HANDS UP IF YOUTHINK NORWICH IS THE

CITY OF REAL ALE!

No.165 Summer 2013

FREE

Angel, LarlingWins Norfolk Pubof the Year 2013!

Also inside:PUB AND BREWERY NEWS BEHIND BARS • CAMRA AGM REPORTWHITEBOARD • LIST YOUR LOCALBEER FESTIVAL CALENDAR • GLUTENFREE ALE REPORT • COMPETITIONAND MORE

Magazine of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

HANDS UP IF YOUTHINK NORWICH IS THE

CITY OF REAL ALE!

Trafford ArmsGreat Beer, Great Food, Great Atmosphere

- situated in a Great City!

Chris and Glynis invite you to the Trafford Arms - 61 Grove Road, Norwich 01603 628466

www.traffordarms.co.uk traffordarms@btconnect.com

Raising money for for the Magdalene Group Jigsaw Project

The beer was settled and readyto serve, the bags were stuffed,the caterers standing by theirhotplates, the Halls ready…After months of planning, it wastime. But would they come? Ohyes. At 4pm on the dot, thedoors opened and CAMRAMembers came flooding in todrop off their pre-registeredcards or register at the desk.Pausing only to collect theirbags and pick up copies of NIPSand other newsletters, pub walkleaflets and other essentialephemera, they made their wayto the Members’ Bar in Black-friars’ Hall. The 2013 CAMRAMembers’ Weekend and AGMhad begun.

It had a very different feel to itthan the Beer Festival. StAndrews was resplendent laidout in Conference style, withthe National Executive tabletaking up the whole width ofthe stage with the giant screenbehind them.

Roger Protz said it was“marvellous”, Colin Valentine

said that he liked the smallervenues, and he was right. Stew-ards were busying themselveson Saturday morning to bringin extra chairs for the start ofthe Conference. It was packed.

The tours departed andbrought back happy trippers,and the pubs in the City werewelcoming new friends.Sadly, the beer ran out, but

not until 13.40 on the Sunday.Perfect. Green Jack’s BalticTrader at 10.5% was thestrongest beer by far. Some saidit would not sell at all well,whereas in fact it went veryquickly. Too quick for me.Then it was all over, and we

can look forward to the nextone in Scarborough next year.

So, was it worth it? Would wedo it all again? Would we haveto wait another 23 years to doso?

The answers are Yes, Yes, andmaybe not.

SUMMER 2013 | 3

Norwich & Norfolk BranchChairman: Graham FreemanTel: 01603 687495Email: chairman@norwichcamra.org.ukSecretary: Warren WordsworthTel: 01603 665557Email: w.wordsworth@ntlworld.comSocial Secretary: Michael PhilipsEmail: socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk

Pubs Officer: Ian StampEmail: pubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk

West Norfolk BranchChairman: Steve Barkeremail: steve.barker495@btinternet.com Secretary: Ian BaileyContact: Bruce WardTel: 01485 609107

Branch websites:www.norwichcamra.org.ukwww.camra.org.uk/wnorfolk

Branch mailing list web page:groups.yahoo.com/group/CAMRA_Norwich

Published every 3 months by the Norwich,Norfolk & West Norfolk branches of theCampaign for Real Ale © N&N CAMRA2013 Norfolk Nips is produced and distrib-uted by members of the branch in theirown time. Views expressed in Norfolk Nipsare not necessarily those of the editor or ofCAMRA.

Edited by:Mike BaldwinEmail: michaelbaldwin8@gmail.com

Chris LucasEmail: chris-stig@tiscali.co.uk

Design & Production:Daniel Speed - Orchard House MediaEmail: info@orchardhousemedia.co.uk

Distribution:12,000 copies / four times a yearNorwich and Norfolk District: VacantWest Norfolk District : Ros Harre r.harre@btinternet.com

Advertising:For advertising enquiries pleasecontact Jane Michelson or ChrisShilling on: 01778 420888 / 421550jane@shillingmedia.co.uk

Front Cover:Voting at the CAMRA AGM 2013

Friday 19th April 20134pm. The Halls, Norwich

SUMMER 2013 | 5

NORFOLK NIPS | Fair Deal

We have a very real opportu-nity to save the Great BritishPub and we need you to getinvolved.

The Government backed beerand pubs in the recent Budgetby abandoning plans for a beerduty hike and instead cuttingbeer duty for the first time inover 50 years. They arenow building on their supportfor pubs by taking on the largepub companies who areexploiting pub licensees andputting the future of thousandsof pubs at risk.

The fundamental problem isthat the large pub companiesare taking more than is reason-able from the profits of eachpub– so licensees and pubgoers alike suffer. A fair deal willresult in the average tied pubbeing £4,000 better off annu-ally

The Pubco Model

Around a third of pubs in theUK are owned by large PubCompanies – property compa-nies who lease pubs out totenants to run as their ownbusiness. These pubs arecontractually obliged to buytheir beer only from the Pubcopreventing pub licensees

buying on the open market –this is known as the beer tie.

Pubcos make huge excessprofits by using the beer tie toforce licensees and ultimatelythe consumer to pay highprices. Licensees can pay atleast 50% more for beer than afree-of-tie publican. Alongsidethis pubco licensees often findthemselves paying abovemarket value rents and have noindependent adjudicator tosettle disputes.

Time for Reform

The Government is nowproposing a package of meas-ures to deliver a fair deal forlocal pubs, with:

A powerful new Code and aWatchdog to stop abuses bybig pub companiesA new choice for licensees toopt out of restrictive tied agree-ments and just pay a fairmarket rent to their pubcoFair rents and beer prices fortied publicans, allowing themto thrive

Pub companies with fewer than500 pubs will be exempt fromthese proposals but must abideby a separate voluntary code.

If we succeed with thiscampaign we can expect betterpubs, fairer prices and fewerpub closures.

Get Involved

Your support in getting us thisfar really has made all thedifference. However, the battleisn’t won yet and we now needto ensure the Government seesits plans through. To make themost of this opportunity thereare three things you can doright now:

• Ensure your voice is heard bytaking five minutes to take partin the Government’s pubcoreform survey

• Help build the case for reformby sending in your ownsubmission to the consultation.There’s ideas on what youcould say on the campaign’swebsite

• Sign up to be a Fair Deal forYour Local CampaignSupporter to hear more aboutthe campaign and how youcan get involved.

You have until 14th June totake part.

www.fairdealforyourlocal.com

Fair Deal For Your Local: Time for Pubco Reform

Well we did it. After the CAMRA e-petition of over108,000 signatures, the Members mass lobby ofParliament and the MP’s debate, the hated BeerDuty Escalator was scrapped by the Government.Not only that, but there was the surprise cut inbeer duty of one penny. The last time beer taxwent down was 1959 when I was a little too youngto remember. I can only thank everyone whohelped in the best campaign CAMRA has had in itshistory. However we must not be complacent asthere is no doubt the failing Government will putup beer duty next year. It is now even more impor-tant for us to keep campaigning and lobbying toconvince the Chancellor the importance of theBritish Beer trade. Watch out for our nextCampaign.

Now talking of Norwich it was a great privilege tohost the Member’s Weekend and National AGM inApril. We had over 1300 members registered whichI’m advised is an all time record. It was great to seeall the members enjoying our fine city and some

even came from as far away as the USA to attend.I’m sure the local Pubs and Breweries enjoyed theexperience and I thank all who helped in this grandevent. I expect it will not be too long before ourNational Executive want to come back again.

The time is now upon us when the plethora ofBeer Festivals start. I have just attended the DragonHall Beer Festival for the first time and it was greatto see lots of Norfolk beers on offer. Make sure youkeep up with the dates for your diary and let usknow if you are planning an event. The forth-coming Norwich City of Ale on 23rd May until 2ndJune is well worth attending.

And finally, I would advise that this is my lastChairman’s Bit as I’m standing down this year. Ithank everyone who has helped me over the yearsto make my role very enjoyable. But don’t panic asyou will still see me around leaning on the bar witha pint in my hand. Nothing changes?

Graham Freeman

Everyone’s a Winner, is that the truth?

NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s Letters

SUMMER 2013 | 7

West Norfolk Chairman’s WordsLast time, I commented on how the weather wouldbe much improved. How wrong I was!At last the weather is getting warmer. On the BankHoliday Weekend it was very pleasant to spend afew hours at the beer festival of my local pubs.

The AGM at Norwich was very successful, althoughI was unfortunately unable to be present due toother commitments.

Congratulations to The Angel at Larling becomingNorfolk Pub of the Year a worthy winner. The rangeof beers is varied, but of consistently excellentquality with a mild always available.

The Railway Arms at Downham Market has recentlybeen voted East Anglian Cider Pub of the Year atruly exceptional achievement, with the very bestof ciders and real ales sold.

Turning to the Budget, the scrapping of the dutyescalator, what a tremendous success for the

CAMRA campaign. Locally, Henry Bellingham one ofour MP’s was very vociferous in his support, forwhich we thank him, the same however cannot besaid of Elizabeth Truss who clearly had no idea thatthe escalator was killing pubs.

Within our Area, SOKA has been formed. Thisconsists of a group of people from Shouldham andthe surrounding area that have banded together tobuy and re-open the Kings Arms at Shouldham.This pub has been closed for some time, but hasnow been classified as a Community Asset, whichprotects it from being sold on the open market fora period of time. The Branch wishes them well andwill assist where possible. To have the pubreopening would be a wonderful achievement anda fitting tribute to the perseverance of SOKA.

Enjoy the many beer festivals that are planned inour area over the summer.

Steve Barker - West Norfolk Chairman

8 | SUMMER 2013

THE WHITE LADY • WORSTEAD

www.thewhitelady.co.uk NR28 9RW (01692) 535391

Open 11 Till Late 7 days a week

Large New Restaurant Serving Food 7 Days A Week

5 Luxury Bed And Breakfast All En Suite

Function Room Available To Hire ForWeddings

Folk And Quiz Nightscheck web site for details

Proprietor DENNIS GILLIGAN

A freehouse in the heart of Worstead with up to NINE ales available

TOUCHING THE CLOTH CHARITY BIKE RALLY

JUNE 28th - 30thREAL ALE , FOOD, BIKES AND MUSIC!FRIDAY NIGHT: SWEATY METAL & MANGOL HEADSATURDAY NIGHT: BONE GARDEN, BLIND TIGER

AND DONT SPOOK THE HORSE

WORSTEAD MUSIC & BEER FESTIVALJULY 26th - 28th • 50 REAL ALES

26th July FRIDAY NIGHT: BONEGARDEN & BLIND TIGER

27th July ALL DAY SATURDAY: BEAR ESSIENTIALS, RIVERS, TEAR AWAYS, DOUGHY GEECANS, THROB AND POUT AT THE DEVIL

28th July ALL DAY SUNDAY: SKIFFLEBAND, DIRTY CASH, BENGRIZZLY and the LOOSE LEAF DRIFTERS, BLACK CADALIC, BORN

JOVI AND THE BOOZE BROTHERS

Welcome to the SummerEdition of your favourite maga-zine.

It’s hard to believe that theCAMRA Members’ Weekendand AGM has been and gone.All that planning and prepara-tion, but it was well worth it.Hopefully it won’t be anothertwenty three years before itcomes this way again. In thisissue, we look back at the event,which has helped to cementNorwich as THE City of Ale.

Let’s hope it’s a really goodsummer this year, there is

certainly a lot to do and see.Next up is The City of AleFestival and before we know it,the 36th Norwich Beer Festivalwill be upon us – the planningis well under way. You can readOrganiser Martin Ward’s articlein this issue.

Also in this issue, we have anew Contributor. DawnHopkins of The Norwich BearBrewing Co., Ketts Tavern andThe Rose, has become a cham-pion campaigner. You mayhave read her entertaining blogand comments on Facebookand Twitter. Our Norfolk Beer

Legends series features Steveand Lesley George of TheHumpty Dumpty Breweryfame. They have recentlybought The Kings Head inNorwich and I caught up withthem recently at the pub. Sothere we are – enjoy the read,enjoy the summer!

If you see me about in one ofour fine pubs or when I amworking on the North NorfolkRailway at Weybourne, pleasetell me what you think aboutNorfolk NIPS and Cask Force –good or bad! Now, where’sthat Passport?

NORFOLK NIPS | Words from the Editors

The Ed’lines

Springwatch is on the telly so itmust be spring!

In this issue hopefully lots ofnews from our neck of thewoods. Community pub proj-ects springing up in two placesa local pub turned around inno uncertain terms and twowest Norfolk pubs winningmultiple awards.

