INSIDE THIS MONTH:

Philly makes history • Members’ Weekend: trips and fringe eventsIndustry Insider: join forces to save cask beer • PLUS: CAMRA fests

MARCH 2020 NEWSPAPER OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALEWHAT’S BREWING

EVENT PLANNER

4-8 AugustGREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVALAMAZING food, live music and award-winning brews, tasty ciders and great gins will all be on hand at the world’s greatest beer festival in Olympia.

See gbbf.org.uk for more details

PUBS

DON’T MISS

BY TIM HAMPSON

CAMRA is calling for the government to cut draught beer duty and reform England’s business rates in the Budget on 11 March.

“A reduced rate of duty on draught beer, combined with fundamental busi-ness rate reform will create a fiscal environ-ment in which commu-nity locals can thrive and contribute to the revitali-sation of high streets and local economies,” says CAMRA’s briefing.

Piecemeal duty freezes and rate reliefs are only

sticking-plaster measures and are symptomatic of a broken system, says the briefing.

CAMRA says a small cut in beer and cider duty or a freeze is not enough to revitalise their sale in pubs.

“The current business rates system is not fit for purpose. The pub sector pays an unfair amount of the total rates burden, and the system punishes prop-erty-based businesses and successful licensees who increase their turnover,” says CAMRA.

The chancellor is urged

not to increase the tax burden on pubs.

Increases in beer duty and business rates dispro-portionately impact on the on-trade, driving consumption into the off-trade.

Supermarkets sell alcohol as a loss leader to encourage more custom and can absorb duty rises more easily than the on-trade, says CAMRA.

Previous approaches to beer duty have been inef-fective at raising govern-ment revenue and had a disastrous impact on pubs, says the briefing.

CAMRA believes a five per cent reduction in draught beer duty would lead to an additional 4.5 million litres of beer being sold in the on-trade, resulting in a net increase of nearly 1,000 jobs.

CAMRA is calling for the government to recog-nise pubs are a force for good, impacting positively on on social wellbeing and tackling loneliness.

“They are one of the last few places where people can come together to socialise outside the home, as other community facili-ties close,” says CAMRA.

A WEST Midlands brewery, set up by cycling enthusiasts Scott Povey and Sharon Bryant, has won the top honour at CAMRA’s winter beer festival in Birmingham.

Fixed Wheel brewery scooped gold in CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition with Blackheath Stout, a 5 per cent ABV stout, avail-able all year in cask, brewed with New Zealand and English hops to give an oaky bitterness and dark fruits finish.

Fixed Wheel owner Scott Povey said: “I’m just really shocked. It’s amazing news for us, fantastic. Black-heath Stout is the first beer we brewed and is named after where we’re based. We’re really pleased to see it get the recognition it deserves – we’ll probably have to brew it a bit more now. Thank

you to all the judges for voting for us.”The top three go through to the

finals of the Champion Beer of Britain competition in August.l Pictured, from left, Scott Povey, CAMRA national director Gary Timmins and Sharon Bryant.

THE number of small pubs and bars in the UK is increasing according to the Office for National Statistics.

The office’s Economies of ale: changes in the UK pubs and bars sector, 2001 to 2019 report said the increase was the first in more than 15 years. In 2019, the number of small pubs and bars rose by 85 to 22,925.

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona (right) said: “We cautiously welcome the trend these figures suggest, that small pubs and bars are beginning to bounce back after years of decline and figures have increased

between 2018-2019 nation-ally. Unfortunately pubs continue to close across the country, particularly in small or rural communi-ties. This means the loss of the social, cultural and economic benefits that come with a well-run local.

“To ensure pubs survive and thrive, they need a fair tax system and stability.”

THE Bell Inn in Aldworth, has won CAMRA’s pres-tigious National Pub of the Year award

The Berkshire pub (right)scooped the top prize after judges praised its strong community focus, relaxed ambience and great beer. The only pub in Berkshire with a Grade-II listed interior, it last won the coveted pub title nearly 30 years ago.

Competition organiser Ben Wilkinson said: “The judges were impressed with

how a stranger entering the pub was treated like a regular straight away. It’s clear the local customers use the pub as a commu-

nity centre as well as a place to drink, and the warm welcome and knowl-edgeable staff made us feel right at home. Nothing can

beat the combination of good beer, great food and warm heritage pub.”

The Bell Inn last scooped the award when it was run by the current owner’s parents, Heather and Ian Macaulay. The current owner, Hugh, was delighted to see the award come home again after so many years.

Runners-up were Swan With Two Necks in Pend-leton, George & Dragon in Hudswell and Red Lion in Preston, Herts.

SMALL PUB GROWTH

FAMILY TAKES SECOND WIN 30 YEARS AFTER FIRST

BLACKHEATH RIDES TO WINTER BEER CROWN

Budget must cut draught beer duty and review rates

AWARDS

WHO WON WHATOVERALL Gold: Fixed Wheel Black-heath Stout; Silver: Elland 1872 Porter, Bronze: Hawkshead Brodie’s Prime Export. BARLEY WINE STRONG OLD ALES Gold: Hawkshead Brodie’s Prime Export; Silver: Exmoor Beast; Bronze: Lacons Audit Ale. OLD AGE STRONG MILDS Gold: Loddon Hocus Pocus; Silver: Brunswick Black Sabbath; Bronze: Tintagel Caliburn. PORTERS Gold: Elland 1872 Porter; Silver: Fownes King Korvak’s Saga; Bronze: Colchester Old King Coel London Porter. STOUTS Gold: Fixed Wheel Blackheath Stout; Silver: Barn-gates Goodhew’s Dry Stout; Bronze: Plain Inncognito.

2 NEWS & COMMENT WHAT’S BREWING MARCH 2020

COMMUNITY PUBS ARE GOOD FOR YOU

EDITORIAL COMMENT OBITUARIES

PUBS are a force for good in society, impacting positively on social wellbeing, fostering community cohesion and tackling loneliness. There can be few better examples of this than the Campaign’s latest National Pub of the Year, the Bell Inn in Aldworth, Berkshire.

The pub has been owned by the same family for 250 years and was praised for its strong community focus, relaxed ambience and great beer.

Pubs in the competition are selected by hundreds of CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of the beer. Underpinning all of this has to be a business regime which allows all pubs to prosper, develop and thrive.

Beer duty and business rates, if set too high, threaten the viability of thousands of pubs. In the run up to this year’s Budget, CAMRA is calling for a reduction in the duty on draught beer and a review of business rates in England.

Increases in beer duty and business rates disproportion-ately impact on the on trade, driving consumption into the off-trade as prices become unaffordable. Supermarkets will regularly sell alcohol as a loss leader as a means of securing more custom, and hence can absorb duty rises much more easily than the on trade.

Seven out of 10 drinks sold in pubs are beer so a reduc-tion in pub beer duty will encourage consumption back to them, bringing the benefits of increased employment and support for high-street businesses which have suffered in recent years. The benefits of a fairer tax system are immense not just for pubs, but also for the wider popula-tion. People who have a pub have more close friends and are happier and more trusting of others, than those who don’t. In short, viable, community pubs are good for you.

BY WB REPORTER

MONTY Python star Terry Jones, who died in January, had a love affair with beer – and he helped make it as well as drink it, writes Roger Protz.

In 1977 he founded, with Peter Austin, the Penrhos brewery in Herefordshire.

It was one of the early microbreweries and it encouraged Austin – known as the father of microbrewing – to go on and build plants in many parts of Britain and then the United States, Europe and even China. Austin’s best-known British brewery is Ringwood in Hampshire.

I recall going to Penhros on a bitterly cold Saturday in the depths of winter and sampling a delicious beer called Jones’s First Brew.

That same year Terry officially opened the Great

British Beer Festival at Alexandra Palace in North London.

He was hilarious. He said while wine tasters like to sniff, sample and spit, for beer drinkers it all depended on how the drink hit your boots.

To prove the point, he proceeded to pour several pints of beer over his head.

When he’d finished, he was drying himself and changing his shirt when two photographers from national newspapers, carrying cumbersome plate cameras, came over and one said to Terry: “’Ere, Tel, we didn’t catch that – would you mind doing it again?” The great trooper that he was, he then doused himself in beer for a second time.

Terry said that, while the Penrhos brewery didn’t survive for long, it

did inspire others to follow in its tracks.

Among them was David Bruce who launched his chain of Firkin brew pubs complete with terrible puns as well as cask ale.

Even Terry must have winced at the slogan of the Phoenix & Firkin in

Denmark Hill near to his home in South London: “If he nicks my beer, I’ll firkin punch him.”

In 2003 Terry contrib-uted a fine piece for the 30th edition of the Good Beer Guide called My Love Affair with Beer.

“Beer, for me, is more than something I like drinking. It’s a litmus of civilisation. If the society is making good beer, then it’s a healthy society.”

In 2014, when the Pythons reformed for a short run of stage sketches in London, I contacted Terry and told him a small brewery in Yorkshire, Little Valley, brewed a beer called Python IPA. He was delighted and said he would order a crate for the dressing room.

As he said in his GBG piece: “Real ale is a civi-lised drink. Keg beer is a dead parrot.”

He’s not the Messiah – he’s a very naughty boy

PLANNING A BEER FESTIVAL?Why not advertise your

event to CAMRA members with our April issue of What's Brewing?

Contact John at johngalpinmedia@gmail.com

or call 07508 036835 for full details

INSIDE THIS MONTH:

Report ignores pubs • Members’ Weekend preview: brewery trips latestIndustry Insider: are pubs dying or changing? • PLUS: CAMRA fests

FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSPAPER OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALEWHAT’S BREWING

EVENT PLANNER

19-23 FebruaryGREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL WINTERFIVE days of great beers and ciders in a historic location. Free entry to members on the door on any day. See winter.gbbf.org.uk

PUBS

DON’T MISS

BY TIM HAMPSON

CAMPAIGNERS in Somerset who saved a 150-year-old village pub from closure have won CAMRA’s prestigious Pub Saving Award, recognising communities that work to keep their locals open.

The Save the Packhorse Project was set up by South Stoke, Bath residents in May 2012, after the much-loved inn was sold to owners, who planned to convert it into housing. By the end of May, the project had acquired the support of Bath and North East Somerset Council, achieved national news coverage and secured nearly 1,500 signatories on an online petition.

In February 2013, after a wave of support and campaigning, the Packhorse was made an Asset of Community Value, giving the community six months to buy it.

After a long stalemate with the pub’s owner, the team was told in June 2016

it had less than 100 days to raise the £500,000 plus legal costs to secure the pub. Within three weeks, £287,000 had been raised. By September 2016, it had raised £601,000 with the help of 200 investors.

The Packhorse Inn, now the property of 430 shareholders (right), was reopened as a community pub in March 2018, after undergoing huge renova-tions. It is estimated more than 1,000 hours of volun-teer time were done in the garden alone.

During the renovation, a 17th-century fi replace was discovered, harking back to the building’s long history.

Historians estimate the inn’s founding to be 1618, meaning it reopened 400 years after its earliest days as an ale house.

Packhorse Community Pub MD Dom Moorhouse said: “We’re absolutely delighted to hear the news that we’ve won the Pub Saving Award. It’s really a testament to our visionary,

generous shareholders and the hundreds of volunteers who have helped make the project a reality. It’s really hard work, doing what we’ve done, and it’s so rewarding for everyone involved to not only have a great community asset but also be recognised for our achievement as a team.”

CAMRA’s Pub Saving Award organiser Paul Ainsworth said: “The Packhorse Inn was unani-mously selected by our judges as the winner. I

have followed the story closely and with interest – it really is inspirational stuff. I hope success stories such as this of the Packhorse encourage other communities to fi ght for their local pub. ”

The runner-up was the Volunteer in Bexleyheath, which closed in 2017 after 152 years as a pub. Saved by local campaigners, the pub was reopened in April 2018, and has established itself as a thriving commu-nity hub.

TOM Stainer, who has worked for CAMRA since 2006, is the Campaign’s new chief executive. Ken Owst, who joined the Campaign as chief support offi cer and company secretary in 2018, will become the new deputy chief executive.

National chairman Jackie Parker said: “I am delighted Tom and Ken will be taking up their new roles as 2019 gets underway and am confi dent they’ll provide strong support for our volunteer leadership and lead our dedicated professional team at the CAMRA offi ce to build on our campaigning successes.”

Tom said: “I’ve worked for CAMRA for more than a decade so it’s an organisation I deeply understand and hold a great affection for. The Campaign is an incredible and unique organisation, entirely as a result of its dedicated and passionate volunteers. My job now is to help our National Executive develop the strategy to

continue CAMRA’s growth, support our branches and continue to deliver effective campaigning.”

During his time at CAMRA Tom was responsible for the launch of the

successful and award-winning BEER before becoming CAMRA’s chief communications offi cer in 2014. In early 2018 he took on responsibility for campaigns.

Ken said: “Since arriving at CAMRA it has been apparent that all the CAMRA staff are committed and keen to be as effective as possible in supporting our members to organise great festivals and campaigns across the country. We need to make sure our systems and staff continue to develop to their full potential, so they can give the most effective help to our volunteers across the country.”

Ken comes from a long and successful career in retail. He was fi nance director at department stores Beales for almost 20 years. Prior to joining CAMRA he also served for more than three years as director of fi nance and corporate services and company secretary for a national children’s’ charity.

CAMRA has welcomed the publication of the fi rst awards by the pubs code adjudicator (PCA).

The decision comes after the six pub companies covered by the code – Admiral Taverns, Ei Group, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch and Star Pubs & Bars – agreed to to make arbitration decisions public.

The fi rst rulings to be made public have involved two pubs from Ei Group and one formerly owned by Punch Taverns.

However, CAMRA says the adjudicator’s

performance is at best lacklustre for tied pub tenants and masks questionable behaviour by some pub operators.

CAMRA national director Ben Wilkinson said: “We welcome the release of this information, something CAMRA has been campaigning for. We look forward to the scheduled review of the code taking place and to seeing tenants’ experiences – some of which highlight very dubious conduct by pub operating businesses – infl uencing that process.”

CODE MOVE WELCOMED ‘Inspirational’ fi ght for inn takes top pub saving prize

CAMPAIGN APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVECAMPAIGN

continue CAMRA’s growth, support our branches and continue to deliver effective campaigning.”

was responsible for the launch of the

successful and award-winning before becoming CAMRA’s chief communications offi cer in 2014. In early 2018 he took on responsibility for campaigns.

it has been apparent that all the CAMRA staff are committed and keen to be as effective as possible in supporting our members to organise great festivals and campaigns across the country. We need to make sure our systems and staff continue to develop to their full potential, so they can give the most effective help to our volunteers across the country.”

successful career in retail. He was fi nance director at department stores Beales for almost 20 years. Prior to joining CAMRA he also served for more than three years as director of fi nance and corporate services and company secretary for a national children’s’ charity.

it had less than 100 days to raise the £500,000 plus legal costs to secure the pub. Within three weeks, £287,000 had been raised. By September 2016, it had raised £601,000 with the help of 200 investors.

The Packhorse Inn, now the property of 430 shareholders (right), was reopened as a community pub in March 2018, after undergoing huge renova-tions. It is estimated more than 1,000 hours of volun-teer time were done in the garden alone.

During the renovation, a 17th-century fi replace was discovered, harking back to the building’s long history.

Historians estimate the inn’s founding to be 1618, meaning it reopened 400 years after its earliest days as an ale house.

Packhorse Community Pub MD Dom Moorhouse said: “We’re absolutely delighted to hear the news that we’ve won the Pub Saving Award. It’s really a testament to our visionary,

generous shareholders and the hundreds of volunteers who have helped make the project a reality. It’s really hard work, doing what we’ve done, and it’s so rewarding for everyone involved to not only have a great community asset but also be recognised for our achievement as a team.”

Award organiser Paul Ainsworth said: “The Packhorse Inn was unani-mously selected by our judges as the winner. I

have followed the story closely and with interest – it really is inspirational stuff. I hope success stories such as this of the Packhorse encourage other communities to fi ght for their local pub. ”

The runner-up was the Volunteer in Bexleyheath, which closed in 2017 after 152 years as a pub. Saved by local campaigners, the pub was reopened in April 2018, and has established itself as a thriving commu-nity hub.

performance is at best lacklustre for tied pub tenants and masks questionable behaviour by some pub operators.

Ben Wilkinson said: “We welcome the release of this information, something CAMRA has been campaigning for. We look forward to the scheduled review of the code taking place and to seeing tenants’ experiences – some of which highlight very dubious conduct by pub operating businesses – infl uencing that process.”

INLAND NAVIGATORS

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JENNIE Bray, one of the earliest members of the former Newbury branch, died in January at the age of 81, writes Roy Bailey.

Jennie was born and brought up in Derby and was introduced to beer by her father.

After moving to West Berkshire, she and her second husband Jonathan joined CAMRA in 1974.

She was part of the serving team at the new branch’s first beer tent at Newbury Agricultural Show that September.

Jennie quickly became a member of the branch committee and served as social secretary and later vice-chairman. She was also appointed area organiser. Jennie was a highly convivial person and enjoyed the good things in life – good ale, good wine, good food, good company – and her personality made her very popular.

In later years Jennie

had to give up alcohol for medical reasons, a situation that annoyed her intensely, but she never lost her sunny personality and sense of humour.

She is survived by her partner Bob Graves, her daughters Sarah and Emma, and four granddaughters.

As a keen environmen-talist, she was buried in a natural burial ground on the Berkshire downs near her home.

AWARD-WINNING brewer Peter Martin of Driftwood Spars brewery, St Agnes, died after a brief illness in January, writes Steve Willmott.

In 2012 his Driftwood Spars Alfie’s Revenge, was the Champion Winter Beer of Britain at CAMRA’s Winter Ale Festival in Manchester. Peter also collected many awards for his beers throughout the country. Additionally Drift-wood Spars beers picked up awards from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA). He later joined SIBA’s national executive.

Peter Martin moved to Cornwall in 2000, leaving his old career in computers to move into a property on the edge of Four Lanes. There he could concen-trate on his skills in wood and stone carving before starting brewing behind the Seven Stars Inn in Stithians.

CONVIVIAL AND FUN DRIFTWOOD BREWER DIES

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news 3NEWS

BREWINGPUBS

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BY TIM HAMPSON

LIVERPOOL has just become home to England’s first Grade I-listed Victorian pub.

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms is the first purpose-built Victorian pub to be given the highest level of designation for a historic building by Historic England which collabo-rates with CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group on licensed premises.

A further two Grade II* and eight Grade II pubs across England have had their listings updated to include further details about their interiors. This includes four of only eight pubs in the UK known to have no bar counter

Regarded as a cathedral among pubs for its opulence, the Philhar-monic (right) was one of the most spectacular pubs to be completed at the end of the 19th century, known as the golden age of pub building. It is also renowned for its male toilets (far right).

The Philly was built from 1898-1900 by the Liverpudlian archi-tect Walter W Thomas. It is built in an exuberant freestyle and is a striking example of Victorian architecture in the city, which was Grade II* listed in 1966.

It now joins the top 2.5 per cent of protected historic buildings in

England such as Buckingham Palace, Chatsworth House and Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ in gaining the highest listed status.

Historic England chief execu-tive Duncan Wilson said: “English pubs are some of our best-loved community buildings and are often threatened with closure so we are delighted to see 11 historic pubs receiving further protection. We are proud that the Philhar-monic, a remarkable survival from the Victorian era, has been given a Grade I listing which will

help maintain and preserve its outstanding interior fittings and exterior fabric for the future.

“The 11 pubs range from the opulent Philharmonic in Liverpool and the picturesque Rose and Crown in Somerset, to a London pub with links to Bartholomew Fair. All of them fully deserve the protection given by listing.”

Pub heritage group chairman Paul Ainsworth said: “So few of England’s 40,500 pubs retain interiors which have not suffered major alterations over the years.

“CAMRA has identified 280 pubs

whose interiors it considers to be of national historic importance, and we feel it is vital for these precious survivors to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“The majority of these pubs are listed and the new detailed listing descriptions will enhance their protected status and give the public more information about the delights they contain.”

SMALL brewers from across Northern Ireland have come together to call for changes to the country’s outdated and unfair alcohol laws, which prevent them selling beer directly to the public.

Meeting in Belfast, the 11 brewers discussed forming a new campaign group to make the case for inde-pendent beer in Northern Ireland (NI). They are being backed by CAMRA.

Recently the Depart-ment for Communities conducted a consultation seeking views on the current liquor licensing laws.

Unlike brewers in England and Wales they cannot easily open tap rooms or brewery shops, sell beer at events or online directly to the public.

CAMRA’s NI chair Ruth Sloan said: “The current licensing laws are a barrier to the growth of small breweries and tourism.

“It means that beer drinkers, including many CAMRA members, can’t enjoy a local real ale at the brewery or order them online. We support small brewers in Northern Ireland and would like to see changes to the law.”

CAMRA’S new podcast Pubs. Pints. People. is set to hit the airwaves, making its debut on Apple podcast and Spotify on 14 April.

The podcast, which has been created in collaboration with a small working group, sheds light on CAMRA, its long and rich history and various topics across the beer world in order to encourage anyone with an interest in beer, cider or pubs to join the Campaign.

The podcast will air with an initial 10 episodes covering a variety of subjects, ranging from a behind-the-scenes look at beer festivals to the creation of heritage beers and the role of pubs in tackling loneliness.

Each episode is 30 minutes and includes two interviews from people in the beer community, including Jonny Garrett of the Craft Beer Channel, cider producer Tom Oliver and Lotte Peplow of the Brewers Association.

Podcast producer and CAMRA’s senior communica-tions manager Katie Wiles said: “The podcast aims to pull back the curtain on CAMRA business and motivate thousands of beer and cider drinkers to join the Campaign.

“From finding some spectacular gems in the archives to shining a

spotlight on volunteers undertaking the enormous task of organising an event like the Great British Beer Festival, CAMRA has a wonderfully rich history anyone should feel proud to be a part of.

“We need everyone’s help to get the word out there and push the podcast past the CAMRA bubble so we can share the good news that is CAMRA to the rest of the world.”

Branches will be encouraged to support the launch and help it gain traction outside CAMRA by sharing social media assets and taking part in a launch party on 14 April. More details to follow in forthcoming branch memos and by visiting www.camra.org.uk/podcast

Following the initial pilot, a working party of volunteers will be recruited to take the podcast into future series. To register interest or provide feedback, contact podcast@camra.org.uk

A CAMPAIGN to revive the fortunes of Draught Bass – once Britain’s biggest-selling premium cask beer – will be marked by National Bass Day on 11 April.

Lovers of the beer will take part in a tour of pubs in Burton-upon-Trent, Bass’s home town.

The decline of Draught Bass was highlighted by Roger Protz in his December column in WB.

Roger said: “I was delighted by the response. I hope members will back National Bass Day by encouraging pubs to stock Draught Bass – and not just for one day.”

Liverpool’s Philharmonic makes history and joins heritage elite

PODCAST PULLS BACK CURTAIN ON CAMPAIGN

PUSH FOR NI LAW CHANGE

CAMPAIGN BEER

SUPPORT BASS DAY

4 MEMBERS’ WEEKEND WHAT’S BREWING MARCH 2020

PREVIEWBREWING

Beer’s great untold story

BRITAIN is a great brewing nation. It has undergone an amazing transformation over the past 20 years with more than 2,000 breweries operating in the country. It’s not only the biggest number in living memory but the choice for drinkers has never been better.

It’s an astonishing success story. It tells how a country, which saw its brewing heritage all but destroyed in the 1960s and 1970s, announced loud and clear that it would not only cling on to its beery traditions but would also improve and radicalise them for a new generation to enjoy.

I’m stating the blindingly obvious to readers of this news-paper. But the mainstream media seems blithely unaware of what is going on under its collective nose in every town and city in the country.

