Hunting the Haggis and other local pub news

But first, Snowdrop Watch. I saw my first open snowdrop of the year today, at the top of the Wyecliff.

The lady at the hairdresser's seems to have her fingers on the pulse of Hay gossip. I passed the Wine Vaults last night, and there was a big chalk board outside, with the words: "Last weekend ever at the Wine Vaults. Pints all £2". So they're certainly closing as a pub.

Up at Painscastle, the Roast Ox Inn is celebrating Burns' Night by holding a haggis hunt. This shy and elusive creature is rarer than it's Scottish cousin, and prefers Welsh tweed to tartan. The hunt will be on the 26th January, and the hunters will search for clues before enjoying a haggis dinner at the pub. Money raised will go to the County Air Ambulance. They chose this charity because the pub runs outdoor pursuits courses as the British Outdoor Professionals Association, so they may occasionally have to call upon the services of the Air Ambulance. Entry fee is £20, to include food, prizes and a donation to the Air Ambulance.