Congratulations to the LarlingAngel which has just wonCAMRA Norfolk Pub of the yearto go with our local award andthe Railway at DownhamMarket which has just become

CAMRA East Anglian cider pubof the year via the West Norfolkand Norfolk awards. Very welldone to Andrew and team atthe Angel, this is the secondtime in a couple of years.The same goes for Ian andLesley Ann at the railwaymoving on now to the nationalcompetition.

Don’t forget W Norfolk CAMRAis on facebook and has it’s ownwebsite.

Finally I am delighted aboutthe beer escalator beingscrapped but some what disap-

pointed that the issue becamea source of humour for thepress and that apparently, allthe campaigning was done bybreweries and publicans!At least that’s the message Igot. Also have you noticed as apub user any reduction in pricesince the budget even a penny,‘cause I can’t honestly say Ihave.

Grump over; by all means putme right…

Cheers Chris.

Stig’s Words

SUMEER 2013 | 9

Pub News

The big news in the cityrecently is that Jon andRowland have passed on thereins of the Kings Head, inMagdalen Street to Stephenand Lesley George, two of thefour partners in the HumptyDumpty Brewery. Having previ-ously transformed the Nelson,an Enterprise pub, Jon andRowland bought the King’sHead in 2004, and spent 6months refurbishing andrebuilding. They opened with12 handpumps, all servinglocal beers, with no gas in thecellar - no lager, no Guiness, nopostmix - and no music ormachines in the bar. Nothingin fact to distract from conver-sation and the enjoyment offine real ales. Since then thepub has become everybody’slocal, winning the Branch Pubof the Year twice. Stephen andLesley don’t plan any majorchanges - they love the pub asit is, and the ‘Kings’ won’t be aHumpty Dumpty pub,although there will probablyalways be at least one of theirbeers available. A send-off washeld at the pub in late March,when the news became public,with a speech and presentationfrom Branch Vice-Chair MartinWard, who thanked the pair fortheir contribution to the realale scene in Norwich, andwelcomed Stephen and Lesleyas the new landlords.

Back to regular news, theGarden House, Fakenham,known at one time as theLimes Hotel, re-opened inMarch having been converted

to a Wetherspoon’s and re-named The Limes. Also inFakenham, the Star has closedand is for sale again.

The Royal Standard atDereham has become a ‘true’freehouse, with Batemans XBon permanently alongsideguest beers from the likes ofWolf, Beeston and others fromaround the country. Darryl andJulie Culmer took over withouta big fanfare in 2012, and havebeen quietly repairing andimproving the building since,letting word of mouth adver-tise the changes.

The Kings Head, NorthElmham and the Royal Oak,Bintree have both re-opened,as has the Red Lion,Coltishall in January, havingbeen completely re-furbished,and now with seven hand-pumps on the bar, servingAdnams, Tipples, HumptyDumpty, Grain and other localbeers.

Closed temporarily (wehope!) are the Berney Armsat, er.. Berney Arms, theCock, Lakenham, theRatcatchers, Cawston(again), and the King’s Head,Dereham. The Mermaid atHedenham has beenconverted to a Balti restaurant.The New Inn at Rockland is

reported to have new landlordsand will be re-opening in May.

Temple Bar, Norwich arenow stocking two real ales ongravity.

As always, if you have anyinformation about pubs in

Norfolk, please let me know atpubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk. We have over 1000 pubs inthe county, and as hard as wetry, we can’t possibly keep tabson all of them. So if a pubopens, re-opens, closes, startsor stops selling real ale, checkour database, at norwich-camra.org.uk/pubdb and if it’sout of date, please let us know!

The First Ever Morley Beer FestivalFriday 7th – Sunday 9th June Head to Morley Village Hall onGolf Links Road (NR18 9SU) forthis exciting new event, whichstarts at 5pm on Friday.Real ales from Panther, Wolf,

Beeston, Fat Cat, Norfolk Brew-house, amongst others awaityou, plus cider from Whin Hill.Prices start from £2.50 perpint. The entry fee of £3.00includes your glass.Entertainment includes The

Sheringham Shantymen onSaturday afternoon andMemphis Index on Fridaynight. And there is food, withburgers, butties and pastiesbeing served.There is plenty of free car

parking and camping is available in large, well screenedgrounds (only £5.00 for a 2-man tent).See www.morley-village.co.ukfor full details

Number One…with aBullitt!‘Bullitt’, a Great Yarmouth BBQrestaurant, located within aonce-derelict seafront real alepub called The Barking Smack,has emerged as the highest-ranked restaurant within aradius of more than 150 miles.

Pub News | NORFOLK NIPS

10 | SUMMER 2013

The ranking is derived fromcustomer reviews on TripAdvisor, the world's largesttravel site. This places Bullittahead of every restaurantacross the East Midlands, EastAnglia and South East ofEngland, including all 11,000-plus London restaurants…amongst them world-famousestablishments such as Petrus,Le Gavroche and RestaurantGordon Ramsey.

News from the West

First, the bad news. The plan-ning application for change ofuse to residential for theAlbert Victor in Castle Acrehas been approved aspredicted, and that pub willcease to be. The Blue Lion inNorth Pickenham has closedand I am told that the bar hasbeen stripped and the WorldWar II artefacts that decoratedthe place had to be rescued bythe local council. It seems thatthe directors who took over lastOctober have previous experi-ence of closing Norfolk pubs,such as one at Bacton and thatone of the directors wasformerly with a propertycompany. The signs thereforeare not looking good. HoweverPaul phoned me from thevillage and he is trying to see ifthere is any local support fortrying to rescue the pub. Wehave passed on some adviceand information and wish himwell in his efforts.

Elsewhere things are lookingup. I braved the bitter coldweather at the end of March toattend one of Paul Richards

pub walks in Lynn and wasoverjoyed when we ended upat a new pub. The Merchantsbar is in the Hansa House onthe South Quay, close toMarriott’s warehouse. To me ithad the feel of a basement jazzclub, and was selling a coupleof beers from Elgoods. It hadjust opened so the kitchenswere not yet fully operationaland the bar staff were a bitinexperienced, but it had allthe makings of a top class bar.It should have settled down abit now so give it a try.

The London Porterhousein Lynn has reopened undernew ownership. No longer aGreene King pub, it offeredbeers from Woodfordes,Adnams and Charles Wellswhen I last called in. It is lighterand brighter, with a bit morespace as a wall has beenmoved. The landlady Karen,used to run the place a fewyears ago, so she is no stranger.The music and alternateMonday night quizzes are backand proving popular.

It is good to see that theRose and Crown in Hilgay isback in business. After manymonths of uncertainty, Pauland Rebecca Coston took overlast autumn and have made abit of a name for themselves byrunning charity fundraisingevents such as eating contests.According to the beer scores Ihave received, they can alsoserve a decent pint.

I also hear that the Chequersat Wimbotsham finally has anew team in charge. Linda

Newman and her niece KimBrockhouse have taken overand aim to make it a focalpoint for the community.Already quiz nights and steaknights have been organised,the pub is being refurbishedand dogs are being madewelcome.

After lying dormant for manymonths, the site of the Wild-fowler suddenly explodedinto action, with work contin-uing late into the evenings andat weekends. Despite askingaround, even my best contactssuch as Bar Stool Bob* had noidea what was happening.Finally the waiting was overwhen the Lynn News broke thestory that Nicola and PeterStrong, formerly of the Dolphinin Diss are taking over as land-lords after a £200,000refurbishment. The plans asdescribed by Star Pubs andBars spokesperson look excitingand we hope that it trulybecomes an excellent commu-nity pub which is much neededin a rather barren beer area.

Mind you, these refurbish-ments seem to be cosmeticcompared with what is takingplace at Antonio’s wine bar inLynn. I walked past recentlyand through the open door itwas possible to see that thewhole of the inside had beenremoved, including the upperstory floor, leaving only thewalls as a shell. I don’t knowwhat the plans are for thefuture, but a lot of money isbeing invested. No such news

NORFOLK NIPS | News from the West

SUMEER 2013 | 11

continued overleaf

12 | SUMMER 2013

News from the west - continued | NORFOLK NIPS

for the Wenn’s which remainsup for sale, but is still open.Bradleys wine bar remains onthe market but is currentlyclosed, whilst the Southgate’sbar seems to be functioningagain as Ciao.Other pubs up and running

again include the Duck Inn atStanhoe, the House on theGreen at North Wootton andthe Blue Bell at Stoke Ferry. Wehear that the Old White Bellat Southery is under newmanagement with a couple ofguest ales from Batemans,whilst the Anvil at Conghamhas added a guest ale, andevery time I visit the Victory inClenchwharton the number ofbeers on the bar seems toexpand.

We went up to the regularquiz night at the Kings Headat Great Bircham (second yetagain) and were impressed bythe refurbishment which hasopened out the bar, giving farmore room for drinkers.Other new pubs planned in

the area include the new buildMarston’s house near Tesco’s inHunstanton which looked to beprogressing well last time wepassed, and one due to be builton the old Campbell’s site inLynn. I remember readingseveral times about a GreeneKing Hungry Horse pub whichis due to be built on the oldlorry park near the South Gatesin Lynn. Every year a storyseems to appear that it will beopen by October. Given thelack of visible progress, that

seems to be optimistic in theextreme.

We are also interested to hearof plans by Andrew Jamieson tolaunch cider production at hisfarm in Thornham in NorthNorfolk. He already has a farmshop, luxury camp site andproduces apple juice so thisseems to be a well thought outplan which has every chance ofsucceeding.

*a fictional character created toprotect the identities of my vastarmy of beer moles.

Jeff

14 | SUMMER 2013

Chancellor right to scrap beerduty escalator as new statisticsshow 26 pubs a week closingpre-budget, says CAMRA.

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, haspublished the latest CGA CAMRA PubTracker statistics which show that 26 pubs aweek are closing in the UK.

The statistics show that the rate of pub closuresrose during the last 6 months up to March thisyear compared to earlier in 2012, from 18 to 26per week across the UK, meaning that the cut inbeer duty and scrapping of the beer duty esca-lator in this year’s budget could not have comeat a more important time.

Mike Benner, Chief Executive at CAMRA, said“We believe that the scrapping of the beer

duty escalator and the extra 1p off beer dutyannounced in this year’s budget could mark aturning point for pubs. With a better deal onbeer tax, the Government’s plans for pubcompany reform and the ‘List Your Local’scheme, announced during CAMRA’s Commu-nity Pubs Month, we are hopeful that thefortunes of Britain’s pubs are set to change .”

Call for a Fair Deal for your Local

In April, after years of campaigning by CAMRA,the Government announced a long-awaitedconsultation on their plans to reform the bigpub companies. These big pubcos are makinglife tough for their pubs and hard workinglicensees by taking excessive profits from pubs –so licensees and pub goers alike suffer.

The Government is now proposing:• A powerful new Code and Watchdog toensure fair dealing by big pub companies• A new choice for licensees to opt out of restric-tive tied agreements and just pay a fair marketrent to their pubco• Fair rents and beer prices charged to tiedpublicans, allowing them to thrive

Your support in getting us this far has made allthe difference. However, the battle is not won,we need to ensure the Government seesthrough its plans for reform. To make the mostof this opportunity there are three things youcan do right now:STEP 1: Complete the Government survey andcall for pubco reform. STEP 2: To strengthen your call for reformplease send in your own written submission. STEP 3: Use our campaign website to find outmore information about the campaign and signup to show your support.

Our hope is that the proposals will apply to theUK as a whole. The UK Government is currentlytalking to devolved Governments to see howand if this can be achieved.

Visit www.fairdealforyourlocal.com tofind out more and get involved.

MPs and Lords raise a glass toCAMRA’s successes at Parlia-mentary Reception

Jonathan Mail reports:On the 24th April, CAMRAheld our annual Parliamentary Reception. Theevent was attended by Jo Swinson, Minister forEmployment Relations and Consumer Affairs;Community Pubs Minister Brandon Lewis;Andrew Griffiths , Chair of the All Party Parlia-mentary Beer Group; Secretary of State forCommunities and Local Government, EricPickles.

Opened by a speech from CAMRA’s NationalChairman Colin Valentine, MPs in the room

CAMRA News | NORFOLK NIPS

were thanked for lobbying the Chancellor of theExchequer in an effort to abolish the beer dutyescalator.

Secretary of State Eric Pickles took to the floor,describing pub culture as Britain’s equivalent toEuropean cafe culture in a fantastic speech: “Thisis a game changer. CAMRA’s decision to go forthe registration of 300 pubs this year is ambitiousbut achievable, and then next year, and the yearafter - once they’re registered it changes thewhole nature of the game. It’s demonstrated thatit is within the grasp of communities to be ableto do that. I understand that you want to seechanges in the law, in planning, but let me makeclear, this is a big changer - local authoritiesalready have a power through a thing calledarticle four to be able to ensure that the changeof use from pub to supermarket, or to doctorssurgeries or to solicitors can be stopped. Don’twait for things to happen, use the power that thisgives.