Little or no coverage is given to major beer events. Take the Campaign’s national winter beer festival held for the first time in Birmingham in February. I stress the word national for there were beers that had travelled the length of the country to regale the large crowds of revellers.

And yet the national media was noticeable by its absence. The festival took place in the Second City, once the great pulsating heartbeat of the Industrial Revolution with large breweries refreshing people engaged in hard manual labour.

The city is being busily rejuvenated to meet the different demands of the new times. Giant breweries such as Ansells and Mitchells & Butlers may be long gone but there’s a legion of new artisan brewers pumping delectable ales of all descriptions into the city and the wider West Midlands.

The Wolverhampton Express & Star attended the festival but apart from a few radio stations that was the extent of the media coverage. Contrast and compare the coverage given to the annual Oktoberfest in Munich. The event never changes from one year to the next – six large tents with just one beer in each tent. And yet the German media gives the festival blanket coverage as brewers’ drays and oompah bands parade through the streets of the Bavarian capital.

Had reporters and cameras attended the Bingley Hall they would have found much more of interest than Munich can supply. Not six beers but scores of them: pale beers and IPAs and, given the special nature of the event, a profu-sion of dark beers, including milds, porters, stouts, old ales and barley wines.

There was more than just beer. The brilliant innovation of the Learning and Discovery zone masterminded by Alex Metcalfe gives visitors the opportunity to discuss all things beer with local brewers. The zone offers samples of beer to talk about with their producers plus a range of raw ingredients, with hops to the fore, to sniff and taste.

Rooms off the main hall were venues for talks and tastings about such proud British styles as mild and IPA. Christine Cryne outlined the review of beer styles for CAMRA competitions that will embrace the multitude of beers being produced today.

In short, the winter festival, in common with all the Campaign’s beer events, attempts to widen people’s knowledge and appreciation of our national drink.

CAMRA is not alone. The British Guild of Beer Writers holds regular workshops and seminars to encourage the production of well-informed articles for traditional and modern media. Our friends in the Society for the Preserva-tion of Beers from the Wood stage an annual Woodfest to show the special joys of oak-aged ales.

Day in and day out, beer lovers promote the pleasures of beer. And day in and day out most of the media pay not one jot of interest. In recent weeks several of the posher papers have given space to articles about wines suitable for vegans but with not a word about beers brewed for that growing sector of society.

We can be sure of one thing: next time there’s another scare about “problem drinking”, the dear old BBC will trot out that piece of grainy old film showing a pint of real ale being served by a hand pump.

Stay Calm and Carry on Drinking.

Day in and day out, beer lovers promote the pleasures of beer. And day in and day out most of the media pay not one jot of interest

Mainstream media continues to be unaware the great brewing revival that is taking place across the country and this year’s Great British Beer Festival Winter in Birmingham was no exception

Roger Protz tweets @RogerProtzBeer and also writes www.protzonbeer.co.uk

ROGER PROTZ WRITES

THERE is a wide range of trips and activi-ties for everyone to get involved in over Members’ Weekend.

On Friday 3 April our coach trips are to Brass Castle brewery in Malton (£15) and to Roosters brewery in Knaresborough (£17). Both include return journey, tour and three third pints. Food is available at both.

Other trips and activities:l tour of Brew York in the city centre for £6. Beer and food available, but no coach (bus ride into the centre from the university)l guided walking tour of York’s historic and heritage pubs (free but booking best)l CAMRA’s new beer styles session, run by Christine Cryne taking place before the official weekend starts – 1.30pm (£13).

On Saturday 4 April our coach trips are again to Brass Castle and Roosters, plus Nomadic brewery in Leeds (£15) which includes return coach, tour and a taster of four beers. Food available. Also a walking tour of recommended pubs.

York Beer Runners has organised a Members’ Weekend run of five miles – leaving the Slip Inn, York on Saturday at 7pm and returning there for a beer.

On Saturday afternoon from 3.15-5pm there are fringe activities to book:l Campaigning on the Pubs Code: under-standing the issues and how branches can campaign locally. Run by chair of CAMRA’s Pub & Club Campaigns Committee Ben Wilkinson and CAMRA’s policy & research manager Ellie Hudspith.l Learning and discovery: run by CAMRA’s

learning and discovery manager Alex Metcalfe along with members who took part in the 2019 pilot programme of learning and discovery spaces at CAMRA festivals. Overview followed by Q&A.l What is a brand? How might CAMRA tell its story more consistently. Run by Tim Smith, member of CAMRA’s Marketing and Communications Advisory Group.l Using social media to promote your branch: how branches can harness social media to promote their activities. Delivered by the communications team, the session will include an overview of the platforms, hints and tips to amplify your voice and information on best practice.l Identifying beer faults and how to feed-back politely and constructively: presented by licensees Lynda (North West Tasting Panel coordinator) and Stuart Johnson. This will help you understand the difference between beer that is bad due to brewery faults and one that is down to poor cellar-manship in the pub.

HOW TO BOOKl book trips at camra.org.uk/ beer-festivals-events/members-weekend/organised-trips/l book activities at camra.org.uk/beer-festivals-events/members-weekend/fringe-activities/l or email membersweekend@camra.org.uk for more information

PLAN YOUR YORK WEEKEND NOW

APPOINTING A PROXY FOR AGM 2020In order to vote on the resolutions for the 2020 AGM you are entitled as a member of CAMRA to appoint the chairman of the AGM to act as your proxy in respect of the Ordinary and Special Resolutions identified in the notice of AGM. This is the only method of voting on the resolutions, there will be no show of hands in the meeting. The chairman will then note the votes lodged at the AGM as instructed on your behalf. Voting on nominations to be elected to the National Executive may be done by proxy or in person at the AGM.

The appointment of a proxy may be made either online or by post. CAMRA has appointed Mi-Voice (Democracy Technology Limited – polling services) to supervise and verify the proxy voting and appointment process.

Important – a valid appointment of proxy can only be made by using either the online proxy form (details below) or the postal proxy form on the reverse of the carrier sheet used to deliver this (March) copy of What’s Brewing.

POSTAL APPOINTMENT OF PROXYIf you receive What’s Brewing by post, you can appoint a proxy either by post or online. To appoint a proxy by post, please complete the postal proxy form on the carrier sheet used to deliver this copy of What’s Brewing.

The proxy form must be signed. Any power of attorney or any other authority under which the proxy form is signed (or a certified copy) must be included with the proxy form.

You may terminate your proxy appointment by written notice provided that the notice of termination is delivered to CAMRA AGM 2020, Freepost, MI-VOICE prior to the deadline below.

Completed proxy forms must be sent to CAMRA AGM 2020, Freepost, MI-VOICE and received at that address not later than 11:59pm on Wednesday 1 April 2020.

ONLINE APPOINTMENT OF PROXYTo proxy vote online please follow this link: www.mi-vote.com Online proxy forms must be submitted not later than 11:59pm on Wednesday 1 April 2020. Full instructions and terms applicable to the online appointment of proxies are provided via the link.

MATTERS APPLYING TO POSTAL AND ONLINE PROXY APPOINTMENTSThe appointment of the chairman as your proxy for the Ordinary and Special Resolutions is the only form of voting for them. There will be no show of hands in the AGM on the resolutions. This does not preclude you from attending and voting in person at the AGM in respect of the National Executive election. If you do attend and wish to vote in person in the election by poll you can request a ballot voting form at the registration desk, and any proxy vote you may have lodged will be voided.

If you submit more than one valid proxy form, either by post or online, the last valid form received by post or submitted online before the latest time for the receipt of proxies will take precedence.

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news 5MEMBERS’ WEEKEND

BY NICK LOVE

YOU haven’t got long in York and there’s so much to see. So I thought I’d finish my series of articles with an insider’s guide to how to get the best out of your stay.

Apart from the Shambles and the National Railway Museum, which is the world’s finest and free, I’m not going to list obvious attractions. Rather, I’m going to highlight things that aren’t imme-diately obvious that cost you nowt.

The first thing to remember is that York’s very compact. It’s also very safe, both day and night. If you’re able-bodied then walking everywhere is eminently achiev-able and actually desirable to take everything in. If you need trans-port – a day pass for any bus to go anywhere in York is just £4.10 bought online.

From Walmgate Bar (not a pub but one of the four main medieval gateways to the city and the only one to retain its barbican, port-cullis and inner doors) to Bootham Bar at the other end of the city is just a mile. And what a mile, since there’s so much to see and do in (and just off) every street in the centre.

If you want an insight into secret York then pop Snickel-ways into your favourite search engine and you’ll get a list of little passages that interconnect streets. The two best are Coffee Yard which connects Grape Lane and Stonegate and takes in the spectacular Barley Hall and Lady Peckitts Yard which is positively Dickensian.

If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of York then my two favourite pieces of green belt are the Museum Gardens next to Lendal Bridge (10 acres of tranquillity) and the wonderful Deans Park, directly behind York Minster. They’re a great place to eat your lunch.

York has beautiful churches that are equally peaceful – none better than Holy Trinity in Goodram-gate, which is still to embrace electricity!

For spectacular free views walk the 13th-century York walls – the longest in England (above). There are several points where you can alight onto York streets for further sightseeing and to the river, which also has some beautiful walks and sights.

York is known for its independ-

ents – shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. I’d urge you to prioritise giving them your custom. You’ll be given a guide to the pick of the crop as part of your delegate pack. After all why use a chain you could find in your own high street?

When it comes to pubs and bars – a CAMRA discount is rare. Prob-ably because York CAMRA hasn’t actively sought it. We prefer licen-

sees who work 80 hours a week to keep as much of their small profit margins as possible.

Finally, York CAMRA’s organising committee members are hugely looking forward to welcoming you to our little gem of a city. It embodies the fundamen-tals of hospitality: succour, safety, warmth, kindness, nourishment and fraternity.

NOTICE OF CAMRA AGM 2020NOTICE is given to all members of the Campaign for Real Ale Limited (Company No. 01270286) that the 2020 Annual General Meeting will be held at The Central Hall Conference Centre, The University of York, University Road, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD at 9.30am on Saturday 4 April 2020.

The following three Ordinary Resolutions* will be put to the meeting:l 1 To receive CAMRA’s accounts for the accounting period to 30 November 2019 and the reports of the Directors and Auditorsl 2 To re-appoint RSM as Auditors to include the preparation of CAMRA’s accounts to 30 November 2020.l 3 To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditors.

The following five Special Resolutions** will be put to the meeting:l 4 To approve the deletion of the existing Article 16 in CAMRA’s Articles of Association, and to replace it with the following, with immediate effect:“16. The National Executive shall have power to suspend for a specified period or expel from membership any person who does anything which is prima facie detrimental to the interests of CAMRA. The National Executive may delegate the power to suspend or expel a member to a Disciplinary Committee. The decision to suspend or expel a person from membership shall be notified to that person in writing within 7 days, and the person shall at the same time be given notice of the meeting of the National Executive which they may attend in order to state their case should they wish to appeal, such meeting being no earlier than 21 days from the date of notification of the decision. If the person cannot attend, a written statement of case may be submitted. If good reason for absence is given, the hearing of the case may be deferred until the next meeting of the National Executive. If the National Executive reviews an appeal, it shall have the power to (i) quash the suspension or expulsion; (ii) vary the length of any suspension; (iii) reduce an expulsion to a suspension; or (iv) raise a suspension to an expulsion. If the person making the appeal is a member of the National Executive, they shall not be entitled to vote in the appeal decision. The appeal decision shall be notified to the person in writing within 7 days, and at the same time the person shall be informed of the right to make a final appeal to the next Confer-ence. Any person so suspended or expelled from membership who wishes to make a final appeal against the suspension or expulsion must send a notice of such appeal in writing to the Chairman of the National Executive, and provided that such notice of appeal is received at least two weeks before the next Conference, any such appeal shall be heard at that Conference. At the Conference, the reasons for suspension or expulsion shall be stated and the person suspended or expelled shall have the right to attend and address the Conference for a maximum of 15 minutes, but not to vote on the final appeal. The members in Conference will then vote by a show of hands as to whether to allow or deny the final appeal, with the decision on such appeal being by a simple majority and being final and binding. Any suspension or expulsion of a member will take effect upon the initial decision of the National Executive or Disciplinary Committee and shall continue in effect unless or until rescinded upon an appeal or final appeal.”l 5 To approve the deletion of Article 40 in CAMRA’s Articles of Asso-ciation, and to replace it with the following, to take effect following the conclusion of the 2020 National Executive election:“40. Unless otherwise determined by the National Executive, the

Chairman of the AGM in any year shall also preside as Chairman of the formal business of Conference in that year, whether or not that person has, if standing for re-election, been re-elected to the National Executive at that AGM. If for any reason there is no such Chairman, or if the Chairman shall not be present within 15 minutes of closure of the AGM, or is unwilling to act, the members of the National Executive present shall elect one of their number to be Chairman of Conference.”l 6 To approve the deletion of Article 61 in CAMRA’s Articles of Asso-ciation, and to replace it with the following, to take effect following the conclusion of the 2020 National Executive election:“61. No member of the National Executive elected at an AGM shall hold office for more than four years without retiring. At each AGM, one-quarter of the members of the National Executive (or if their number is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest one-quarter) shall retire from office. The members of the National Executive to retire at any AGM shall be those who will have held office for four years since their last election, then, to make up the one-quarter or number nearest one-quarter, those who have been in office longest since their last election. As between members of the National Executive elected as such on the same day, those to retire shall be determined by agreement between such members, or, if there is no such agreement, shall be those who received the least number of the votes cast for any candidate elected at the election concerned. The computation of the members of the National Executive to retire at any AGM follows this formula:(a) any member of the National Executive who is also an employee of CAMRA must retire at each AGM;(b) any member co-opted by the National Executive must retire at the next AGM following their co-option;(c) take one quarter of the remaining number of members, or the number nearest one quarter (eg 3 of 11; 3 of 10; 2 of 8; 2 of 7 etc);(d) any member who will have been in office for four years since their last election must retire;(e) the number to retire is then made up to the one-quarter or the number nearest one-quarter by the length of service/least votes formula eg if the three next longest serving members of the National Executive have all held office for two years, and two must retire, the three may agree unanimously among themselves which two shall retire, but failing this agreement, the two polling the least votes when elected shall retire.”l 7 To approve the deletion of Article 62 in CAMRA’s Articles of Asso-ciation, and to replace it with the following, to take effect following the conclusion of the 2020 National Executive election:“62. Any retiring member of the National Executive whether elected at an AGM or co-opted shall be eligible for re-election provided that they have not served a continuous eight-year period on the National Executive. Having served for a continuous period of eight years on the National Executive a minimum period of one year must elapse before seeking re-election. Any period of service on the National Executive before 4 April 2020 shall be disregarded for the purposes of this Article 62.”l 8 To approve the deletion of Article 70 in CAMRA’s Articles of Asso-ciation, and to replace it with the following, with immediate effect:“70. The Chairman of the National Executive shall be elected by the members of the National Executive at the first full meeting of the National Executive after the AGM in each year, and take office following closure of that meeting. If there is no incumbent Chairman of the National Executive at the commencement of that meeting,

the National Executive members present shall elect a Chairman to preside at that meeting.

Subject to remaining a member of the National Executive throughout the relevant period, the Chairman shall serve a term expiring upon closure of the first full meeting of the National Executive after the AGM in the following year. The Chairman may be re-elected at the discretion of the National Executive. In the absence of the elected chairman at any meeting, the National Executive may appoint a chairman by a majority vote for that meeting. Any member of the National Executive who ceases to be a member of the National Executive shall automatically cease to be Chairman.

The members of the National Executive may call for a vote of no confidence to replace the Chairman during a period of appointment. A minimum of two thirds of National Executive members must sign such a proposal stating the reason for the vote of no confidence, which must be delivered to the Company Secretary with original signatures. In the event that the Chairman is removed from office, that person will remain a full member of the National Executive.

If for any reason the Chairman of the National Executive ceases to be Chairman during a period of appointment, the National Executive shall vote, by secret ballot, upon the appointment of a new Chairman to serve for the remainder of that period.”

To elect members to the National Executive (Board of Directors)* Ordinary Resolutions require a simple majority of votes to be approved.** Special Resolutions require a 75 per cent majority of votes to be approved.

ELECTION OF NATIONAL EXECUTIVE (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)BALLOT voting upon the election of officers to the National Executive will take place at the AGM. Any member unable to attend the AGM may cast their vote in the National Executive election in advance, by post or online via the Mi-Voice Services website: www.mi-vote.com

Any member wishing to amend their postal or online vote for the election may do so upon request should they attend the AGM.

NOTES:Voting at the AGM will be by poll (private ballot) only; there will be no show of hands upon any resolution in the meeting. Members may ask questions for information on resolutions in the meeting, but voting will have already taken place. In respect of Ordinary Resolution 1, a summary of the accounts for the period to 30 November 2019 and the reports of the Directors and Auditors is published in the March What’s Brewing. The full Report & Accounts to 30 November 2019 and the existing CAMRA Articles of Association can be viewed ahead of the AGM on CAMRA’s website by following this link: agm.camra.org.uk Members may also ask to receive a full copy of the accounts by writing to The Company Secretary, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4LW. Any questions regarding the Report & Accounts should be lodged with the Company Secretary no later than Friday 20 March. The response will be given in the AGM.The Ordinary Resolutions (resolutions 1–3) require a simple majority of votes cast to be approved.The Special Resolutions (resolutions 4–8) require a 75 percent majority of votes cast to be approved.Should you have any questions regarding the AGM please email the Company Secretary – ken.owst@camra.org.ukNik AntonaChairman of the National Executive

1 This Conference agrees to adopt the Policy Docu-ment produced by the Policy Review Group, subject to any amend-ments decided at this Conference.National Executive

2 Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, this Conference reaffirms CAMRA’s commitment to the European Beer Consumers Union (EBCU) and instructs the National Executive to continue to be fully involved with EBCU and report the activities of and decisions taken by EBCU, to the membership on a quarterly basis.South Hertfordshire Branch

CONFERENCEMOTIONS 2020ANNOUNCED

WHERE & WHENFriday 3- Sunday 5 April 2020 Central Hall, West Campus, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD

Insider’s guide to gem of a city

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE LIMITEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE 11 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019Company Registration Number: 01270286

A short form of the accounts for the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd for the period ended 30 November 2019 are shown on this page, along with diagrams illus-trating the main sources of funding and items of operating expenditure.We have chosen to use this simpler presentation in WB, rather than the usual full replication of the statutory accounts and notes, in order to provide an easier-to-read version of the main financial statements for members.The full accounts, including all the required notes and reports can be found at: https://agm.camra.org.uk/agm2020/or by contacting the CAMRA Office230 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4LW Tel: 01727 867201financesupport@camra.org.uk

STRATEGIC REPORTFOR THE 11 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVESCAMRA is the independent campaigning voice of pub and club goers and real ale, cider and perry drinkers and works to promote real ale, cider and perry and thriving pubs and clubs in every community. The Campaign organises its activities into strategic objectives as follows:1 Secure the long-term future of real ale, real cider and real perry by increasing their quality, availability and popularity.2 Promote and protect pubs and clubs as social centres and part of the UK’s cultural heritage.3 Increase recognition of the benefits of moderate social drinking.4 Play a leading role in the provision of information, education and training to all those with an interest in beer, cider and perry of any type.5 Develop products and services which promote the Campaign as widely as possible, grow and diversify the membership and activist base, and generate campaigning funds.6 Develop and maintain the necessary ethos, governance, structure, capabilities and financial resources to deliver CAMRA’s objectives.7 Develop CAMRA’s organisational systems, membership, infrastructure and staff to ensure financial and corporate sustainability.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTSIn April 2018 CAMRA’s membership voted to adopt all but one of the changes to the organisation’s Articles of Association, which were recommended as the outcome of the Revitalisation Project – a strategic review of CAMRA’s posi-tioning and purpose.

The implications of the changes to the Articles have been embedded into the Strategic Plan (2018-22) which has been approved by the National Executive. Detailed business plans to implement this strategy have been acted upon and continue to be reviewed and revised. Following several years of consultation on change, the organisation will now consolidate and build a stable platform to further develop its campaigning and commercial activities.

In order to ease the pressure on production of accounts prior to Members’ Weekends a decision was approved by the National Executive, meeting in 2018, to change the accounting year end of the company to 30 November with effect from 2019. As a result, the accounts detailed in this statutory report and accounts are for an 11-month period for 2019 and are shown against a comparison for the last 12-month accounting period to 31 December 2018. It is difficult to draw exact comparisons of performance due to the timing of festivals and also the fact that year-end write offs have impacted on the shorter 11-month period. Regard-less of that it is noticeable that 2019 has seen a considerable improvement in the financial performance of CAMRA. It is hoped that growth in membership, financial sustainability and continued pro-active campaigning will be carried through to future years.

MEMBERS AND BRANCH NETWORKThe Campaign continued to try to grow its membership, though in a year of change this proved challenging, with membership numbers increasing to 192,289 at 30 November 2019 (31 December 2018: 190,918) members, an increase of 0.7% on the previous year. CAMRA has more than 220 branches throughout the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Branch campaigning, including the organisation of local and regional beer festivals, is at the core of CAMRA’s operational activity and remains crucial to the organisation’s continued success.

BUSINESS REVIEWThere have been many campaigning achievements in the period to 30 November 2019. The most notable of these were:l Secured full public consultations as part of the Pubs Code statutory reviewl Introduced the Summer of Pub campaignl Secured parliamentary questions and debates, including the first on the floor of the House of Commons for some yearsl Ran two well received surveys of licensees to investigate issues in the industryl Gave evidence to two All Party Parliamentary Group inquiriesl Ran the Pledge for Pubs for the General Election

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORSAppropriate key performance indicators are measured and reviewed on a regular basis to enable the business to set its performance targets and monitor its performance against those targets.Financial ReturnsTotal income for the 11-month period was £11.91m being 5.8% down on the previous year’s income of £12.63m, though not on a like for like basis. Predomi-nantly this modest decrease results from the fact that the accounting period is one month shorter. Festival income was £8.14m (12 months 2018: £8.33m). Membership income was £2.83m for the 11 months (12 months 2018: £3.17m). Publishing, advertising and other trading income was £0.93m (12 months 2018: £1.14m). Total contribution in the period of £3.07m (12 months 2018: £2.89m) was 5.9% up on previous year. This increase is attributable to two main factors; membership contribution resulting from the benefit of not printing publications and a significant increase in festival contributions, reflecting a better period of trading.

