Full Pints Volume 18 Issue 4

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Ayrshire & Wigtownshire CAMRA Branch

BEST CAMRA MAGAZINE IN BRITAIN

Thumbs up for the Festival See pages 14-16 for a festival review and photos

WINTER 2016

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Just another day at the office... come and visit us

A warm welcome awaits at our brewery visitor centre

Absorb the sights and smells of the traditional beer-making process, and taste samples of some of the finest beers available today. You can purchase a wide range of excellent gifts as well as all of our finest ales.

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GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE www.arranbrewery.com

Editorial Festival time again

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by Stuart McMahon, Editor

WINTER 2016

Volume 18, Issue 4 Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA Branch

In this edition, I'm delighted that Tim Page, CAMRA's Chief Executive, has contributed an article on why CAMRA is conducting the Revitalisation consultations, and why the future is looking bright.

Chairman: Graeme Perry Email: chair@awcamra.org.uk

Locally, we have been fortunate to date that very few real ale outlets have been sold on to retail or accommodation developers, but with over 60,000 people involved in the pub industry, steps need to be taken to protect those jobs and CAMRA has now called on the Scottish Government to appoint a new minister for pubs.

Secretary: Kenneth Middleditch Email: secretary@awcamra.org.uk Minutes of Branch Meetings are available to members from the Secretary.

Treasurer: Lindsay Grant Email: treasurer@awcamra.org.uk

One of the easiest ways of supporting this campaign is to go down to your local pub and socialise in it. In recent weeks the Golf Inn in Prestwick has stopped selling real ale citing lack of demand, and the Village Inn in Fairlie has closed down due to a downturn in customers. The old phrase "use it, or lose it" is most appropriate – peoples' jobs are at risk.

Editor: Stuart McMahon, 93 Montfode Drive, Ardrossan KA22 7PH Tel: 01294 603848 Email: fullpints@awcamra.org.uk Advertising: Mike Tomlinson Email: advertising@awcamra.org.uk

As a CAMRA branch, we try to support all our local outlets at some point throughout the year by holding our area social meetings in them each month. These socials are being well supported - so why not pop along to the venue again a few days or weeks later with some friends and support them further?

Advertising Rates (2016): Full Page: £80 ½ Page: £45 Yearly rates (in advance): £290 / £160

Our branch Festive Crawl is in Troon this year on Tuesday 27th December. Last year we broke a Scottish CAMRA record when over 80 people attended the crawl around Kilmarnock - can we beat that total this year? See you there!

Websites: www.awcamra.org.uk www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

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I was in Greenwich, London with my work a few weeks ago and had a very nice pint of Picnic Session IPA by Wandsworth-based Belleville Brewery in the Coach & Horses, located in Greenwich Market, near to the famous Cutty Sark. Belleville, which was set up in 2013, specialises in American style beers, and was formed by a group of parents who met in a local primary school playground. Beers from over there brewed over here!

The next edition of Full Pints will be published in March 2017.

Articles, photos and other contributions should be sent to the editor at fullpints@awcamra.org.uk no later than Friday 17th February 2017.

Social Media: Ayrshire & Wigtownshire CAMRA Ayrshire Real Ale Festival @awcamra @troonbeerfest CMYK / .eps

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Full Pints is designed by Montfode Design, www.md93.co.uk and printed by Brown Brothers Printers, Irvine, www.brown-bros.com. At least 2,500 copies are published every 3 months and distributed to all Real Ale outlets in our region.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the editor or of the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. © Campaign for Real Ale Ltd 3

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New CAMRA Director calls for more protection for Scottish pubs The Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) new director for Scotland and Northern Ireland has called on Scotland's politicians to take action to protect Scotland's pubs.

Campaigner Sarah Bellis made the call this month as she presented CAMRA's Scotland and Northern Ireland Pub of the Year (POTY) award to a pub which has been in the same family since 1858 - Staggs (also known as the Volunteer Arms) in Musselburgh.

Sarah Bellis said: "Staggs is a fine example of just how good a well-run pub can be and such pubs, serving fine products to discerning drinkers and demonstrates how Scotland can have a positive drinking culture."

"Our politicians of all parties should call time on their anti-alcohol stance, tackle the disparity between the price of a drinks in pubs and shops and get behind Scotland's pubs, where people can drink responsibly in a supervised environment instead of excessively consuming cheap supermarket booze at home. Appointing a minister for pubs would be an excellent first step and would be welcomed by the 60,000 people whose jobs are connected to the pub industry."

Staggs sells up to eight real ales at any one time and CAMRA members judged the beer to be consistently of the very finest quality. Staggs owner Nigel Finlay said: "It's quite an achievement for a little back street boozer to win this award. There are many just as good pubs throughout Scotland that could have won this, but we have done it and it's extremely gratifying."

Sarah added: "Many organisations give awards to pubs but only CAMRA awards are given by the most important people in any pub - the customers. Nigel is far too modest about what a great job he and his staff do."

Staggs Bar in Musselburgh now goes forward to the next round of the national competition.

Runners up in the competition were our own branch winner, the Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn; the Laurie Arms, Haugh of Urr; and the Milton Inn, Monifeith.

Sarah is pictured presenting the POTY Award to Staggs Bar owner Nigel Finlay, surrounded by a group of customers and supporters.

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Branch POTY Nominations needed It’s that time of year when we invite all our local CAMRA members to vote for your area Pub of the Year, which in effect kicks off the whole round of judging for next year's winner.

We’re looking for your favourite real ale pub in each of our social group areas. The closing date for entries is 31st December. Contact your area representative with your nominations: North Ayrshire - Contact Ian Middleditch Email: vicechair1@awcamra.org.uk South Ayrshire - contact Caroline Munro Email: south-ayrshire@awcamra.org.uk East Ayrshire - Contact Matt Miller Email: east-ayrshire@awcamra.org.uk Wigtownshire - contact Malcolm McNeil Email: wigtownshire@awcamra.org.uk

SIBA SCOTLAND COMPETITION RESULTS The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) held the Scottish round of their national competitions at the Drygate Brewery, Glasgow on 10th November. The overall winner in the cask beer competition was Swannay Island Hopping, with Williams Williams Black coming second and Drygate Dark Skies Stout coming third.