“To CAMRA, you have my support, you havemy desire to see British pubs go from strength tostrength – and with the consultation [on PubCos]you’ve seen that we’re not just prepared to talk-the-talk, we’re prepared to make a difference,and we’re doing it not just to be nice to your fineorganisation, but because we recognise that theBritish pub is integral to British life.”

Greg Mulholland, Chair of the All Party Parlia-mentary Save the Pub Group was awardedCAMRA’s prestigious Parliamentarian of the Yearaward for the continued support he has givenCAMRA’s campaigns.

Acknowledging this, Greg told the audience“I’ve been a CAMRA member longer than I’vebeen a member of any other organisation,including my political party”. He also announcedthat Community Pubs Minister Brandon Lewishad recently joined CAMRA as a fully paid upmember. Expressing his delight at CAMRA’s mostrecent win regarding the beer duty escalator,Greg adapted a well known political phrased,telling the audience “It was CAMRA what won it.”

SUMMER 2013 | 15

NORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA News

Three Real Ales regularly available

Fresh, home-made foodserved from Tuesday to

Sunday

Locally sourced ingredients

We cater for all dietary requirements including Coeliac,

Vegan and Vegetarian.

Pub Quiz first Wednesday of every month

All proceeds going to local charities

Victory InnClenchwarton

Main Road, Clenchwarton,Kings Lynn PE34 4AQTel: 01553 775668

Fresh fish

& chips every fri

day

(alongside main

menu)

Traditional

Roast every Su

nday

(12 - 4pm)

15th

Annual

Beer Festival

Aug 23rd to A

ug 31st

16 | SUMMER 2013

FOUR REAL ALESWednesday Irish Folk MusicThursday Folk Mixed Music

Friday & Saturday Live Music Sunday Celtic Folk Music

Large garden overlooking the River Wensum

OPEN: Mon - Thurs 12-11Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11

The Gatehouse Pub 391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ Tel: 01603 620340

The Real Ale Shop is a unique off-licence offering over 60 bottle conditioned ales

from 15 Norfolk brewers.

We are located on a beautiful arable farmclose-by Wells-next-the-Sea, which provides

much of the malt used in brewing the ales we sell.

The Real Ale Shop, Branthill Farm, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1SB.

Tel: 01328 710810

Beer & Music Festival Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July20 local and national ales and cider Homemade burgers and other BBQ goodies

Live music from Johnny Romance and theLovers on Friday night, Mick Murphy’s NewOrleans jazz band on Saturday afternoon, Aidyand friends on Saturday afternoon and liveningthe night up with Chibber. Sunday afternoon isgoing to be nice and relaxed with Mechanism

(TBC) playing mellow jazz classics (in the sunshine hopefully).

The Vernon ArmsSouthrepps www.vernonarms.co.uk

For Further Information:

01263833355

18 | SUMMER 2013

The iconic Lacons falcon has been revived andrefreshed, ready for the return of the breweryand its much-loved ales in late May.

The new emblem which depicts the falcon, itswings outspread ready to land symbolizes thereturn of Lacons after a 45-year hiatus.

The man behind the return of Lacons tobrewing, Mick Carver, employed a creativeagency to rework the iconic emblem and logoto capture how it would have evolved over thepast 45 years if the brewery had not closed. MrCarver, Lacons managing director, explains: “Ihave worked with a creative agency to develop alogo that fully embraces the 250 years ofbrewing heritage associated with Lacons. Theresult is a striking handcrafted logotype withtalons subtly constructed into the letterforms toharmonise with the accompanying falcon logo.”

“The iconic falcon emblem has also evolvedinto a stunning linocut graphic that is preparingto land. This signifies the return of Lacons ales todrinkers old and new.”

The falcon has been the symbol of Lacons forhundreds of years and there are many pubsacross East Anglia that still have its imageembedded in their brickwork.

A vast collection of memorabilia depicting theoriginal falcon, including iconic images of theold brewery, will be on display within the visitorscentre at the Falcon Brewery in Great Yarmouthwhen it opens to the public at the end of May.

Lacons Brewery has released the names of thefirst three craft ales to be brewed by the iconic

name in 45 years. The three craft ales – Encore,Legacy and Affinity – have been created by headbrewer Will Wood using the original Laconsyeast that had been securely stored since thebrewery closed in 1968.

Much thought was given when consideringthe names of the inaugural ales. The maincriteria taken was to embrace words thatsymbolise the return of Lacons together withcelebrating the rich past of the brewery and theaffection and respect we have to the Laconsname. After much soul searching and delibera-tion a decision was made:

Encore - 3.8% ABVGlowing with a pale amber hue, this flavourpacked ale leads with delicate fruit aromas,comfortably balancing a dry pine and citruscrescendo of flavour throughout – followed by afinish that is long and dry.

Legacy - 4.4% ABVDelightfully moreish, this revivifying blonde alehas an abundantly refreshing citrus aroma. Thisintensifies into a deliciously deep wave of lemonand lime, ending with a lengthy mellowingbitter finish.

Affinity – 4.8% ABVRobustly full bodied with a glistening chestnuttint, the ale's complex passion fruit and lycheetartness leaps forward – closely followed by aperfectly charming balance of fruit and malt onthe finish.

For Lacons managing director Mick Carver,choosing the names for the new ales was not aneasy task, but he feels the names selected give

The Lacons

NORFOLK NIPS | Lacons Brewery

respect to the heritage of Lacons. He explained:“Encore was selected as an apt name as it meansreturn or once again. It conjures up an image ofexcited and relaxed enjoyment. “Legacy was selectedas it links the rich past of this incredible brewer over its250-year history. The name invites the beer lover tobe part of the Lacons story. Affinity is a strong wordthat invites natural attraction and a feeling of kinshipto the drinker linking together our genuine love anddesire to preserve Lacons place in history whilecreating an authentic new chapter.”

The three craft ales form the permanent collectionthat Lacons will deliver with special limited edition alesand seasonal beers being added to the range goingforward.

SUMMER 2013 | 19

Falcon has landedLACONS FACTS:

The new Falcon Brewery in GreatYarmouth will produce over 28,000 pints(400 casks) of beer weekly at the currentsite using a 20-barrel brewing plant withinthe next 12 months.

The Falcon Brewery officially opened onMay 21 with a ceremony including anoriginal Lacons dray.

Lacons ales will be available at the City ofAle Festival that runs from May 23 to June2 in Norwich.

Lacons is sponsoring the launch party ofthe City of Ale Festival on May 23 at StGregory’s Church.

Lacons Brewery and its renowned Aleswere an integral part of life in GreatYarmouth, Norwich, Cambridge andbeyond until 1965, when the nationalbrewer Whitbread purchased it. Just 3years later in 1968 Whitbread closed thebrewery ending a rich chapter in theregions brewing history.

The Lacons name was first associatedwith brewing beer in Great Yarmouth in1760 and represents a time when thetown was known for its ales.

In the mid 1800s Lacons Brewerydecided to sell to the London market andby 1866 it was despatching upwards of50,000 barrels yearly to London, 20,000 toother locations, as well as the local market

20 | SUMMER 2013

When Jon and Roland saidthat they were selling theKings Head, eyebrows wereraised. When it was knownthat they had sold it to Steveand Lesley George, two ofthe Humpty Dumpty Part-ners, they were raised evenmore.

What would this mean for Jon and Roland?What would this mean for Steve and Lesley?What about the pub, the brewery, the regularsat this iconic real ale pub? Too many questions,too few answers, so I popped into the pub tomeet them the other night.

Would there be change I wondered? Jon wasadamant the real ale drinkers don’t like change,but then many in Norfolk don’t like or want it inany form whatsoever. The good news is thatstatus quo prevails. Steve and Lesley are familypeople and you get the impression that the pubis being run by a big “family.” Jon and Rolandare still around, though on the “right side” ofthe bar, Charlie the Cellar Manager and Ali thePub Manager are still there as well. So is thewarm welcome. However, there is one little,small change – more on that later.

But what of the new owners? I have onlyknown them from their time at the Brewery, I was with Lesley to welcome Sir Ian Botham atColtishall and with Steve at the Brewers Marketat last year’s City of Ale. They met 15 years ago,at a pub in Surrey, which Lesley remembers wascalled – The Kings Head.

She was working in internationalexchange programmes and Steve hadjust arrived in the UK, working in the oilrefining industry. Steve had been intohomebrewing in the States and admitsthat he joined CAMRA “as soon as theplane landed.” He got into full mashbrewing in the UK with his friend CraigFermoy.

The Georges and the Fermoys werelooking to start up their own micro-brewery when an advert in What’s

Brewing caught their eye – “Brewery For Sale.”Once they had travelled to Norfolk and seen it,they knew that this was the right move forthem. They became business partners and therest, as they say, is history.

So why buy the pub? Steve says that this isthem putting down their roots down in Norfolk,they are not going anywhere, anytime soon, headded. Steve still has the day job, Lesley is stillthe Business manager at Humpty Dumpty. Theytook on the Kings Head just before the busyCAMRA Members’ Weekend and AGM, andwere gearing up for the City of Ale, which theysaid is a great way to celebrate the fantasticpubs and breweries in the County.To celebrate the Brewery’s 15th anniversary, a

new barley wine (9%) was to be launched,called “15”.

We certainly wish them all well in this newventure, and it is reassuring to know thatnothing has changed. Oh, except for one smallthing……. They now sell pickled eggs!

SUMMER 2013 | 21

NORFOLK NIPS | Kigs Head, Norwich

Status Quo at The King’s Head?

22 | SUMMER 2013

SUMMER FAIR & BEER FESTIVALTUESDAY 16TH TO SUNDAY 21ST JULY

12 REAL ALES & 2 CIDERSEntertainment:

Thurs: Blofield Heath Jammers Fri: KC’s Karaoke & Video Disco Sat: The Rob Holmes Band, on the field, (weather permitting) from 9pm.

Sunday: Summer Fair from 12 Noon Grand Cash Prize Draw, The Norfolk Harley Club (ICENI), Vintage Cars & Bikes, Stock Cars, BBQ, Tea & Cake Tent, Model Aicraft Display, Treasure Hunt, Police Land Rover,Bouncy Castle, Coconut Shy, Ice Creams & numerous games and side shows.

Fully Licenced Bar Light Snacks availableKindly supported by Greenjack Brewery, Lowestoft.

Heathlands Community Centre, WoodbastwickRoad, Blofield Heath, Norwich, NR13 4QH Tel: 01603 714164 Mob: 07818466473www.heathlandscommunitycentre.org.uk

Registered Charity: 303909

SESSION TIMESTues 16th - Thurs 18th: 7.30pm until late

Friday 19th: 5pm until late

Saturday 20th: 2pm until late

Sunday 21st: 12 noon until late

Norfolk’s best kept secret...Lynn Road, Fincham Norfolk PE33 9HE T: 01366 347747

info@timbershotel.co.uk www.timbershotel.co.uk

Timbers is a lovingly restored barn complex incorporating a family restaurant,hotel, bar and function facilities. We are located in Fincham, close to

Downham Market and Kings Lynn.

Our food is lovingly prepared daily using fresh ingredients sourced as close tohome as possible.

TimbersRestaurantsExtensive All Day and an a laCarte menus available on Friday and Saturday evenings.We also have chef’s specials.

Carvery on Sundays, with aselection of four meats,Salmon or nut loaf for vegetarians, served with vegetables, roast potatoesand Yorkshire pudding.

Under 12’s menu available.

Timbers HotelWe have thirty-one roomswith a number of double andtwin en suite rooms as wellas a two room family suiteand a separate log cabin thataccommodates six people. Our Daisy suite is perfect fora romantic weekend away,with Jacuzzi bath!!

Enjoy a home cooked breakfast before departing.

Weddings at TimbersWe offer various packages andoptions for your special day

With two traditional beamedrooms to choose from for yourceremony - three very differentstyle rooms for your weddingbreakfast and reception. Our Marquee is draped withivory linen, featuring grandchandeliers for that classicwhite wedding feel.

The first ever Feltwell Beer Festival takes place laterthis year over the August Bank Holiday (23rd to26th) with three of the venues in the village set tohost a wide range of locally brewed ales and enter-tainment.

The Feltwell Social Club, The West End and TheChequers are all on board to support an event that,it is hoped, will become a regular fixture in thecalendar and raise funds for three charities:MacMillan Nurse, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the EastAnglian Children’s Hospital.