Administrative expenses of £2.93m (12 months 2018: £3.21m) were 8.7% below previous year. This was partly due to one less month in the period, but also due to the fact that for the second year running there have been real savings in costs. Campaign costs of £1.18m (12 months 2018: £1.25m) were marginally below previous year, but on a like-for-like comparison were up. Administration costs of £1.75m (12 months 2018: £1.96m) were 10.6% below previous year and significantly below budget. Other Operating Income and Investment Gains in total amount to £0.04m (12 months 2018: £0.04m). This resulted in a surplus before tax of £0.17m, which compared very favourably to the deficit in the previous year of £0.28m. There is a provision for corporation tax payable of £0.09m due to provisioning for potential tax liabilities at a marginally higher rate than the previous year when a recovery of £0.06m was made. Taxation provision shown as recoverable on the deficit in the previous year was £0.06m. The surplus after tax is £0.08m for the 11-month period, comparing very favour-ably to the previous year (12 months 2018: deficit £0.22m)

As a result, at the end of the financial period the Campaign held reserves of £3.29m (31 December 2018: £3.21m). Fixed assets including tangible and intangible assets are £0.73m (31 December 2018: £0.79m), fixed asset invest-ments are £2.00m (31 December 2018: £1.70m). Net current assets are £0.96m (31 December 2018: £1.02m) which includes cash and cash equivalents of £2.57m (31 December 2018: £2.54m). During the period, due to better returns and strong liquidity the decision was taken to move £0.30m from cash equivalent invest-ments into listed investments. The Campaign incurred £0.18m capital expendi-ture (31 December 2018: £0.16m). The cash position remains strong at year-end and the accounts have been prepared on a Going Concern basis.Non-Financial PerformanceA range of non-financial key performance indicators are measured and reviewed on a regular basis by the Directors, to provide visibility of the organisation’s performance from a non-financial perspective. The most important of these are:1. Introduce a preferential rate of duty for draught beer:One of the identified opportunities of Britain leaving the European Union was potentially more flexibility in setting duty rates for different types of alcoholic drinks – previously impossible under EU rules. CAMRA has being seeking to raise awareness and support for a differential rate of duty for draught products sold in pubs, compared to supermarkets, with the intention to narrow the price gap between on and off-trade drinks and encourage more customers for pubs.2. Seek annual £5,000 business rate relief for pubs, along with review of business rate system:High and increasing business rates are increasingly becoming a key factor in the viability of pub businesses and, importantly for CAMRA, creating consumer detriment as pubs are forced to put up prices purely to survive. A national

campaign continues to raise awareness of this issue, has been instrumental in winning some temporary concessions from government and is hoped to drive a root and branch review of the system.3. Retention and improvement of small brewers’ relief:SBR continues to be a controversial issue in the industry, with large and small brewers disagreeing on the level of relief and the shape of the relief “curve”. CAMRA has been positioning its campaigning efforts to ensure that SBR is not abandoned by government, nor altered in such a way that the diversity of the brewer sector is adversely affected.4. Encouraging more people to try and drink more real ale, cider and perry:55% of drinkers surveyed reported that they have tried real ale, compared to 57% in 2017. Cask ales sales in pubs continue to be squeezed. CAMRA will continue work to raise awareness of different beer styles and to encourage knowledge of real ale through its festivals, awards, publications and digital media.5. Securing strong local planning policies to protect pubs:CAMRA continues to work at a national and local level to ensure greater plan-ning protection for pubs. During 2020, CAMRA will continue to focus on securing planning protection for pubs in the devolved nations of the UK equivalent to that which is now available in England.6. Further developing and enhancing WhatPub:WhatPub continues to be a useful resource for the campaign. CAMRA continues to explore ways it can be better used for campaigning and supporting pubs. A recent partnership with AccessAble will mean that accessibility information for a significant number of pubs will be updated and more in depth.7. Ensuring effective operation of the Pubs Code:After a decade of campaigning, CAMRA played a part in the introduction of legis-lation to create the Pubs Code and office of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Now oper-ational for several years, it’s essential that we continue to monitor and influence the development and refinement of the Code, to ensure no consumer detriment is created and the pub sector remains vibrant and diverse. It was particularly important that CAMRA ensured a full, independent review of the operation of the Code was conducted and that our submission was detailed and addressed the weaknesses that had been identified.8. Ensure the continuation of effective competition in the beer and pub markets:Through CAMRA’s campaigning on beer duty, business rates and the Pubs Code as well as local and consumer faced campaigning; CAMRA tries to ensure that both the fiscal and legislative environment is beneficial to pubs and beer. This helps to ensure effective competition in the pub market.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIESA comprehensive risk register is maintained and reviewed by the senior staff team and the National Executive. Risks are managed actively and mitigation strategies implemented to restrict our levels of risk. Key strategic risk areas are shown below. Further information regarding the management of financial risk is given in note 20 to the accounts.1. ReputationalCAMRA’s reputation as an independent campaigning body is essential to the Campaign’s continued success. Strict guidelines are in place for branches and to govern national campaigns. Strong financial controls are maintained and reviewed annually and systems are in place to ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Data Protection and other legal requirements. High standards of govern-ance are aimed for and governance processes are subject to continuous review. A fundamental review of CAMRA’s governance and organisational structure has been started in 2019 and it is anticipated that this will be completed in 2020.2. OrganisationalIn order to support the growing campaign it is essential to attract, retain and develop key staff and volunteers. Staff surveys are conducted regularly and their findings acted upon. The salary and benefits structure is reviewed on a periodic basis. We have developed clearer communication of volunteering opportunities and this work will continue in 2020, alongside the continued enhancement of resources available to volunteers to help them in their work for the Campaign.

The changes to CAMRA’s Articles of Association and redefined objectives from 2018 are built into the Strategic Plan. It is anticipated that the organisation has now laid the foundations for a period of stability following several years of change. It is hoped that the organisation can continue to increase recruitment of new members, engage their interest via a developing education and information strategy and convert them into active and well-informed campaigners.3. FinancialMeasures have been taken to reduce expenditure for the second year in a row to maintain a stable central function, that have proved to be effective. Recognition of the underlying causes of the Campaign’s failure to achieve significant growth in levels of income has added impetus to focus on cost control across all areas of commercial activity. It is hoped that in addition to increasing revenue from beer festivals, changes that have started to be implemented in 2019 will continue to be successful in 2020 and see increases in income from both memberships and trading activity.4. FestivalsThe success of local, regional and national beer festivals is crucial to raise the awareness of real ale, recruit members and to help fund the Campaign. Key risks are recruiting committed, knowledgeable volunteers, obtaining suitable prem-ises, meeting compliance issues and ensuring future festivals remain relevant to potential customers.There is continued central support for the planning and marketing of festivals. We continue to develop proposals to build on CAMRA’s national festivals offering through a progressive redevelopment of the Great British Beer Festival and a relocated, relaunched Great British Beer Festival Winter in February 2020. Also, we welcome the introduction of a new national festival with the Great Welsh Beer Festival being launched in Cardiff at the end of April 2020.

We have confidence that in 2020 and beyond, we can further enhance the Campaign and be a proactive voice for the championing of real ale and ciders and the promotion and protection of the nation’s pubs.Approved and signed by order of the National Executive.N AntonaChairman8 February 2020

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE LIMITED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

FOR THE 11 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 11 months to Year to 30 Nov 2019 31 Dec 2018 £ £ £ £INCOME 11,907,130 12,633,931Cost of Sales (8,841,484) (9,740,112) –––––—–– —————CONTRIBUTION 3,065,646 2,893,819Administrative expenses (2,932,335) (3,213,111) –––––—–– ————— 133,311 (319,291)Other operating income 3,000 19,531 –––––—–– —————OPERATING SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) (136,311 (299,760)Income from fixed asset investments 225 98Interest receivable and similar income 37,228 10,427 ––––– ——– 37,453 10,525Fair value (losses) / gains on investments (6,228) 10,179 –––––– ———–

(DEFICIT) / SURPLUS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 167,536 (279,057)Tax on surplus / (deficit)on ordinary activities (90,851) 60,446

SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) FOR –––––—–– —————THE FINANCIAL YEAR 76,685 (218,611) –––––—–– —————

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE LIMITEDSTATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE 11 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019

11 months to Year to 30 Nov 2019 31 Dec 2018

Retained Fair Retained Fair Earnings Value 2019 Earnings Value 2018 Reserve Reserve Totals Reserve Reserve Totals £ £ £ £ £ £At 1 January 2,948,283 264,075 3,212,356 3,177,073 253,896 3,430,969Surplus / (Deficit) for the year and total comprehensive income (76,685) - (76,685) (218,611) - (218,611)Transfer to Fair Value Reserve 6,228 (6,228) - (10,179) 10,179 - _________ _________ _________ _________ ________ _________At 31 December 3,031,196 257,847 3,289,043 2,948,283 264,075 3,212,358 _________ _________ _________ _________ ________ _________

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE LIMITEDCompany registration no. 01270286

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2019

As at 30 Nov 2019 As at 31 Dec 2018 £ £ £ £FIXED ASSETSTangible assets 461,765 443,424Intangible assets 267,334 348,461Investments 1,997,849 1,704,077 –––––—–– ————— 2,726,948 2,495,962 –––––—–– —————

CURRENT ASSETSStocks 87,136 93,464Debtors 348,143 523,572Cash and cash equivalents 2,569,560 2,544,888 ––––—–– ————— 3,004,839 3,161,924CREDITORS: Amounts fallingdue within one year: (2,046,542) (2,145,395) ––––—–– —————

NET CURRENT ASSETS 958,297 1,016,528 –––––—–– —————TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,685,245 3,512,491

CREDITORS: Amounts fallingdue in more than one year: (270,312) (271,374)

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES (125,890) (28,758) –––––—–– —————NET ASSETS 3,289,043 3,212,358 –––––—–– —————

RESERVESFair Value Reserve 257,847 264,075Reserved Earnings Reserve 3,031,196 2,948,283 –––––—–– ————— 3,289,043 3,212,358 –––––—–– —————The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 February 2020 and were signed on its behalf by: N Antona – Director and I Garner - Director.

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE LIMITEDCASH FLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE 11 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2019 11 months to Year to 30 Nov 2019 31 Dec 2018 £ £ OPERATING ACTIVITIESCash generated from/(used in) operation 459,163 (84,116)Corporation tax paid 6,281 (6,281)NET CASH IN / (FROM) –––––—–– —————OPERATING ACTIVITIES 465,444 (90,397) –––––—–– —————INVESTING ACTIVITIES Dividends received from investments 225 98Interest received 37,228 10,427Purchase of fixed assets (181,654) (155,350)Proceeds from (Profit)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets 3,429 3,980Acquisition of fixed asset investments (300,000) - –––––—–– —————Net cash from/(used in) investing activities (440,772) (140,844)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash 24,672 (231,240) –––––—–– —————

Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period 24,672 (231,240)Cash at 1 January 2,544,888 2,776,127 –––––—–– —————Cash at 30 November / 31 December 2,569,560 2,544,888 –––––—–– —————

Analysis of income sources and operating costs

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE ELECTION There are five candidates for four places

NIK ANTONASTANDING for the first time as your national chairman and for my fifth time as a member of the National Execu-tive, I am determined to continue listening to and learning about the issues that impact you and your branch. We must further shape our Campaign to meet the needs of our communi-ties across the country.

Since becoming national chairman, I have been working tirelessly to ensure the Campaign better rewards our hard work by bringing greater effi-ciencies and delivering tangible results sooner. Our recent governance review has enabled us to become more reactive to political and industry changes and increase our effectiveness and influence as a consumer campaigning organisa-tion. If re-elected, I will continue to seek ways to refine CAMRA’s processes to maximise the effectiveness of our campaigning.

I continue to see pubs and clubs as an area that CAMRA needs to focus on. Some areas still suffer from a poor range and limited accessibility. We must further support the rural, less densely populated communities, which rely and depend on its pub or club for social inter-action, creating friend-ships and for drinking real ale, cider and perry. I am committed to introducing additional pub-and-club-focused campaigns, as well as using our momentum and cross-organisation contacts to continue opposing threats from the anti-alcohol lobby, such as the industry-crippling Dry January campaign.

As an organisation, we must more greatly utilise our collective knowl-

edge to train, advise and educate those new to the industry – the biggest threat to real ale is poor quality.

I ask for your vote, to continue as your chairman and to repre-sent you. Without your dedication and deter-mination, we couldn’t enjoy the benefits of our near 50 years of achievements. Thank you for all you do.

Thank you for your support, for reading this, and your votes.

SARAH CRAWFORDI’VE held many roles since I joined the Campaign in 2009, including branch chair and festival organiser. I moved from Manchester to Kirkcaldy four years ago. I was quickly voted in as the director for Scotland and Northern Ireland branches and what a time I’ve had. I’ve been a member of the Campaign for 10 years, but I can safely say that these last three years have been the best.

I work in health and safety, a job which involves me working within a team to write procedures and policies, interpret legislation, implement corrective actions and ensure compliance. The busi-ness I work for has been recently acquired by a large company and my resilience through change is strengthening. I’m excited about the future and career devel-opment opportunities that will be open to me.

The Campaign has changed significantly since I first attended my first National Execu-tive (NE) and regional directors meeting. There are a lot of members without experience of the structure and organisation of CAMRA who are “learning as they go”. With my expe-

rience of the Campaign, I believe I would be able to hit the ground running and support and influence the proposed changes for the benefit of all members of the Campaign.

When I was elected as the director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, I promised that I would positively influence how the Campaign is managed and run, my promise now is the same. The NE is currently implementing its new objectives and I think it’s important that there is stability in the Campaign. I believe that the knowledge of CAMRA I have gained over this past decade, my management experi-ence, and my ability to problem solve will be of continued value to CAMRA.

I ask you to elect me as a member of our National Executive.

ABI NEWTON THE voices of members are what matters most to me as vice chairman. I originally stood for the National Executive in 2014 because I knew that I could make a positive impact on the Campaign. I believe that I have made that positive impact, and I know that I can continue to do so.

Last year I was appointed vice chairman, supporting our chairman, direc-tors, and staff and as a director I have been involved in marketing, festivals and finance. I now chair the new People Committee where it is my responsibility to make the volunteer experience welcoming, fun, educational and useful to the Campaign, communication is key to this to remind members that they are all valued. You, our volunteers

are amazing, you have always and will always lead this Campaign, and I am committed to doing everything I can to help.

I have driven the website revamp and recognise the vital importance of Discourse and social media as a communications platform.

Our challenges are unlikely to go away; our demographic is changing, pubcos are disposing of assets, and health and drink-drive lobbyists spread a narra-tive which is viewed as conflicting with ours. I hear members who want us to fight these fights, yet I believe we must do so in a collaborative and non-hostile way. We must remain posi-tive and focused on the important issues, so that we can move the Campaign forward, and we must ensure that all areas of the Campaign are joined up.

I do not shy away from any challenges. If re-elected I will devote all my efforts to making CAMRA the best organi-sation it can possibly be.

Thank you for your support and friendship over the last few years. I hope you will consider voting for me.

SIMON URRY I HAVE been a member of CAMRA since 2006 and chair of Highlands & Western Isles Branch since November 2016 and It was a pleasure to organise the brewery trips for the Dundee Members’ Weekend. Last year a place on the National Executive remained elusive but I have been spurred on by my many to try again.

My view is that CAMRA is one big family of 192,500 members, some are active, while a vast majority are happy to let things just tick

along, but do not get involved.

Membership being a common factor, I am keen to encourage the “quiet” members to come along to small local get-togethers just for a chat, socialise, sharing news and views.

Defining real ale is akin to nailing jelly to the wall. Similarly, I hope APPLE (in whatever guise) re-emerges soon as cider (and perry) is also a part of CAMRA’s DNA.

The world has moved on in leaps and bounds since 1971. The beer scene has been trans-formed with new and innovative methods of packaging and indeed dispense. Of the world’s beer styles, under 10 per cent can be considered as real ale, although some see the new wave of key keg as a threat.

I worry that pubcos represent the biggest threat to pubs, and our continued enjoyment of real ale with a risk of small and independent breweries in not getting their beers to the bar.

I do not bring “baggage” of being caught up in the poli-tics of CAMRA and will bring a fresher approach to the way that CAMRA (UK) goes about its business.

All CAMRA members have a vote, and today, I ask for yours.

BEN WILKINSON I WAS first elected to the National Executive in 2017, on a platform of implementing long-overdue reforms to revitalise CAMRA.

Three years on, is there still more to be achieved? Of course. But we’ve seen major strides forward.

By placing a new focus on informing and educating consumers about beer, cider and

perry, and putting campaigning for pubs and clubs at the heart of our purpose as an organisation, CAMRA is making itself relevant to modern-day drinkers once again.

But my contribution to CAMRA’s leader-ship hasn’t stopped there. I’ve always believed members want national directors who constantly question whether decisions serve the Campaign’s interests.

That’s meant applying a critical eye across the board; being forthright in challenging how and why things are done, and not accepting “it’s always been this way” or “that’s just how it is” as an answer. It’s meant listening to local members – not just in my own branch where I am active, but across the UK – and representing their interests persistently and doggedly.

I’ve fought consist-ently for break-even budgets that maximise Campaign spending while protecting our reserves. And I led moves to abandon lobbying for incremental beer duty reductions in favour of bold new proposals for a lower draught ale rate – benefitting community pubs, not supermarket giants.

Since being appointed Pub Campaigns director in 2018, I’ve rejuvenated this area, overseeing the new Summer of Pub campaign, and launching an initiative highlighting the role pubs play in tackling social isolation.

I’ve also put CAMRA in the vanguard of holding large pub companies to account, including through an unprecedented national survey of licensees.

My nominees include a CAMRA founder, one of Britain’s foremost beer writers, and committed activists of different age groups. I’m honoured to have their support and hope you’ll feel able to lend me yours.l For extended hustings go to camra.org.uk/beer- festivals-events/agm_info/

Operating deficit / surplus pre tax

Contribution – £3.06

Operating costs – £2.93

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0.0

-£50

-£100

-£150

-£200

-£250

-£300

-£350

£0.0

2018 Deficit

2019 Surplus

6 7CAMRA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HUSTINGSWHAT’S BREWING MARCH 2020

8 WHAT’S ON WHAT’S BREWING MARCH 2020

FEBRUARY

26-29 (Wed-Sat): LEICESTER CAMRA BEER FEST Haymarket Theatre 1 Garrick Walk, Leicester LE1 3AF. 202+ Real Ales in cask & Key Keg & 40 Real Ciders & Perries, Gin bar along with a selection of hot & cold food & snacks. Locale beers including from our main sponsor Everards. Concession stands & pub games. Open Wed 5-11pm, Thu 11am-11pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 11am-10pm. Admission CAMRA £2/non-memb £5. £15 package on the door pays for above entry, a festival glass + £7 beer token (plus extra £3 for membs). leicester.camra.org.uk/2020

27-29 (Thu-Sat): ROTHERHAM REAL ALE AND MUSIC FEST Magna, Sheffield Road, Rotherham S60 1FD. 250+ real ales, wines, ciders, perries & food, as well as gin bar and prosecco cocktail bar. 2 different entertainment areas. CAMRA entry on door (with valid memb card) free on Thu, £5 on Fri & Sat to include non returnable glass & programme. Adv public entry tickets not needed for CAMRA membs. Current memb cards essential. Fri & Sat public entry is £10 adv ticket and door, Thu £8 adv tckt & door. Free re-entry to Fest on Sat at any time with a 2020 Fest Glass. Vols needed, please use either wbsite or write to Sarah at 5 Stafford Drive, Rotherham, S60 3DQ. Tckts frm various pubs in Rotherham & S Yorkshire or Wbsite www.magnarealale.uk Call 01709 360972 for further dtls.

28-29 (Fri-Sat): CHAPPEL WINTER BEER FEST The East Anglian Railway Museum at Chappel & Wakes Colne Stn, CO6 2DS. Direct train service to Marks Tey until 1140pm, with connections to London & throughout East Anglia. 60+ beers & ciders. Open 11am 11pm both days. Admission Fri until 5.30pm £3 public, free to CAMRA membs. After 5.30pm, admission by pre-purchase tkts only, £5 public, £2 CAMRA membs (if you arrive before 5.30pm then the cheaper price applies & no pre-purchase required – stay as all evening). All day Sat, £3 public & free CAMRA membs. Details chappelbeerfestival.org.uk/winter

MARCH

5-7 (Thu-Sat): SCARBOROUGH REAL ALE & CIDER FEST Ocean Room, Spa Theatre, Scarborough. 75 Real Ales & 20 Real Ciders & Perry. Keykeg bar. On site catering provided. Live music Fri & Sat from 8pm. FREE MINIBUS SHUTTLE from Rlwy Stn to Spa Theatre. Open: Thu to Sat 12noon-11pm. £5 admission incl refundable glass £1. Free entry to card carrying CAMRA membs at all times. Vols most welc. Celebrate Yorkshire Beard Day on Sat with family-fun events incl competitions for beards, real & fake, culminating in crowning of Yorkshire Beard of the Year. More info scarboroughbeerfestival.camra.org.uk Enquiries to Stewart Campbell: 07500 543199 / bfo@scarboroughbeerfestival.camra.org.uk

5-7 (Thu-Sat): 33RD WIGAN BEER FEST Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre, Loire Drive opposite DW Stadium Wigan. 90+ Real Ales + large selection of Traditional cider & Perry + Foreign and keykeg bar. NEW this Year Gin & Prosecco. Venue is very large with ample seating avail & no problems getting in. Music all sess except Frid afternoon which is quiet. Courtesy bus runs from town centre to venue throughout festival. Thu 530pm-11pm FREE; Fri 12noon-6pm £1; 6pm-11pm £3; Sat 1130am-930pm £2; CAMRA membs FREE THROUGHOUT. www.beerfestival.wigancamra.org.uk for more dtls.

5-7 (Thu-Sat): 44TH LOUGHBOROUGH BEER FEST Polish Club, True Lovers Walk, off William St., Loughborough, LE11 3DB. 60+ beers + cider + perry + gin. Open Thu 12noon to 11pm (Free entry), Fri & Sat 12noon to 11pm (entry fee). CAMRA & University Real Ale Society membs

free all sess. Food avail all sess. email loughborocamra@gmail.com or see www.loughboroughcamra.co.uk for further dtls. Vol’s req’ to help at all sess incl set-up & take-down. Contact loughborocamrapubs@gmail.com

6-7 (Fri-Sat): RUGBY CAMRA 36TH BEER AND CIDER FEST. Arnold House, Elsee Road, Rugby CV21 3BA (Town Centre, behind Merchant’s Inn Pub). 35+ real ales, ciders, & perries. Foreign beer bar, tombola, Sat auction. Food all sess. Fri 2pm-11pm, Sat 12noon-11pm. Live music Sat eve. £3 entry all sess. £2 to card carrying Camra membs. More details on rugby.camra.org.uk

6-7 (Fri-Sat): NORTH SUSSEX EQUINOX BEER & CIDER FEST Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham town centre, RH12 1JF. 50+ beers, plus real cider & perry and Sussex sparkling wine. Fri 6-10pm then Sat 1130am-430pm & 630-10pm. Tickets £6 Fri, £8 Sat afternoon, £4 Sat eve, incl souvenir glass & free pint for CAMRA membs. No music. Food avail. Tickets from Malt Shovel & Anchor Tap in Horsham, Brewery Shades in Crawley, Engine Room in East Grinstead & online via www.northsussex.camra.org.uk/equinox Postal applications (cheques payable to CAMRA North Sussex) to The Treasurer, 16 Cobbles Crescent, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 8HA. For more info contact camra.equinox@gmail.com

13-14 (Fri-Sat): WINCHESTER BEER & CIDER FEST Winchester Guildhall, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9GH. 70 real ales, ciders, perries, bottled beers & food. Open Fri 11.30-4pm (£8), 6.30-11pm (£10); Sat 11.30-4pm (£10), 6.30-11pm (£10). Souvenir glass & programme inc in admission price. Discounted entry via beer tokens for card carrying CAMRA members. Fri Lunch - Tutored Tastings (extra £10 charge); Entertainment: Fri eve - Rough Cut, Sat Lunch - Plaitford Common, Sat Eve – The Skore. Tickets available end Jan/beg Feb February 2020 - online via website (booking fee), by post (please inc SAE, contact details and cheque payable to ‘Southern Hampshire CAMRA Beer Festivals’) to Beer Festival Tickets, 29 Westman Road, Winchester, SO22 6DU; or via local outlets: Winchester - Albion, Black Boy, Hyde Tavern, Westgate, William Walker; Southampton - Guide Dog; Eastleigh - Steam Town Brew Co. Further info at www.winchesterbeerfestival.org.uk or email tickets@winchesterbeerfestival.org.uk or call 07587 242797.

13-14 (Fri-Sat): 10TH WANTAGE BEER & CIDER FEST The Beacon, Portway, Wantage OX12 9BY. 28 real ales incl some festival specials only avail here. 4 ciders & 2 perries. Festival glasses avail. Food/soft drinks avail. Admission prices: Fri 11am-5pm, £2. Fri 5pm-11pm, £3. Sat 11am-9pm, £2. CAMRA membs free at all times.

