Having recently celebrated a ten-year milestone staff at a Lindford pub are now determined to spread some festive cheer with the Woolmer Forest Lions Club.

The Royal Exchange will be a drop-off point for the group’s 2025 Christmas Appeal with a grotto and visit from Santa pencilled in for December 16.

Well-wishers are asked to drop off good quality toys, books and cuddly toys at the pub for redistribution to the local community with all donations greatly appreciated.

The Royal Exchange has been a long-standing supporter of the Woolmer Forest Lions and routinely donates money to the good cause through its regular pub quiz.

But they regularly give charities a helping hand with 2025 highlights including a 24-hour exercise bike challenge which raised £4,000 for The Rosemary Foundation.

Their altruism was one of the reasons why there was such a good turnout at the pub’s “back to the future” 10th birthday party to thank customers and staff.

The celebrations, which included drink at 2015 prices and music by Rock of 80s, marked a decade since the Brakspear hostelry was saved from permanent closure through a Save the Pub campaign.

Chloe King, who is a licensee along with Aaron Morris and Amy Pieri, said the trio’s vision was to create a warm welcoming “home from home”.

“We are delighted that our vision for the pub has become a reality, and we are hugely grateful to everyone who has made it happen.”

Farnham & Bordon MP Gregory Stafford also raised a glass in hailing the “local pub at the heart of Lindford.”

He added: “Well done to Amy, Chloe and Aaron for all their hard work to keep the pub going.

“As many of our pubs are facing a difficult time at the moment, it is wonderful to see their dedication matched with strong local support.”