The Feltwell Beer Fest 2013 is the brainchild oflocal man and Parish Councillor Chris Samuels: “We

need a showpiece annual event in Feltwell and abeer festival fits the bill perfectly given the excellentvenues we have here. “The event will run over fourdays from the evening of Friday 23rd through untilthe daytime on Monday and will feature live music,entertainment, a “Feltwell’s Got Talent (or not!)”open mic show and plenty of fun for families andreal ale enthusiasts alike.

“We’re hoping to get at least nine of our excellentlocal Norfolk and Suffolk breweries on board andwill shortly be announcing the names of the eventsponsors,” added Chris.

Rob Bell, Landlord of The West End, commented:“This promises to be a great event and a showcase forthe very best beers from across the region with threegreat worthy causes being supported. All we need todo now is find out how we can book four days ofsunny weather!”

For more details visit: www.feltwellbeerfest.co.uk, follow on Twitter @Feltwell_beer or contact info@feltwellbeerfest.co.uk

For details about the talent competition please e-mail Rob@getpromotion.co.uk.

SUMMER 2013 | 23

NORFOLK NIPS | Norfolk CAMRA POTY 2013

Celebrations at the Angel, LarlingNorfolk CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013

FELTWELL FEST’S FIRST FOR THIRST!

Every now and then a pub rises from mediocrity tostand out as an example of what can be achievedby hard work and a talent for understanding thelocal community. The Old Bell at Saham (Justoutside Watton) is such a place.

Just over a year ago Colin and Debbie Wheelertook on the Bell on a lease from the private owner.They were initially doubtful, and almost passed onthe opportunity but the Licensing Officersuggested they look again and, thankfully, theytook the Old Bell on. They applied their previousexperience running the Greengate at Caistor forfive years to the new challenge. The first issue wasto get the outside of the building refurbished,followed by the kitchen which was refitted toColin’s satisfaction (Colin is a qualified chef).

Real ale was apriority too and fourhand pumps wereinstalled carryingWoodforde’s Wherryand Adnams Bitterplus two everchanging guests, allkept superbly, Wolfand Brandon beersfeaturing. There has

already been a small beer fest at Easter withanother planned in August. There is a wide andvaried menu including a very popular carvery onSundays. Colin believes in fresh produce so you willnot find any frozen ingredients in his main courses.

The food also plays a part in the pubs fundraisingactivities with themed nights in support of charitiessuch as the local church, Help for Heroes, EACH &Freedom Farm. As I write the beneficiaries areAlzheimer’s charities in association with the localcare home. Lottery sheets are also sold to raisemoney. About £350 - £500 is raised at each event.The Old Bell is also sponsoring the village rugbyand football teams this season.

Debbie creates an atmosphere of comfort whichencourages proper old fashioned conversation in

the bar, the staff have beenchosen wisely to encourage this ambience.

I asked some of the regulars to comment on theBell, comments included “The best thing tohappen to the village in ages”, “ The hardestworking landlady you’ll ever find” and a tale of alocal lady living nearby who had previously beentoo nervous to visit the pub being encouraged byone of the charity nights and eventually roundingup six friends to come as well!

The Old Bell is open all day which definitely paysdividends as when I visited last the Bell was busy allafternoon.

All in all the Old Bell is what CAMRA is about.Don’t take my word for it try it yourself!

West Norfolk | NORFOLK NIPS

24 | SUMMER 2013

The Old Bell Saham Toney - All change for the good

Debbie Wheeler hard atwork but always smiling!

UK Capital of Ale SurveyOn June 29th Norwich & Norfolk Branch will againbe visiting every pub in Norwich on our thirdannual Pub Survey tour – awe need your help!

Norwich is really on the national map now,claiming the UK Capital of Real Ale title for twoyears in a row, having hosted a record-breakingNational AGM in April, and with the third City ofAle festival looking to be the biggest yet.

To make sure we stay there, and can claim thetitle again, we need as many volunteers as possibleto help by visiting a few pubs each, and loggingthe beers for sale. Bring a couple of friends andmake it into a mini-pub-crawl – just as long as youremember to note down what’s on sale.

This year’s HQ is the Reindeer, on Dereham Road,where we’ll be from about 1pm to receive reportsfrom all around the city.

You don’t have to be a CAMRA member to take,part - just email norwichpubsurvey@gmail.com orpubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk for details, ortweet to @NrwichPubSurvey, and I’ll get back toyou.

The King’s HeadOpen 12.00noon - 11.00pm Monday to Saturday

12.00noon - 10.30pm Sunday

No Keg Beers - No Music - No Television14 Hand PumpsEast Anglian Ales and CidersMild always availableWorldwide Bottled BeersBar Billiardswww.norwichbarbilliards.co.uk

CASK ALE HOUSE

The Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JETel: (01603) 620 468 www.kingsheadnorwich.com

CAMRA Norfolk

Pub of the Year

2006 & 2008

A friendly and welcoming traditional alehouse offering an ever-changing

selection of top quality cask ales fromEast Anglian microbreweries

WE ARE

IN IT!

26 | SUMMER 2013

SUMMER 2013 | 27

NORFOLK NIPS | West Norfolk Editorial

Funny stuff cider. I used to drink the odd dropwhen I was a kid before my mother realised thatit contained alcohol. It is an easy mistake tomake as even the strong stuff can taste like fruitjuice. The first time I ever went into a pub wasthe Abbey in Torquay whilst away on a field tripfrom school. There I developed a teenage infatu-ation for Youngers Tartan bitter which lasted afew months until I discovered the proper beer. It could have been so different. We did a day’sfieldwork in Newton Abbott and a couple of thelads tried some of the local cider and later thesame evening decided to go ape on thesubstructure of Torquay pier. That’s cider – stuffthat tastes innocuous but can lead you intodoing some very silly things if you do not treat itwith respect, so over the years I have tended toavoid it.

Increasingly it seems that I am in a minority. It may have been Magners that started the ciderrevival with their innovative idea of serving itwith ice, but it’s a bandwagon that hascontinued to roll. Jumping aboard have beenStrongbow, Bulmers, Kopparberg and others.However as with beer, not all the brands are thesame. Some are high strength and very cheap,with Frosty Jack having taken number one spotin the category of providing maximum alcoholicintoxication at a minimum price. If it was aburger, it would be a prime candidate for beingstuffed full of horsemeat. Best avoided that one.More mainstream are the keg ciders such asMagners and Bulmers. These are perfectlyrespectable brands to be seen drinking, and insome circles could even be considered cool.However they are the cider equivalent of kegbeer and I am told that once you have tried thedecent stuff you will be reluctant to return tothem.

For, alongside these mass marketed brands,pubs are increasingly offering real cider. Perhapsthe most widespread is Weston’s Old Rosie, butciders from a myriad of smaller producers arefinding their way onto the bar. There has been a

long tradition of cider production in Norfolkwhich is being continued by Whin Hill in Wells,Crones in Kenninghall and the Norfolk CiderCompany at Hoveton amongst others. Vital inthis cider renaissance has been the work ofCAMRA’s APPLE group under the leadership ofour own Andrea (apparently not a Belieber,despite what I wrote last week). Thanks to them,West Norfolk CAMRA has now selected a CiderPub of the Year, and our current choice is theRailway Arms on Downham Market station,which has gone on to become the Norfolkchampion. It may not have the range of brandsavailable in the White Lion in Norwich, whichwas the runner up, but it does have Pickled Pig

and a unique atmosphere. So are you adven-turous enough to try a new drink and sensibleenough to know when to say enough isenough? If so, give real cider a go. You shouldalso be able to find some in the Chalk andCheese in Shouldham, The George in Newtonby Castle Acre, the Victory in Clenchwhartonand the Lattice House or Ouse Amateur SailingClub (members only) in Kings Lynn. Many beerfestivals also serve proper cider. We have a presentation coming up at the Railway Arms andI have a decision to make. Should I drink cider orbeer? If you see me swinging from Hunstantonpier, either you or me will have made the wrongchoice.

bar.man@btinternet.comRead the Bar Man every Friday in the Lynn News,

or find him on the Lynn News website.

The Barman Considers Trying a Glass of Cider

“Should I drink cider orbeer? If you see meswinging fromHunstanton pier, eitheryou or me will have madethe wrong choice.”

The Railway Arms at Downham Market hasbeen judged the winner of East Anglia CiderPub of the year 2013. Following their recentsuccess in the Norfolk Cider Pub of the YearCompetition, the Railway Arms was judged aspart of the East Anglia round which includedpubs from Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertford-shire, Bedfordshire, Essex and, of course, Norfolk.The pub regularly sells three ciders includingsome from nearby producer Pickled Pig.

Their success in the East Anglian competitionmeans that the Railway will move on to thenext stage in the National Cider Pub of theYear competition.

Ian and Lesley Ann Pinches, who run theRailway Arms said "We are overjoyed andhonoured to receive such recognition fromCAMRA, all the more so because we both

enjoy selecting and sellinggood ciders. We wish to thank firstly ourcustomers and supports but particularlyCharles and Laura Roberts form Pickled Pigand Paul Fisher and the Directors at The SmallBeer Company who supply many of ourciders."

Andrea Briers, CAMRA’s East Anglia RegionalDirector and Chairman of CAMRA’s Cider andPerry Committee said, “With cider becomingmore popular the competition is gettingtougher year on year and I am delighted forIan and Lesley Ann in realising this achieve-ment . It is also good to have a winning pubso close to home and I wish them well in thenext round of the competition.”

West Norfolk Editorial | NORFOLK NIPS

Railway Arms wins East Anglia Cider POTY!

Following on from the sad demise of Bradley’s inJanuary, there are signs of regeneration in twohistoric buildings on Lynn’s South Quay. At thestart of April, The Merchants Bar opened in theundercroft of Hansa House followed a couple ofweeks later by a café bar in Marriot’s Warehouse.Each has a couple of beers on handpump:Elgood’s EPA and Golden Newt in TheMerchants complemented by Wherry andSharp’s Doombar in Marriot’s.

The Hansa House complex incorporates a 14thcentury Hanseatic warehouse. A remnant of themedieval trading network based around theprevious Viking territories, it is reckoned to bethe only such warehouse in England. Perhapsbetter known to Lynn residents is St Margaret’sHouse on the Nelson Street frontage which was,until recently, Lynn’s Registry Office.

Hansa House was recently taken on by the Abelfamily, previously of Denver Windmill wherethey featured in Alex Polizzi’s TV programmeThe Fixer. The Abels retain the Denver Millstrade name. Presently, in addition to MerchantsBar there is a craft foods shop, café and functionroom. In addition to the Elgood’s beers,Merchants stocks real bottled cider by Watergullof Wisbech. The shop also stocks bottled beersfrom Two Rivers of Denver and BrandonBrewery. Merchants trades from lunchtime till11pm but does not open until 3pm Monday toThursday.

Marriot’s Warehouse is next door. Until itclosed last year it housed The Green Quay, aninterpretive centre based on The Wash. Anothermedieval warehouse, it has been taken byMalcolm Catlin and Andrew Hornigold ofTerrington St. Clement.

On the ground floor is the café bar. Run verymuch in the style of a café featuring tableservice. Nevertheless, on a recent lunchtimevisit, Marriot’s were only too happy to serve abeer without anything to eat. The first floorfeatures a lounge/ sitting room with seats thatseem so comfortable that they look difficult toget out of to move on! The second floor forms afunction room much the same as in its previousincarnation of The Green Quay. The café bar isopen daily from 10am-11pm.

At the South Quay’s north end is Bank House, ahotel reopened the other year by Anthony andJeanette Goodrich, perhaps better known forkeeping The Rose & Crown, Snettisham.Complementing their fine dining, the bar stocksAdnams and London Pride.

A very different style of offering from theseafarers’ pubs which traditionally featured inthis part of the town, could this be the start of amove which makes Lynn’s South Quay a recog-nised destination for both locals and visitors?

Ian Bailey

SUMMER 2013 | 29

NORFOLK NIPS | West Norfolk Editorial

Lynn’s South QuayPromising Developments

30 | SUMMER 2013

You may well ask why I’m writing about amedical condition in a real ale magazine. Thereason is the Coeliac’s impacts directly on yourability to drink real ale.

It is a condition thought to affect about 1% ofthe population, and is essentially an allergicreaction to Gluten occurring in the small intes-tine making it difficult to absorb nutrients fromyour food this can lead to loss of weight generaltiredness and sometimes a skin rash, plus somelong term effects such as osteoporosis.

Gluten is wheat germ and is a constituent partof nearly all grains including barley! Obviouslythe recommended dietary limitations to tacklethis condition exclude any beer made withbarley, wheat or most other grass derivatives.

To find you suffer from this condition is shockenough, but if you are a real ale enthusiast it is adisaster. Unless you want to drink cider for therest of your life or really go over to the “darkside” (American beers not made from grain)then things look bleak!