19-21 (Thu-Sat): 23RD BRISTOL BEER FEST Brunel’s Old Station, Temple Meads, Bristol. Approx 140 real ales & 40 ciders/perries. Food avail at all sess, tkt price incl admission, prog, commemorative glass & £5 worth of tokens. Card-carrying CAMRA membs also receive a voucher for a free half-pint of beer, cider or perry. Admission is by adv tkt only & tkts are strictly non-refundable. Tkts go on general sale online on 31 Jan. IMPORTANT: Check www.camrabristol.org.uk for details & updates including how CAMRA membs can register to buy tkts on 30 Jan. Telephone box office (additional charge for processing & postage) 0333 666 3366. Tkts for all sess cost £12.50 incl £5 of tokens: Thu 19 March eve 630-11pm, Fri 20 March lunchtime 1130am-4pm, Friday 20 March eve 630-11pm, Sat 21 March lunchtime 1130am-4pm, Sat 21 March eve 630-11pm

26-28 (Thu-Sat): BURTON-ON-TRENT BEER FEST Burton Town Hall, DE14 2EB. 180+ real ales & ciders/perries. Gin bar, continental bottle bar. Free soft drinks for drivers. Thu eve 6-11pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat

11am-10pm. Children welc until 6pm. Live music Fri & Sat with the Wurlitzer in the afternoon & bands in the eve. Food avail at all sess. Admission incl entry, prog, commemorative glass & £5 worth of tokens. Check burtoncamra.wordpress.com for details & updates.

26-28 (Thu-Sat): DARLINGTON BEER FEST 2020 The Voodoo Café Skinnergate Road Darlington DL3 7LX. Join us upstairs at this new venue in the town centre within easy walking distance from the train stn. 30 independent ales + ciders & perry. Fest open Thu 7pm-11pm; Fri & Sat, 12noon-1130pm. Entry to the fest is FREE to all on Thu eve. All other sess free for Darlington CAMRA membs & £1 for valid CAMRA card showing membs & £2, non-membs. Vols req’d, for all sess especially for setting up & dismantling. Sponsors req’d for the casks. Further info from Paul Appleton via email paul.appleton103@hotmail.co.uk

27-29 (Fri-Sun): 2ND WORCESTER PUB BEER & CIDER FEST 12 pubs all within one mile of Foregate St. Stn. 120+ beers, ciders and craft ales. Great food avail in most pubs with beer and cider recs. Free admission to all pubs & CAMRA discounts in most pubs. Talks about beer & pubs, live music in the eves in some of the pubs. Keep an eye on FB+Twitter for updates or go to: worcester.camra.org.uk/camra www.facebook.com/WorcesterPubBeerFestival

APRIL

1-4 (Wed-Sat): 44TH NEWCASTLE BEER & CIDER FEST Students Union, Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8SB. Open Wed 6pm–11pm, Thu & Fri 12noon-11pm, Sat 12pm–5pm Admission incl refundable glass £5 Card carrying CAMRA membs free. 150 + cask ales, ciders & perries. Gin Bar, Hot & Cold food. Entertainment Thu, Fri eve & Sat afternoon. Vols req’d Email festivalstaffing@cannybevvy.co.uk. For further dtls & volunteer info visit www.nclbeerfest.uk

3-4 (Fri-Sat): 12TH LARBERT REAL ALE & CIDER FEST Dobbie Hall (5 mins walk from Larbert Rail Station). Open: Frid 3pm (1pm CAMRA members) until 11pm & Sat 12noon until 11pm. 50+ real ales, cider & perry plus for the first time at Larbert a Spirits Bar. Admission price is £5 for non-membs & £2 for card carrying CAMRA membs, incl glass & programme. Food will be avail. Help req’d (especially from local membs). For more info please contact beerfestival@forthvalley.camra.org.uk

9-11 (Thu-Sat): 9TH ISLE OF MAN BEER & CIDER FEST Villa Marina, Douglas. Approx 150 real ales, 60 ciders/perries + fruit wines & meads. Hot & cold food avail. Open: Thu 1-4pm trade invitees & CAMRA membs only, general public 4-11pm; Fri + Sat 12–11pm. Admission: £5 all sess, fest glass & prog: £3, cashless bars, £7 tokens avail on entry & £5 tokens thereafter from membs stand, card-carrying CAMRA membs can obtain free £5 beer token from membs stand. 18+ only. Advance tckts avail from villagaiety.com (Limited to 350 per day, thereafter pay at box office) vol’s welc – contact Julie Jones:staff@iombeerfestival.com

10-11 (Fri-Sat): 15TH THANET EASTER BEER & CIDER FEST Winter Gardens, Margate, Kent. Open 12noon to 10pm Fri & 12 Noon to 7pm Sat. Admission Fri £6/Sat £3 (Free to card Carrying CAMRA membs both days, 11am early entry Frid ONLY) Children accompanied by well-behaved adults welc until 7pm. 200+ real ales, ciders & perries. Speciality & foreign bottled beers. Hot & Cold food in the quiet hall*, Live entertainment on both days. www.easterbeerfestival.org.uk Due to increased venue security please be prepared for bag searches. *only food purchased on site may be consumed at fest.

15-18 (Wed-Sat): 19TH MALDON BEER & CIDER FEST Plume Academy, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex (short walk from town + bus stops). 60 beers & 16 ciders. Featuring 40 beers from the West Midlands. Free soft drinks for designated drivers. Hot/cold food avail at all sess. Beer tokens with card payment avail. Refundable fest glass tankard. Open 4-11pm Wed, 12noon-11pm Thu-Sat. Admission £1, free entry to CAMRA membs at all times. Free parking. Music free festival. More info at www.maldonanddengiecamra.org.uk

17-18 (Fri-Sat): 9TH GUISBOROUGH CHARITY BEER FEST Guisborough Parish Hall, Bow Street, TS14 6BP (town centre near Market Cross, 2 mins bus stops). 30 cask conditioned ales South West England, + ciders, perries & wines. Hot food, snacks & soft drinks, tombola. Admission (incl free commemorative glass/tankard & programme) Fri & Sat 11am-4pm £3, 6-11pm £3 (CAMRA card carrying membs £1 refund on door). Eve entertainment on Sat eve. Tickets on sale 1 Feb from Guisborough Bookshop, Chaloner Street, Guisborough. A joint charity event organised by Rotary and Cleveland CAMRA. More Info www.clevelandcamra.org.uk or Paul Whitefoot paul@whitefoot.plus.com

22-25 (Wed-Sat): THE GREAT WELSH BEER FEST Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9HW. An incredible selection of real ales, international beers, ciders, perries, gins, tasty street food, live music & much more! Don’t miss the Wed Eve Sess on 22 April from 5-10.30pm where all CAMRA membs can enter for free. Use member discount code: WELSHFEST for £2 off tkts incl early bird tkts. See gwbf.org.uk for more details.

23-25 (Thu-Sat): 44TH FARNHAM BEEREX The Farnham Maltings (10 mins from Farnham Railway Stn). Surrey & Hants Border Branch of CAMRA in conj with the Lions Club of Farnham & Farnham Maltings Association. Open Thu & Fri 6-11pm, Sat 11am-3pm + 6-11pm. Every sess has 60+ real ales (some Yorkshire themed) & 30+ ciders & perries, food & live entertainment. No admission for under 18s. Limited admission by e-ticket only, £12 per session incl souvenir half pint tankard & commemorative prog. Tkts avail online at www.farnhambeerex.org.uk Vol staff welc.

24-25 (Fri-Sat): CHIPPENHAM BEER FEST Olympiad (5 mins from rail & bus stns). 90+ real ales, 20 ciders/perries. Open Fri 530-11pm; Sat lunch 11-4pm & Sat eve 7-11pm. Prices £10 for Fri & Sat lunchtime, £8 for Sat eve which include free festival glass + £3 beer tokens. £2 extra tokens for CAMRA membs at all sess. Tkts avail online from www.nwwiltscamra.org.uk by person from Three Crowns, Chippenham or Prince of Wales, Chippenham or by post at Beer Fest Tickets, 110 Charter Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2RB. Pls enclose SAE + state sessions. Cheques payable to CAMRA NW Wiltshire. Entry to eve sess by adv tkt sale only. Vols always welc; email staffing@nwwiltscamra.org.uk or visit our webpage.

30 April-2 May (Thu/Sat): 22ND KINGDOM OF FIFE REAL ALE & CIDER FEST Rothes Halls, Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes, Fife KY7 5NX. 30+ ales & 15 ciders. Open: Thur 4-11pm, Fri 12noon-12am and Sat 12noon-11pm. Admission £6 non-membs, £5 membs incl glass & programme. Vols req’d for bar work. Further info from kingdomoffife.camra.org.uk

MAY

1-2 (Fri-Sat): COVENTRY BEER FEST Coventry Rugby Football Ground, Butts Park Arena, Butts Road, CV1 3GE. Just off junction 7 of city centre ring road, 15-20 mins walk from Railway Stn, or number 4, 6, 6A, 8, 8A, 10 buses from city centre. Ample parking, coach parties welcome.

75+ Beers, Ciders, Perries and Country Wines. Open 12noon – 11pm Fri & 12noon – 10.30pm Sat. Entrance CARD-CARRYING CAMRA MEMBS: FREE all sessions except from 6pm Fri evening £2. Non-membs £2, except from 6pm Fri eve £3. Entry pack in operation incl beer tokens & glass hire, both refundable. Food avail at all sess. More details - see wbsite www.coventry.camra.org.uk or contact: contact@coventry.camra.org.uk

7-9 (Thu-Sat): 15TH BEXLEY BEER FEST Marquee + Clubhouse, Dartfordians Community Sports Club, War Memorial Club House, Bourne Rd, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1LW. 90+ beers, ciders & perries. Refundable souvenir glass £3, hot/cold food. Snacks + soft drinks avail at Club Bar. Thu: 2-11pm, Fri: 11am-11pm, Sat: 11am-8pm, CAMRA membs + under-26s – free admission with ID (proof of age), non CAMRA £3. Bingo style payment cards. More info: www.bexley.camra.org.uk

7-9 (Thu-Sat): ELESCAR BEER, CIDER & MUSIC FEST Elsecar Heritage Centre, Wath Road, Elsecar, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S74 8HJ. 8 mins walk frm Elsecar Rlwy Stn, on 66 bus route. 80+ real ales, ciders + local & Euro draught beers. Open: Thu 3-10pm, Fri & Sat 12noon-1030pm. Free entry all weekend. Food stalls & tombola stands. Contact Margaret on (01226) 714492 or email Andrew at beerfestival@barnsley.camra.org.uk More dtls at www.barnsley.camra.org.uk Twitter @beerbarnsley or @barnsleyCAMRA

7-10 (Thu to Sun): READING BEER & CIDER FEST Christchurch Meadows, Reading, RG4 8DH, 5 mins walk from N exit of Reading Stn. 450+ beers, 140+ ciders, foreign beers, 50+key keg ales & UK wines. Adv tkts or ltd ed season ticket avail (+booking fee), incl four 1/2pt beer tokens (per sess for season tckt), see fest wbsite for dtls. All prices incl comp fest glass & programme while stocks last. Thu 430pm-11pm, £5 on the door, £14 in advance; Bank Hol Fri 11am-11pm, £11 otd, £20 adv; Sat 11am-430pm £10 otd, £19 adv; Sat 6-11pm £10 otd, £19 adv; Sun 12noon-530pm, £5 otd, £14 adv; Season ticket £70, adv only. Thu: pub quiz; Fri/Sat: live music; Sun: family day. Hot & cold food avail all sessions. Volunteers reqd please: staffing@reading beerfestival.org.uk For details see www.readingbeerfestival.org.uk Facebook: @readingbeer Twitter @readingbeerfest

14-16 (Thu-Sat): 21ST KINGSTON BEER & CIDER FEST Kingston Workmen’s Club, Old London Road, KT2 6ND. 5 mins from rail + bus stns. 80 beers + 12 ciders + perries. Food avail all sessions. NOTE REVISED HOURS Open: Thu + Fri 12noon – 10.30pm, Sat 12 pm – 9pm. Admission: Thu + Fri £3; Sat £2. £1 beer token for card carrying CAMRA membs. Wbsite kandl.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=134064

14-16 (Thu-Sat): 13TH CLITHEROE BEER FEST Assembly Hall of St Michael & St John’s, Lowergate, Clitheroe BB7 1AG. Theme ‘The Wild Side’ - 70+ real ales, key keg, cider/perry. New for this year: Gin + Rum + Prosecco bar. Free soft drinks for drivers. Food avail all sess. Live music Fri/Sat eves. Disabled access. Plenty of seating avail. Thu: Preview eve 4.30-9.30pm, CAMRA membs, sponsors & trade only. Fri/Sat: 12noon-11pm. Admission: Fri/Sat £3 before 6pm, £4 after 6pm. CAMRA membs free entry all sess on production of a valid card. Limited Festival Glass. For more info visit www.clitheroebeerfestival.co.uk (staffing form can be accessed here). Find us on Facebook: Clitheroe Beer Festival. Follow us on Twitter: @clithbeerfest.

15-17 (Fri-Sun): 31ST YAPTON BEEREX Yapton & Ford Village Hall, Main Road, Yapton, West Sussex, BN18 0ET. 60+ real ales, 6 live KeyKeg ales incl 2 Pilsner style + ciders, perries + food. Open: Fri 6-11pm (£5) ; Sat 11am-9pm (£6), reduced entry (£3) after 5pm; Sun

CAMRA beer festivals CAMRA members must show a valid membership card to get discount admission to festivals. Branches should email festival details to wb.beerfestival@camra.org.uk by midday on 2 March

Only CAMRA beer festivals appear in this section. Organisers of other festivals (including pub events) should book an advertisement byphoning John Galpin on 07508 036835 or emailing johngalpinmedia@gmail.com where CAMRA members will receive a 10 per cent discount.

12noon-3pm (free). Souvenir glass + prog incl in price. £2 beer tokens for card carrying CAMRA membs. Vintage open-top bus runs from Barnham Railway Stn to venue on Sat. Tkts avail early Feb, by post (SAE to WSC, 26 Barrack Lane, Bognor Regis, PO21 4DA, cheques to CAMRA Western Sussex Branch) or from various pubs around West Sussex. Further details at www.facebook.com/YaptonBeerex and @YaptonBeerex from early Feb.

21-23 (Thu-Sat): LINCOLN BEER FEST Lincoln Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EY (5min walk from bus and rail stn). 100+ real ales plus cider, perry and world beers. Expanded KeyKeg range. Food avail at all times. Live music each eve & Sat lunch. Open: Thu 1pm-11pm; Fri 12noon-11pm; Sat 12noon-9pm. Admission £4 non-membs, £1 card-carrying CAMRA membs. More dtls from Steve Renshaw 01522 754458, contact@lincolncamra.org.uk or at www.lincolncamra.org.uk

22-24 (Fri-Sun): 25TH NEWARK BEER FEST Riverside Park, 22 Great N Rd, Newark NG24 1BN Fri & Sat 1030am-1030pm, Sun (family day) 12noon-4pm. Live music & quizzes. Dogs welc on Sun only. See Wbsite & Facebook for more dtls. £15 entry incl £3 glass hire and beer vouchers: £8 membs; £6 non-membs.

22-24 (Fri-Sun): EASTBOURNE BEER & CIDER BY THE SEA Western lawns, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 4EH. 15min walk from rlwy stn, next to the Wish Tower on the seafront. 60 + Real Ales, 30+ Ciders &Perries + range of foreign bottled beers, wine & Cocktails. Live music entertainment on all sess. Set under two large linked Marquees at the Western Lawns on the seafront, with inside & outside seating area. Hot & cold food available. Open Fri 5-10pm, Sat 11-4pm, 5-10pm. Sun 1230pm-630pm. Fri £9 (CAMRA £8) Sat Day £9 (CAMRA £8) Sat Night £9 (CAMRA £8) Sun £7.50 (CAMRA £6.50) www.eastbournebeerfestival.co.uk or phone ticket office on 01323 410611. Non-ticket enquires to contact@southeastsussex.camra.org.uk

28-30 (Thu-Sat): 34TH STOCKPORT BEER & CIDER FEST Edgeley Park Football Ground, Hardcastle Rd, Stockport, SK3 9DD, under 10 mins from train stn & A6 bus routes (directions on wbsite). 150+ cask beers, NB All avail cask beers will be on at every public session + ciders, perries & bottled conditioned beers from across Europe + ‘Bar Nouveau’ with up to 10 never before seen cask beers, incl prize-winning home brewer/professional brewer collabs. Live entertainment in separate suite, hot & cold food at all sess, Special Festival Ale, stalls, prog, souvenir T-shirts, refundable souvenir glasses. Families welc in stand (NB not a crèche) & disabled access avail (unfortunately ltd access to some bars for wheelchair users but alt service will be provided if req’d). Seating & outside drinking avail for all. Special Trade & CAMRA Membs preview sess Thu from 330pm onwards. Open to public Thu 530pm-11, Fri 12noon-11pm, Sat 12noon-11pm. Admission all sess £3, except Fri from 5pm £5, online adv tkts £1 discount for all sess (+ small booking fee). CAMRA membs get in FREE on Thu & Fri until 5pm, Fri evening from 5pm £3 & all-day Saturday £1. Special discounted hotel rates have been negotiated for festival goers – check wbsite for dtls. Staff req’d incl set up on 22 May, 26–27 May, trade sess, open sess & especially on knock down day on 31 May. Free staff beer/cider & food during set up, all sess open to public & at knock down + subsidised late night taxis & accom for eligible staff. For more info re staffing & staff benefits visit www.stockportfestival.org.uk or contact Mike Wilson on 07973 303570 or Pete Farrand on 07710 878796 or email at volunteers@stockportfestival.org.uk. For all other matters contact Jim Flynn on 0161 432 1816/07917 596751 organiser@stockportfestival.org.uk or visit our web site at www.stockportfestival.org.uk or follow us at @skbeerfestival.

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news 9LETTERS

INSIDE THIS MONTH:

Governance changes • Members’ Weekend preview: trips revealedIndustry Insider: champion beer revamp • PLUS: CAMRA festivals

FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSPAPER OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

WHAT’S BREWING

EVENT PLANNER

4-8 FebruaryGREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL WINTERJOIN us at the New Bigley Hall, Birmingham for the festival of a Thousand Trades, celebrating the West Midlands’ industry, diversity, and creativity See winter.gbbf.org.uk for details.

PUBS

BEER

DON’T MISS

BY TIM HAMPSON

VILLAGERS who saved a pub in Ryton and made it the first community pub in the Tyne Valley have received a Campaign national award for their efforts.

CAMRA’s Pub Saving Award recognises commu-nities which have success-fully rescued pubs from closure. Friends of Ye Olde Cross (right) scooped the crown for successfully re-opening their local after it closed in 2018.

The group registered the pub as an Asset of Commu-nity Value and, with the help of the Plunkett Foun-dation and the Power to Change More than a Pub programme, it developed a business plan and share offer to buy the pub.

It established a Commu-nity Benefit Society which more than 300 locals invested in, raising £150,000 to buy the pub. Further fundraising and a team of hardworking volunteers allowed it to transform the pub inte-

rior, and it re-opened in July 2019. Today, Ye Olde Cross runs a number of community events, including a regular quiz and open mic night, yoga lessons, food pop-ups, business networking, a yarn group and book club.

Colin Chessman from the Friends of Ye Olde Cross said: “We are honoured and proud to be chosen for this prestigious award. It is testimony to the commitment and effort of the community who all pulled together to raise funds to buy the pub.

“The renovation continues – as does the successful day-to-day running of the pub – by our tenants, who have really embraced the concept of developing a successful community pub.”

Runner-up was the Three Tuns Action Group, which is responsible for re-opening a historic 17th-century pub in Guilden Morden, Cambs.

The Three Tuns was closed by Greene King and sold to a developer in 2014 but thanks to the efforts of the community, it was

able to buy the pub and refurbish the interior, the tenant’s flat and garden.

Pub Saving Award co-ordinator Paul Ains-worth said: “Congratula-tions to the Friends of the Ye Olde Cross and the Three Tuns Action Group. We’ve had more nomina-tions for this award than ever before, which shows how much momentum is behind these type of community-driven campaigns.

“The more examples out there of people taking action to save their beloved local, the more others will be empowered to make a difference in their local communities. It is a real privilege to be able to highlight these efforts.

“Pubs can be a real lifeline to many people, providing support and a social network in times of need. That’s why we’ve also launched a campaign to highlight the role pubs play in tackling loneliness. I encourage anyone who is looking to make new friends to visit their local.”

NEW beer styles will feature in the Campaign’s Champion Beer of Britain competition.

The new styles will be unveiled at the Manchester Beer Festival (22-25 January) and the Great British Beer Festival Winter in Birmingham (4-8 February) at a series of tasting sessions run on the opening trade day.

The review of beer styles – undertaken by beer writers, brewers and CAMRA members – was launched to determine the most relevant in the market.

Review chair Christine Cryne, said: “The range of beers in the UK has moved

on over the past decade, and our Champion Beer of Britain competition needs to reflect that. Many beer styles that were not really noticeable on the market a decade ago have become more prominent and vice versa.

“As a result, the total number of judging catego-ries has been increased and new styles will be entering the competition for the first time, such as IPAs and pale ales. These changes ensure the Champion Beer of Britain competition remains up-to-date and truly reflects the very best beer in Britain.”l For more on the new styles see p12.

TIED pub tenants have revealed differing levels of satisfaction with individual pub-owning businesses in a survey carried out for the Pubs Code adjudicator.

The survey conducted by Ipsos Mori found tenants of the largest regulated pub company, Ei Group, expressed the greatest levels of dissatisfaction on issues ranging from the support provided by their business development managers (BDMs) to the management of repairs and dilapidations.

Ei Group scores on key aspects of the relation-ship with the BDM were significantly lower than the average – with 61 per cent saying they were receiving the information they need about their

tenancy (compared to 72 per cent overall). Six out of 10 Ei Group tenants also had concerns about how repairs and dilapidations are handled under their tenancy.

Meanwhile, almost half of Punch Pubs tenants said that they did not expect to be running their pub in five years’ time.

In contrast, tenants of Admiral Taverns showed

high levels of satisfaction with the company, with more than five out of six saying they would be likely to remain with Admiral for the next five years.

CAMRA chief executive Tom Stainer (left) said: “With the first few months of a new year often challenging for pubs, these results are a stark reminder of the chal-lenges tied tenants face to earn a decent living. These results echo those from a similar exercise CAMRA carried out last year. Our survey of tied tenants found 75 per cent reported they don’t think they are treated fairly and lawfully by their parent pub companies, while 73 per cent felt they were worse off than a free-of-tie tenant.

“This is a clear message

to the new government that the Pubs Code review must be completed quickly and we need substan-tive changes to the it to make sure tenants of all, not just some, regulated pub companies are better treated.”

Pubs Code adjudicator Paul Newby said: “This survey has identified some concerning variations in the way different pub-owning businesses are viewed by their tied tenants. Some tenants clearly feel their companies are falling short. Many of these issues are reflected in other evidence seen by my office, and the deputy Pubs Code adju-dicator and I are actively engaged with pub-owning businesses to address the concerns of tenants.”

BEER STYLES REVIEWOlde Cross campaigners scoop Pub Saving Award

TENANTS REVEAL PUBCOS ARE FALLING SHORT

Sharp practiceSHARP’S Doom Bar is now the biggest seller among cask ales (WB Feb).

It may be coincidental, but several pubs in this area that show Sky Sports on their TV have been told by their sales rep that they’ll qualify for a discount on the exorbitant monthly subscription fee if they take Doom Bar, and make it the top-selling cask ale in their pub.

This is not only against the interests of drinkers, but means valuable and limited bar space is taken away from a local brewery and given to a Molson Coors product masquer-ading as beer from an independent.

