The Grumpies
An introduction by Terry Bullworthy
The first thing to understand about the Sampford Courtenay Grumpies is that it is an informal gathering of local menfolk that meets at the New Inn for an hour or so on Thursday evenings to enjoy each other’s company. There is no membership, no hierarchy nor in fact any rules or restrictions as to who can join with us. You don’t even have to be grumpy! We do have a couple of essential understandings though. One is that we always kick off at 6pm and the other is that you are not obliged to buy any other Grumpy a drink.
So, accepting that the Grumpies is a structureless group, does it work? In 2003, it was just six guys who got together, now up to 28 could make an appearance. An eclectic mix of personalities and backgrounds makes for variety in opinions and conversation plus the inevitable banter and leg-pulling to be expected when a group of men get together.
There have been times in the past when the fortunes of the New Inn were not good, but the Grumpies always appeared on Thursday evenings to provide support. Nowadays it is much different with the present landlord making sure a place in the pub is always allocated for us - even though it must cost him in covers at times! Interestingly, one of the previous landlords is now a Grumpy too and it was one of his staff that coined our name.
Some Grumpies have only recently moved to the area. Having discovered us, and been encouraged to come along, they have enjoyed almost immediate entry to village community life and quickly developed strong friendships. Valuable benefits if you are new to a locality.
You might need a sociological study to completely understand why the Grumpies has been such a success. The reality is that it exists for the simple, important objective of fellowship and that is enough to make it work. Surprisingly, and quite unintentionally, we seem to have become a local institution - and we have even spawned a ‘daughter’ group in the Dorchester area!
Email me for more information: t.bullworthy@btinternet.com
The Grumpies have been doing their bit to help promote the New Inn Take Away Service during the Coronavirus.
Have a look at their video on this link:-
Grumpies Summer Event - Prayer Book Rebellion
During the summer of 2019 the Grumpies held their annual get together and were treated a performance by the renowned Rob Brown on the end of the Prayer Book Rebillion in Sampford Courtenay on the 17th August 1549, held at Langdale over looking the main battle site.
Please click the link below to view the video.