Arran Brewery won a bronze award for Id in Small Pack, Premium Strong Beers category; Kelburn won a bronze for Pivo Estivo; Strathaven won a gold with Usquebae; Loch Lomond won no fewer than eight awards, whilst Swannay won seven. Fyne Ales won four awards including overall champion in the small pack competition with Mills & Hills.

The full results can be viewed at www.siba. co.uk. Well done to all.

NATIONAL CAMRA WINTER ALES FESTIVAL The Winter Ales festival will be held in The Halls, Norwich from 21st - 25th February 2017, and will feature over 400 different ales. Full details at www. nwaf.org.uk

WINTER ALES

Festival

21st - 25th february 2017

CAMRA MEMBERS’ WEEKEND AND AGM

Next year’s Members’ Weekend and AGM will be held in Bournemouth International Centre from 7th - 9th April. More details at www.camraagm.org.uk.

However, make a note in your advance diaries now - the 2019 (yes, 2019!) Members' Weekend will be coming to Dundee's Caird Hall from 5th - 7th April 2019.

Matthew Lynch (left) of Swannay Brewery, alongside other winners at the SIBA Scotland Awards. Photo: SIBA

NEW SNID APPOINTED

Miss Sarah Bellis has taken over from Ray Turpie as CAMRA’s Scotland & Northern Ireland Director (SNID). Sarah, who originally comes from Manchester now lives in Dysart in Fife. She is keen to hear from all members and to raise the profile of CAMRA in Scotland.

She is also in the process of trying to attend all branch AGM’s and beer festivals. Sarah can be contacted at rd.scotlandni@camra.org.uk or find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/SarahSNID. 5

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www.awcamra.org.uk

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WIGTOWNSHIRE Pub of the Year

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Family-run village inn located on the harbour in the picturesque fishing village of Isle of Whithorn

F W H IT H O

OUR IN-HOUSE FIVE KINGDOMS BREWERY NOW PRODUCING A RANGE OF QUALITY REAL ALES ⅓ pint beer taster platters available for same price as a pint.

Eight cask ales and a selection of real cider available.

OPENING HOURS UNTIL XMAS (check for 2017 times): Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 12 noon-11pm

Outside seating area on the harbourside.

Children and Dogs Welcome.

Lunches 12-2pm. Snack Menu 2-6pm (Fri-Sun).

Evening Meals 6.30-9pm.

Sunday Carvery, 12-3pm: 3 Courses £12 Thursday Steak Night: Galloway Sirloin £12 Selection of local seafood dishes always available All food freshly prepared on the premises.

Daily chef ’s specials using the finest fresh produce and local seafood.

2014/15 Countryfile Magazine Rural Pub of the Year

ACCOMMODATION

Comfortable en suite accommodation overlooking the harbour From £30 pppn B&B. Special accommodation offers to CAMRA members.

For bookings: visit our website, or call Alastair on 01988 500334 Email: steampacketinn@btconnect.com

www.thesteampacketinn.biz 6

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SOUTH AYRSHIRE XMAS LUNCH

Most years, our South Ayrshire social group organises a Christmas Lunch to which any CAMRA member is welcome to attend. This year it will be held on Sunday 11th December in Wellington’s, Ayr at 2pm.

The menu choices consist of Starters: Soup or Prawn Cocktail; Mains: Roast Turkey & Trimmings or Vegetrian option; Dessert: Chocolate Fudge Cake, Sticky Toffee Pudding or Ice cream sundae.

2 courses - £9.95; 3 courses £12.50.

If you wish to attend, please contact Caroline Munro ASAP at south-ayrshire@awcamra.org.uk to book your place.

QUIZ ANSWERS The answers to the pump clip quiz in the autumn edition of Full Pints are as follows: 1: Fyne Ales Jarl 2: Orkney Dark Island 3: Arran Dark 3: Harviestoun Schiehallion 4: Kelburn Dark Moor 6: Jaw Drift 7: Fallen Chew Chew 8: Strathaven Clydesdale IPA 9: Inveralmond Fair Maid 10: Lerwick Azure 11: Broughton Elderpower 12: Skye Gold 13: Portpatrick Dorn Rock Bitter 14: Knops India Pale Ale 15: Black Isle Red Kite 16: Williams Birds & Bees 17: Tryst Raj IPA 18: Swannay Scapa Special 19: Sulwath Black Galloway 20: Cromarty Whiteout 21: HawkHill Scuttlebutt 22: Windswept Wolf 23: Loch Lomond Ale of Leven 24: Ayr Towzie Tyke 25: Eden Shipwreck IPA There are another 25 clips to identify on page 38

Sarah Bellis, CAMRA SNID (right) presenting the Scotland & Northern Ireland Club of the Year Certificate to (l-r) Lesley, Brian "Butch" Andrew and Julie. Missing from the photo is Peter Andrews, Premises Manager, who has been instrumental in everything that happens with the Club. Photo: Andy Cooper.

GARNOCK FESTIVAL AND PRESENTATION

The Garnock Community Social Club in Kilbirnie held their second highly successful beer festival on Fri 25th and Sat 26th November. Over 25 ales and ciders were available, including a cask of rarely-seen-out-of-London Fullers ESB, Bingham's Brickwork Bitter and Mighty Oak Captain Bob. Saturday saw a range of talented musicians perform a selection of varied music throughout the day.

The highlight for the club though was in being presented with their certificate for winning CAMRA's Scottish Club of the Year competition, and reaching the final 16 entries in the competition.

As Full Pints was going to press, the final four clubs in the competition were announced – unfortunately Garnock was unsuccessful on this occasion to proceed to the final stages.

Champion Beer of Britain – Scottish heats The results of CBOB heats held at CAMRA Scottish Festivals in October are: Milds (Troon) 1st Arran Dark; 2nd Swannay Dark Munro; 3rd Williams Black Old Ales/Strong Milds (Troon) 1st Kelburn Dark Moor; 2nd Windswept Wolf; 3rd Stewart 80/Stouts (Alloa) 1st Loch Lomond Silkie Stout; 2nd Cairngorm Black Gold; 3rd Kelburn Cart Noir The winning beers now progress to the CBOB finals in 2017, depending on style, either at the National Winter Ales Festival or at the Great British Beer Festival.