Could CAMRA investigate this “Sharp” practice? Jon HowlettBungay, Suffolk

Told you soA FEW years ago, when Paul Newby’s appointment as Pub Code adjudicator was announced, I had a letter in WB expressing surprise and misgivings that an ex-director of Fleurets, a company well known for assisting pubcos in disposing of pubs, should be given the role.

I see from WB Feb that Mr Newby has just realised, as he’s winding down towards his depar-ture in May, that there are concerns about varia-tions in the way pubcos are viewed by their tied tenants.

Hate to say “I told you so”.Richard WrightRichmond, N Yorks.

Hot topicGRAHAM Marshall (WB Feb) is wrong that food sold for eating away from

your SHOUTTHE piece on Sharp’s (WB Feb) made interesting reading as far as it went, but missed an opportunity to explore the reasons why beers like Doom Bar and Greene King IPA achieve such staggering sales figures. Quality or popularity does not come into it.

Aside from tie arrangements, economies of scale, and aggressive discounting and undercutting of smaller brewers, there are other activities taking place unbeknown to the average punter, such as licensees being offered subsidised TV sports pack-ages or other perks in return for stocking certain beers – often exclusively.

While this situation will frustrate many drinkers seeking variety, perhaps of even greater concern is the long-term damage

it’s doing to our nation’s pub-going tradi-tion. In return for short-term financial gains, many operators are making pubs feel increasingly irrelevant, by failing to offer the quality and choice today’s customers expect. Meanwhile, off-licences and even supermarkets are increasingly filling that gap.

There may have been a point in history when pubgoing was such an important part of life that many customers would tolerate being served any old industrially-produced ale-like substance and still loyally turn up to their local. Times have changed, and it would serve the UK’s pub industry well to wake up to that.Ben WilkinsonCAMRA pub campaigns director

the point of sale attracts a different rate of VAT to that sold for consumption at the point of sale.

Take-away food intended to be served hot, such as fish and chips, burgers or curry, attracts exactly the same rate of VAT as food eaten at the point of sale.

Only take-away food intended to be served cold, sandwiches and salads etc, attracts the zero rate of VAT.Jerry ScanlonUxbridge, Middx

Tough loveFOR years I’ve been an avid reader of CAMRA’s monthly WB newspaper and its quarterly BEER magazine and they’re both always a most informative and riveting read.

However, could the pages in WB be stapled so they remain together?

This would make the publication tidier and easier to read since I’m sure that I’m not the only reader to think this way.

There’s nothing more annoying, when wanting to read a newspaper, to find the pages are all out of place or some are missing.

In my local pub, the King William IV in Hamp-stead, many customers are avid readers and thus the pub provides a wide

choice of reading material including, of course these two excellent CAMRA publications.

These tend to remain in the pub for about a week following publication and, judging by their grubby front covers and dog-eared pages before they disappear, it’s clear they’re very well read and, who knows, they may have even led to the odd new CAMRA membership or two. John GrahamHampstead NW3

Hard to justifyWE are urged to support our local pubs, but some-times they do themselves no favours.

A pint of Abbot at my nearest Wetherspoon is £2.29, whereas at a nearby Good Beer Guide pub it’s £4.80. I know all the arguments about the clout Wetherspoon has in bulk buying, economy of scale, rapid turnaround, etc, but given it doesn’t sell at a loss, it is hard to see how such a huge differential can be justified.

I shall stick with Wether-spoon (especially with the 50p voucher!) Mike Keedwell Chelmsford, Essex

Digital solutionRE Bum Wrap (WB Feb) I read this letter with interest on my emailed PDF version. I am most surprised those members who still get WB in the post, don’t sign up to receive them by email and read them in PDF format and, if so wished, can save them in a fileRoy RodgersBeverley, E Yorks

Sad requestI TOO read the Myles Penfold in WB Dec and agree. Then I noticed Paul

Nunny’s letter (WB Jan) and thought it was sad we have to be asked to lend our support to cask and “champion the attributes of cask”. Should that not be a given?

We are, after all the Campaign for Real Ale.Mike LockeFreshwater, Isle of Wight

Sparkler disguiseALAN Gent is not correct when he suggests (WB Feb) that all beer in West Sussex (and I believe he means by implication, in the south of England) is flat because it is served without a sparkler.

If live beer is condi-tioned properly in the cask and served at its peak it should have a natural carbonation and a sparkle which will make it anything but flat. If you are served flat beer that is because it is either old or has not been properly conditioned in the cellar.

My branch and my region run festivals where the beer is dispensed simply by gravity and it just fizzes out of the cask with a head to satisfy any lover of good ale, and we use oversized glasses accordingly.

STAR LETTER

EditorTim Hampsonwb.editor@camra.org.ukAdvertising John Galpin Tel: 07508 036835johngalpinmedia@gmail.comAdvertising deadline is the first of the month prior to publication. We endeavour to ensure all advertising is in line with CAMRA policy. With limited exceptions, all featured beers should be cask or bottle-conditioned.

CAMRA Office staffChief executiveTom Stainertom.stainer@camra.org.ukDeputy chief executive Ken Owst Chief commercial officerTony LewisHead of membership services John CottrellHQ email addressescamra@camra.org.uk Staff and NE members can be contacted directly at: first name.surname@camra.org.ukHome Page: www.camra.org.uk

National Executive Nik AntonaNational chairman01283 711611 (h) 07443 426583 (m)Lynn AtackNational director01302 563680 (h) Nick BoleyCampaigns director07950 914449 (m)Ash Corbett-CollinsCommercial & communications director07463 907591 (m)Ian GarnerFinance director07766 687743 (m)Hubert Gieschen National director07505 912784 (m)Gillian HoughReal ale, cider & perry campaigns director07847 504074 (m)

Jonathan Kemp National director07833 430330 (m)Abigail NewtonNational vice chairman07946 486642 (m)Gary Timmins Awards director07737 584300 (m)Catherine Tonry Events director07793 547067 (m)Ben WilkinsonPub campaigns director07960 098061 (m) CAMRA is a company limited by guarantee, run at a national level by an elected, unpaid board of directors (the National Executive) and at regional level by its regional directors; both backed by a full-time, professional staff.

CONTACTS

Campaign For Real Ale Limited230 Hatfield Road,St Albans, Herts AL1 4LWTel: 01727 867201

SHORT-TERM GAINS DAMAGENATION’S PUBS

l Continue the debate on the CAMRA forums at discourse.camra.org.uk You can also keep up with CAMRA, beer and brewery news by following @WBandBEER on Twitter.l This issue should have arrived by 26 February. If you received it after this call 01727 798431 or email press@camra.org.uk The next issue is due by 25 March.

Well done, BillA FIRST! Finally, a Keg Buster strip which made me laugh (“I can’t go without Crudgie for five whole minutes!”) It had to happen one day. Keep up the good work, Bill. Jonathan HammondWetheral, Carlisle

Miles betterJUST a small point. You should have shown the distance Moon Gazer Ale is to roll a barrel (WB Feb) in miles not kilometres. After all we still order our beer and ciders by the pint.Chris WestRainham, Essex

Fuel for thoughtWHAT a pity the somewhat misleading term “liquid forms of carbon” appears in the interesting article on research by Dr Osman (WB Jan). Perhaps more commonly termed “petro-leum spirit” or aliphatic hydrocarbons, these molecules are fossil fuels and to be treated with due respect. We must enjoy the science even as we sup our pints.Philip Bradfield Holyrood, Edinburgh

BRIEFLYIf I were to be deliberately provocative (perish the thought!) I could argue the use of a sparkler only serves to disguise flat ale by adding some artificial carbonation at the point of dispense.Gerry KeayCanterbury, Kent

Short sighted?NORTH Yorkshire County Council recently took the decision to “use more discretion” when deciding whether or not to prosecute landlords for short-measure.

Apparently this comes following its unsuccessful attempt to prosecute the landlady of a pub for serving a pint which was “six teaspoons short”.

I’d be interested to hear what CAMRA members think of this. Is it a fair, sensible approach for a council to take or does it send a message that it is ok to short-measure customers, and perhaps give them less of a right to demand a full pint?

If I am right then six teaspoons equates to around five per cent of a pint, so about 20 pence, much less than a mouthful. Jerry DiccoxDarley, N Yorks

Letters should be received by 5 March. They should be 200 words or less to stand the best chance of publication. We reserve the right to edit letters for publication.

Send letters to wb.editor@camra.org.uk or the postal address (left)

10 WHAT’S ON WHAT’S BREWING MARCH 2020

Soc, Jolly Anglers, 314-316 Kennet Side RG1 3EA, then towards Retreat & Weather Station, hosted by West Berks CAMRA brch. 5 Mar 730pm, RBF20 volunteering mtg, Castle Tap, 120 Castle St, RG1 7RJ. 5 Mar 8pm, First Thu of the month Soc, Moderation, 213 Caversham Rd, RG1 8BB. 10 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Foresters Arms, 79-81 Brunswick St, RG1 6NY, TBC after pub reopen in Feb CAMRA membs only. 29 Mar 1030am, Ale Trail Walk to Bell Inn Aldworth, Catherine Wheel, Station Rd, Goring RG8 9HB. Sec: Christopher Hinton [social@readingcamra.org.uk] Tele: 01189 873203 Brch contact: Katrina Fletcher [contact@readingcamra.org.uk] Tele: 07794 019437

S OXFORDSHIRE: 4 Mar 830pm, brch mtg, Plough, Long Wittenham. Contact: Paul Dixon, soxon.camra@gmail.com

SLOUGH, WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD: 22 Feb 1pm, London Pub Walk (London Bridge, Borough and Bermondsey) led by Paul (Tel. 07970 440703), meet in Mad Bishop & Bear, Paddington Station. 11 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, Boundary Arms, Pinkneys Green, all membs welc. 14 Mar 1pm, Reading Pub Walk led by Steve, Fisherman’s Cottage. 20 Mar 730pm, Curry Night hosted by W Mddx CAMRA, meet at Conservative Club, High St, Southall. 28 Mar 1pm, Marlow Pub Walk led by Paul, meet at Royal British Legion, Station Approach, Marlow. See www.swm.camra.org.uk for full dtls & brch contacts, Soc Sec Tracey Bottomley, 07917 564194, social.sec@swm.camra.org.uk

WHITE HORSE: 22 Feb 12noon, The Crown, 59A Cornmarket St, Oxford OX1 3HB, Dick Bosley’s Guided Pub Walk of Oxford. 13-14 Mar 11am, 10th Wantage Beer & Cider Fest, The Beacon, Portway, Wantage OX12 9BX. 28 APR 7PM, AGM, THE ROYAL OAK, NEWBURY ST, WANTAGE OX12 8DF. Contact: contact@whitehorsecamra.org.uk

W BERKSHIRE: 22 Feb 12noon, East Riding Ale Trail, start The Retreat. 13 Mar 1215pm, Wantage Beer & Cider Fest trip, 1030am train frm Newbury via Didcot. Full info on wbsite www.westberkscamra.org.uk Facebook @WBCAMRA & Twitter @WBCAMRA. Contact: Paul Worsley 07860 953515 pubsofficer@westberkscamra.org.uk

EAST ANGLIA

Regional Director Andrea Briers 01553 766904, RD.EastAnglia@camra.org.uk

REG MTG: 7 MAR 12NOON, FALCON, 10 MARKET HILL, HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, PE29 3NR.

CAMBRIDGE & DISTRICT: 10 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Corner House, Cambridge. Contact: Will Smith, will.smith@cambridge-camra.org.uk tel: 07595 257980.

CHELMSFORD & MID ESSEX: Contact soc sec Martin Joy 07878624443 or email socialsecre-tary@chelmsford.camra.org.uk

COLCHESTER & NE ESSEX: 28 Feb 8pm, Last Friday Pub Crawl to Queen Street Brewhouse, Castle Inn, & Three Wise Monkeys. 8 Mar 1010am, Second Sunday Spring Stagger to Billericay. 12 Mar 7pm, Real Ale Runabout #107 to Coggeshall & Feering (bking req’d). 16 MAR 730PM, SGM, VICTORIA INN, COLCHESTER, TO ELECT NEW CHAIRMAN. Ideally, if you wish to stand email secretary@colchestercamra.org.uk 27 Mar 8pm, Last Friday Pub Crwl to Fox & Fiddler, Fat Cat & Ale House. Contact: Trevor Simpson branchcontact@colchestercamra.org.uk 07414 532555. Soc event info: socialsec@colchestercamra.org.uk See wbsite www.colchestercamra.org.uk for more dtls + updates.

E BEDFORDSHIRE: 12 Feb 8pm, Brch Mtg, Rising Sun, Potton, finalise 2021 GBG entries. 13 Mar 2pm, Soc, ‘Booze on the Ouse’ St Neots Beer Fest. 14 Mar 1230pm, Soc, Meet at Orange Tree for a stroll around Baldock’s pubs. 24 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Location TBC (by email). Contact: Barry Price, secretary@eastbeds.camra.org.uk

E NORFOLK: 2 Mar 6pm, Soc, meet at Mariners then Star Hotel for more ale & Brian’s quiz. Contact: Pat Smith, 01493 662526 eastnorfolk.camra.org.uk

ELY & DISTRICT: Brch Contact: Nicola Wignall contact@elyanddistrictcamra.com

HERTS/ESSEX BORDERS: Mini-bus bookings Graham Darby secretary@heb-camra.org.uk 07753 266983. Brch Contact Brendan Sothcott chairman@heb-camra.org.uk 07778 780807

N HERTFORDSHIRE: Contact socialsecretary@camranorthherts.org.uk See Brch wbsite, FB or POV for dtls + last minute changes to all above.

S HERTFORDSHIRE: Contact: John Bishop realales@yahoo.com (preferred) or 01582 768478

HUNTINGDONSHIRE: Further dtls of brch events, refer to brch wbsite: hunts.camra.org.uk . Brch Contact: Christopher Bee, contact@hunts.camra.org.uk

IPSWICH & E SUFFOLK: For soc events see our brch newsletter “Last Orders” or our wbsite. Contact: Gordon Taylor chairman@ipswich.camra.org.uk

MALDON & DENGIE: 28 Feb 12noon, Chappel Winter Beer Fest, Chappel & Wakes Colne Station. 10 MAR 8PM, AGM, BELL, WOODHAM FERRERS, CM3 8RF. 20 Mar 8pm, Soc, Minibus trip to Maldon, meet South Woodham Ferrers station at 730pm, spaces limited, phone or email to reserve your place. Brch Contact: Robert Longley, Social Secretary, redleader49@gmail.com or tel 07869 146569

MID ANGLIA: Contact: Chair – David Williamson, fieldsedge@hotmail.com

N BEDFORDSHIRE: 12 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Bedford Rowing Club, Duck Mill Lane, Bedford, MK42 0AX. 13 Mar, St Neots “Booze on the Ouse” Beer & Cider Fest, informal soc afternoon/eve. 20 APR 730PM, AGM, VENUE TBC. Contact: Gary Mudd at socials@northbeds.camra.org.uk Latest dtls on brch wbsite.

NW ESSEX: 3 Feb, Brch Mtg, Chequers, Great Dunmow. 2 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Finchingfield Lion. Contact: Tom Bogie 01799 502686, secretary@northwestessex.camra.org.uk

NORWICH & DISTRICT: 28 Feb 715pm, Eve Campaign Trip departing frm Castle Meadow, visiting up to 5 country pubs. 6 Mar 8pm, First Friday Five, Eagle 8pm, York Tavern, Rose Tavern, William & Florence and Pear Tree In. 12 Mar, Lunchtime Stroll, Britannia Gardens (Noon), Nelson, Fat Cat, Belle Vue and Alexandra. 18 Mar 1130am, Lunchtime Campaign Trip, departs Castle Meadow. 19 MAR 730PM, AGM, LOUIS MARCHESI. 22 Mar 12noon, Sunday Stroll, Whalebone (12noon), Rosebery, Angel Gardens, Duke Of Wellington, Stanley and Artichoke. 27 Mar 715pm, Campaign Trip, Coach departs Castle Meadow. Contact Michael Phillips: Social Sec 07851923554 or socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk.

PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT: Contact: Dickie Bird 07731993896 info@peterborough-camra.org.uk

S BEDFORDSHIRE: 27 Feb 830pm, Thur Soc, Fancott, Star Chalton & Red Lion Upper Sundon. 5 Mar 830pm, Thu Soc, Anchor Tilsworth then Five Bells Stanbridge. 12 Mar 830pm, Thu Soc, Cross Keys Pulloxhill, Compasses Greenfield & Chequers Westoning. 19 Mar 830pm, Thu Soc, Whit Hart & Joly Coopers Flitton. 26 Mar 830pm, Brch Mtg, Red Lion, Luton (TBC). Contact: Mike Coombes secretary@southbeds.camra.org.uk 07917 645222. See wbsite for latest dtls www.southbeds.camra.org.uk/events/thursday-socials

SE ESSEX: 7 APR 8PM, AGM, THE CRICKETERS, 228 LONDON RD, WESTCLIFF, SS0 7JG. Dtls call Jimmy 07413 032964.

SW ESSEX: 26 Feb 8pm, GBG Selection Mtg, White Hart, Kings Walk / Argent St, Grays, RM17 6HR. 28 Feb 12noon, Out-of-Area Soc: 11th Chappel Winter Beer Fest, East Anglian Rly Museum, Chappel & Wakes Colne, CO6 2DS. NB: Free Admission for CAMRA / EARM Members Fri (before 5.30pm) & all day Sat. 4 Mar 8pm, Soc. Fatling, 109 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TX. 11 Mar 8pm, Soc, Ye Olde Green Dragon, 112 Shenfield Rd, Shenfield, CM15 8EZ. 18 Mar 7.30pm, Soc, Triple-Header Soc, Pipe Major, 1 Yiewtree Ave / Rainham Rd South, Dagenham, RM10 7FN, followed by (at 830pm), Eastbrook, Dagenham Rd / Rainham Rd South, Dagenham, RM10 7UP, followed by (at 945pm), Goose, 143 South St, Romford, RM1 1NX. 26 Mar 830pm, Soc, Two Brewers, Chigwell Row, 57 Lambourne Road, IG7 6ET. Contact: Alan Barker contact@swessex.camra.org.uk - Updates on brch wbsite: swessex.camra.org.uk

TENDRING: 4 Mar 7pm-10pm, Brch Cttee Mtg, Maybrush Inn, Great Oakley. 19 MAR 7PM-11PM, AGM, HANOVER INN, HARWICH INN. Contact: Frank Lally at franklally1@outlook.com

W NORFOLK: 10 Mar 745pm, Soc, Downham Market Pub Tour, meet at Whalebone, 58-64 Bridge St, Downham Market, PE38 9DJ 730pm-8pm. 14 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg & Soc (incl SGM to change date of brch financial yr), Red Lion, 114 Main St, Hockwold cum Wilton, Thetford IP26 4NB. Contact: Ian Bailey, 01553 766904, andrea@briers.myzen.co.uk

NE SUFFOLK: 7 MAR 12NOON, AGM IN BECCLES, MEET 12NOON FOR 1PM AT CAXTON CLUB, NR34 9SJ. 18 Mar 12noon, meander in Lowestoft, meet at Joseph Conrad, NR32 1BA. Contact: Brch Secretary nescamrasec@gmail.com or Mike & Linda Davey 01502 730746 michaeljohndavey52@gmail.com

W SUFFOLK: Contact Nigel Smith (nigelsmith-szoo@btinternet.com) or Andrea Briers (rd.eastanglia@camra.org.uk) for more infoContact: westsuffolkcamra@gmail.com

EAST MIDLANDS

Regional Director Carl Brett RD.EastMidlands@camra.org.uk 07801365232 (home) 01773 778316

AMBER VALLEY: 27 FEB 8PM, AGM, THE OLD OAK, HORSLEY WOODHOUSE. 2 Mar 8pm, Beer Fest Mtg, venue TBC (check wbsite & social media). 26 Mar 8pm, Cttee & Brch Mtg, Thorn Tree, Waingroves. Contact: Chair, C Rogers, 01332 880041, threecatscider@ymail.com

ASHBOURNE & DISTRICT SUB BRCH: Contact: info@ashbournecamra.org.uk See Fb + website for further dtls & soc events www.ashbournecamra.org.uk

CHESTERFIELD: 5 Mar 830pm, Brch Mtg, The Cock and Magpie 2 Church St North Old Whittington Chesterfield S41 9QW. 2 Apr 830pm, Brch Mtg, The Blue Stoops 20 Matlock Rd Walton Chesterfield S40 3JQ. Look out for socials on Chesterfield Camra Facebook and Yahoo Groups pages. Contact: Jane Lefley, 07790 863432.

DERBY: 25 Feb, Soc, informal crwl by public transport, Ashbourne Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football social. 2 Mar 8pm, Cttee Mtg, in the snug at The Rowditch Inn, Uttoxeter New Rd, Derby. 12 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Papermill, Darley St, Darley Abbey, Derby. DE22 1DX. 30 Mar 8pm, Cttee Mtg, for Apr cttee mtg, prompt start, pub closes 10pm, The Tiger, 4 Lockup Yard, Derby DE1 2DG. 9 APR 8PM, AGM, THE VICTORY CLUB, 85 CHELLASTON RD, DERBY DE24 9AF. Brch contact Ian Forman 07711202841 -secretary@derbycamra.org.uk Socs/Survey trips: socials@derbycamra.org.uk

DRONFIELD & DISTRICT: 11 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, confirming results of voting for our POTY, Green Dragon. 28 Mar 1115am, Soc, Visit to Burton-on-Trent Beer Fest, leaving on 1115am train frm Dronfield, sess at fest then explore some of the better pubs in town. 8 APR 8PM, AGM, PIONEER CLUB, COAL ASTON, Agenda will appear in member’s section of website. For further dtls on all above, refer to Dronfield camra wbsite or contact Graham Hall (brch sec) on graham55hall@gmail.com

EREWASH VALLEY: 2 MAR 8PM, AGM, FLLWD BY SHORT BRCH MTG, NEEDLEMAKERS ARMS, ILKESTONE. Contact: secretary@erewash.camra.org.uk wbsite www.erewash.camra.org.uk

FENLAND: Contact: ena.woodburn@fenland.camra.org.uk or see wbsite.

GAINSBOROUGH: 26 Feb (last Wed of month) 8pm, Beer Fest Mtg, Eight Jolly Brewers. 29 Feb, Beer Fest wash up, York. 17 MAR, AGM & BRCH MTG, 8JBS. 25 Mar, beer fest mtg, 8JBs. Contact: Scott Young scott.young477@gmail.com Sec: secretary@gainsboroughcamra.org.uk or visit wbsite.

GRANTHAM: For further info pls see our wbsite, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pges, or contact Rob Hamnett-Day at chairman@granthamcamra.org.uk

GRIMSBY & NE LINCOLNSHIRE: 9 MAR 8PM, AGM, SPIDERS WEB, CARR LANE. All brch enquires phone 07926198728 grimsbycamra@outlook.com

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH: Updates on website. Brch Contact: Richard 01455 611341 Socs: Contact Mike 07828 481688

LEICESTER: Contact: S Collier 07504829830 chairman@leicester.camra.org.uk Socs: Gary Aikens 07815 825039 socials@leicester.camra.org.uk. Up to date brch diary on wbsite.