However one or two brewers do producegluten free beers, Greens produce a range ofgluten free beers including a bottle conditionedale, Hambleton brew GFA and St Peter’s G-Freethe first two breweries use De-glutinsed barleythe last, Sorghum.

I know two or three real ale drinkers who havebeen diagnosed with coeliac’s mostly switchingto cider, but as I discovered there is anotheroption. Whilst leaning on the bar at the LarlingAngel I noticed that the excellent Hop Back“Crop Circle” in bottles had a gluten-free signon it, I enquired further and learnt that CropCircle is made from Maize and by coincidence isgluten free!

It was not designed to be a gluten free beer asLiz Wright of Hop Back told me;“Crop Circle has been brewed at Hop Back's

Downton (Salisbury) brewery since Feb 2000, Itwas only in the last few months that HopBack decided to get it tested, you know howthose conversations start over a pint or two ofbeer, our brewer said 'I wonder if it is?' so wethought the best thing to do was to have ittested and we carried out 6 tests over 4months.”

Only foods which contain 20ppm or less ofgluten can be labelled ‘gluten-free’ in theUK, Hop Back bottle-conditioned Crop Circleregisters at 10 ppm, well under the requiredthreshold. Having heard this tale of serendipity Iturned on my cheekiest grin and said anychance of a Crop Circle prize for Nips/ CaskForce?

Yes was the answer, so only one question:-Bottled “Crop Circle” (CAMRA “real ale ina bottle” marked) is safely gluten freebut draught Crop Circle may not be, why?

First correct answer out of the hatwins a case (12x500ml) of CropCircle.

Answers to; Chris Lucas, 19 KempsLane, Hockwold, Thetford IP26 4LG.Last entry date 31 August 2013Please put “CC Comp” on theenvelope and nclude your addressfor delivery of the prize.

If you are unsuccessful Crop Circle is availableat the Angel Larling or check outwww.hopback.co.uk/gluten-free.htm

Stig

Coeliac’s Disease, an end to real ale drinking?

SUMMER 2013 | 31

NORFOLK NIPS | West Norfolk Editorial

32 | SUMMER 2013

The weekend of 19th - 21stApril saw Norwich become thefocus of attention for CAMRAmembers from across thecountry when we hostedCAMRA’s 2013 NationalMembers Weekend and AGMat St Andrews and BlackfriarsHalls.

This was the result of plan-ning which began a yearbefore when a group of ourBranch members travelled tothe AGM at Torquay in April2012 and set up a publicitystand advertising Norwich asthe venue for 2013. Shortlyafterwards we convened aplanning committee that wenton to meet at regular intervalson Saturdays lunchtimes at TheFat Cat. At our first meeting

members accepted responsibili-ties of the various key roles thatwere necessary for a smoothrunning weekend. Headquar-ters staff attended many of themeetings. As local organiser Iwas responsible to co-ordinatearrangements with CAMRAHeadquarters. During thecourse of autumn 2012 andwinter 2013 we met variousHeadquarters representativeswhen they made site visits toinspect St Andrews Hall. As theyear progressed, progress wasreported and details fell intoplace. I felt very fortunate inhaving such a hard workingand very able committee team.

Pre-registration for the eventopened in the autumn of 2012and it was soon forecast that

the weekend would be excep-tionally well attended. In theevent over 1,300 CAMRAmembers from all over the UKand even a few from abroadattended the conference whichwas in fact the second timeNorwich has been host wayback in 1990. I am delightedto report that here in Norwichwe smashed the attendancerecord by over two hundred.Prior to this year, Sheffield in2011 held the record with justover just over 1,100 atten-dances.

Norwich National Members Weekend and AGM smashes attendance record!

SUMMER 2013 | 33

NORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA AGM 2013

The days leading up to theofficial opening were very busyas a large group of dedicatedhelpers prepared the Hall,Members Bar, setting out stallsand making ready hundreds ofleaflets into packs that were tobe given out to members whenthey registered. Signs had tobe installed and outsidecontractors set up the PAsystem and a large TV screen.Come Friday we held ourbreath that nothing had beenforgotten!

So on Friday morningCAMRA’s National Executivearrived and were taken out andentertained to a tour of Wood-forde’s Brewery with a buffet inThe Fur & Feather Inn. At 4pmthe weekend officially opened,registration commenced andthe Members bar opened thatstocked a range of 60 differentlocal ales and a selection oflocal ciders and perrys.

In the early evening fourcoaches arrived to takemembers on trips to Grain,Panther and Humpty Dumptybreweries and a trip to CronesCider (all fully booked). Othermembers were left to stay atthe bar or explore thenumerous pubs aroundNorwich. To assist them ourlocal Branch made available sixleaflets of ‘pub walks’ and busroutes around Norwich. Theseproved so popular we wereconstantly printing extra copiesas the weekend progressed.

On Saturday morning formalbusiness began at 9.30 thatincluded the adoption of

Standing Orders, a financialreport, an opening address byNational Chairman Colin Valen-tine and a Campaigns Reportfrom Chief Executive MikeBenner after which there weredebates on motions. StAndrews Hall was packed fulland some late comers had tolisten to proceedings in Black-friars Hall via a PA system. Atalk by local MP for GtYarmouth and CommunityPubs Minister, Brandon Lewisconcluded morning business.

After lunch and a drink at thebar the afternoon sessionallowed members to continuewith debates. Later in the after-noon Policy Discussion Groupsand workshops took place innearby St Andrews Housewhere topics such as beertasting, public affairs, visualguidelines, pub websites andbeer scoring systems had beenorganised.

Saturday evening saw threemore brewery trips to GreenJack, Beeston and Woodforde’s

and a cider crawl around thecity centre of Norwich. It seemsmany members took opportu-nities to visit local pubs for publandlords reported crowded

bars and big sales of real ale.The Members Bar was also verywell patronised.

On Sunday morning the lastformal business took placewhen the remainder ofmotions were debated. (For fulldetails of motions debated andresults see June Edition of‘What’s Brewing’). TheMembers Bar had its finalopening and conveniently ranout of beer by 1.40 with thecider bar closing around anhour later.

Although findings from thesurvey questionnaire thatmembers complete beforeleaving have yet to be analysedthe weekend was a great successand that everything suggeststhat Norwich has proved to be avery popular venue.

Finally, as Local Organiser Iwould like to thank our spon-sors, the staff at St AndrewsHall, The HQ staff from StAlbans and the enormous armyof volunteers that gave up theirfree time over the weekendand others too numerous tomention who helped to makethis event a such a greatsuccess.

Warren Wordsworth

34 | SUMMER 2013

COAST ROAD, WALCOTT,NORFOLK NR12 OPE

Telephone(01692) 650371

Proprietor since 1989: STEVE BULLIMOREFREE HOUSE

OPEN FOR FOOD & DRINKS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, 11am - 11pmFood available all day until 10.30pm10% off food and drink on production of CAMRA membership card

www.lighthouseinn.co.uk

FOUR REAL ALES & CIDER

Large beer garden, traditional games, lunchtime menu and a good selection of real ale, spirits and soft drinks

Listed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2000.

Queen’s Head and Waveney Brewing Company

Traditional Village Pub with a breweryproducing permanent and seasonal

ales on site

Station Road, Earsham, NorfolkTel: (01986) 892623

SUMMER 2013 | 35

CAMRA Norwich CityPub of the Year 2011Cider, Sausage &

Music Festival Thursday 1st - Monday 5th August

UP TO TEN CASK ALESREGULARLY AVAILABLEBAR BILLIARDS • GOOD SELECTION OF MALTS

HOT SNACKS AVAILABLE ALL DAY EVERYDAY

ENCLOSED BEER GARDEN • SUNDAY ROASTS 12-3

ALSO

9 SILVER RD, NORWICH NR3 4TBTEL: 01603 665535

Privately owned freehouse and restaurant with awide selection of real ales, lagers and ciders.

Freshly cooked locally sourced food.

Child friendly, large beer garden, pool table, easyaccess from A47, ample parking and on 23A bus

route from the city centre.

Visit www.thehartenorwich.co.uk tocheck out the menu and opening times

Old Costessey, Norwich, NR8 5BS Tel: 01603 742755

FREE

ACCESS

The Harte

36 | SUMMER 2013

Beer in the Boat ShedFriday 14 – Sunday 16 JuneFeaturing around 30 Real Ales and CidersIncluding Humpty Dumpty, Panther, Wolf and Woodfordes

Music, Games and fun entertainment too!ENTRY JUST £5 INCLUDES FIRST PINT

• SOUVENIR PINT GLASS £2

Caister Lifeboat’s

At CaisterLifeboat Shed

Fri night: 6 to 10.30pmSat: 12 noon to 11pmwith Splash Duo (pm)

Sun: 12 noon til we’re dry (or4pm) with Annie’s Jazz Friends

All profits to Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service

Don’t forget that you can read Norfolk

NIPS and Cask Force on line on the

Norwich and Norfolk Branch website

www.norwichcamra.org.uk

Latest info will also be posted on the Branch

facebook page and Twitter: @norfolk_nips

Next issue of Norfolk Nips and Cask ForceCopy to editors by Monday 5th AugustOn the streets by: Saturday 14th September

The 36th Norwich Beer FestivalSt Andrew’s and Blackfriar’s Halls, NorwichMonday 28th October to Saturday 2nd NovemberBeat the queues – join CAMRA now!

MembershipBreakdown2712 members 1952 male 757 female 270 are young members(18 - 30)

38 | SUMMER 2013

Having lived in the town for 24 years and havingvisited some, though not all of the town’sdrinking establishments, I thought that it wouldbe a useful exercise to see whether the state-ment oft heard is true. Therefore, I recentlyembarked on visiting the various establishmentsopen the general public where ‘real ale’ mightbe found. First up was the re-opened CherryTree. Two real ales were on offer both fromGreene King, IPA and London Glory. A pint ofthe latter at £3 was found to be in excellentcondition, though the fabric of the pub was verytired..

Wetherspoon’s Romany Rye had the usual 3beers ‘coming next’, two pumps had RuddlesBitter, two had GK Abbott, Woodfordes Werry,Adnams Explorer and Hambleton’s Nightmarefilling the remaining pumps. The establishmentopened in April 2010 with high hopes from thereal ale drinkers in the region that more choicewould be forthcoming. Sadly I have to reportthat this has largely not proven to be the case.The bulk of the beers are usually from GreeneKing, Adnams and Woodfordes; there are veryfew ‘session’ beers presumably so as not tocompete with Ruddles and Wherry. With morethan thirty breweries in the county, andDereham located in the centre of it, you wouldhave thought that there was a great opportunityto be a showcase for the others not alreadymentioned. Interestingly, the three beers‘coming next’ were Woodfordes Norfolk Gold

4.3%, Adnams Ghostship 4.5% and Wynch-wood’s (owned by Marston’s) Dirty Tackle 4.0%.I rest my case!

A visit to the RoyalStandard was a revela-tion. Four beers onoffer Bateman’s XB,Beeston’s Bloomers,Wolf’s Sirius Dog Starand Dixon’s Major fromthe Riverside Brewery inWainfleet, all at a very reasonable £2.60 perpint. The Dixon’s and Beeston were bothsampled and were in excellent condition. Onlythe Bateman’s is a regular fixture with the otherthree rotating. This is a most welcome enhance-ment to the beer scene in the town and onethat deserves everyone's support.

The Railway Tavern is an unusual drinkingestablishment as it is essentially a fish and chipshop with an adjacent bar. If you do not mindthe smell of F & C’s then you are fine. AdnamsBitter at £2.50 and Broadside at £3 were theofferings. The Broadside was sampled and wasgood value and in excellent condition. Thisclearly is a lads pub, unless your female frienddrinks pints, as the penalty for drinking halves is25p. The moral of the story seems to be leaveher at home, sad really when the industry istrying to get more women drinking real ale,sounds counter-productive to me.

The Red Lion had one handpump servingWells Bombardier at £3 a pint, in good condi-tion. This is the regular real ale offering.

The George had the following on offer:Adnams Broadside at £3.40, Old Ale at £3.10,Bitter at £3 and Woodfordes Wherry at £3.20.The Wherry was sampled and was in goodcondition. However, this is the most expensiveplace to drink ale in the town.

The Gemini, a Greene King ‘Meet and Eat’pub, offered GK IPA at£2.50 and Old Speckled

Cherry Tree

Dereham - A Real Ale Desert?

Hen at £2.75. The OSP was sampled and was ingood condition. The Bull, another Greene Kingestablishment, had GK IPA at £2.65 and Abbottat £2.99. The sampled IPA was in very goodcondition. Once again though in both GreeneKing establishments you were penalised if youdrank half pints this time by an average of 5%.

