For the first time since their records began, St Peter and St Paul’s church in Wantage has produced their own beer – DiscipAle.
The brew, made locally by Chaddleworth’s Indigenous Brewery to a distinct recipe, has been made for both Wantage parish and the West Downland benefice. Around 220 pints will be available to taste, as is traditional, on Whitsun weekend (7 June) at a mini-festival at the church.
David Richardson, lay preacher at St Peter and St Paul’s, explained: “While we should make a small profit, it’s not really about fundraising, it is about doing something which brings in the community and gets people into church. We really want to bring the community together.”
The beer is a traditional ale, around 3.7% ABV. The events planned for Saturday include a free talk on ancient brewing techniques by Dr Hannah Caroe, of Oxford University, entitled Drunk Monks and a Lake of Beer and in the evening, a Ceilidh, and folk sword dancing display.
The Vicar of Wantage, the Revd Katherine Price said: “We are delighted that our parish ale will be bringing a little piece of church history back to life. We know that Jesus enjoyed a drink and a party with his friends, and we hope the events on 7 June will be an opportunity for parishioners and our wider community to enjoy good company, traditional entertainment and a convivial atmosphere.
“If we can do a little fundraising to help maintain our lovely, listed parish church too, that will be a bonus!”
The brewing of parish ales was widespread in medieval England, and generally took place at Whitsun, one objective being to raise funds for church repairs. The practice was suppressed after the Reformation, which Shakespeare alludes to in Twelfth Night when Sir Toby asks: “Dost thou think because thou art virtuous there shall be no more cakes and ale?”
Bishop Gavin added: “I am delighted to hear that you are reviving this venerable and really good tradition.”
Information on tickets and timings can be found on the church website.
Pictured, the Revd Katharine Price, Vicar of Wantage parish and the Revd Mike Griffiths, Rector of West Downland benefice, bless the beer during the brewing process.