REGULARS at the Crown at Cholderton raised nearly £1,000 on Bonfire Night in aid of the pub's most faithful customer.
The charity extravaganza, which included fireworks, a head shave, a disco, a raffle and an al fresco barbecue, was designed to buy a new high-tech hearing aid for 85-year-old Norman 'Shep' Sheppard.
Norman has been a regular at the Crown for more than 60 years, apart from a break during the Second World War.
He has become one of its best-loved characters in the village, with a plaque in the pub indicating his favourite seat and Cholderton's new bridge named after him. The event was organised by Crown licensees Jeremy Hunt and Lynne Smith, with Roly's Roadshow providing the disco free of charge. A collection at nearby Park House Garage raised £160 towards the total.
As a new hearing aid will cost in the region of £1,100 and a local business owner has pledged to make up any shortfall, Norman should soon be taking part in tap room conversations again.
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