The Coachmakers had one beer on offer,Beeston’s Afternoon Delight at £2.80, it was serveddirect from the cellar and was in excellent condi-tion. The beer here is rotated on a regular basis.

Splitz Upstairs bar also had Beeston’s After-noon Delight on offer in average condition.

The Millwrights Arms had two beers onoffer, Ruddles Bitter at £3.10 and Old SpeckledHen at £3.20, the latter was sampled and wasaverage. The recently reopened King’s Headhas two real ales both from Greene King, Abbottand IPA. The ex Cock, (now the Lolitas TapasBar), the Plough & Furrow and the Heroes Bardo not have any real ales.

There are three other drinking establishmentsin the town, Toftwood Social Club,Dereham Conservative Club and DerehamTown Football Club. All serve real ale butaccess is limited to members only. However youcan usually gain access to the football club onmatch days, where two ales are usually on offer.Woodfordes Wherry at £3 is always available anda guest, currently Hook Norton’s Hooky at£2.50. The beers are well kept but there is atendency to serve them too cold.

So what did I conclude? Yes there is real ale tobe had in Dereham, a surprising amount with79% of the pubs/bars that were offering some-thing. Sadly the choice boarders on abysmal,with brews from Greene King, Adnams andWoodfordes totally dominating. The exceptionwas the Standard where variety was very muchapparent - long may it continue. The Coach-makers, although only having a single beer hasalso resisted the national and larger independentconcerns. Wetherspoon’s could and should dobetter, but there appears to be little enthusiasmby those involved to either widen the choice or

to promply replace beers when one runs out. A proposal to build a Marston’s establishmenton the old Cemex site just off the Tesco round-about may bring even more pressure on thetown’s pubs, if it comes to fruition. It will beinteresting to see how or if the beer scenechanges in Dereham in the next twelve months- watch this space.

RM - Dereham

SUMMER 2013 | 39

NORFOLK NIPS | Out and About in Dereham

The Royal Standard is indeed a revelation. NewLandlords Darryl and Julie Culmer have onlybeen there since September. Their enthusiasmshines through and a warm welcome isensured. Darryl used to sell electric AGA’sbefore taking on the pub and both he and Julieclearly appreciate the value good customerservice. They are keen to get involved with thecommunity and the pubs sponsors ScarningUnited, Dereham Cricket Club and the first teeat Dereham Golf Club.

The pub is a free house, with guest beerscoming from the Bateman’s guest list. Brewsters Decadence – a golden beer withmore than a smack of grapefruit, WellsBombadier and Thwaites Nutty Black – a truedark mild at 3.3% were on offer during myvisit. Darryl says that some customers haveswitched from the keg version of Thwaites Mildto Nutty Black.

Not a “quiet” pub (it will have 3D TV for thefootball and juke box with 7 million tracks) butwell worth a visit.

The Royal Standard

40 | SUMMER 2013

The Red Lion is a traditional Norfolk Real Ale and Wine Freehouse Pub situatedin the picturesque village of Coltishall on the Norfolk Broads. The pub dates

back to the 17th Century and has recently undergone a major refurbishment. The interior now offers contemporary style décor with many

original, period features that have been retained.

Several locally brewed real ales avaliable Selection of fine wines from Adnams

Unique combination of seating areas to accommodate drinkers who like to stayat the bar, friends wishing to share a bottle of wine by the fire and a top barwhere things can get lively whilst live sport is shown on the television!

Large Beer Garden • Ample Car Parking The Red Lion is managed by Kevin and Sue Gardner who also run the King’s

Head gastro pub down the road in the same village.

A traditional Free House owned by local people from the village offering you awarm welcome and enjoyable stay.

77 Church StreetColtishall, Norwich

NR12 7DWTel: 01603 736644

www.redlion-coltishall.co.uk

Opening TimesMonday - Closed

Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm - 11pmFriday to Saturday: 12noon - 11pm

Sunday: 12noon - 6pm

Try our Award Winning Norfolk Ales

Most Beers Available All Year Round in cask, polypin and bottles.

Buy on-line at www.wolfbrewery.comor from our brewery shop

The Wolf Brewery has moved to:

Decoy Farm, Norwich Road, Besthorpe, Norfolk, NR17 2LATelephone: 01953 457775

E-mail: info@wolfbrewery.com

Norwich. A Fine City. The City Of Ale. A city fullof pubs. And a few weeks ago a city full ofCAMRA members!

As the AGM weekend approached we busiedourselves at the pubs making sure everythingwas as near perfect as we could make it - thehand pumps were shining, the beers were inperfect condition, and of course we had loads ofextra half pint glasses at the ready. The staffasked ‘how will we know who are CAMRAmembers?’ I told them not to worry, they wouldknow.

I’m not going to lie, in some ways I wasdreading this weekend. Although obviouslygood for trade and good for Norwich, some-times CAMRA members can make us behind thebar feel like the enemy – eyebrows raised at thebeer selection, whiskers twitch as lagers arespotted, and lips purse at the sight of a pooltable. I stereotype of course (I am a lifemember, and am not too often seen withwhiskers) - but these things do happen!

And of course there were some rum uns, that’sfor sure, but they were far outweighed by theones who seemed to genuinely embraceNorwich and it’s plethora of ale pubs.

Like the couple from Manchester who proppedthe bar at The Ketts for most of the weekend,just being lovely. And Keith who enjoyed hiscurry as much (ok, almost as much) as his beer.Or Chris who bought me presents - beer! OrDale who came with her Campaigner of the YearAward as well as plenty of praise for Norwichpubs. After the weekend I asked the staffwhether they were able to recognise the CAMRAmembers. ‘Yes’ was the reply, ‘they were theones using up all of our blimmin half glasses..!’

I am delighted with CAMRA’s involvement inthe Fair Deal For Your Local campaign. I can’t

help being passionate about my trade, anddisappointed in pubs closing and seeinglicensees lose their jobs, homes, life savings andpride. I was at the launch of the campaign - ledby true pub hero Greg Mulholland MP - as arepresentative of Licensees Supporting Licensees,a group that does what it says on the tin.

The campaign wants to see tied licenseesbeing offered a market rent option with theability to buy beer from wherever, or to stay tiedif it is a better deal for them. Can you imaginehow good this would be? It’s not a dream and Iam hoping that by the next time I write for Nipsit may be starting to become reality. It’s all onthe website – sign up, respond to the PubcoConsultation and write to your MP. After all, it’sjust a case of knowing right from wrong.www.fairdealforyourlocal.com

Dawn Hopkins

SUMMER 2013 | 41

NORFOLK NIPS | Behind Bars

Behind Bars

We had a record number of entries for thiscompetition! Congratulations to Colin Wyliewho correctly named all ten pubs.

The answers were: Ketts Tavern, Vine, King'sHead, Trafford Arms, Cottage, Golden Star,Plasterers, White Lion, Gatehouse, BelgianMonk.

His was the first correct entry drawn out ofthe hat at the May Committee Meeting.

NIPS 164 Competition

Normally by now we have a logo for thefestival, but due to some strange conventiondescending on Norwich (National AGM andMembers' Weekend 2013) and yours truly beinginvolved in the organising of the event , we areslightly behind in the planning schedule for the36th Norwich Beer Festival. Hopefully with alittle bit of effort this month we should be backon track, with a logo, budget submission andthe thousand and one tasks that make up theNorwich & Norfolk CAMRA Beer Festival.

As usual we would like your thoughts on whatkind of beers and ciders to have at the Festival,in the previous few years , the organisingcommittee I believe have excelled themselves inobtaining some quality beers from all parts ofthe UK, and even places further afield! What areyour preferences is it hoppy style light beers, ordark stouts and porters. I think as the festival isheld in late October, we as a branch are in afairly unique position in able to obtain some ofthe classic autumnal and winter style beers.Brewers usually launch their seasonalportfolios around October/Novembertime and we can take advantage of thishelpful co-incidence.

The festival doesn’t sit underneath thefloorboards at St Andrews & BlackfrairsHalls’, and I magically press the launchbutton , and the stillage and bars riseup from the depths, magically replen-ished, clean and tidy. It takes a lot ofhard work and time from a few dedicated volunteers throughout theyear to “Make it so”, so you as acustomer can enjoy the experience and drinksome quality ales and ciders (not forgettingperries either). If you can spare some time tohelp out during the planning stages it would bemost appreciated by us few who seem to domost of the work (Hint!).

Anybody want to run a beer festival?, I havebeen in charge for better or worse for the past

10 years. Whether you think the festival hasimproved under my tenure is a different matter,but I have decided to cut back on my commit-ments to the festival. So in short we need a neworganiser. Qualities needed 1) Lots of patience2) being able to deal with people 3) Being ableto deal with strange people 4) ability to think onyour feet 5) Know a bit about beer 6) All of theabove.

If you think you can do it, or have any ideas onbeer selection (subject to availability, newcustomers only ...) please drop me an e-mailaddress: vicechairman@norwichcamra.org.uk orbeerfestival@norwichcamra.org.uk

Thanks to all who have supported me over theyears.

Martin Ward Norwich Beer Festival Organiser 2003-2013

It has just been confirmed thatthe Norwich and Norfolk Associa-tion for the Blind will be ourBranch Charity at the Beer Festivalthis year. We look forward to welcomingthem.

Norwich Beer Festival 2013

SUMMER 2013 | 43

NORFOLK NIPS | Volunteers needed!

44 | SUMMER 2013

3 Day Beer & Music Festival

Fri 19th - Sun 21st JulyLocal beer, local music…More than just a country pub

www.thelodge-tuddenham.co.uk

Friday 19th July - Acoustic evening with DougieArcher from 8pm

Saturday 20th July - £5 with advance ticket £7.50 onthe gate. Tickets available from the Lodge or by telephonecard payment Children FREE • Live music all day withheadlining act ‘Against All Odds’ - Bouncy Castle -

Foods stalls and more. 2pm - 11pm

Sunday 21st July - Mods & Rockers event in conjunction with Breckland Bikers - Fund raising forEast Anglian Air Ambulance. Live music with Fake

Snake & BBQ - 10am - 8pm

Main Road, NorthTuddenham NR20 3DJ

01362 638466

Alby, Horseshoes Aldborough, Black Boys Attleborough, London Tavern Banningham, Crown InnBinham, Chequers Broome, Artichoke Cantley, Reedcutter Catfield, Crown Cley, George & DragonCley-next-the-Sea, George HotelClenchwarton, VictoryClippesby, Muskett Arms Colton, Ugly Bug InnCromer, Cottage Cromer, Red Lion Drayton, Bob Carter Leisure Centre Downham Market, Railway Downham Market , White HartEarsham, Queens Head Erpingham, Erpingham ArmsFakenham, BullFilby, Kings Head Geldeston, Locks Inn Geldeston, WherryGorleston, Dock Tavern Gorleston, Mariners Compass Great Yarmouth, Barking Smack Great Yarmouth, Mariners Great Yarmouth, Red Herring Great Yarmouth, Oliver TwistGreat Yarmouth, St Johns Head Great Massingham, Dabbling DuckHeacham, Fox & HoundsHethersett, Kings HeadHickling, Greyhound InnHickling, Pleasure Boat Hilborough, Swan Holt, Kings HeadHolt, Railway Tavern Hopton, White Hart Horsey, Nelson HeadHorsham St. Faith, Elm FarmCountry HouseKenninghall, Red Lion Kings Lynn, Live and Let LiveLoddon, Swan Inn Ludham, Dog

Newton Flotman, RelishRestaurant & BarNewton by Castle Acre, George &DragonNorth Elmham, Railway N. Walsham, Orchard Gardens Norwich, Adam and EveNorwich, Angel GardensNorwich, Beehive (Leopold Road)Norwich, Bell Hotel Norwich, Champion Norwich, Cottage (Silver Road)Norwich, Duke of Wellington Norwich, Earlham ArmsNorwich, Fat Cat Norwich, Fat Cat & Canary Norwich, Fat Cat Tap Norwich, Jubilee Norwich, Ketts Tavern Norwich, Kings Head Norwich, Lord Rosebery Norwich, Maids HeadNorwich, Murderers Norwich, Red Lion Norwich, Reindeer Norwich, Ribs of Beef Norwich, Rose Norwich, Sir GarnetNorwich, Take 5 Norwich, Trafford Arms Norwich, Vine Norwich, Wig and Pen Norwich, York Tavern Poringland, Royal OakReedham, Ferry Reedham, Lord Nelson Reedham, Ship Reepham, Kings Arms Ringland, SwanSaxlingham Thorpe, Mill InnRockland St Mary, New Inn Sheringham, Lobster Sheringham, Windham Arms Skeyton, GoatSurlingham, Ferry House Swardeston, Lakenham/HewittRugby Club

Tacolneston, Pelican Thorpe Market, Gunton ArmsThurlton, Queens Head Upton, White HorseWicklewood, Cherry TreeWatton, Willow HouseWest Acre, StagWiveton, Bell Wroxham, Brewery Tap Worstead, White LadyWymondham, Green Dragon

The following local businesses offera discount for CAMRA members:

The Plasterers, Norwich: 10%off all real ales (available onMondays)The Red Lion, Drayton: 10p offa half, 20p off a pint of real aleLondon Tavern, Attlebor-ough: 10p off a half, 20p off apint of real ale Cherry Tree, Wicklewood: 30poff a pint of Buffy’s

If your pub or business offers adiscount to CAMRA, but isn'ton this list, please contactpubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.ukand let us know the details(including any restrictions).