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www.awcamra.org.uk

Our range of Award-winning Real Ales includes:

Hand Crafted, Award Winning, Traditional Cask Conditioned Ale Brewed in the Heart of Burns Country All ales are available in Firkins (72 Pints), Pins (36 Pints) and Mini Casks (8.8 Pints) Visit our shop in the Glen Park Hotel, Ayr Ayr Brewing Company, 5 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2DG Telephone: 01292 263891 Fax: 01292 830450 Mobile: 07834 922142 www.ayrbrewingcompany.com 8

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Located in the village of Dundonald, The Auchans is a family run Restaurant - Bar with a fresh modern twist, and a friendly relaxed atmosphere oozing charm & character. We have a great

29 MAIN STREET DUNDONALD, KA2 9HH Telephone: 01563 851472 E-Mail: info@theauchans.co.uk Web: www.theauchans.co.uk

selection of beer & wine including 2 cask ales.

The Auchans has been tastefully restored with original stone walls & real oak wood beams.

Owned by the Kerr family, from the village, The Auchans is the 2nd addition to the business.

The 1st, The Waterfront in Ayr, opened in 2012 is a relaxed, stylish restaurant- bar situated

for details of our latest offers & promotions www.facebook.com/theauchansdundonald

overlooking the River Ayr.

The Waterside Bath Street, Largs Tel: 01475 672224

Two Real Ales from Kelburn available

Mondays - Poker Wednesdays - Poker Fridays - Karaoke

Saturdays - Live Music Sundays - Open Mic Night

Food available every day except Monday 9

www.awcamra.org.uk

Brewery News KELBURN BREWERY, BARRHEAD

The Brewery were delighted to receive news recently that Ca'Canny won "Öl av festivalen", translated as Best Beer in the Nolia Beer Festival held in Sweden in early October. In the same competition, Loch Lomond's Silkie Stout also won best beer in the Stout Porter class. And to complete an autumn hat-trick of awards, Dark Moor and Cart Noir each won awards in the Scottish CBOB competitions (Gold and Bronze respectively).

ARRAN BREWERY

The Arran Brewery has been busy over the past few months. The Brodick-based brewery has been upgraded recently by adding in three 22 ton silos to hold bulk supplies of malt, after problems in getting smaller deliveries by the ferry last year. Additionally, the bottling line which was initially going to be located at their Dreghorn site, has now been installed in Brodick, meaning that all the beers can be brewed and bottled on site. The plan is to eventually increase the exisiting 20BBL brew kit to have a capacity of 60BBL. As part of the brewery's expansion, there are still a number of vacancies available, including that of head brewer on the island. Plans to develop the Loch Earn site and brewery and Bowery pub in Kilbirnie are still ongoing with no confirmed timescales at present, although some Saké has been produced at Loch Earn.

On the beer front, Arran Dark won the Champion Mild of Scotland competition which was held at the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival in Troon. It now goes forward to the national heats of the Champion Beer of Britain competition. Sleeping Warrior and Guid Ale won a silver and bronze medals respectively in the International Beer Challenge 2016. Id won a bronze for small pack premium strong beers at the SIBA Scotland competition.

MONSTER RESCUE FOR ICONIC BEER BRAND

Two well-known brands in the Highlands have partnered to resurrect another well-known brand!

The Loch Ness Beer brand has been rescued after going into liquidation earlier this year, by a partnership between Cobbs Group, who run a hotel, cafe and craft bakery, and Cairngorm Brewery based in Aviemore. The brand which won the “Best Branding/Design” award at the UK Beer marketing awards in September is now firmly in safe hands. Cairngorm previously bottled the Loch Ness ales. It is hoped to have FestiveNess available in time for Christmas.

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Brewery News AYR BREWERY

Back in September, the Glen Park Hotel held their very successful 2nd Ayr Beer festival, coinciding once again with the Scottish Air Show. 20 ales were available and the variable weather meant that the hotel was busy with customers seeking some shelter from the showers. However, not many festivals can claim to have the Red Arrows fly over them!

Ayr Brewing Company launched a new beer at the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival in October.

Maggie Osborne’s Brew was described as a 5% ABV amber Autumn-styled beer using Bramling Cross hops. It is named after Ayr’s mystery witch who was burnt to death in 1629 at the Malt Cross in Ayr (at the bottom of the High Street). Another new ale was launched at the Kilbirnie Beer Festival – Burning Gull is described as a 5% West Coast IPA with lemon and grapefruit aromas, and more citrus with cedar and passion fruit on the palate. There are also slight hints of apple and anise on the long clean refreshing finish. The brewery continues to have a large selection of their ales in bottles and minicasks (along with some others) for sale at the Glen Park Hotel, Ayr - handy for stocking up for Christmas!

SULWATH

The Brewery’s Christmas Open Day is on 17th December complete with spiced & mulled ale, accompanied with mince pies and roasted chestnuts.

The Brewery Tap is also fully WiFi friendly and free for all customers to use.

Reinbeer (4.5% ABV), a delightfully spiced ale has been re-launched ready for the Christmas season.

FALLEN BREWERY, KIPPEN This increasingly popular brewery based in Kippen in the Forth Valley has taken delivery of extra tanks to give a much needed boost in capacity up to 20BBL. A canning line has also been installed on site - cans are becoming quite common with many 'craft beer' suppliers now.

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12 BOTTLE GIFT BOX BUY ONLINE AT WWW.BROUGHTONALES.CO.UK

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FESTIVE PUB CRAWL - TROON

This year we will be holding our annual Festive Pub Crawl on Tuesday 27th December, in Troon. As you may recall, last year's crawl around Kilmarnock was attended by over 80 people - a record attendance for an event of it's kind. Can you help us acheive that again this year?

There are frequent trains from Glasgow / Kilwinning / Ayr to Troon. Alternatively, the main buses to Troon are the Nos. 10 and 14 which all go through the town centre. Food should be available for purchase in some of the outlets.

3. Continue along Templehill and our next port of call (get it?) is the Harbour Bar at 2.45pm. This pub has one changing real ale.

1. Festivities will commence at 1pm in the South Beach Hotel which offers one real ale, often Timothy Taylor Landlord.

South Beach Hotel

4. Retrace your steps along Templehill to the cross-roads and turn left into Portland Street.

2. On leaving the hotel turn right along South Beach and, at the cross-roads, continue onto Templehill.

Our second pub, Cheeky Charlies, is number 47 on the left.

This is approximately a 10-minute walk and Cheeky Charlies we aim to be there at 2pm. Cheeky’s offers Cairngorm Wildcat plus two changing guest beers, usually from Scottish breweries.

