called On The Note. Looks like we are set for a brilliant night!

Don't miss it. As always, mum will gift all her customers a free glass of bubbly at midnight to see in the new year with us.

Lets PARTY!!!

FYI... The kitchen will be closed from 6pm, but we will serve you any pre ordered platters at 10pm. Details of platters out nearer the time.

Thank you to anyone/everyone who chips in.