RNS Number:8703T
Eldridge Pope & Co PLC
06 January 2004

Eldridge Pope and Co plc

("Eldridge Pope")



Appointment of Miles Templeman as Chairman



Eldridge Pope is pleased to announce the appointment of Miles Templeman to the
Board as part-time Executive Chairman with immediate effect.  He succeeds Robert
Colvill who had assumed the role of Acting Chairman following the illness of
Christopher Pope. Robert will remain a non-executive Director of the Company.



Miles Templeman has 18 years experience in the leisure industry and more
particularly the pubs and drinks sector. Most recently he was Chief Executive of
H P Bulmer Holdings plc which was sold to Scottish and Newcastle plc in 2003.
Previously, from 1988 he held a number of roles at Whitbread plc becoming
Managing Director of the Whitbread Beer Company in 1990.  He also held positions
as Group Marketing Director and Managing Director of Thresher Wine Merchants.



Mr Templeman also holds non-executive directorships at Melrose PLC, Shepherd
Neame Limited and Ben Sherman Limited. Previously he was a non-executive
Director of the Royal Mail Plc between 1999-2003 and also at Albert Fisher Group
plc between 1994 - 2000.



The Board can confirm that there is no relevant information to disclose under
paragraphs 6.F.2 (b) to (g) of the Listing Rules in relation to Mr Templeman's
appointment.



Susan Barratt, Chief Executive of Eldridge Pope & Co plc said:

"I am delighted to welcome Miles Templeman to the role.  He brings a wealth of
experience which will be very valuable to us."



"Miles comes with a proven track record and a real understanding of the business
and what we are trying to achieve."



"The Board wishes to thank Robert Colvill for stepping into the chair during a
testing time for the Company and carrying out his task admirably."



Miles Templeman said:

"I am delighted to be joining Eldridge Pope.  It is a well established Company
that I have known for a long time and I look forward to working with a team that
is dedicated to maximising shareholder value."



                                                                  6 January 2004



ENQUIRIES
Eldridge, Pope & Co plc                              Tel: 01305 258195

Susan Barratt, Chief Executive
College Hill                                         Tel:  020 7457 2020

Justine Warren, Jamie Ramsay




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

BOAILFFDLTIEIIS