Please note: We believe this iscorrect at the time of going topress, however pubs may with-draw or change offers at anytime!

Update Here is a current list of all the pubs in Norfolkwhich are part of the CAMRA LocAle scheme.New entries are in Bold.

SUMMER 2013 | 45

46 | SUMMER 2013

The California TavernCalifornia Road, California, Great Yarmouth NR29 3QW

Free House, Restaurant and Live Music venue

Great ales by Woodfordes, GreeneKing, Elgoods and Mauldons available

Excellent Food, very popular SundayCarvery, you will need to book!

Live music every Friday and SaturdayWhatever your preference, you will not witness finer bands for free.

Function room • Kids adventure trail

Have you been to California?

www.californiatavern.co.uk email: californiatavern@btconnect.com Tel: 01493 730340

Does it add value to the community? Would you like to see it get some protectionfrom Developers?

Well, the good news is that you can now list itwith your Council as an Asset of CommunityValue. Under the Localism Act 2011, peopleliving in England and Wales can nominate a pubto be listed as an Asset of Community Value(ACV). Doing this provides communities withthe power to stop the clock when faced with apub going up for sale. This earns valuable timeto explore options for saving your pub. CAMRAhas produced an ACV Guide, which can bedownloaded from the website.

Why list your local?More and more Councils are taking ACV’s intoaccount when considering new planning appli-cations against a pub. The listing shows that ithas recognised value to the community.

• Listing means that property developers whoare keen for a hassle free purchase are less likelyto show interest• If a listed pub goes up for sale, its ACV statushas the power to postpone the sale for sixmonths. Time for campaigners to put together asuitable bid to buy the pub and run it ascommunity owned• The scheme started in 2012 and The IvyHouse, London was the first to be listed andsubsequently bought out by the community.

How do I do it?Start by visiting your local council’s website andsearch for “Assets of Community Value” or“Right to Bid”. Download a nomination form ifit is available – or use CAMRA’s Template Nomination Form from the CAMRA website.

You will need 21 local people (on the electoralregister) in order to nominate a pub as an Unincorporated Group. You cannot do this inconjunction with CAMRA because CAMRA is anIncorporated body. Complete the nominationform with as much information as possible as towhy your pub should be listed. CAMRA’sCommunity Value Guide can help.

Gather the support of your 21 local people(Download CAMRA’s 21 Nominee Form – WordVersion - to help with this). Each name must beregistered to vote in your local authority andfrom a different address.

Submit the completed form to your localcouncil, ensuring that you do so in strict accordance with their guidelines.

Need more help or have any questions?Call the Government funded Locality advice lineon 0845 345 4564 or email CAMRA’sCampaigns Team on campaigns@camra.org.ukDo not forget to contact your Branch so that thePubs Preservation Officer is informed.

Do you love yourlocal pub?

SUMMER 2013 | 47

NORFOLK NIPS | List Your Local

The Norwich & Norfolk branch selected TheLocks Inn, Geldeston in South Norfolk, as their2013 Pub of the Year in March.

The Locks then went into a head-to-headcompetition with the West Norfolk branchwinner, The Angel, Larling, to determine theNorfolk Pub of the Year. This was won by theAngel, which now progresses to the next,regional, level of the competition.

Colin Smith, the landlord of the Locks Inn, saidhe was “over the moon” that the pub has beenrecognised for the first time by the Norwich &Norfolk branch of CAMRA, especially after a longwinter when the pub suffered flooding on a fewoccasions.

He commented: “I am particularly pleased that afar-flung pub has been awarded the localbranch’s Pub of the Year title this year.

“And I am really delighted with the awardbecause the Locks Inn is a tenanted pub, ownedby Green Jack Brewery but serving guest ales,and also with us being a slightly unusual, rural

pub that also serves food, and features pubgames and regular live music”.

The Norwich & Norfolk Branch Pub of the Yearis chosen from the winners of the branch’s Ruraland City Pubs of the Year. The 2013 Rural Pubof the Year was won by The Locks Inn in Gelde-ston, beating stiff competition from TheArtichoke in Broome, The Royal Oak in Poring-land and the Sole & Heel, Rackheath.

And the Norwich City Pub of the Year was wonfor the first time by The White Lion, Oak Street,from three other Norwich pubs shortlisted – TheBeehive (Leopold Road), The Plough (St Bene-dict’s Street) and The Vine (Dove Street).

Note: to find the Locks Inn using a satnav, enter postcode "NR34 0HS", other-wise you may end up on the wrong sideof the river!

Cider Pub of the Year

For the second time thebranch has awardeda Cider Pub of theYear due to the growingpopularity of real cidersand perries and thatmany pubs are stockinga growing and permanent range. The winnerwas again The White Lion, Oak Street, Norwich,who won last year’s inaugural award.

They pipped the other shortlisted pubs – TheGrange in Ormesby and the Banham Barrel.

The White Lion came runner up against TheRailway in Downham Market in the vote to findthe overall Norfolk Cider Pub of the Year.

Norwich and Norfolk Branch Pub of the Year | NORFOLK NIPS

48 | SUMMER 2013

Norfolk Pub of the Yearresults announced

SUMMER 2013 | 49

The Star InnSchool Road, Lessingham NR12 0DN

£5 Wristband Admittance (including free pint & tasting notes,no refunds given)

FREE Admission for Children (must be accompanied by an adult)

Parking & Camping available (breakfast available)

Friday 16th: Evening: Strange Tail (Rock Band)

plus The Pretty Vacant

Saturday 17th: Afternoon: The Ugly Dog Skiffle ComboEvening: Big Black Cadillac (Rockabilly)

Entertainment:

Tel: 01692 580510 for more information

Opening Times:Friday 16th: 6pm - MidnightSaturday 17th: 12pm - MidnightSunday 18th: 12pm - 4pm

SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL • 16TH - 18TH AUGUST20 Real Ales & 4 Ciders • BBQ & Hog Roast Available

50 | SUMMER 2013

“The Country Pub On The Edge of Town”Bacton Road, North Walsham NR28 0RA

OPEN ALL DAYFIVE REAL ALES

Meals Served 12noon to 2.30pm

and in the evening 6.30 to 9.30pm

Bookings 01692 404800

FREE

ACCESS

Makers of a range of award-winning organic ciders, including our User Friendly, Original, Old Norfolk

(East Anglia’s Best Cider 2011), Special Reserve and ourRum Cask.

Also Norfolk Perry (subject to availability) and ‘CiderNouveau’ when the season allows. A range of organic

juices is also available.

Tel: 01379 687687 Mob: 07500 067 544

www.crones.co.ukThe latest addition to our range, our ‘Dutchie Original’ has

already picked up an award on its first outing. This is a two yearold traditional Norfolk cider and it is matured in oak casks.

Brewed by a Dutchman in the Dam Green Republic.

All our ciders are free of sulphites

Summer

Beer Fe

stival

Thurs 4

th - Sun

7th Jul

y

Over

30 be

ers!

SUMMER 2013 | 51

Tuesday 19th MarchAttended the Norwich and Norfolk BranchBranch Meeting at The Grange Hotel andFreehouse in Ormseby St Margaret. Whetherit was the opportunity to vote for the BranchPub of the year, or the promise of somedecent real ales and ciders in very differentsurroundings I’m not sure, but the turnoutwas one of the best ever. There was animpressive selection of real ales on hand-pumps at the bar, but I was tempted to visitthe tap room. Wow! There were more beersand ciders on offer than at your average beerfestival – and this is normal!

Surely it couldn’t be better? But it was! Wewere treated to a wonderful buffet – whichincluded local oysters! Must go back again inthe summer – Sunday lunch perhaps?

Friday 3rd MayThought I would go on the First Friday Fivewhich started at The Fat Cat and Canary. Sodid Philip, a Geologist from Melbourne,Australia. The first pub was his local and thiswas his first CAMRA event, although he hadbeen a member for some years. Introducedhim to our Social Secretary, so that he couldfind out about other events coming up. Thisbeing May, around thirty of us were in searchof Mild, which proved somewhat elusive.Good turnout – especially as the Dragon HallFestival had just started. Eleven beers wereon offer at the Fat Cat, but no Milds.However, Christian did point out that YakimaGold (4.2%) was just on – and very good itwas too!

Then off to the Coach and Horses were wefound six beers from Chalk Hill Brewery,including Flintknappers Mild! However, at5% this was certainly a “strong” mild. Rollingdown the hill, we came to the Lollards Pit.Three LocAle beers here – Nelson’s Revenge

and Sundew from Woodfordes and GrannyWouldn’t like it from Wolfe. But no mild.

Stumbled over the bridge and into the RedLion and found Wolf Battle of Britain, Wood-fordes Wherry and Sundew, Grain, ElgoodsCambridge Bitter, AND Blackdog Mild(3.6%) RESULT!

Finally, up to Kett’s Tavern for someNorwich Bear Beers. Platinum Blonde,Classic, Norwich Pale Ale, and Legend wereon, but I went for Perfect Day (4%). Plenty ofus were there at the end – including Phil! Avery sociable evening, thoroughly enjoyable!

Wonder where we are going on the nextone (7th June)?

NORFOLK NIPS | Dear Diary

4th Norfolk Ale & Music Festival

21,22 & 23 June 2013Norfolk real ales • Live music all weekendBeer marquee • Freshly cooked pub food

JOLLY SAILORS

52 | SUMMER 2013

The pub with no bar, ales direct from cask.

Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events.

Tongue twizzling food, and great value.Huge garden and children’s play area.

Shooting parties, lunch & dinnermenus available

Victory Barn Function Roomfor Weddings and Parties

Come & visit Nelson’s local.Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk PE31 8HN

01328 738241

A popular pub with locals and holidaymakersalike, the Crown Inn is perched right on theclifftop overlooking the beautiful sandy beachesof Sheringham in Norfolk.

Enjoy meals or snacks fromour extensive and popularmenu with a spectacularview of the seafront.

Tel: 01263 823213crownsheringham@hotmail.co.uk

Lifeboat Plain, East Cliff Sheringham NR26 8BQ

Wednesdays and Saturdays - Live Local Band

Friday nights - Resident DJ plays your favouriteclub classics

Monday nights - Pub Quiz with prizes, refreshments and free entry

Wednesdays and Saturdays - Live Local Band

Friday nights - Resident DJ plays your favouriteclub classics

Monday nights - Pub Quiz with prizes, refreshments and free entry

Earle ArmsHeydon

Traditional Norfolkfreehouse and restaurant

Three Real Ales always available

Good Food • Real Fires

01263 587376

Satnav: NR11 6AD(Just off B1149 Holt -

Norwich Rd)

SUMMER 2013 | 53

26 St Leonards RoadNorwich NR1 4BL01603 618734

A real gem,well worth a visit.

Eight real ales to choose from, two ofwhich change regularly.

Two pooltables upstairs.

Hot pies,pasties and sausage rolls available all day.

Lovely enclosed beer garden withlarge sheltered smoking area.

Only a ten minute walk from thetrain station and city centre.

Open all day from 12 noon everyday.

Sky Sports and ESPN

JOIN TIM IN CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE JUBILEE!

EATON COTTAGE UNTHANK RD, NORWICH Tel: 01603 453048

Fine Real Ales, lagers, wines and spirits

All Sky Sports • A traditional pub

Good covered outside areas

Doggies welcome

“A festival of beers every day”

SUMMER 2013 | 55

Traditional Country Pub and Restaurant

SUNDAY 23RD JUNEMUSIC IN THE GARDEN

2pm until 6pmTerry Adams and Liz WolfeBeer Festival • BBQFREE admission

Colby Road, Banningham, Aylsham, NR11 7DY01263 733534

www.banninghamcrown.co.uk

THE BANNINGHAM CROWNFREE HOUSE

The ONLY Thai Restaurantfor Norwich in

THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE!

