MANY try setting the world to rights over a few pints – but few pub drinkers get the chance to discover what life’s really all about.

David Boxall and Sharon Hemley on their Alpha course in the Seagull pub, Portchester

That’s now changed for visitors to The Seagull in Portchester, near Portsmouth. They can find out all about Christianity, as an Alpha course is now running each week in the pub. It’s one of thousands of Alpha courses running nationwide.

Those on this course can have a pint and a pub meal before hearing a talk about some aspect of faith. They can then discuss what they’ve learnt over another round or two.

Meeting in the pub was the idea of worshippers at St Mary’s Church, Portchester. They thought those who were curious about faith would feel more comfortable meeting at their local than in an unfamiliar church building.

It seems to have done the trick. Fourteen participants get together in The Seagull’s function room each Monday night – and they seem to appreciate their surroundings.

David Boxall, 35, from Portchester, said: “I’m not a churchgoer, and this feels more like neutral territory. It’s familiar, and it doesn’t feel like the same kind of pressure as going into a church or church hall. I feel I can speak out here, but I might not have wanted to ask questions if I was in a church.

“I came on the Alpha course because my sister and her husband came on the course last year and got a lot out of it and my parents go to St Mary’s. It’s good to find out what it is that seems to give them that strength, and I enjoy the debate.”

And Sharon Hemley, 60, from Port Solent, came on the course after a recommendation from a friend. She said: “It is very interesting. When I leave afterwards, I start thinking about the things people have said. And it feels more relaxed and less official meeting in a pub.”

The setting suits the course organisers, as volunteers aren’t needed to cook and wash up – participants simply order whatever is on the pub’s menu. And the pub is happy to cater for them, as they form a regular group booking.

Course administrator Penny Tarrant said: “It’s also been easier for our congregation to invite their friends to come on the course, as people are very happy to come to the pub. We may want to do future courses here too.”

Alpha is a 10-week course exploring the basics of Christianity, which provides people with a meal, a talk and discussion, in which they can ask any question they like. More than eight million people have attended such courses worldwide.  

The current Portchester course finishes on April 2, but anyone interested in future courses should contact St Mary’s parish office on 023-9232 1380. For more details about Alpha, see www.alpha.org.