Along here the Lonsdale might be worth a look but, as availability of real ale can never be guaranteed our itinerary continues to McKays at 3.30pm.

Here, three changing ales are on offer.

The Harbour Bar

Lonsdale

McKay's

5. Continue along Portland Street to our final pub, Bruce’s Well at 4.15pm. This pub serves Caledonian Deuchars IPA plus two changing guests.

Bruce's Well

1300 1400 1445 1530 1615

South Beach Hotel, South Beach Road Cheeky Charlie's, Templehill The Harbour Bar, Templehill Mackay's, Portland Street Bruce's Well, Portland Street

All are welcome, indeed encouraged, to join us for all or part of the crawl. Whilst we do our best to adhere to the published times, it is the nature of this sort of event that timings can become “flexible” (especially towards the end of the crawl). If you want to join the crawl at any particular time, then you can call Lindsay Grant on 07734 063712 to find out exactly where we are.

The organisers have only volunteered to arrange times and/or travel arrangements and to provide information about the venue(s). You are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing. If you have an existing medical condition you must bring your own backup/carer with you. CAMRA promotes responsible drinking and so excessive drinking is not tolerated on CAMRA outings. Any member doing so may be barred from future events.

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www.awcamra.org.uk

FESTIVAL COMPLETES 2016 ROUND WITH 1 UNDER BAR! Over 2,600 customers flocked to Troon back in October and there were very few ruffled feathers as they found several rare birdies in amongst the 150 ales at the 17th Ayrshire Real Ale Festival.

The weather excelled itself again this year with the opening day being more akin to a summer’s day. Beers on offer included both this year’s and last year’s Champion Beers of Britain (Bingham’s Vanilla Stout and Tiny Rebel Cwtch respectively), the Champion Beer of Fife (Beath Are you with me?), the Champion Porter of Scotland (Ayr Rabbie’s Porter) and a varied selection of ornithologically themed beers or breweries in the Birdie Bar which proved very popular.

The technical committee came up with an ingenious solution to keep the beers cool without the need for hiring in expensive and cumbersome cooling equipment, namely encasing the main bar in polythene sheeting.

We also introduced 1/3rd pints this year for the first time and that proved to be popular.

The music on Friday and Saturday was well received on the whole, although a certain football match on Saturday evening did affect numbers attending on Saturday evening – we still had plenty of beer for everyone though.

We also welcomed visitors from as far away as Germany, New Zealand and the USA. We also recruited the 5,500th CAMRA member in Scotland, along with our 650th Branch member.

The Beer of the Festival, as voted by the drinking customers was Edinburgh-based Black Metal Brewery with their 6.6% Gates of Valhalla ale. A presentation will be organised in due course.

If you have any thoughts on the festival, please send them to feedback@ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk.

The committee are taking a well-deserved break until the New Year, but will start planning the 2017 festival at a meeting in JG Sharps, Largs on Mon 30th January at 8pm – anyone is welcome to come along and join in the discussions and planning.

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The dates for next year’s festival though are already confirmed: Thursday 5th – Saturday 7th October 2017.

Sarah Bellis, SNID (left) presenting Shoina Watson (right) from Ayr with a Good Beer Guide for becoming the 5,500th Scottish CAMRA member

Bob Wallace (left) presenting Alan Stewart (right) from Kilmarnock with a Good Beer Guide for becoming the 650th Branch CAMRA member

Rich Kline comes from the USA every year to help at the festival

Josef Hoffman and Ursula Keiler, from Ladenburg, Germany have been attending the festival for several years now and are pictured with Bob Wallace and Sarah Bellis.

More photos online at www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

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www.awcamra.org.uk

More photos online at www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Ayrshire Real Ale Festival T-shirts for sale We still have a stock of 2016 beer festival t-shirts available for purchase. They’re available in red, yellow, green and blue, in most sizes (at present) and will cost just £4. There are also some t-shirts from last year which are available for just £3.

Anyone interested should email Clare Scott at celo1@hotmail.com to check on availability of colour and size, and hopefully we can arrange collection from our forthcoming meetings or socials to avoid postage.

CURRENT AVAILABILITY: Blue: Large (2), 3XL (1) Yellow: Small (1), Med (1), Large (3), XL (1), 2XL (2), 3XL (1) Red: Small (1), Large (1) Green: Small (1), Large (2), XL (3), 2XL (1) 2015: 15 in various colours and sizes

Our "CAMRA Calling" email newsletter also contains details about ordering branch-branded sweatshirts, poloshirts and rugby shirts.

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www.awcamra.org.uk

WELLINGTONS BAR Traditional Bar ~ Traditional Ales Traditional Music • Basement bar within yards of beautiful Ayr beach • Three handpumps serving quality ales usually from Fyne Ales, Kelburn, Loch Lomond, Harviestoun and Born in the Borders • Renowned for our promotion of traditional music – sessions every Sunday night and monthly Sunday afternoons • Longest running Quiz night every Wednesday • DJ every Saturday • Small parties very welcome • 35ml measures

17 Wellington Square, Ayr KA7 1EZ Tel: 01292 262794 Email: welliesayr@hotmail.co.uk www.welliesbar.weebly.com

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C>SK:16 FESTIVAL AT DRYGATE

by Mike Tomlinson

Drygate Brewery celebrated the origins of their 'craft ales' by staging C>SK:16, their cask conditioned ale festival over three days from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November. The event was timed to follow on from the SIBA Scotland (Society of Independent Breweries) Awards 2016 at Drygate Brewery.

SIBA represents almost all the independent brewers in Scotland. This was reflected in over 30 brewers and approx 100 cask conditioned ales competing for their Awards... and for thirsty punters to devour over the weekend!

The Overall Champion Cask Ales were : Gold: Swannay Island Hopping (3.9%); Silver: Williams Bros Williams Black (4.2%) and Bronze: Drygate Dark Skies Stout (5%). There were awards for a number of other classes of beer (pale ale, premium bitter, dark etc.) some of which are mentioned on page 5. Full details at www.siba.co.uk.

