MEMBERS of Alton's Winter Beer Festival committee met at The Railway Arms last Saturday (April 12) to hand over cheques to this year's lucky recipients. The February festival raised a staggering £4,500 for local charity, helped by the generosity of supporters, and none more so than main event sponsors, Four Marks-based Triple fff, as well as other local brewers who donated beer. At the presentation, thanks were also expressed to The Maltings Centre, for hosting the event, to the 50 volunteers who turned up to help on the day, and to the punters who came and drank their way through more than 4,000 pints! Beneficiaries included: Broadlands Riding for the Disable at Medstead, who received £500; Treloars Domestic Independence department – £200; Franscesca who, because of her disability, was given £300 towards a tricycle to help with her mobility; Bushy Leaze Early Years nursery received £500 to upgrade a soft play area; Impact was given £600 to help Treloar College students purchase wheelchairs to meet their needs; the Treloar Art department got £200 to buy a camera to assist students in BTEC coursework; while Treloars Medical Centre picked up £500. Other donations included £500 towwards Naomi House children's hospice's new teenager-friendly house; £500 each went to Spina Bifida and the Alton branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society , and finally £200 was donated to Alton Social Services for automatic doors to give easier access for a local lady who suffers from multiple sclerosis. The Slaphead Trophy, presented in memory of the late John Bodiam for the best Festival tipple, went to Banks and Taylor's Golden Fox (4.1 per cent Alcohol By Volume) Alton's Summer Beer is to be held at the Alton Maltings Centre on Saturday, May 31. Ticket prices have increased to £6 but include a free half-pint if you bring your own glass, a programme and live music. Beer will remain at just £2 a pint. Tickets are available now from the Railway Arms, The Alton Maltings Centre, or by calling 01420 89418 – log on to http://www.altonbeerfestival.co.uk">www.altonbeerfestival.co.uk