History

Long, long ago when The Phantom was a young sprite, the world was a mysterious and dangerous place. Phantasmic creatures roamed the towns and villages, and you could not be certain if they would buy the next round or make you their lunch.

Nowhere was safe, not even the admirable parish of Norton Lees. Now this greatly worried the young Phantom and did not best please the otherwise jovial Landlords. Being a Dragons toast filler was poor for trade, through Centaurs made good company and always bought the first round. (They were also handy at sounding last orders). At first, the Phantom engaged the services of keg drinking young men, to try and exorcise the worst creatures as required. However, they were an unpredictable group and whilst their poor personal habits and terrible expulsion of digestive gasses warded some evil spirits off, it revolted everyone else too. The Phantom swore to never deal in lager drinkers again.

There was the odd champion, but they tended to be a bit flashy, were usually trying to show off to young maidens and when they were not being toasted (Dragons usually win!), they expected payment of a most unvirtuous sort…, on the grounds that if you might end up as Dragon poo tomorrow, you were due a jolly good roggering today. The Phantom was not impressed. Moreover, this behaviour was having a terrible impact on the Unicorn population and as they ran a splendid brewery (which exists to this day, in the Phantoms home town) this could not be tolerated as the Phantom might miss out on his favourite pint, QUITE UNTHINKABLE!!

Thus it was that with his mind suitably focused, the Noble Phantom devised that most honourable event "The Norton Lees Shuffle". The Challenge or Le` Shuffle, as it is also known, required the most estimable men folk of the Parish to sally forth on an annual basis. Their mission to be the taking of beverage (never keg!), in each hostelry, requiring that this refreshment be fully and favourably consumed. Moreover, all wanton or evil spirits to be cast back to the grave yards from which they might issue. Indeed, there is a story that so keen were the questers, that one year they sent one of their number chasing after these demons into the very bowels of the tombs. We cannot subscribe to fantasy and rumour in such an honourable history as this, but the reader will doubtless form their own worthy opinion on such matters… However, it is known for fact, that the Mighty Phantom has always kept his side of the pact, for in return he watches over the far marches and has kept the Unicorn Brewery in sound spirit.

Many a year past, many a brave soul tried and perished in the attempt. Indeed, it is a matter of historical record that only two of the original and stalwart souls fully and exhaustively fulfilled the letter of the creed.

Twas a year of great rejoicing when this mighty deed was first achieved. The books of lore tell us that the Incomparable Phantom bestowed the seal of the Challenge upon these heroes.

So who are these intrepid adventurers, the men who have faced with forthright mettle the terrors of the Challenge, stared the apparitions and wraiths down, securing the Ale of the Parish ??? Men who selflessly go out each year to face this ordeal, so that the free people of Norton can quaff their ale with impunity. Can they be mere mortals ???