The entry charge was £5, which included the first pint. The pricing policy was very reasonable and reflected strength, so that beers upto 4% ABV were £2/pint (there were 25 available); 4.1% -4.9% were £3/pint ; and 5% upwards were £4/pint. So by adapting a policy of drinking half pints of each beer, it was good value. Note that the winning beer (Swannay Island Hopping), was only £2/pint – excellent! The mildest beer was MòR Calm and Wise at 3.4%, and the strongest was Orkney Dark Island Reserve at 10% which was way out of my comfort zone! In between there was a fantastic range of every type of ale from our independent brewers – maybe too much choice for some, but there can be no complaints at the range and variety, nor indeed the informative tasting notes.

The beerfest had a good selection of live and DJ music, with themes of house and soul on Friday; indie on Saturday and reggae to chill on Sunday. As to be expected, Drygate's substantial and excellent burgers and 'dogs were available to soak up the ale, again all reasonably priced.

In conclusion, the festival was a great opportunity to sample something different from our independent brewers; the pricing was very reasonable and the music theme added to the atmosphere. It certainly introduced a younger clientele to cask, rather than craft beer, which CAMRA may note. The only criticism is that the beers were arranged randomly, making it difficult to find specific ones. A future ale fest could arrange them either alphabetically, or by ascending strength to make it easier for drinkers to find and enjoy.

Photo ©Drygate

Photo ©Drygate 19

www.awcamra.org.uk

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We'd love to hear from breweries and pubs with any news snippets, events, awards etc.

Send your info to fullpints@awcamra.org.uk

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OUTLETS NEWS In Irvine, the Harbour Lights has started selling real ale. Located opposite the Maritime Museum on the Harbourside, it has one pump available, with Wadworth IPA initially being offered, though this should rotate with other ales.

In Ayr, the Western House Hotel beside the racecourse is now selling cask ale from Ayr Brewery, though possibly just at weekends.

In Kilwinning, The Corner House, opened on 1st September and has one handpump available, with various guest ales including Black Wolf Gold Digger, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold and Inveralmond Pundie. The October North Ayrshire social night was held there and was attended by over 25 folk. The restaurant is also proving popular.

Ardrossan Rugby Club are experimenting with a key cask line (initially with Strathaven Clydesdale IPA). Availability is still variable but CAMRA members are welcome to visit the club

where a member will sign them in. The club is open every evening except Mondays and from lunchtime at the weekends.

The Village Inn in Fairlie has closed down with the owners saying they hope to reopen some time next year.

The Golf Inn in Prestwick no longer sells real ale.

Top of the Hops, the bottled ale and home brew shop in Kilmarnock has also closed down, although owner John Mullen is still continuing some of the business from home.

JG Sharps in Largs have recently refurbished the function room at the back of the pub.

In Beith, the Merchant's Yarn has closed down, hopefully temporarily, apparently due to structural problems with the building.

LOCH LOMOND TRIP - OCTOBER 29TH The Beer Festival Staff Outing this year visited the Loch Lomond Brewery based in a small unit in Alexandria. Owner Fiona McEachern greeted us and showed us into their newly setup bar in the storage warehouse next door to the brewery.

Four ales were available for us – Silkie Stout which had won the 2016 Champion Stout of Scotland award just the previous day, Southern Summit (SIBA’s Champion Beer of Britain), Bonnie and Clyde (an American Amber Ale), and Loch, Stock and Barrel (a new IPA). As part of the tour of the brewery we also managed to sample a taste of their new craft lager, a new raspberry flavoured ale, and their Peat Smoked Ale. A very big thank you to Fiona and her staff for their warm welcome and generous hospitality – it was thoroughly enjoyed.

On leaving the brewery, we then headed over the hill to Helensburgh, starting off with a visit to the Commodore Inn (4 ales were available including Fyne Maverick) and the Argyll.

A short walk along the prom then took us to the Clyde Bar (3 ales), followed by the Ashton (2, maybe 3 ales – things were becoming slightly less focussed by this point!) and the Henry Bell (Wetherspoons), before returning to the bus for departure at 6pm. Probably one of the most enjoyable outings I’ve been on – thanks to all the outlets for their hospitality.

21

www.awcamra.org.uk

T NIGH D AY P M N O 9 M QUIZ K LY WEE ALE T GUES ED S E R V I LY D O FO DA 7PM TILL

THE

THREE

REASONS G d Drink, G d F d, G d Times!

FREE HOUSE | BAR & DINER

thethreereasonslargs

14 GALLOWGATE S TREET, LA RGS KA 30 8LX C A L L: 01475 672330 MAIL: enquiries@thethreereasons.co.uk V ISIT: www.thethreereasons.co.uk

FRASERS BAR Millport

Find us just up the road from the pier

Quality Cask Ales Served All Year Meals Served Every Day 12 noon-2.30pm / 5.30pm-7.30pm

“Island Escape” self-catering 4-star luxury accommodation Book at: www.cottages4u.co.uk Ref: 30200

7 Cardiff Street, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0AS Tel: 01475 530518 22

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

LOCAL ALE TRAILS using public transport

CAM

Compared to many areas of the country, during the daytime Ayrshire is relatively well-served with public transport. In the evening though there is a huge and increasing challenge in visiting many outlying areas. Over the past few years we’ve printed and distributed copies of Rail and Bus Ale Trails to local pubs to encourage you to visit these outlets. Over the next few editions of Full Pints we’ll summarise some of those trips that can be made relatively easily.

RA B US

LOCATION

BUS SERVICES

OPERATOR

FREQUENCY

PUBS SERVED

Largs / Three Towns

585 / 585A Ayr / Ardrossan / Largs / Greenock

Stagecoach (Several other local buses also available in the Three Towns area)

Every 30 mins daytime; hourly in evenings.

Largs: All pubs Ardrossan: Lauriston Hotel Saltcoats: Salt Cot Stevenston: Red Squirrel (not 585A)

Stagecoach

25 Irvine to Kilbirnie; 125 Irvine to Beith

Hourly for X36 / X34 at 30 min intervals daytime.

Some X36 evenings also. 25 daytime / 125 evenings to Kilwinning/Irvine hourly.

