Donald Campion

I sent an article to you last year, which you kindly published in Leicestershire Drinker Issue 8 – Spring 2024, regarding a gentleman who travelled each Thursday from Leicester via bus and trains visiting my local brewery bar in Heckington, Lincolnshire.

I am sorry to report that the gentleman in question, Donald Campion, passed away recently after a long illness.

His many friends at the 8 Sail brewery bar will miss him and his visits.

At his funeral last Wednesday seven of his friends made the trip to Leicester to pay their respects, and afterwards at the Lime Tree, Whetstone, where he was toasted with London Pride.

On Thursday (4th Sept) folk will gather at 8 Sail to celebrate Don’s life with a barrel of the brewery’s John Barleycorn, one of Don’s favourite ales, which will be renamed Don Barleycorn, in his honour.

If there is room in your next available edition of Leicestershire Drinker perhaps you will be able to put in a small piece about Don.

As mentioned previously, members of Leicestershire Branches of Camra are welcome to visit the brewery bar, which is open daily – obviously any large parties should be notified in advance.

(Added…A celebration of the life of Donald Campion was held yesterday, 4th September at the 8 Sail Brewery Bar, Heckington where a contingent of Leicester Camra members took buses and trains, the same route that Don made weekly over many years.)

Regards

David Mellor

Fenland Branch Camra