LINCOLN: 27 Feb 7pm, Meet the Brewer & Soc, Ritz, Lincoln. 1 Mar 8pm, Cttee Mtg, Market Lounge, Witham St Hughs. 4 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Cardinal’s Hat, Lincoln. 8 Mar 8pm, Beer Fest Mtg, Joiners Arms, Lincoln. 26 Mar 7pm, Meet-the Brewer + Soc, Ritz, Lincoln. 29 Mar 7.30pm, Cttee Mtg, Bugle Horn, Bassingham. Contact: Steve Renshaw 01522 754458 branchcontact@lincolncamra.org.uk

LOUGHBOROUGH & N LEICESTERSHIRE: 25 Feb 8pm, Brch Mtg, Navigation, Barrow upon Soar. 31 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Moon & Bell, Loughborough. Contact: Keith Butler loughborocamra@gmail.com

LOUTH & DISTRICT: Contact: Jerry Gale contact@louth.camra.org.uk

MANSFIELD & ASHFIELD: Any brch enquires pls email rd.eastmidlands@camra.org.uk

MATLOCK & DALES: 30 APR 8PM AGM, THE MIDLAND, 1 NORTH PARADE, MATLOCK BATH, DE4 3NS. Brch Contact: Rob Shortchair.madcamra@gmail.com or see www.mad.camra.org.uk

MELTON MOWBRAY & DISTRICT: 4 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Hamilton Lawn Tennis Club. 1 Apr 8pm, Brch Mtg, Survey Trip. For socials contact David Whitehead kircalla123@hotmail.co.uk. Brch contact Kevin Billson kevinbillson@ntlworld.com. Website: www.meltonmowbray.camra.org.uk.

NEWARK-ON-TRENT: Contact: Allister Ferguson secretary@newarkcamra.org.uk or see wbsite/Facebook.

N NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: Brch Mtg to be held at 2020 POTY, will have been announced at Feb Brch Mtg. 20-22 Mar, Bruges. 1 APR 730PM, AGM, THE MALLARD, WORKSOP. Updates on the above see Website www.northnotts.camra.org.uk Brch contact Terry Johnson, secretarynorth-nottscamra@gmail.com Soc Sec Wayne Cadman, socialsecretarynorthnottscamra@gmail.com

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: Brch Contact: Dean Cornwall chairman@northants-camra.org.uk Further details contact Karl Tecklenberg, tel:07723 858069 or social@northants.camra.org.uk

NOTTINGHAM: 27 Feb 8pm, Brch mtg, Station Hotel Hucknall, Station Terrace, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 7TQ. 28 Feb, Soc to Leicester Beer Fest, 1112am train frm Notts Stn, mtg for breakfast/quick drink at VAT & Fiddle frm 10am, aim to return frm Leicester on 843 which gets us back into Notts round 910pm. 6 Mar 5pm, Arnold Crwl, meet at Lincolnshire Poacher, Mansfield Rd, then aim to catch bus to Daybrook approx. 5pm. 12 Mar 745pm, Cttee Mtg, The Barley Twost, 91 Carrington St, Nottingham, NG1 7FE. 14 Mar 1pm, Beeston Crwl, tour of Beeston Stout & Porter pubs, meet at Hop Hole. 26 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Star Inn, 22 Middle St, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1FX. For further information on socials or to let us know you are coming contact mickcourtney@nottinghamcamra.org or contact Mick on 07903910963. Look out for trips in March planned around the Stout and Porter Stroll.

RUTLAND: For more contact Jon Whowell Chair@Rutlandcamra.org.uk 07780 923439

SCUNTHORPE & DISTRICT: Contact: Brch Chairman Mark Elsome 01724 331056 mark.elsome@ntlworld.com

VALE OF BELVOIR: 3 MAR 8PM, AGM, COPPER BAR, BINGHAM BRCH. Contact: Bridget Edwards martynandbridget@btinternet.com or see wbsite www.valeofbelvoir.camra.org.uk

GREATER LONDON

Regional Director Geoff Strawbridge RD.GreaterLondon@camra.org.uk

LONDON CIDER GROUP: RUN BY LONDON REGIONAL CIDER CO-ORD LONDON-CIDER.BLOGSPOT.COM IAN WHITE, IKWCIDER@ICLOUD.COM OR TEXT 07712 122402 (10-4 MON-FRI)

LONDON PUBS GROUP: CONTACT: JANE JEPHCOTE 07813 739856. JANE.JEPHCOTE@GOOGLEMAIL.COM

BROMLEY: 26 Feb 730pm Cttee Mtg, Chancery, 90 Bromley Rd, Beckenham BR3 5NP. 2 Mar 2pm, Afternoon Soc in Farnborough, Change of Horses, 87 High St, BR6 7BB. 7 Mar 12noon, Tour of Bexley area micropubs, Hackney Carriage, 165 Station Rd, Sidcup DA15 7AA. 14 MAR (230PM FOR 3PM PROMPT START) AGM, ORPINGTON LIBERAL CLUB, 7 STATION RD, ORPINGTON BR6 0RZ. 21 Mar 1045am, Day trip to Maidstone, Bromley South Stn. 31 Mar 730pm, Cttee Mtg, Queen’s

Head, 25 High St, Downe BR6 7US. See wbsite www.bromley.camra.org.uk/ Contact: Kent Sadler branch.contact@bromley.camra.org.uk

CROYDON & SUTTON: Contact Terry Hewitt 020 8660 5931 contact@croydon.camra.org.uk

E LONDON & CITY: 10 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Northcote Arms, 110 Grove Green Road, E11 4EL. 29 Mar 2pm, Pigs Ear Fest wash up mtg, Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe St, E17 4SA. 12 MAY 8PM, AGM, LEYTON ORIENT SUPPORTERS CLUB, OLIVER ROAD, E10 5NF. Full dtls on all events at www.pigsear.org.uk Email elacbranch@mail.com or phone 07757772564.

ENFIELD & BARNET: Brch Contact: Contact: Peter Graham 07946 383498 branchcontact@camraenfieldandbarnet.org.uk

N LONDON: 25 Feb 730pm South St Pancras Soc, Lucas Arms, 245a Grays Inn Rd, WC1X 8QY; 815pm Queens Head, 66 Acton St, WC1X 9NB; 9pm Harrison, 28 Harrison St, WC1H 8JF; 945pm Boot, 116 Cromer St, WC1H 8BS; 1030pm Skinners Arms, 114 Judd St, WC1H 9NT. Contact: John Wilson, 07840 111590 (M), jgwnw3@hotmail.com Stephen Taylor, 07443 473746, stephen.taylor500@gmail.com

RICHMOND & HOUNSLOW: 11 Mar 8pm, Cttee Mtg, Green Man, Green Man Lane, Hatton, TW14 0PZ. 18 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg & Soc, Pilot, 56 Wellesley Rd, Gunnersbury/Chiswick, W4 4BZ. 31 Mar 8pm, Brentford 3-pub Soc. start Brook, 38 New Rd, Brentford, TW8 0NU, then 9pm Black Dog Beer House, 17 Albany Rd, 10pm Brewery Tap, 47 Catherine Wheel Rd. 22 APR 8PM, AGM, CABBAGE PATCH, 67 LONDON RD, TWICKENHAM, TW1 3SZ. Contact: Roy Hurry 020 8570 0643(h), 07971 316469 (m) rh014q5742@blueyonder.co.uk

SE LONDON: Brch contact: Neil Pettigrew contact@sel.camra.org.uk Soc Sec: Andrew Sewell social@sel.camra.org.ukwww.sel.camra.org.uk

SW LONDON: Contact: Soc sec phillip.blanchard@camraswl.org.uk

W LONDON: 26 Feb 7pm, Soc, Moon under Water, 28 Leicester Sq, WC2H 7LE, (750pm) Salisbury, 90 St Martin’s La, WC2N 4AP; (835pm) Lamb & Flag, 33 Rose St, WC2E 9EB; (920pm) Lemon Tree, 4 Bedfordbury, WC2N 4BP; (10pm) Harp, 47 Chandos Pl, WC2N 4HS. 10 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, Speaker (upstairs), 46 Great Peter St SW1P 2HA. 19 Mar 230pm, Soc, Willow Walk, 25 Wilton Road, SW1V 1LW. 31 Mar 7pm, Soc, Devereux, 20 Devereux Ct, WC2R 3JJ, + 3-4 other nearby pubs. Contacts: Paul Charlton 07835 927357 contact@westlondon.camra.org.uk Soc Secretary Stuart Duncan 07432 132933, socials@westlondon.camra.org.uk

W MIDDLESEX: Contact: Roy Tunstall info@westmiddx-camra.org.uk 020 8933 4934/07585 744533.

WATFORD & DISTRICT: 24 Feb 8pm, Brch Mtg, Wellington Arms, 2 Woodford Rd, Watford, WD17 1PA. 3 Mar 830pm, Soc starting at Bushey Conservative Club, 7 High Street, Bushey. 19 Mar 7pm, Brch Annual Breweriana Auction, (viewing frm 7pm for 8pm start), West Herts Sports Club, Park Avenue, Watford. 30 MAR 8PM, AGM, WELLINGTON ARMS, 2 WOODFORD RD, WATFORD. Contact: Mark Fried 07515 414944 branch@watford.camra.org.uk

GREATER MANCHESTER

Regional Director Phil Moss RD.GreaterManchester@camra.org.uk

BOLTON: 5 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Millstone. Contact: Keith Sowerby, secretary@boltoncamra.org.uk

CENTRAL MANCHESTER: 27 Feb 6pm, Soc, Crawl of pubs & bars of Ancoats area, Cask, Cottonfield Wharf, 2 New Union Street New Islington Marina, Manchester M4 6FQ. finishing at Crown & Kettle. 2 MAR 6PM FOR 630PM START, AGM FLLWD BY BRCH MTG, ROSE & MONKEY HOTEL, 31 SWAN ST, MANCHESTER M4 5JZ. 21 Mar 12noon, Sat Soc, starting at Runaway Brewery, Unit 4 Millgate, Dantzic Street, Manchester M4 4JW & visit other breweries in Green Bank area before heading to Cloudwater & other breweries heading out along railway arches frm Piccadilly, social will finish to allow MBCF volunteers to go to the Volunteers Evening Social. 26 Mar 6pm, Soc eve visiting pubs & bars frm Britons Protection, 50 Great Bridge-water St, Manchester M1 5LE finishing at the Knott Bar. Contact: mcrcamrasocials@hotmail.com

HIGH PEAK, TAMESIDE & NE CHESHIRE: 9 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Bridge Beers, Melbourne St, Staly-bridge. Brch contact: Tom Lord 0161 427 7099 / 07733335046, email jenni.lord@tiscali.co.uk

ROCHDALE, OLDHAM & BURY: 14 Mar 12pm, train trip for joint soc with Calderdale brch, Peter Sheldon will provide more info. 9 May, Adv notice of weekend coach trip to Black Country staying Sat night in Stourbridge, places ltd. For more info or to book contact secretary@rob.camra.org.uk

SALFORD: 4 Mar 830pm, Pres, The Eagle (lamp-oil). 15 APR 730PM, AGM, SALFORD ARMS. Socs sec: Joanne Massey camrasalfordsocials@gmail.com

SE LANCASHIRE: Contact: Steven Prescott 01942 719037 sel_camra@hotmail.co.uk

STOCKPORT & S MANCHESTER: 27 Feb 8pm, POTMonth, Archive Bar & Bottle, 2 Mellor Road, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5AU. 1 Mar 5pm, Soc, Winter Warmer Wander prize-giving, Angel Inn, 19-20 Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1UN. 5 Mar 815pm, Cttee Mtg Moortop, 172 Heaton Moor Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 4DU. 12 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Guest Speaker, Blossoms 2 Buxton Rd, Heaviley, SK2 6NU. 20 Mar 730pm, Soc, Tatton Arms, 2 Trenchard Drive, M22 5LZ; Stagger; Moss Nook & Heald Green; 830pm Beefeater, Finney Lane, Heald Green, SK8 3QH. 26 Mar 8pm, PotM Award Ceremony, Chiverton Tap, 8 Mellor Rd, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5AU. Contact: John Abrams 07734 254269 johnabrams1111@yahoo.co.uk

TRAFFORD & HULME: 3 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, location TBC. Contact: enquiries@thcamra.org.uk George Elmslie 07802 555163

WIGAN: 16 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Twisted Vine Ale House, 15 Wigan Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield WN4 9AR. Contact: sandy@wigancamra.org.uk

KENT

Regional Director Paul Sanders, RD.Kent@camra.org.uk

ASHFORD, FOLKESTONE & ROMNEY MARSH: Contact: Michael Line, mjl68958@gmail.com, 07843006754.

BEXLEY: 7 Mar 12noon, Soc, Micropub Crwl w Bromley brch, start at Hackney Carriage, 165 Station Rd, Sidcup DA15 7AA, moving on to Hangar, Broken Drum, Door Hinge, & Bolthole. 11 Mar 830pm, Brch Mtg, 151 Club, 151 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7EZ. Brch contact: Rob Archer branch.contact@bexley.camra.org.uk Website www.bexley.camra.org.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/camrabexleybranch Bexley on Twitter - @BexleyCAMRA

CANTERBURY, HERNE BAY & WHITSTABLE: 19 MARCH 830PM, AGM, VICTORIA HOTEL, LONDON ROAD, CANTERBURY. 28 Mar 1230pm, Soc, Faversham Pub Crwl, meet at Elephant, The Mall. See Meetup for more dtls. Contact: Gerry Keay gillandgerrykeay@btinternet.com Tel 01227 463478. Join our Meetup group, CAMRA Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable Branch.

DEAL, DOVER, SANDWICH & DISTRICT: Contact: Jim Green, 01304 202453, jimbeeryboater@aol.com

GRAVESEND & DARENT VALLEY: 26 Feb 8pm, Open Bus & GBG Selection mtg, all welc, Glentworth Club Dartford. 12 Mar 8pm, Soc, Mole Hole, Goose, Invicta Bar both Gravesend. 25 Mar 8pm, Soc, Black Horse, Stansted; Villager, Vigo. Contact: Peter Cook, 01322 27059 gdvcamra@yahoo.co.uk

MAIDSTONE & MID KENT: 26 Feb 845pm, Brch Mtg, Beer Fest Mtg, Olde Thirsty Pig, Maidstone. 27 Feb 830pm, Yew Tree, Sandling, then Red Bull, Eccles. 5 Mar 830pm, Soc, Moody Mare, Mere-worth, then Swan on the Green, West Peckham. 12 Mar 830pm, Brch mtg, Red Lion Lenham. 16 Mar 1120am, Bus & Walk frm Rodmersham to Bredgar . 19 Mar 830pm, Soc, Bell, Bearsted, then Black Horse, Thurnham. 21 Mar 7pm, Soc, Annual Dinner, Knoxbridge. 27 Mar 830pm, Brickmakers, Maidstone, then Flower Pot. Contact: jeff.tucker@blueyonder.co.uk

MEDWAY: 5 Mar 7pm, Dartford Trip, meet at Malt Shovel, 3 Darenth Rd, DA1 1LP, then on to Dartford Jug & Dartford Working Men’s Club. Contact: Wayne Coveney medway.contact@yahoo.com

SWALE: Future: Minibus – Ringleston & Little Gem, trips to Sheffield & St Albans, for more dtls fllw soc media, wbsite or contact Brch contact & Chairman: johnsissons@sky.com

THANET: 5 Mar 730pm, Ramsgate ramble, The Conqueror, Artillery Arms, Churchill Tavern & onwards. 16 Mar 745pm, business mtg, Red Lion, Ramsgate. Soc Secretary - Danny O’Sullivan: 07757 721693, dosullivan21@hotmail.com For Brch info, news & other events, visit www.thanet-camra.org.uk. Facebook: @thanetcamra, Twitter: @ThanetCAMRA. Brch Contact - Graham Rickett, tel: 07870 563918, branch@thanet-camra.org.uk

W KENT: 18 APR 2PM, AGM, ROYAL OAK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS. Contact: Carole Dalgleish, 01892 683445, campaign@camrawestkent.org.uk

MERSEYSIDE & CHESHIRE

Regional Director Nick Bosley RD.MerseysideCheshire@camra.org.uk

Reg Mtg: 7 Mar 1pm, South Cheshire, Venue TBC.

CHESTER & S CLWYD: 23 Feb 8pm, Chester pubs GBG selection mtg, Cross Keys, Chester. 19 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Centurion, 1 Oldfield Drive, Vicars Cross, Chester CH3 5LN. Brch contact: John Bowyer, contact@camracasc.org.uk or 07887 688871

HALTON: 14 APR 830PM, AGM, CHILDE OF HALE PUB, HALE VILLAGE, LIVERPOOL. Chairman: David Gray 01925 727787 chairman@halton.camra.org.uk. Sec: Gary Sleigh 07879854449 garysleigh@hotmail.com

MACCLESFIELD & E CHESHIRE: 29 Feb 12noon, Knutsford wander taking in a number of pubs, start at Builders Arms, 63 Movverley Rd, Knutsford WA16 8EQ. 9 MAR 8PM, AGM, HARRINGTON ARMS, CHURCH LANE, GAWSWORTH, SK11 9RJ. 28 Mar 1pm, Soc, Merlin Brewery, Congleton Road, Arclid, CW11 2UD, bking req’d. Soc: David Seddon social@eastcheshirecamra.org.uk Chair: Dave Gittins 07445 694155.

LIVERPOOL & DISTRICTS: 14 Mar 945am, Soc, Coach trip to Lichfield, Staffordshire, Booking on the Eventbrite link www.eventbrite.co.uk and search ‘Liverpool CAMRA’. 21 Mar 1130am, Minibus trip to Stonehouse Brewery, with optional visit to the Barley Mow, Trefonen, Oswestry, Shropshire, home of Offa’s Dyke Brewery, bking on Eventbrite. Contact: Steve Downing contact@liverpoolcamra.org.uk

ST HELENS: Brch contact: Des Platt on 07970 625024 or desplatt@gmail.com

SOUTHPORT & WEST LANCS: 26 FEB 8PM, BRCH AGM, GRASSHOPPER, HILLSIDE (NR. HILLSIDE STN. & 47 BUS). 11 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Guest House, Southport (short walk frm Southport Stn & Lord St bus routes). Contact Derek Tasker: Tel 01704 578604 Email derek.tasker@talk21.com Soc Secretary, Phil Morris Tel 01704 575454 email socials@southport.camra.org.uk Brch Contact & Public Transport: Mike Perkins 01704 573768 mikepcamra@gmail.com Brch Wbsite www.southport.camra.org.uk

CAMRA what’s onFor more details of branch activities – including itineraries for pub crawls – contact branch or see our website. Go to ‘CAMRA near you’ on national website www.camra.org.ukAll branches are run by unpaid vounteersEntries for April should be submitted via the form at camra.org.uk/volunteers-area/branch-administration/whats-brewing-diary-submissions/ by noon on 2 March.

Details received after this deadline will not be included.

GAMES & COLLECTABLES: www.gandc.camra.org.ukLESBIAN & GAY REAL ALE DRINKERS: Regional info: contact info@lagrad.org.uk Also see LAGRAD wbsite/facebk pg. Greater London info: Reg events inc crawls incorp gay ale/good ale venues. Surrey/Sussex: Brighton contact Billy (07804) 937091. Scottish info: Last Mon of Mnth frm 9pm (except Aug – 3rd Mon), Regent, 2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh. Karen 01315 578790 email diversedrinkers@drink.demon.co.uk Manchester: www.facebk.com/groups/lagradmanchesterCOMMS MTG: 7 Mar 12noon, Kings Arms, 65 Newcomen St, London, DE1 1YT. RAC+P MTG: 7 Mar 12noon, Royal Oak, 44 Tabard St, London, SE1 4JU. AWARDS MTG: 14 Mar 1215pm, The Jewellers Arms, 23 Hockley St, Birmingham B16 6BW (TBC)EVENTS MTG: 21 Mar 1230pm, Brewery Tap, Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 2AA (TBC)

NATIONAL

CENTRAL SOUTHERN

Regional Director Carl Griffin RD.CentralSouthern@camra.org.uk

AYLESBURY VALE & WYCOMBE: Contact: David Roe 01296 484551 branch.contact@swansupping.org.uk

BERKSHIRE SE: 22 Feb 12noon, London Pub Walk, start at Bishop & Bear, Upper Level, The Lawn, Paddington Stn, London, W2 1HB, organised by SWM CAMRA. 24 Feb 12noon, Lunchtime soc with the BRATS, Old Manor, Grenville Place, Bracknell, RG12 1PB. 27 Feb 1pm, afternoon soc with U3A, Crispin, 45 Denmark St, Wokingham RG40 2AY. 27 Feb 8pm, Soc, Fuke of Edinburgh, Woodside Road, Ascot, SL4 2DP. 5 Mar 8pm, Open Mtg, Binfield Club, Forest Rd, Binfield, RG42 4HP. 11 Mar 8pm, Soc, Rifle Volunteer, 141 Reading Rd, Emmbrook, Wokingham, RG41 1HD, may make a visit to the Emmbrook Inn, Emmbrook Rd, Emmbrook, Wokingham, RG41 1HG. 14 Mar 12noon, Soc, Siren Craft & Elusive Brewing, Elusive Tap Room, Unit 5 Marino Wat, Hogwood Ln, Hogwood Ind Est, Wokingham, RG40 4RF (organised by SHB CAMRA). 14 Mar 1pm, Soc, Reading Pub Walk, meet Fisherman’s Cottage, 224 Kennet Side, Reading, RG1 3DW, organised by SWM CAMRA. 19 Mar 1pm, Afternoon Soc with U3A, Crispin, 45 Denmark St, Wokingham, RG40 2AY. 20 Mar 7pm, Soc, Southall Curry Night, Southall Conservative Club fllwd by (830pm) curry at Al-Sultan, train ex-Reading 607pm, Maidenhead 621pm & Slough 629pm, rtn 957pm & 1041pm, organised by Mddx CAMRA. 23 Mar 12noon, Lunchtime Soc with BRATS, Old Manor, Grenville Place, Bracknell, RG12 1PB. 27 Mar 730pm, Soc, Fish & Chip Friday, White Hart, Church Rd, Winkfield, SL4 4SE. 28 Mar 1pm, Soc, Marlow Pub Walk, meet Marlow Royal British Legion Charity Beer Fest, Station Approach, Marlow, SL7 1NT, organised by SWM CAMRA. Brch Contact: Clive Doran social@seberkscamra.org.uk or see wbsite for latest info.

MID CHILTERNS: 22 Feb 12noon, Soc, Holmer Green crawl, start at Royal British Legion. 4 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Plough, Hyde Heath. 7 Mar 12noon, Brch Soc, Chipperfield crawl, start at The Windmill. 14 Mar 12noon, Brch Soc, Chenies & Little Chalfont crawl, start at The Red Lion. 28 Mar 12noon, Brch Soc, Tring Brewery visit. Brch Contact: William Powell enquiries@midchilternscamra.org.uk

MILTON KEYNES & NORTH BUCKS: 29 Feb 1115am, Soc, Torcester Brewery & Towcester, meet at stn for 1129am (Z5) bus to Towcester. 4 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Cannon, 50 High St, Newport Pagnell MK16 8AQ. 11 Mar 7pm, Soc, Prince George of Cambridge, Tattenhoe MK4 3FA; then Nut & Squirrel, Westcroft MK4 4DD, Bus 8 frm The Point at 18.27; frm MK Stn at 1837pm. 14 Mar 1045am, Soc, Winslow Beer Fest, Stn bus stop Z4 for X60 bus. 24 Mar 6pm, Preview Night, Wetherspoons Real-ale & Cider Fest, Midsummer Boulevard MK9 1EA. 28 Mar 1115am, Soc, Bicester Crawl (8 pubs), Meet Z4 bus stop at MK stn for Stagecoach X5 bus to Bicester, 1st pub: Jacobs Plough (1220pm). Contact: John McLaughlin, contact@mkcamra.org.uk

N OXFORDSHIRE: All mtgs start 8pm unless stated. See wbsite for more info/updates www.northoxon.camra.org.uk Contact: Martin Betts contact@northoxon.camra.org.uk

OXFORD: 2 MAR 730PM, AGM, BLUE ROOM, ST ALDATES CAVERN, ST ALDATES, fllwd by monthly brch mtg. 13 Mar 12noon, Soc at White Horse Brch Beer Fest, Beacon, Portway, Wantage (also on Sat). Contact: Steve Lawrence 01235 525436 contact@oxford.camra.org.uk

READING & MID BERKSHIRE: 22 Feb 12noon,

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news 11WHAT’S ON

N CHESHIRE: 14 Mar 12noon, Soc, Warrington Town Centre, start location TBC. See wbsite for details. Contact: Rupert Adams, contact@northcheshirecamra.org.uk Socs: Phil Hudson, pg.hudson4@ntworld.com

S CHESHIRE: Contact: Simon Turner/Christine Blakeman secretary@southcheshire.camra.org.uk or see wbsite southcheshire.camra.org.uk

WIRRAL: 29 Feb 1030am, Brass Balance, Coach trip to Preston, 2nd pick up Borough Hotel, Gt Crosshall St, 1045am. 12 Mar 830pm, Brch Mtg, Rose & Crown, Bebington Village, all membs welc. See wbsite: wirral.camra.org.uk or contact: Dave Hutchinson at daveandjeanh@ntlworld.comor 07769 617986.