904 Largs - Paisley

Hourly daytime

11 Ardrossan -Kilmarnock Kilbirnie / Beith

Gateside / Lugton / Dunlop / Stewarton / Kilmaurs

X36 Ardrossan / X34 Irvine to Glasgow

337 Beith – Kilmarnock

Garnock Community Social Club Saracen’s Head, Beith

Generally every 2 hours

Gateside Inn; Canny Man, Lugton Merito, Dunlop The Mill House, Stewarton Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs

X44 Irvine - Glasgow

Every 2-3 hours daytime

Canny Man, Lugton

1 Stewarton – Darvel

4 per hour, 1 per hour evenings

Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs The Mill House, Stewarton

113 Stewarton – Irvine

Stagecoach

Every 7 or 8 minutes daytime reducing to 20/30 minute intervals in evening

Shuttlebus

Hourly daytime

Above is a table of the main towns and villages in North Ayrshire / East Ayrshire (north of Kilmarnock) and the bus services available to/from them during weekdays. Please check with the operators for current timetables and Sunday services – contact details can be found on page 33. From Largs, you can catch a 585 down to Ardrossan or Saltcoats (a train may be easier and quicker for those locations), or up to Greenock. The McGills 901 bus also goes up via Inverkip and Gourock.

Over in Beith you can visit the Saracen’s Head (recently reported as not always having real ale available). From there it is possible to either walk, or catch a 337, to Gateside to visit the Gateside Inn, and then catch the next 337 from there to Lugton to visit the Canny Man, Merito in Dunlop, The Mill House in Stewarton or the Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs. The two-hourly service makes it awkward to visit more than one of those pubs in any one trip. Dunlop / Stewarton / Kilmaurs are also possible to visit using a Scotrail train.

23

www.awcamra.org.uk

by Ray Turpie, Branch Vice Chairman

When I signed off in the last edition I was on my way to work at the Great British Beer Festival in London. This seemed to me to be much quieter this year but I still managed to enjoy a few beers. Two which I particularly liked were both from Titanic.

First I enjoyed the Plum Porter and then the Cherry Dark which I thought was even better.

Some people are reluctant to try the darker beers but I think they miss out. Although a beer should be pleasing to the eye, it is often very rewarding to get the darker beers round your tongue and get the full flavour before you make a judgement. In fact the Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB), as judged at Olympia, was Bingham's Vanilla Stout so dark beers are in vogue this year.

Our own festival in Troon had this on the bar in October so I hope you got a chance to try some. If you missed it there, it was also on the menu at the Alloa Festival which a few local members managed to attend. My vote at Alloa, however, went to Kinniel Brew Hoose Pennvael Amber from Bo’ness. This was their original brew when they opened in 2011 and is still excellent. Apparently, Pennvael has been selected for sale in the Strangers’ Bar at the Houses of Parliament.

Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) at Olympia

24

P

RAY’S ROUND UP

ROUND Y’S U A R

Following on from that, the staff outing to Loch Lomond Brewery (one of the festival sponsors) was well attended at the end of October. Fiona and Euan MacEachern looked after us very well and Ferdinand gave it the thumbs up. There were four of their beers on the bar including the award winning Southern Summit (named after Ben Lomond) and, my favourite, Silkie Stout, another good dark beer.

Talking about the Houses of Parliament, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar for branch Public Affairs Officers (PAO) in November which turned out to be very successful. We were shown round the building in the morning, including both chambers. Over lunch in the Red Lion on Whitehall we received some instruction before meeting with MPs for lobbying hints in the afternoon, one of which was our good supporter Alan Brown from Kilmarnock. Although aimed at branches from England and Wales, which has only 47% PAO representation (we have 82%), two attended from north of the border.

Enjoying a beer at Loch Lomond Brewery

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

When in London, I took the opportunity to visit the Bree Louise near Euston Station which I had heard so much about and tried their Pale Ale House Beer. You can claim a CAMRA discount too which takes a pint down to ÂŁ3.90, quite reasonable for the City. Very good it was too and their pies are excellent. If you are visiting anytime soon I would urge you to try this North London Pub of the Year 2016 as it is under threat from the new High Speed Rail Link.

I am off to Yorkshire soon by car this time rather than train for a short walking break with Mrs. Roundup. By the time you read this it will have come and gone so more about that next time. Remember to come to the branch festive crawl on Tuesday 27th December which is in Troon this year. In the meantime, enjoy the festive beers.

It only remains for me to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Red Lion, Whitehall

The Bree Louise, nr Euston Station

BRANCH SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Our Branch has Social Groups which meet regularly covering North, South and East Ayrshire, and Wigtownshire. All CAMRA members are encouraged to attend these informal events, but non-CAMRA members are always welcome to join us for a couple of hours of friendly chat and socialising.

For more information, please contact the area coordinators listed below: North Ayrshire - meets 3rd Thursday of every month.

Contact Ian Middleditch. Email: vicechair1@awcamra.org.uk South Ayrshire - contact Caroline Munro for details.

Email: south-ayrshire@awcamra.org.uk East Ayrshire - meets last Wednesday of every month.

Contact Matt Miller. Email: east-ayrshire@awcamra.org.uk Wigtownshire - contact Malcolm McNeil for details.

Email: wigtownshire@awcamra.org.uk

Several members recently visited the Carlisle Beer Festival. Photo: Ronnie Beveridge

Additionally, we hold social outings on a regular basis to breweries such as Loch Lomond, Bute, Sulwath, and Inveralmond.

See www.awcamra.org.uk for details or contact our social secretary Donald Clark at social@awcamra.

org.uk

25

www.awcamra.org.uk

26

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

Put volunteering on your CV

by Sarah Bellis, CAMRA Scotland & Northern Ireland Director

Did you know that CAMRA is a volunteer led organisation? All the decisions about the strategic direction and our day to day activities are made by members who diligently pay their membership fees every year.

CAMRA is perceived as an organisation that supports pubs and breweries by campaigning for real ale, but that's not all we do. Our volunteers also have the opportunity to experience new things, learn new skills and develop personally.

Competition in the job market is higher than ever and making your application stand out to potential employers is vital, that's where CAMRA can help.

A CAMRA member who attends meetings, supporting CAMRA's campaigns locally and nationally shows to potential employers that they have commitment and integrity. A CAMRA member who volunteers as part of a branch committee, in whatever role, can demonstrate interpersonal skills, handle responsibility, whilst planning and meeting goals. A branch treasurer can demonstrate financial awareness and management. A branch secretary will demonstrate skills in computer literacy and administration. The branch chair will demonstrate skills in leadership and people management.

Twin this will the practical and theoretical training that is available within the organisation, and you will soon have a lot to add to your CV. The week-long Festival Organisers' course is one of the more popular courses CAMRA offer – it's very hands on and you come out with an official certificate. The online training courses are City and Guilds approved and when completed, look great on your CV too.