A great real ale pub inthe centre of the City

Exceptionally good ThaiFood lunchtimes and

evenings

www.vinethai.co.uk

Small but Perfectly formed

Summer Beer Fest 24th - 29th June 2013

The Smallest Pub in Norwich • Open Monday - Saturday • Families welcome

We are in the Good

Beer Guide2013 Small but

Perfectly formed Summer Beer Fest 24th - 29th June 2013

Issue No.55 June/July 1991 7,000 copies, printed on Green Recycled paper.

It was reported that Colin Keatley, owner of thePottergate and St Andrews Taverns, was offering“the cheapest mild sold in a pub in the world.”Ah, I can hear you asking “What was it?” ormore importantly, “How much?” Fret not, dearreaders, it was Greene King Mild, and at 80p perpint, was cheaper than the lemonade he wasselling at Pottergate. Because it was so cheap, itwas always selling and out, and therefore alwaysin good condition. At St Andrews Tavern, hewas selling Adnams Mild, thought to be goodvalue at 90p per pint.

In July that year, there was a CAMRACampaign to celebrate the Independent Brew-eries of Britain. In Norfolk that meantWoodfordes, Reepham and Reindeer – justthree. Woodfordes, who were described as the“largest and oldest Brewery” in Norfolk had justcelebrated their 10th birthday. Wherry had beentest marketed at the 3rd Norwich Beer Festivaland was going from strength to strength.

Reepham Brewery, the second largest andoldest, having started in 1983. It was operatingfrom an industrial unit in Reepham (now hometo Panther Brewery). It’s main beers wereGranary, Rapier and Brewhouse.Reindeer was the new kid on the block, being

a micro brewery in The Reindeer. It waslaunched in 1987 and Reindeer Moild won Beerof the Festival at the 13th Norwich Beer Festival.Other beers included Bill’s Bevy, Reindeer Bitterand Rednose.To celebrate these Breweries, a pub trail of 20

– 30 pubs was being organised. Participantscould get a card stamped, entitling them topurchase a limited edition independent T-shirt ata special low price.

The University of East Anglia announced thatthey would hold another Beer Festival, whichwould have over 50 real ales, including Bate-mans XXXB and Pendle Witches Brew, amongstothers. Real cider and perry from across thecounty was promised. It was hoped to raise over£2,500 for charity.

The Norwich and Norfolk Branch wereentering a float in The Lord Mayor’s Processionthat year. The theme was “A song toremember” and “The Old Bull and Bush” waschosen. Around 20 Members were to bedressed for The Good Old Days, by Top Hat inNorwich. Were you there? Were you on thefloat?

A new feature introduced was “Desert IslandPints” and “local Norfolk CAMRA veteran” TerryStorer was the first to be invited to give hisselection. He chose: 1. Martsons Pedigree 2.Batemans XXXB 3. Youngs Special 4. BathamsBitter 5. Sarah Hughes Ruby Mild 6. BatemansVictory Ale 7. Marstons Owd Rodger 8. Reepham Rapier.

NORFOLK NIPS | From the Archives

Great real ales, fine wines and spirits.Food Served: Monday- Friday 11am - 5pm Saturdays 11am - 3pm Sundays 11am - 3pm

Evening meals on requestRoast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm

Chilled bar rolls made daily only £1

8th Beer Festival AugustBank Holiday

Camra Discount Scheme & Local Ale

Parking, Disabled facilities, Baby changing,Smokers sheltered garden, and Beer garden.

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Church St, Attleborough Tel :01953 457415

The LondonTavernFree House

Find Us

in the CAMRA

Good Beer

Guide

Norwich and North Norfolk Branch

First Friday Five Friday, 7 Jun 2013 8pmAn informal walk visiting five pubs in Norwich:The Leopard, The Plasterers Arms, The KingsHead, The Mischief, finishing at The Ribs of Beef.

Branch Meeting Tuesday, 18 Jun 2013This will be held at The Artichoke at Broome. A free coach is available, please contact MichaelPhilips, email:socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk or tel: 07851 932 554.

Batemans Brewery visitSaturday, 22 Jun 2013Description Visit to Batemans Brewery, Wainfleet,Lincolnshire. The coach will depart from JohnLewis bus layby, All Saints' Green, Norwich, at10.30am and places are limited to 24 so toguarantee a place early booking is recom-mended.

Owing to the extra distance of this trip the costwill be £10 per person. To book a seat pleasecontact Michael Phillips, emailsocialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk, Tel 07851 923 554.

Campaign Coach TripFri, 28 June, 19:15 – 23:30A Campaign Coach Trip, visiting 5 county pubs,area TBC. Tickets £5 for CAMRA members, £7non-members. Booking is ESSENTIAL (as we areusing a 24-seat vehicle), contact Michael Phillips,email socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk, Tel 07851 923 554.

First Friday Five (TBA)Friday, 5 Jul 2013

Branch Summer Social (TBA)Sat Jul 6, 2013

Branch Meeting (venue TBA)Tuesday, 16 Jul 2013

First Friday Five (TBA)Friday, 2 Aug 2013

Branch Summer SocialCoach to Larling Beer FestivalSaturday, 3 Aug 2013Coach trip to Larling Beer Festival. Departureand return times to be arranged. To book a seatplease contact Michael Phillips, email socialsecre-tary@norwichcamra.org.uk, tel 07851 923 554.

CAMRA Members who have registered their e-mail address with the Branch will receive amonthly update on this list. If you would like totake advantage of this service, or have notreceived the latest e-mail, please contact theMembership Secretary, David Rackham, atpugs1985@googlemail.com

West Norfolk Branch

Tuesday 11th June Crown, Gayton

Tuesday 9th July Old Bell, Saham Toney

Tuesday 13th August Red Lion, Thetford

Tuesday 10th September Crown & Mitre, Lynn

Note: all Tuesday meetings start 8pm and includea social unless otherwise made clear.

CAMRA Branch Calendar | NORFOLK NIPS

58 | SUMMER 2013

SUMMER 2013 | 59

60 | SUMMER 2013

Beer Festivals4th - 8th JuneThurrock Beer Festival

Thurrock Civic Hall, Blackshots Lane,Grays, Essex RM16 2JU 120+different beers, 20+ different cidersand perries

6th - 8th JuneHitchin Beer and Cider

Festival (NEW VENUE )Hitchin Rugby Club, King George VPlaying Fields, Old Hale Way, HitchinSG5 1XL. 70+ cask beers plus cider, perryand foreign beers. Further detailswww.camranorthherts.org.uk

15th - 16th June6th Gibberd Garden Beer

FestivalThe Gibberd Garden, Marsh lane,Old Harlow, CM17 0NA.35+ beers + ciders. Details:www.heb-camra.org.uk/gg

14 - 16 JuneCaister Lifeboat - Beer in theBoatshedColby Rd, Banningham, AylshamNR11 7DYFeaturing 30 Real Ales and Ciders,Music, Games and Fun

21 - 23 JuneNorfolk Real Ales Beer FestivalJolly Sailors, Brancaster Saithe PE318BJ

23 JuneBanningham Crown BeerFestivalColby Rd, Banningham, AylshamNR11 7DYReal Ales, BBQ and Music in theGarden

28 - 30 JuneCharity Biker Rally & BeerFestivalThe White Lady, Worstead NR289RW

24 - 29 June‘Small but perfectly formed’beer festivalThe Vine, Dove Street, Norwich

4 - 7 JulyThe Beehive Beer Beer Festivaland BBQLeopold Rd, Norwich NR4 7PJ over 30 Ales

16 - 21 JulyHeathlands Community BeerFestivalHeathlands Community Centre,NR13 4QH12 Real Ales, 2 Ciders and loads ofentertainment

19 - 21 JulyCrusaders RFC Beer FestivalBeckhithe, Little Melton NR9 3NP20 Ales and Cider from Local Brew-eries. Camping and Caravanningavailable

19 - 21 July12th North Norfolk RailwayBeer FestivalSheringham StationOver 100 brews, Live entertain-ment, hot food day and night

19 - 21 JulyLodge Beer and Music FestivalNorth Tuddenham NR20 3DJLive Music, Local Beer, Mods andRockers Event, Bouncy Castle

25 - 27 July16th King’s Lynn Beer FestivalStuart House, 35 Goodwins Rd PE305QXLargest selection of real ales andcider in West Norfolk

25 - 28 JulyFox and Hounds Beer FestivalFox and Hounds, Heacham

26 - 28 JulyReedham Beer Festival Reedham Village Hall, NR13 3HLReal Ales, Ciders, Live Music, BBQ& entertainment. A family friendlyevent

27 JulyMattishall Beer FestivalSouth Green Park, Mattishall,Dereham NR20 3JYOver 50 Ales, entertainment andHog Roast

26 - 28 JulyWorstead Music & BeerFestivalWhite Lady, Worstead NR28 9RWOver 50 Real Ales and live music

1 - 5 AugustCider, Sausage and MusicFestivalThe Cottage, 9 Silver Rd, NorwichNR3 4TB

13th - 17th AugustGreat British Beer Festival

London, Olympia800 real ales, ciders, perries andforeign beers.More Info: www.gbbf.org.uk

9 - 11 August4th Ranworth Beer and CiderFestivalRanworth Village Hall, Broad Rd,Ranworth NR13 6HS20+ Real Ales, Live Music, Free entry

23 - 26 AugustMid Norfolk Railway Beer andMusic FestivalDereham Station, Station Rd,Dereham NR19 1DF40 Real Ales, ciders and BottledBeers, late night steam trains

23 - 31 August15th Annual Beer FestivalRailway Freehouse, North Elmham

23 - 31 AugustDuke of Wellington Beer Fest91-93 Waterloo Road, Norwich

6 - 8 SeptemberWymondham Rugby ClubBeer FestivalTuttles Lane, Wymondham NR18 0EN40 Local Ales and 8 ciders, BBQand Hog Roast

Beery dates for your diary | NORFOLK NIPS

Instruction to your Bank orBuilding Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to:Campaign for Real Ale Ltd.

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• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits.• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd asks you to• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society.Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Join CAMRA TodayComplete the Direct Debit form opposite and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.

Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

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For Young Member and concessionary rates please visitwww.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201.

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Campaigning for Pub Goers& Beer Drinkers

Enjoying Real Ale& Pubs

A Campaign of Two Halves

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus

Just a short note to praise the activities of localpeople in Shouldham who have bandedtogether to try to save their local the King’sArms. The campaign is called Save Our King’sArms or SOKA.

SOKA has formed itself into an Industrial &Provident Society named Shouldham Commu-nity Enterprises Ltd this is a cooperative formedfor the benefit of the community. SOKA has alsogot the King’s Arms listed as a community assetwhich limits the selling options and gives timefor communities to protect the asset which ofcourse is not limited to pubs. Publicity has beengained in the Lynn News on KLFM radio andnow in the EDP and of course this magazine…

Andrew Archibald who runs the “Chalk andCheese” in Shouldham has provided supportand a venue for meetings and fundraisingevents. One of which our Chairman Steve

attended, as he mentions in his piece. Theseinclude open mic nights and cake sales plus abarbecue. The eventual intention is to sell sharesin the pub through Shouldham CommunityEnterprises, but first a grant has been obtainedthrough the social investment business for£9000 to allow a full survey of the property anda feasibility study to be carried out. All seemsvery optimistic the biggest problem will beselling the shares. This is the type of local actionthat CAMRA applauds and I’m sure we as abranch will do everything we can to help.

We have been contacted by someone in NorthPickenham who is trying to get the ball rollingon a similar project to save their pub the BlueLion. We have put them in touch with PhilHarriss who is heading up SOKA for advice, solocal action seems to be spreading, good luck toboth projects!

SOKA | NORFOLK NIPS

Local action to save West Norfolk village pubs

We Don’t Have a Big Screen TV, Food Or a Juke BoxWe do have 17 handpumps, with Real Ale from far and wide,

2 Real Ciders and 2 Real Ales From gravity, a large car park, large beergarden With heated smoking shelter, darts, pool, quizzes And crib.

We now serve morning coffee from 11am, children are welcome.

The Royal Oak lies at the heart of the community and new customers are always welcome. Come along and get a real

welcome from a real pub selling real ale!!!!!! Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon.

SUMMER BEER FESTIVALAugust Bank Holiday WeekendFri 23rd to Tues 27th August

Music all weekend with Tosh and Friends

Norwich And Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007

Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007

14 years in the Good Beer Guide!

44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JT

www.poringlandroyaloak.co.ukTel: 01508 493734

Award Winning Real Ale Pub

A dream of a pub situated in the village of Poringland on the B1332 road to Bungay.

The main bus route from Norwich stops right outside.