NORTH EAST

Regional Director David Brazier, 07796842691, RD.NorthEast@camra.org.uk

CLEVELAND: See under Yorkshire.

DARLINGTON: Brch contact: Judith Betts judithandtom@virginmedia.com 07918 593952. Soc Sec / Pubs Officer / Cider Officer: Pete Fenwick 01325 374817(h) 07889 167128 (m) mithril58@btinternet.com

DURHAM: 9 Mar Brch Mtg, Tap & Spile, Fram-wellgate Moor, Durham, DH1 5EE. 21 Mar, Brch trip to Weardale, inc bus travel & visits to several excellent pubs, £10 deposit, membs can login on the brch website, others email brch contact. 14 APR 730PM, AGM, SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE, DL14 8AB. Contact: pubsofficer@camradurham.org.uk

SUNDERLAND & S TYNESIDE: 11 MAR 730PM, AGM & BRCH MTG, MARINE, OCEAN RD, S SHIELDS NE33 2JQ. Contact: mwrivetcatcher@gmail.com Phone 07842159972

TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND: 26 Feb 730pm, Brch Mtg, Tynemouth Soc Club, Front St, Tynemouth. 3 Mar 730pm, Soc, Wander to distribute beer mats & flyers for 44th Newcastle Beer & Cider Fest, Bridge Hotel, Newcastle. 16 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, Punch Bowl, Jesmond. 20 Mar 3pm, Pub Saving Award Pres, event starts 3pm with pres at 7pm. Contact: socialsecretary@cannybevvy.co.uk www.cannybevvy.co.uk

SCOTLAND

Scotland & Northern Ireland Director Sarah Crawford RD.ScotlandNI@camra.org.uk

ABERDEEN, GRAMPIAN & NORTHERN ISLES: Sec/Contact: George Howie 07733 068 673 contact@aberdeencamra.org.uk

AYRSHIRE & WIGTOWNSHIRE: 2 Mar 8pm, Cttee Mtg, Wheatsheaf Inn. 28 MAR 2PM, AGM, J G SHARPS. See website for area soc dates and venues, brch contact Mick Lee 01294 557225 contact@awcamra.org.uk

DUMFRIES & STEWARTRY SUB BRCH: 14 Mar 1230pm, Brch Mtg & Soc, Tam O’Shanter (Upstrs), 113-117 Queensberry St, Dumfries DG1 1BH. For dtls contact secretary@dumfries.camra.org.uk

EDINBURGH & SE SCOTLAND: 22 Feb 2pm, Brch GBG Selection Mtg, Beehive Inn 1st Floor, membs only and card req’d, vote for pubs to be included in 2021 GBG, also vote for POTY, postal votes avail on individual application only frm contact & must be returned by 15 Feb, 10% discount on real ales with memb card. 5 Mar 730pm, Comm, Diggers. 11 Mar 730pm, Murrayfield Saunter, Hampton Hotel, Roseburn Bar. 21 Mar 230pm, Brch Soc Mtg, Railway Inn, West Calder. Contact: Jim Darroch 01315528820 secretary@edinburghcamra.org.uk

FORTH VALLEY: 21 MAR 2PM, AGM, STATION HOTEL, 2 FOUNDRY LOAN, LABERT, FK5 4AW. 3-4 Apr, Larbert Real Ale Fest, vols req’d, also set-up 1-2 Apr + takedown 5 Apr, contact staffing_manager@forthvalley.camra.org.uk or 07835 257334 Contact: Gordon Morrison, 01324 813324, gordon.m.morrison@hotmail.com

GLASGOW & W SCOTLAND: 7 MAR, AGM, STATE BAR, HOLLAND STREET, GLASGOW, G2 4NG – fllwd by Brch Mtg. Contact: John McKenna branch.contact@glasgowcamra.org.uk

HIGHLAND & WESTERN ISLES: We no longer have formal brch or cttee mtgs, instead we have informal “get-togethers” at various venues across the 11,600 sq miles of the brch area, provisionally starting at 1pm on the last Sat of the month. All are welc. Schedule of events avail on wbsite: www.highland.camra.org.uk as are copies of monthly brch updates. Brch contact: Simon Urry chair@highland.camra.org.uk

KINGDOM OF FIFE: 21 Mar 1pm, Brch Mtg, Sands Hotel, Kinghorn Rd, Burntisland KY3 9JX. Brch contact Gordon McRae branchcontact@kingdomoffife.camra.org.uk

RENFREWSHIRE: Mtgs usually held on 1st Monday of each month, confirmation of venue & mtg time will be communicated to brch membs as soon as venues are known. Contact Sec: Tracey Murray-Cassidy 07787870022 secretary@renfrewshirecamra.org.uk or contact@renfrewshirecamra.org.uk

TAYSIDE: 28 Mar 130pm, Brch Mtg & Soc, Jolly’s Hotel, Broughty Ferry. Contact: Frank Mills 01738 638749 or secretary@tayside.camra.org.uk

SOUTH WEST

Regional Director Gareth MacDonald 07718 052 303 RD.SouthWest@camra.org.uk

BATH & BORDERS: 25 Feb 8pm, GBG Selection Mtg & soc, Fromeway, Radstock. 5 Mar 8pm, Bath mini-crwl, start at Rising Sun, Grove St, then to Boater, Argyle St. 10 Mar, 7pm, eve in Midsomer Norton, start at Palladium Palace then on to skittles at White Hart at 8pm. 19 Mar 8pm, Soc, Bell & Crown, Warminster. 24 Mar 8pm, Soc, Packhorse, South Stoke, nr Bath. Contact: Denis Rahilly 01225 791399 or 07486884825 email social@bathandborders.camra.org.uk or visit www.bathandborders.camra.org.uk

BRISTOL & DISTRICT: 22 Feb 10am, BADRAG visit, Old Winter Bank Ales Fest, Keynsham, Open 10am Saturday to 130pmm Sunday, contact Laurie Gibney on 07504 336404. 26 Feb 8pm, Brch Mtg, Inn on the Green, Horfield. 1 Mar 1215pm, GBG 2021 Selection Mtg, Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, Kings St, memb cards req’d. 2 Mar 8pm, BBF Organising Mtg, The Gryphon, 41 Colstons St, BS1 5AP. 5 March 7pm, Bristol Pubs Grp, Robin Hood, St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DX. 11 Mar 8pm, Cttee Mtg, The Gryphon, 41 Colstons St, BS1 5AP. 25 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Boardroom, St Nicholas St, BS1 1UB. Contact cidercamrabristol@gmail.com Info: Andy: camrasocials@gmail.com or see wbsite.

CHELTENHAM: 25 FEB 730PM, AGM, MORAN’S CHELTENHAM.

CORNWALL: 29 Feb, Soc, Kernow tour of the ‘forgotten corner’ dtls TBC, Please book with Roger - rogerwebster@hotmail.com 28 MAR 12NOON FOR 1230PM START, AGM, ST AUSTELL BREWERY VISITORS CENTRE, membs only. Contact: Sonia Bunce, pressofficer@cornwall.camra.org.uk

DEVIZES: Contact: Devizescamra@gmail.com or see wbsite.

EXETER & E DEVON: 22 Feb, POTY minibus tour. 27 Feb, Newton Abbot walkabout, daytime. 14 Mar 12noon, Brch Mtg, Tom Cobley, Spreyton inc Spring Soc. More info: socialsecretary@exetercamra.org.uk Chair: chair@exetercamra.org.uk

GLOUCESTERSHIRE: Brch Open Business Mtgs on 1st Tues of odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc) 8pm, The Pelican, Gloucester. Contact: Richard Holt 07847 998946 holt.r991@gmail.com

DURSLEY SUB BRCH: Contact Peter Corfield 01453 844952; peter-corfield@dursleydistrict-camra.org.uk

N COTSWOLD: Brch Contact: Chris Knight 07890 666707 or visit wbsite.

N DEVON: 7 MAR 1230PM, AGM, BLACK HORSE HIGH STREET, GREAT TORRINGTON DEVON EX38 8HN. Sec: Chris Wells branch.contact@northdevon.camra.org.uk

NW WILTSHIRE: 28 Feb 8pm, Brch Annual Dinner, Quarryman’s Arms SN13 8HN. 10 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Turnpike Inn, Station Rd, Minety, SN16 9QY. Contact Don 07977-157204 secretary@nwwiltscamra.org.uk

PLYMOUTH: 29 Feb 12pm, Soc, pub crawl, Vict-ualling Office Tavern, 10 Cremyll Street, Plymouth, PL1 3RB, other pubs to visit tbc on day. 29 Feb, Soc, Liskeard & Torpoint, South East Cornwall pub crawl with CAMRA Kernow visiting pubs, dtls tbc. 4 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Prince Maurice, 3 Church Hill, Eggbuckland, Plymouth, PL6 5RJ. Brch contact Ian Daniels at contact@plymouth.camra.org.uk or tel 01822 616861.

SOMERSET: 29 Feb 9am, Soc, Pub Crawl by bus along route 28 frm Taunton bus stn towards Minehead, pls contact Phil Emond for full dtls: 07952 171327 public.transport@somerset.camra.org.uk 9 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Racehorse Inn, East Reach, Taunton, TA1 3HT. 21 Mar 12pm-4pm, Soc, Crossways Inn (POTY), West Huntspill, TA9 3RA, on bus route 21. Brch info: www.somerset.camra.org.uk Brch Contact: Katie Redgate contact@somerset.camra.org.uk 01823 279962

S DEVON: 29 Feb 12pm, Soc, Brch soc round Torquay Harbour side, meet at Green Ginger 12noon then on to Hole in the Wall and other pubs. 10 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, GBG 2021 selection, The Barn Owl, Aller Rd, Kingkerswell, Newton Abbot TQ12 5AN. 18 Mar 1150am, Midweek bus soc to Ashburton, Meet Newton Abbot for Bus No 88 at 1150am to Ashburton to visit the Exeter Inn & the Victoria, this is the rearranged trip frm last month due to pub closures. 28 Mar 12noon, Saturday Soc in Teignmouth, meet in Blue Anchor Teign St, Teignmouth, TQ14 8EG at 12noon then onto the back beach pubs incl the Devon Arms & Olde Jolly Sailor. Brch contact: Lawrence Stringer g4gzg@yahoo.com or text (only) 07961 269272

SWINDON & N WILTSHIRE: 24 Feb, GBG Selection, The Manor, Cheney Manor Rd, Swindon, SN2 2NX. 9 Mar, Brch mtg, The Green Dragon, 12-13 High Street, Marlborough SN8 1AA. 6 APR, AGM, THE GODDARD ARMS, 1 HIGH ST, SWINDON, SN1 3EG. All mtgs start 8pm unless indicated otherwise. Contact: contact@swindoncamra.org.uk

TEWKESBURY: Contact Steve Kisby 01684 295466.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE SUB BRCH: For dtls of forthcoming events pls visit www.camrabristol.org.uk/diary.html

SURREY & SUSSEX

Regional Director RD.SurreySussex@camra.org.uk

REG MTG: 21 MAR 12NOON, THAMES SIDE BREWERY TAP ROOM, BRIDGE STREET, STAINES-UPON-THAMES, TW18 4TG.

BUS TO THE PUB: Friendly group meets weekly, visiting pubs throughout Sussex. For dtls see Sussex Drinker mag or ring Max on 01243 828394 or email max.malkin@mypostoffice.co.uk

ARUN & ADUR: Contact: aaacamracontact@gmail.com Soc Sec: social@aaa-camra.org.uk For up to date news see Arun & Adur Facebk pg.

BRIGHTON & S DOWNS: 5 Mar 8pm, Barley Mow, Brighton then Hand in Hand. 12 Mar 8pm, Lion & Lobster, Brighton then Robin Hood. 19 Mar 8pm, Stand Up Inn, Lindfield then Bent Arms or Red Lion. 26 March 8pm, Brch Mtg at Poets’ Ale & Smokehouse, Hove. Contact: socialsec@brightoncamra.org.uk

E & MID SURREY: 26 Feb 830pm, Final GBG Selection Mtg, Lincoln Arms, Station Approach, Dorking, RH4 1TF. 25 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Pilgrim Brewery Tap Room, 11 West St, Reigate, RH2 9BL. Brch Contact: Roy Golding, 01737 842326, info@ems.camra.org.uk

KINGSTON & LEATHERHEAD: 22 Feb 1pm, Soc, Meet in Wheatsheaf, Esher Green KT10 8AG, then to other pubs in area. 25 Feb 8pm, GBG selection mtg, Norbiton, (upstairs room) Clifton Rd, Kingston KT2 6PW. 4 Mar 815pm, Brch Mtg, Druid’s Head (upstairs room), Market Place, Kingston. 26 Mar 1pm, Soc, Surbiton Flyer, Victoria Rd, Surbiton, an afternoon saunter round the back of Surbiton visiting several pubs. Brch Contact: Clive Taylor 02089492099 or ctaylor2007@freeuk.com

N SURREY: 28 MAR 11AM, AGM, THAMES SIDE BREWERY TAP, BRIDGE ST, STAINES-UPON-THAMES. TW18 4TG. Contact: chair@northsurrey.camra.org.uk

N SUSSEX: Pls contact Ness on 07803 237750 if you have any queries.

SE SUSSEX: 25 Feb 730pm, Soc, Waterworks, Rye (POTY scoring), then Ypres Castle Inn, Rye. 3 Mar 710pm, Brch Mtg, Albatross Club, Bexhill. 17 Mar 730pm, Soc, Plough, Crowhurst then Ash Tree, Ashburnham then Bull’s Head, Boreham Street. 18 Mar 8pm, Soc, Blackboys Inn, Blackboys then Hare & Hounds, Framfield then Wheatsheaf, Crow. Brch contact Phil Cozens: 01323 460822 (h), contact.camra.sesusx@gmail.com Contact for NE Sussex Sub Brch, John Packer: 07841 669096, john_packer@me.com

SURREY/HAMPSHIRE BORDERS: 4 Mar 7pm, Soc, Pub Crwl in Guilford starting at Wooden Bridge, Woodbridge Hill, GU2 9AA, 830pm Drum-

mond, 930pm Kings Head (Stoke Road), leader is Dave Taylor. 14 Mar 12noon, Soc, Elusive Brewing Tap Room and Siren Craft Brew Tap, Marino Way, Finchampstead, RG40 4RF, Meet at breweries fllwd by pub crawl around Wokingham, leader is Kevin Travers. 18 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Jacobs Well or Merrow Club - check SHB Diary for confirmation. 21 Mar, Rgnl Mtg, Thameside Brewery, Staines, pls let contact@shb.camra.org.uk if you are attending frm the SHB Brch. 25 Mar 6pm, Wetherspoons Beer Fest Tour Starting at Jack Phillips, Godlaming 6pm, 730pm Rodboro Buildings, Guildford, 9pm Herbert Wells, Woking, leader is Mick Bell. Contact: Les Murrell socialshb@camrasurrey.org.uk or 07763 881763 for info on events.

WESTERN SUSSEX: 25 Feb 9pm, Soc, Anchor Bleu & White Swan, Bosham / Horse & Groom, East Ashling. 3 Mar 9pm, Soc, Blacksmith’s, Donnington / Royal Oak, Lagness. 10 Mar 8pm, Formal, Hornet Alehouse, Chichester. 17 Mar 9pm, Soc, Black Horse, Binsted / Holly Tree, Walberton. 24 Mar 9pm, Soc, Chichester walkabout, start at Hole in the Wall. 30 Mar 9pm, Soc, White Hart, South Harting / Three Horseshoes, Elsted. NB: not all mtgs finish at pubs listed, full dtls on wbsite. Brch Contact: Max Malkin (01243) 828394.

WALES

Regional Director Chris Charters RD.Wales@camra.org.uk

ABERCOLWYN: Contact: Ian Saunders isaunders@btopenworld.com 07907 812 007.

BAE CEREDIGION: 19 Mar 6pm, Business Mtg, Glengower, Aberystwyth. Contact: membership@baeceredigion.camra.org.uk

BRECKNOCKSHIRE: Contact: Dave Wise sage@wiseinwales.co.uk

CARDIFF: 27 Feb 2pm, Student Union Festival, approx 40 beers & 40 ciders/perries/mead, open to all CAMRA Membs & staffed partially by CAMRA, meet at membership desk, Great Hall, Students Union, Park Place, Cardiff. 10 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Cathays Beer House. 14 Mar 930am, Soc, final opp to visit Wadworth brewery before it relocates, + visit to carefully selected pubs along the way, £33 pp inc the brewery tour charge, pls book at Brch Mtg 10 March or via “www.ticketsource.co.uk/cardiffcamra”. Contact: Brian Francis secretary@cardiffcamra.co.uk 07970 909343.

CARMARTHENSHIRE: 4 Mar 7pm, Brch Mtg, Queens Hotel, Queen Str, C’mthn. 6 Mar 7pm, Brch Mtg, Coracle Inn, John Str, C’mthn. Sec davidedgarlewis@btinternet.com

CHESTER & S CLWYD: See under Merseyside & Cheshire. Brch contact: John Bowyer on 07887 688871 contact@camracasc.org.uk

GWENT: 16 Mar 730pm, Soc, Rhymney Brewery Ltd Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate Blaenavon Torfaen Newport South Wales NP4 9RL. 20 APR 730PM, AGM, MOUNT PLEASANT INN, WESLEY STREET, CWMBRAN NP44 3LX. Brch Contact: Gerry Watkins, 01633 253209, g.watkins147@btinternet.com check wbsite for late changes www.gwent.camra.org.uk

GWYNEDD A MÔN: 4 Mar 8pm, Panton Arms, Pentraeth, Anglesey. Brch contact: hopkins.john48@gmail.com tel.07939 323615 (text only).

MID GLAMORGAN: Contact: Bill Roberts 01443 205693, contact@midglam.camra.org.uk

NEATH PORT TALBOT SUB BRCH: 7 MAR 1230PM, JOINT MTG & AGM WITH SWANSEA BRCH TO INCL VOTING FOR NEATH PORT TALBOT & SWANSEA POTY, BEAUFORT ARMS, NORTON, SWANSEA. Contact: John Skinner john.skin@btinternet.com 07484 731195

PEMBROKESHIRE: 22 Feb 2pm, Brch Mtg, The Dingle Narberth. 28 Mar 2pm, Brch Mtg, Grove Hotel St Davids. Contact: nigel.skipper@btconnect.com www.pembrokeshire.camra.org.uk

MONTGOMERYSHIRE: Contact: Gareth Marston 07969 526833 gareth.marston@btopenworld.com

RADNORSHIRE: Contact: Dave Gill radcamra-dave@outlook.com 01597 824576.

SWANSEA: 7 MAR 1230PM, AGM, THE BEAUFORT ARMS, 1 CASTLE ROAD, NORTON (pub will be open frm 12noon). Contact: Debra 07970680616 if any queries, contact@swanseacamra.org.uk

TEIFI VALLEY SUB BRCH: Contact: Jamie Ayres jamie.ayres@zen.co.uk 01559 362582.

VALE OF CLWYD: Upcoming venues/events - see brch wbsite. Soc sec: Bill Llewelyn 01244 545027 billfromrhyl@btinternet.com

VALE OF GLAMORGAN & BRIDGEND: Contact: John Chapman 07901 229622 / 01446 794568. Pls contact secretary@vogcamra.org.uk if you’d like to attend any mtgs.

WESSEX

Regional Director Nigel Jones RD.Wessex@camra.org.uk Twitter: @Camrawessex

E DORSET: 22 Feb 1pm, Winter POTS pres, Kings Arms, Wareham. 28 Feb 8pm, Brch Mtg, Poole Ex Servicemens Club, North Rd. Contact: John Chambers chairman@eastdorset.camra.org.uk or see wbsite.

HEART OF WESSEX SUB BRCH: 3 Mar 730pm, Brch mtg, Red Lion, Wilmington. 18 Mar 8pm, Soc, Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, then to Grosvenor, Hindon for 9pm. Contact: Paul Smith, howessex@aol.com, heartofwessex.camra.org.uk, 01747 823574

ISLE OF WIGHT: 18 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, S Fowler & Co, 41-43 Union Street, Ryde, PO33 2LF. Contact: Ken Matthews, 01983 294377, camraiw@aol.com

E HAMPSHIRE: 7 MAR 12NOON, AGM, QUEEN’S HEAD, HOLYBOURNe, refreshments avail. 2 Apr 715pm, Soc, Minibus trip to Lasham/Bentworth area, adv bking & donation of £5 pp to defray costs is req’d, Community Centre, Alton. Brch Contacts: (book minibus places) Mik Potter: treasurer@eha.camra.org.uk. 0142087139 Tony Davis: secretary@eha.camra.org.uk. 01420543086

N HAMPSHIRE: Contact: webmaster@hantsnorth.camra.org.uk or see wbsite for dtls www.hantsnorth.camra.org.uk

PORTSMOUTH & SE HAMPSHIRE: 21 Mar 12noon, Soc, Charles Street Tap, Old Drum 1245pm, Square Brewery 130pm, Townhouse 215pm, Folly 3pm, Good Intent 345pm. 24 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Brewer’s Tap, 177 Eastney Road, Portsmouth, PO4 8EA. Contact: Geoff Marsh socials@psehcamra.org.uk

S HAMPSHIRE: Email secretary for dtls on all events: Kevin Wooton, secretary@shantscamra.org.uk

SALISBURY & S WILTSHIRE: 28 Feb 7pm, Minibus Trip, Orgard @ Amesbury, Rose & Crown @ Bulford, Plough @ Durrington, Swan @ Enford. 4 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, George & Dragon. 18 Mar, City Saunter, Railway Inn/Dust Hole, Winchester Gate, Wyndham Arms. 27 Mar 7pm, minibus trip, Kings Head @ Whiteparish, Parish Lantern @ Whiteparish, Landford Poacher @ Landford, Green Dragon @ Aldbury. Brch Contact: Alan Purchase 07455 425544 secretary@salisburycamra.org.uk Soc Sec: Mike Gurd 07776 234017 social.secretary@salisburycamra.org.uk

W DORSET: 11 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg Mitre Inn, Sandford Orcas. Events info & b’king contact Rich Gabe: rich.gabe1969@gmail.com or phone/text 07771 903868. Brch Contact Tony Egerton 01305 789906(h) 07711 752720(m) agegerton@aol.com Web: camrawdorset.org.uk

WEST MIDLANDS

Regional Director Cy Day RD.WestMidlands@camra.org.uk

BIRMINGHAM: 2 MAR 8PM, AGM, GOOD INTENT 32-33 GREAT WESTERN ARCADE BIRMINGHAM B2 5HU, Noms for all posts welc, see Birmingham brch wbsite for more dtls on positions. Contact secretary@birminghamcamra.org.uk for further dtls.