If you're just starting to enter the world of work after university, looking to get back into work after taking a well earned break or just after a change of career then volunteering with CAMRA may give you the additional skills you need to land your dream job.

Want to get involved?.... Well if you're already a fully paid up member of CAMRA or yet to take the plunge, just turn up to your local meeting and tell them you want to help! I'm sure they wont turn away the offer!

You can find details of your local branch meetings in this magazine, and at www.awcamra.org.uk, and details of our training courses at www.camra.org.uk.

Sarah joined CAMRA in 2009 and worked behind a bar at her first ever beer festival. The same year she became active in her local branch (South East Lancs) and vowed to revitalise it. In 2010 she became the Branch Chair and managed to increase meeting attendance from 2 to 30 in just 12 months! Sarah has since organised several beer festivals and worked as a bar manager, having also completed CAMRA's Bar Manager's Course and gained other formal accreditations. Having recently moved to Fife, Sarah became the new CAMRA Scotland & Northern Ireland Director in Autumn 2016. Her email address is rd.scotlandni@camra.org.uk 27

WATER, MALT, HOPS & TIME

www.awcamra.org.uk

Beer • Leann • Birra • Biére

INGREDIENTS/ ZUTATEN/ INGREDIENSE UK: Water, Malted Barley, Malted Whea DE: Wasser, Malz Gerste, Malz Weizen, DK: Vand, Maltet Byg, Malted Hvede, Hum SE: Vatten, Kornmalt, Vetemalt, Humle LT: Vanduo, Salyklinius Miežius, Salyklinius K aLLerGY aDViCe For allergens, incl gluten, see ingredients in bold / Allergene in allergener i boll/ alergenai rutulinis

TASTING NOTES:

This blonde ale is bursting with zingy citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Brewed with Summit and Citra hops.

Best Before End: See Neck / Mindestens BEDSTE FØR: Se Neck / Bäst Före: Se Hals /

HISTORY: ‘Southern Summit’ is named after Ben

Lomond, a prominent mountain which dominates the eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond. It is also Scotlands most southern Munro (a mountain over 3000ft).

SIBA Supreme Champion 2016

LOCH LOMOND BREWERY:

Lomond Industrial Estate, Alexandria, Scotland.

TRADEMARk:

The fleur de lys is found on all our bottles as a stamp of authenticity.

www.lochlomondbrewery.com

MEN - should drink more t units WOMEN - shou drink more t units

SOUTHERN

SUMMIT

ALC. 4% VOL.

@LochLomondBrew LochLomondBrewery www.lochlomondbrewery.com Block 1 Unit 5, Lomond Industrial Estate Alexandria, G83 0TL

Great food and Real Ales from Arran, Orkney and Kelburn breweries Sundays – Ceilidh band sessions New house ale brewed by Kelburn Brewery

Tel: 01505 850510 www.thecannyman.co.uk

Find us on the A736 Irvine to Barrhead Road, at Lugton 28

5

0602

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

• Real Food • Real Beer • Real Atmosphere 27 Main Street, Kilmaurs, KA3 2RQ Tel: 01563 538805 www.westontavern.co.uk

29

ChristmasCheer with embership

www.awcamra.org.uk

Spread a Little

M Beer

and Books on

The gift that keeps on giving!

Single Gift Membership

A full year’s membership subscription with all the trimmings

£26*

£35*

£33*

Gift Membership + Good Beer Guide 2017

Gift Membership + The Year in Beer 2017 Diary

Visit

www.camra.org.uk/christmasgifts for fantastic Christmas gift ideas *Concessionary rates available.

Please visit www.camra.org.uk/membership-rates for more information.

30

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

WhatPub.com, Beer Scoring and the Good Beer Guide In every edition of Full Pints, we make a plea for CAMRA members to score their ales that they drink on www.whatpub.com.

So far this year, 87 people have now submitted 2,361 beer scores – but only 38 were Branch members (and we currently have over 650 members!) Despite that, all our outlets now have at least one score – so a very big thank you for your efforts.

Canny Man, Lugton; Cambusdoon Sports Club, Alloway; Gateside Inn; Harbour House Hotel, Portpatrick; Harry’s Bar, Ayr; Largs Sailing Club; Lauriston Hotel, Ardrossan; Lochranza Hotel; Merchant’s Yarn, Beith; Tigh-na-Mara Hotel, Sandhead; Western House Hotel, Ayr.

Just because a pub is in a larger town please don’t assume that we’ll get a lot of scores for it, and pubs outwith the big town centres, in our rural areas and islands always need scores.

At the time of going to print the following outlets still had just six scores or under against them for this year - please try and visit them and submit a few extra scores: Blackwaterfoot Lodge; Bladnoch Inn; Blue Peter Hotel, Kirkcolm; Brodick Bar and Wine Port, Brodick;

If each of our new members that joined CAMRA at the Troon beer festival started scoring their beer on whatpub.com , then we'd smash our target of getting over 100 people scoring ales before the end of the year.

We have around 80 outlets in our area but are only allocated 27 entries by the Good Beer Guide publishers, so only the best pubs with the highest average scores get selected.

HOW SHOULD I SCORE THE QUALITY OF THE BEER?

0: 0.5 -1: Poor.

2: Average.

Should only be used if no cask ale is available Beer is anything from barely drinkable to drinkable with considerable resentment.

Competently kept, drinkable pint but doesn’t inspire in any way, not worth moving to another pub but you drink the beer without really noticing.

Good beer in good form. You may cancel plans to move to the next pub. You want to stay 3: Good. for another pint and may seek out the beer again 4: Very Good. Excellent beer in excellent condition. You stay put!

5: Perfect. Probably the best you are ever likely to find. A seasoned drinker will award this score very rarely.

WINTER

DIARY DATES

Please check www. awcamra.org.uk for up-to-date details of all Branch events.

DECEMBER Sat 3rd

2-Pub Social, Ayr – Smoking Goat, 3pm & Geordie's Byre, 4.30pm

Thurs 8th

Wigtownshire Christmas Social & Meal – The Grapes,CANCELLED Stranraer

Sun 11th

South Ayrshire Christmas Lunch – Wellingtons, Ayr from 2pm. See page 7 for details.

