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From the Dover Mercury, 19 July 2017.
Couple still happy to ring the changes at Thompson bell.
Transformations inside and out, successful charity events and the
expansion of their sports teams are among the things the managers of The
Thompson’s Bell have achieved in five years at the pub.
Ger Mulrooney and Anne Clifford opened the doors as the new licensees of
the Walmer drinking hole on Wednesday, July 11, 2012.
The couple say they never expected to stay so long but were tempted
because of the “lovely people”, who are now their regular customers and
great friends.
Looking back over their half a decade at the establishment, they have
achieved so much including improvements both inside and outside of the
building - yet they still have plenty in the pipeline.
Mr Mulrooney said: “When we arrived the rear garden was full of stones,
which was not only an eyesore but impractical as children had no safe
play area.
“We decided it should be grassed over and with help from an army of
customers, we collected bucketfuls of stone and finally seeded grass.
“Now we have a garden - still with our iconic boot-slide and picnic
benches - for customers to sit and enjoy the sunshine.”
The interior has also been transformed with new tall benches, a sanded
antique wooden floor and fresh neutral decor.
Their sports teams plays a central role in pub life and the couple
encourage competitions.
Besides inheriting a women’s pool team and men’s darts team, both still
going strong, Mr Mulrooney and Ms Clifford have introduced another men’s
darts team as well as a women’s team, two mixed pool teams and two men’s
pool teams.
Other features pulling in custom include their three television screens,
quiz nights, speciality nights, monthly rock and roll bingo and Saturday
night entertainment.
Among the families who continue to go back for more are those who take
their annual holiday in Walmer, staying at the nearby caravan park.
Since the pair took over, the pub has held numerous charity events
including a weekend of fancy dress and an auction that raised more than
£2,000 for Kent Air Ambulance.
In April this year, the pub hosted a month of events that brought in
£3,400 for Theo’s Mission to Walk, a campaign to help five-year-old Theo
Knott, from Deal, who has cerebral palsy, to undergo a life-changing
spinal operation to help him walk.
On Saturday, they hosted an all-day music event in aid of the Martha
Trust - a local charity for adults with profound disabilities.
The pub has also been the proud sponsor of the Royal Marine’s Christmas
panto for the past four years, because they enjoy it so much.
Looking towards the future, the couple have plans for a new pub sign.
Its design represents the original bell from the bell tower of the
Thompson’s Brewery, which is said to be the origin of the name of the
premises after
the brewery closed in 1981.
Mr Mulrooney said: “We are very excited about this design.
“Another new addition in the near future is to open our gin store that
will offer a wide and varied selection of gins.”
The pub is also keen to continue to work with nearby micro-bar the "Freed
Man" and pizza cafe Hayman’s Kitchen to boost the economy in Walmer.
He added: “We must thank all our staff, past and present, who have
helped build up this wonderful environment for your comfort and
pleasure, especially our son Wayne.
“Anne and I could not succeed without your hard work and enthusiasm.
“We would like to thank all our friends and customers too that have
helped make the Thompson’s Bell what it is today.
“We look forward to the next five years and welcoming new customers and
regulars to our establishment.”
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Charrington & Co