BRIDGNORTH SUB BRCH: 25 Feb 730pm, The Harp, High St, Brighnorth. 24 Mar 8pm, Three Horseshoes, Alveley. Contact: Eleanor Haddon, 07711 739007, ehaddon1@hotmail.com Telford & E. Shrops events below.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT & S DERBYSHIRE: 25 Feb 730pm, 2021 Good Beer Guide final decisions mtg, The Weighbridge Inn. 11 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, Crown Inn, Newhall, DE11 0SN. 26-28 Mar, Burton Beer Fest, Burton Town Hall. 22 APR 730PM, AGM FLLWD BY BRCH MTG, ALBION TAPHOUSE, SHOBNALL, BURTON, DE14 2BE. Contact: branch.contact@burton.camra.org.uk

CANNOCK CHASE: 4 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Arcade, 49 Mill Street, Cannock WS11 0DR. Contact: Chris Southall ccsbbc@gmail.com

COVENTRY & DISTRICT: 25 Feb 830pm, Brch Mtg, Castle Grounds. 2 Mar 830pm, Beer Fest planning mtg, Broomfield Tavern. 3 Mar 830pm, Survey, New Spires, Maudslay & Nursery. 10 Mar 830pm, Warwickshire POTY pres, venue TBC. 14 Mar 12noon, Peal Ale Ramble, meet Oak, Baginton. 17 Mar 830pm, Coventry POTY pres, TBA. 24 Mar 830pm, Cider POTY pres, TBA. 31 Mar 630pm, Awayday, Birmingham, meet Cov Stn. Contact: Paul Hamblett 02476 417675 paulhamblett@hotmail.co.uk

DUDLEY & S STAFFORDSHIRE: 11 Mar 730pm, Scoring soc, Visiting Tivi Ale, Beeches (Tividale FC) and Wonder, Tividale. 21 Mar, Soc, ‘Thank you’ trip to Leek by coach for vols at DWAF 2019). 23 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Wall Heath Tavern, 14 High street Wall Heath DY6 0HB. Brch Contact: secretary@dudley.camra.org.uk

HEART OF STAFFORDSHIRE: Brch Contact: Frank Bryden chair@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk 07878 704770

HEART OF WARWICKSHIRE: Contact: John Crossling, 07925633173, chairman@camrahow.org.uk

HEREFORDSHIRE: 26 Feb 8pm, Brch Mtg, Tap House, Ross-on-Wye, POTY Winner for 2019. Brch contact: Mike Jefferis, contact@herefordcamra.org.uk Soc secretary: Simon Crowther scrowther@hotmail.co.uk

LICHFIELD, SUTTON & TAMWORTH: 25 Feb, GBG Selection Mtg, Tamworth Tap. 4 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Cask & Craft, 56 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TJ. Contact: John Rowling, john_rowling@hotmail.com

MARKET DRAYTON SUB BRCH: For more go to the brch web site or contact Bryn 07949 321442.

NUNEATON & BEDWORTH: 10 MAR 8PM, AGM, LORD HOP, 38 QUEENS RD, NUNEATON, CV11 5JX. Contact: nuneatonandbedworthcamra@gmail.com

POTTERIES: 2 Mar 730pm, POTM pres, Lymestone Vaults, Pepper St, Newcastle-under-Lyme. 3 Apr 730pm, Brch Mtg, Victory Working Mens Club, Smallthorne, ST6 1RE, all welc. Chairman & Contact: Corin Brown. Email: chair.camrapot-teries@gmail.com Mobile: 07841 022 236.

REDDITCH & BROMSGROVE: Soc sec Mark Collinson: mark@rb.camra.org.uk/07713053894. Brch contact: tony@rb.camra.org.uk or call Paul: 07974889553.

RUGBY: 28 Feb 720pm, Minibus trip to Village pubs. 2 Mar 6pm, Beer Fest Set-up, Arnold House. 3 Mar 930am, Beer Fest Set-Up, Arnold House. 8 Mar 10am, Beer Fest Takedown, Arnold House. 18 Mar 830pm, Brch Mtg, Raglan Arms. 27 Mar 720pm, Minibus Visit to Village pubs, meet at Raglan Arms. Brch Contact: malcolmharding@mail.com 07803 777987 website: www.rugby.camra.org.uk

SHAKESPEARE: For dtls, contact: secretary@shakespeare.camra.org.uk or visit shakespeare.camra.org.uk

SHREWSBURY & W SHROPSHIRE: 10 Mar 7pm, Beer Fest working pty mtg, Admiral Benbow, 24 Swan Hill Shrewsbury SY1 1NF. 11 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Prince of Wales, 30 Bynner St, Shrewsbury SY3 7NZ. 14 Mar 1130am, minibus beer scoring trip to Clun Valley & Sth Shropshire, Salopian Bar, Smithfield Rd, Shrewsbury SY1 1PW, arrive back by 6/7pm. 19 Mar 1045am, Lakeside bus 501, Shrewsbury Bus Station, Stand P, arrive back 5.55pm. 24 Mar 730pm, Cttee Mtg, Nags Head, 22 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury. 27 Mar 7pm, Minibus beerscoring trip, Salopian Bar, Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury SY1 1PW. Soc Trips: Dave Grainger 01743 358975 Public transport trips: Pete Duckers 01743 359903.

SOLIHULL & DISTRICT: 2 Mar 830pm, Brch Mtg, The Fieldhouse. 16 Mar 830pm, Cttee Mtg, Crabmill, Preston Bagott. 29 Mar 1030am, Beer festival thank you trip to Lincoln, for fest vols but open to others at a charge if seats avail. Contact: Allan Duffy 01564 200431 secretary@solihull.camra.org.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS: 29 Feb 12noon, Winter Warmer Ramble along Churnet Valley, meet Blacksmiths Arms Kingsley Holt ST10 2HA frm 12noon for 1245pm departure, suggest buying knot bus ticket to make use of both bus companies services during day. Chairman & Contact: Steve Barton, email: chair.moorlandscamra@gmail.com

STOURBRIDGE & HALESOWEN: 5 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Edward VII, Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen (note: Thu mtg). 18 Mar, Norton Marking Soc, meet Gigmill then New Inn, Longlands, Garibaldi and Plough & Harrow. Contact: Tony Morgan 01384 877396 (H) tonymorgan@morgs.org.uk or see wbsite.

TELFORD & E SHROPSHIRE: 22 Feb, Regional Mtg, Coventry, with some pub visits. 10 Mar 8pm, Brch mtg, Park Hotel, Wellington, TF1 2AG. 21 Mar, Coach Trip, Black Country eg Plough & Harrow, Vine, Fixed Wheel & Cat, fare probably £12. For more dtls & bkgs contact: paulbradburn8439@btinternet.com, 01952 510611.

UTTOXETER SUB BRCH: 9 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg & Soc, Ship, Teanford, ST10 4ES, all welc. Contact: chair@uttoxtercamra.org - www.uttoxetercamra.org

WALSALL: 2 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, The Jiggers Whistle, 5-7 High St, Brownhills, WS8 6ED. 6 Mar 730pm, POTY 3rd place, The Royal Oak, 14 Newton St, West Bromwich, B71 3RQ. 14 Mar 730pm, POTY 2nd place, The Fountain, 49 Lower Forster St, Walsall, WS1 1XB. 21 Mar 730pm, POTY Winner, Black Country Arms, High St, Walsall, WS1 1Qw. Contact: John Morgan johnmorgan94@hotmail.co.uk

WOLVERHAMPTON: 22 Feb 12noon, WM Reg Mtg, Coventry. 5 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Clarendon Hotel. 7 Mar 11am, Brch vistit to Rugby Beer Fest, Meet Wolverhamton Rlwy Stn. 8 Mar 2pm, Rgnl Tasting panel mtg to discuss proposed new beer styles, Clifton, Sedgley. 25 Mar, Cheese & Jazz, The Trumpet (bring own cheese). 3 Apr, Membs Wknd & AGM, until 5 Apr. Contact: John Nightingale 01902 850509, 07501 432035, info@wolverhampton.camra.org.uk Soc Sec, Amanda Hignett, 07388 637926, Social@wolverhampton.camra.org.uk

WORCESTER: For details of all these events contact Social Secretary Jo Weir at joweir.uk@hotmail.co.uk. For other enquiries use Brch Contact Neil Berry at steamfreak.milford@btinternet.com

WYRE FOREST: Brch contact: Rob Budworth 07845 901706 or contact@wyreforest.camra.org.uk . Full details available at www.wyreforest.camra.org.uk. Brch contact: Rob Budworth 07845 901706 or contact@wyreforest.camra.org.uk . Full details available at www.wyreforest.camra.org.uk.

WEST PENNINES

Regional Director Angela Aspin RD.WestPennines@camra.org.uk www.westpennines.camra.org.uk

LANCASHIRE BRCHS MTG: CONTACT MAGGIE HODGKISS LANCSCAMRA@GMAIL.COM

BLACKPOOL, FYLDE & WYRE: 26 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Lytham Ex-Servicemens & Social Club 5 Chapel Street Lytham FY8 5ND. 30 APR 8PM, AGM, BLACKPOOL CRICKET CLUB BARLOW CRESCENT, WEST PARK DRIVE BLACKPOOL FY3 9EQ, valid membership card req’d to vote. Contact: Ian Carden branchcontact@blackpool.camra.org.uk 07803136276.

CENTRAL LANCASHIRE: 9 Mar 730pm, Cttee Mtg, Leyland Lion, 60 Hough Lane, Leyland, PR25 2SA. 26 Mar 8pm, Soc in Lostock Hall starting at the Anchor, 43 Croston Road, Lostock Hall, PR5 5LA. Contact: Dave Bell, email: dave64b@me.com. Tel: (07900) 565281.

E LANCASHIRE: 14 Mar 12noon, Soc, Coach trip around Rossendale’s hard to get to pubs, meet at Casked, 14-16 Bury Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 6AA at 12noon, for dtls of this & other events contact Pete Clegg, Social Secretary, via social@eastlancs.camra.org Brch Contact: Alan Leach branch@eastlancs.camra.org.uk Brch Wbsite www.eastlancs.camra.org.uk

FURNESS: 10 Mar 7pm, Brch Mtg, Brown Cow Dalton-In-Furness. Contact: Dave Latham 01229 467238 secretary@furness.camra.org.uk

LUNESDALE: 28 Feb, Trip to Burnley. 10 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Taps on the Green, Carnforth. 27 Mar, Soc, Trip to Blackpool. Brch contact: Martin Sherlock 01524 66131 secretary@lunesdalecamra.org.uk

SOLWAY: 24 Feb 745pm, Brch mtg, King’s Head, Carlisle. 28 Mar 1pm, Soc by train to Penrith. 30 Mar 3 745pm, Brch Mtg, King’s Head, Carlisle. Contact: Mike Tuer contact@solway.camra.org.uk Tel 01228 525062.

SOUTHPORT & WEST LANCS: See under Merseyside & Cheshire Region. Brch Contact Mike Perkins 01704 573768 mikepcamra@gmail.com See brch wbsite for more dtls

W CUMBRIA: Contact: Geoff Wilkinson 07957 792816.

WESTMORLAND: For info & transport contact Phil Walker, New Union, Kendal on 01539 724004 or branchcontact@westmorland.camra.org.uk

YORKSHIRE

Regional Director Kevin Keaveny 07402 329475 RD.Yorkshire@camra.org.uk

BARNSLEY: Brch contact: Phil Gregg contact@barnsley.camra.org.uk or 07498749178.

BRADFORD: Contact: secretary@bradfordcamra.org.uk

CLEVELAND: Brch contact: Andy Bell Adbell-camra@f2s.com 01642 231351.

DONCASTER & DISTRICT: Contact: Carole Leonard spice123queen@aol.com 07973969046.

HALIFAX & CALDERDALE: 22 Feb 8pm, Awards to Brass Castle Brewery, Malton & North Riding Brewery, Snainton then round Filey (must have booked). 26 Feb 730pm, POTS award, Nightjar, Hebden Bridge. 5 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Elland Brewery Tap. 7 Mar 12noon, Tasting Panel, Wainhouse Tavern, Pye Nest, invite only. 14 Mar 1pm, Halifax crwl with Leeds & RO&B, Victorian CBC. 19 Mar 1pm, Brighouse crwl, meet Millers Bar. 9 APR 8PM, AGM, SQUARE CHAPEL, HALIFAX. Brch contact: Rog Bentley - rfb@clara.co.uk - 01422 347832.

HARROGATE & RIPON: 25 Feb 730pm, Brch Mtg, Winter Gardens Harrogate. 14 Mar 12noon, Halifax Crwl, Joint Soc with Rochdale & Calderdale Brchs, 1045am train frm Harrogate, mtg at Three Pigeons frm 12noon, all welc, inc non-membs. 30 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, Blind Jacks, Knaresborough, all welc inc non-membs. Contact: Steve Fairweather 07985412486 harcamra@hotmail.co.uk

HEAVY WOOLLEN: 9 Mar 8pm, Mtg, Flatt Top, Thornhill Edge. 19 mar 8pm, Soc, Rose & Crown, Cleckheaton then Wickham 830pm + others. 2 APR 730PM, MTCH THEN 8PM AGM, HANGING HEATON

CRICKET CLUB. Contact: Paul Dixey 01924 420029 contact@heavywoollencamra.org.uk

HUDDERSFIELD & DISTRICT: 2 Mar 8pm, Award Ceremony, Travellers Rest, Meltham, Minibus frm St George’s Sq 7pm (Brch Contact to book places). 16 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Tap House, Holmfirth. Contact: Bob Tomlinson 01484 355378 (w) 01484 654062 (h) or info@huddscamra.org.uk

HULL & E YORKSHIRE: 3 MAR 730PM, AGM, HEAD OF STEAM, TRINITY SQ, HULL, for Brch Officers noms see membs section of brch wbsite at www.hull.camra.org.uk – Noms need to be with Brch Chairperson by last day of Feb - vacant post noms only can be taken at the AGM. 1 Apr 730pm, Brch Mtg, venue TBC. All mtgs are open to all & flwd by socs. Brch Contact: Bernie Cawte at secretary@hull.camra.org.uk 07904 252910.

KEIGHLEY & CRAVEN: 3 Mar 8pm, Brch Mtg, Narrow Boat, Skipton. 17 Mar 730pm, Soc, Cononley starting at Railway Inn. 28 Mar 1230pm, minibus trip to Bowland & Ribble Valley departing Keighley rail stn. Contact: Tony Davies 01274 510674 info@keighleyandcraven.camra.org.uk

LEEDS: 22 Feb 2pm, Garforth Soc, Meet in the Quirky Taproom (Ash Lane, LS25 2HG), before Country Club, Newmarket (approx. 4pm), Briggate & Working Mens Club. 3 Mar 730pm, Brch Mtg, Fox & Newt, Burley, LS3 1LD. Sign up to Ale Delight, our monthly brch email, for regular local news/info: membership@leeds-camra.com Contact: branchcontact@leeds-camra.com

NW YORKSHIRE: 21 MAR 12NOON, AGM, WENSLEYDALE BREWERY, LEYBURN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, (just past railway station). Brch contact: Helen Grant hgboggy@gmail.com or 07791 786903.

ROTHERHAM: For dtls contact sec Rachel Parkin at rachelparkin9@gmail.comor ring 07768293593 after 7pm.

SCARBOROUGH: Brch Contact: Dave Balmford scarborough.camra@gmail.com 07947 118555 or see wbsite www.scarborough.camra.org.uk

SHEFFIELD & DISTRICT: 3 Mar 8pm, Punch Bowl, Crookes, S10 1TH. 17 Mar 8pm, Sheffield Beer Fest Planning Mtg, Gardener’s Rest, 108 Neepsend Ln, S3 8AT. 14 APR 8PM, AGM, THE GREYSTONES, GREYSTONES RD, SHEFFIELD S11 7BS. Contact: Phil Ellett secretary@sheffieldcamra.org.uk sheffield.camra.org.uk/diary/

WAKEFIELD: 25 Feb 730pm, Open Cttee Mtg, Kings Arms, Heath. 10 MAR 730PM, AGM FLLWD BY BRCH MTG, ALVERTHORPE WMC. 24 Mar 730pm, Cttee Mtg, Hilltop Tap, Hemsworth. Soc/Events: Mark Goodair markgoodair@googlemail.com 07908553206.

YORK: 25 FEB 8PM, BRCH MTING & AGM, WALMGATE ALEHOUSE YORK, Buses dep frm The Postern gate, Piccadilly, York. YO1 9NX & must be pre-bked with Ken Wright, socials@york.camra.org.uk For more event dtls visit wbsite http://york.camra.org.uk/ York membs sign up to David’s email network & get regular local news&info: Brch Contact – David Ellis, 07714 653479, secretary@york.camra.org.uk

ISLE OF MAN

For Regional Director see West Pennines.

ISLE OF MAN: Contact: Angela Aspin angelajaspin@manx.net 01624 617293(h) or 07624 491613(m).

NORTHERN IRELAND

For Regional Director see Scotland

N IRELAND: See website calendar for details/update. Contact: Ruth Sloan chair@camrani.org.uk

CHANNEL ISLES

For Regional Director see Wessex

GUERNSEY: Dlts on wbsite, or call Eileen 01481 710531. Email: secretary@camrabog.org

JERSEY: Contact Brch Sec branch@camrajersey.org.je

EBCU & N AMERICA

www.ebcu.org

AUSTRIA: BierIG Österreich. Contact:Jörg Prähauser. Address: Kirchstättstraße 25, 5162 Obertrum am See, Österreich info@bierig.org www.bierig.org

BELGIUM: Zythos vzw. Contact: Yannick de Cocquéau. Address: Weg naar As 9, bus 10, 3600 Genk, België. T +32 (0)89 35 63 38 -ebcu@zythos.be – www.zythos.be

CZECH REPUBLIC: Karel Benacek czech-beer-tours.eu pratelepiva.cz +420 602 230 510 www.pratelepiva.cz

DENMARK: Danske Ølentusiaster Contact:Secretariat, Kirkeskovvej 1, DK-4660 Store Heddinge. Tel +45 4582 3400 Mon-Fri 9-12noon. sekretariat@ale.dk www.ale.dk

FINLAND: Olutliitto r.y Särkiniementie 10A1 00210 Helsinki Finland Phone +358407027870 www.olutlitto.fi

ITALY: Unionbirrai: Andrea Sclausero, andreas-clausero@yahoo.it www.unionbirrai.com

IRELAND: Beoir Contact:admin@beoir.org Home page: www.beoir.org

THE NETHERLANDS: Vereniging Promotie Informatie Traditioneel Bier (PINT) Contact:Sabine Schipper- Wellink. Address: Postbus 3757, 1001 AN Amsterdam, Nederland. T: +31 6 48018116 info@pint.nl www.pint.nl

NORWAY: Bent EngenTel +47 90 89 19 98post@nor-ale.org www.nor-ale.org

POLAND: Bractwo Piwne. www.bractwopiwne.pl

SWEDEN: Svenska Ölfrämjandet (SÖ) Contact:Thomas Nilsson Address: PO Box 16244, SE-10325 Stockholm, Sweden info@Svenskaolf-ramjandet.se www.svenskaolframjandet.se

SWITZERLAND: GFB (Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Biervielfalt) Zurich. Contact Stefan Hoesli. Bahnrainstr. 28, 8708 Männedorf stef.hoesli@biervielfalt.ch www.biervielfalt.ch

USA: Cask Conditioned Ale Support Campaign (CASC) Contact: Mark Bowers Address: 398 Columbus Avenue, Box 182, Boston, MA 02116 T 781-572-2208 casc@nerax.org www.nerax.org email.

12 AND FINALLY WHAT’S BREWING MARCH 2020

INDUSTRY INSIDER BEER BUSINESS

DRINK SALES INCREASECOLLECTIVE ACTION AND COMMITMENT KEY TO SAVING CASK

CASK is in serious trouble. As an avid cask fan, life-long CAMRA member and chief exec of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) it brings me great pain to say that. Cask keeps me awake at night, rather than as it should, helping me unwind.

As WB readers will know, cask is experiencing consistent double digit year-on-year decline. This has serious implications for the nation’s brewers, publicans and drinkers. Without collective action, I think cask could be dead in the next decade. The last Cask Report, and those that have gone before it have successfully identi-fied the reasons for this decline and what we need to do to reverse it.

One brewery acting and making a success of cask is London’s Five Points, which, as Pete Brown recently wrote on his blog, has doubled its output of cask in a year. As Pete said: “…there’s no mystery to making a success of cask. All you need to do is give enough of a **** about it.”

What is frustrating, from my perspective, is that too few have taken the lessons from succes-sive Cask Reports and put

them into action. Too little is being done, cask is being allowed to slide and that’s an abdication of our collec-tive duty.

If we know all the issues and what publicans, operators, brewers and consumers want and need, why haven’t we taken any real, meaningful, collec-tive action? Why are we still seeing year-on-year decline?

What I think should happen, and I am commit-ting SIBA’s support for, is we should convene a forum that brings together industry leaders and those who hold the purse strings across brewing, pubs and distribution to commit to invest and think positively, like Five Points has, in cask. I am working with the Cask Report group to make this happen. The reason we continue to see the decline we do across the industry is this lack of action and that “it’s someone else’s responsibility”. I think the Cask Report and the lessons it brings are being ignored because of this mindset. Five Points has taken responsibility and the results show for themselves.

I see three key areas

that all rely on each other, that we all need to get right.

First, we need wide-spread investment in training and quality control, all the way from grain to glass to ensure every pint is at its best. A lot of this is happening already through brewer audits like SALSA+beer, SIBA FSQ and inspections done by Cask Marque and Beer Marque. But we need better strategic co-ordination and greater investment in people, beer, cellars and lines. Many reading this will say “we can’t afford to do

this” because of falling trade, burdensome busi-ness rates and beer duty. They are certainly big elements and are linked to the decline of cask, but I would say “we can’t afford not to”.

Secondly, what helps make this investment possible is the need to premiumise cask beer so it pays its own way for everyone involved. There remains on average a gap of more than £1.20 between a pint of cask and craft ale. Cask beer lags behind standard lager by 20-30p on average.

Why is this the case

when, if right, cask is an objectively better experi-ence? Why, when it is harder to keep, make and serve correctly than other formats? No less than 55 per cent of drinkers would pay more for a pint of cask.

Basic economics says if you put the price of some-thing up, then people will buy less. But if people are drinking less, less often, then they should be drinking better. People will pay more for some-thing that is better. Lager brands have successfully premiumised their offer-ings, so why can’t cask?

Thirdly, if we get the first two right, we change the perceptions of the consumer that a cask beer is the best. This is supported by a national campaign, supported by all the big players about cask. That means more throughput, higher sales and a new set of consumers attracted to cask. And that it isn’t solely the preserve of CAMRA members.

It won’t be easy, but we need to bring key deci-sion makers together to care about cask, to invest and take collective action to commit to saving our national drink.l James Calder is chief executive of SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers. He has a back-ground in government lobbying, communications and accountancy.

Is the bell tolling for cask ale or is it ringing out in celebration? James Calder

calls for collective action on quality, price and investment

CHANNEL Islands and West Country brewer and retailer Liberation Group saw its full-year like-for-like sales across its managed pubs increase 3.6 per cent. Drink sales were up 5.1 per cent, while food rose 0.8 per cent.

FULLER’S LEAVES BREWERY HOMEPUBCO Fuller’s has reported like-for-like sales in its managed division up 4.3 per cent for the six weeks encompassing Christmas and New Year. The company is to move from the Griffin brewery to another site in Chiswick, West London this month.

PROFIT DROP FOR 6X BREWERDEVIZES-BASED Wadworth recorded turn-over of £67.4m in the year to 30 September 2018, down from a restated value for the previous period of £68.0m. Operating profit for the year, which included the sale of 12 of the brewery’s tenanted pubs, was £5.57m down from a restated £6.68m.

DIVIDEND BOOSTTHE CAMRA Members Investment Club fund was boosted in January with a £133,512 Marston’s dividend. If you want to join visit the revamped website at www.cmic.com or call 0161 359 3976.

KEG BUSTER BY BILL TIDY

From March 2015