Thurs 15th

North Ayrshire Social – 2-pub crawl – Macaulay's 7.30pm & Three Reasons 8.45pm approx

Tues 27th

Festive Crawl, Troon. See page 13 for details.

JANUARY Mon 16th

Committee Meeting – The Ship Inn, Irvine, 8pm

Thurs 19th

North Ayrshire Social – Venue TBC (POTY Presentation)

Sat 21st

East Ayrshire Dinner – Brass & Granite, Kilmarnock, 7pm

Wed 25th

East Ayrshire Social – Wheatsheaf, Kilmarnock, 7.30pm

Mon 30th

Beer Festival Planning Meeting – JG Sharps, Largs 8pm

FEBRUARY Thurs 16th

North Ayrshire Social & Branch Meeting – Red Squirrel, Stevenston, 8pm

Mon 20th

GBG Selection Meeting – Geordie's Byre, Ayr, 8pm

Wed 22nd

East Ayrshire Social – Merito, Dunlop, 7.30pm

MARCH Thurs 16th

North Ayrshire Social – Garnock Community Social Club, Kilbirnie, 7.30pm (earlier start for trasnport ease)

Sat 25th

Branch AGM – Abbotsford Hotel, Ayr 12.30pm-3pm

Wed 29th

East Ayrshire Social – Braehead Bar, Kilmarnock, 7.30pm 31

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32

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

CAMRA REVITALISATION PROJECT The National Executive and Branches Committee met in Cardiff on Saturday 24 September to receive a report from the Revitalisation Project Steering Committee about their work on CAMRA's strategic review. After a presentation on the evidence accumulated from consultation meetings, surveys and research, the Committee members raised a number of 'key issues' which were then debated by the assembled company.

The purpose of the meeting was to give feedback and

GETTING AROUND

direction to the Steering Committee, who will now prepare a detailed proposal about CAMRA's future positioning and purpose for delivery to the National Executive at the beginning of December.

My colleagues and I on the National Executive, in considering the opinions of the Steering Committee, believe that it is likely to be necessary to delay the timescale for a final decision by members, originally planned to take place at the Members Weekend in Bournemouth in April next year. As the implications of any decision will be far-reaching, the d E an E HIRNSHIR W AYRS TO WIG

Listed below are some useful contact details for transport providers in our Branch area.

STAGECOACH WEST SCOTLAND www.stagecoachbus.com Tel: 01294 607007 (Ardrossan) 01292 613500 (Ayr) 01776 704484 (Stranraer) 01770 302000 (Arran) 07736 892253 (Disability Helpdesk) SHUTTLE BUSES Tel: 0800 072 0373

www.shuttlebuses.co.uk

SCOTRAIL Tel: 0344 811 0141

www.scotrail.co.uk

CALEDONIAN MACBRAYNE Tel: 0800 066 5000

www.calmac.co.uk

TRAVELINE SCOTLAND

www.travelinescotland.com

National Executive believe that it would be prudent to use the 2017 Conference for a debate on the proposals and their implications for CAMRA and to then hold a vote at a general meeting at a later date, either within an extraordinary general meeting or at the 2018 Members Weekend in Coventry.

The National Executive believe that it is important that CAMRA gets it right, rather than rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline that was set before the work on this fundamental review of our common purpose ever began.

Colin Valentine CAMRA National Chairman

TRADING STANDARDS If you have any complaint about your beer, such as poor quality or short measure, or there is no price list displayed, you should remain polite and speak to the management of the pub concerned in the first instance.

If you need to pursue the complaint further, contact your local Trading Standards office or Citizen’s Advice Bureau and they will guide you to the next appropriate step.

Full contact information can be found on your local authority website: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk IRVINE: Tel: 01294 310100 KILMARNOCK: Tel: 01563 576602 AYR: Tel: 01292 616060 STRANRAER: Tel: 03033 333000 33

A Campaign

of Two Halves

Fai www.awcamra.org.uk r 7EZI on dea MXEMR W tax beer l &V4Y FW now !

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

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

Your Details Title

Direct Debit Surname

Single Membership £24 (UK & EU)

Forename(s)

Joint Membership £29.50 £31.50 (Partner at the same address)

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Address

For Young Member and other concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201.

Postcode Email address Tel No(s)

Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Title

Non DD

£26

Surname

I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association I enclose a cheque for Signed

Forename(s)

Date

Applications will be processed within 21 days

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Email address (if different from main member)

Campaigning for Pub Goers & Beer Drinkers

01/15

Enjoying Real Ale & Pubs

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number To the Manager

9 2 6 1 2 9

Bank or Building Society

Address

FOR CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE LTD OFFICIAL USE ONLY

This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society Membership Number Postcode Name

Name(s) of Account Holder

Postcode

Instructions to your Bank or Building Society

Bank or Building Society Account Number Branch Sort Code

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

Signature(s)

Reference

Date

34 Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

The Direct Debit Guarantee

This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits.

If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd asks you to You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society.Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

WIGTOWNSHIRE NEWS THE GRAPES, STRANRAER MINI BEER FESTIVAL This small festival was held over the weekend of Friday 14th /Saturday 15th October.

The beers on offer were: • Brass Castle Cliffhanger 3.8% • Spey Valley David's Not So Bitter 4.4% • Abbeydale Absolution 5.3% • Alechemy Ritual IPA 4.1% • Odyssey Stimulant 3.8% • Portpatrick 16-21 3.8% (public bar) In addition, Westons Old Rosie Cider 7.3% was available.

The festival was well supported and the atmosphere in the public bar on the Friday evening in particular was amazing, with the regular traditional live music session and a big holiday weekend crowd. The beer of the Festival was Abbeydale Ritual. All the beers were in good order with the exception being the Odyssey which never really settled and had to be taken off early on.

For more info on Wigtownshire events and outlets please contact: Malcolm McNeil (Email: wigtownshire@awcamra.org.uk)

BELFAST BEER FESTIVAL Five Wigtownshire members took advantage of a special St. Patrick's Day £1 return fare to Belfast with Stena Line and spent a very enjoyable Thursday afternoon in the famous Ulster Hall for Northern Ireland CAMRA's Belfast Beer Festival.

We had nearly 3 hours at the Festival and we managed to sample a good few beers from the wide range available in a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We were all impressed with the beer quality, particularly those from both sides of the Irish Border. Our favourites were Windswept Wolf (6.0%), Langham Arapaho IPA (5.2%), Roosters Baby Faced Assassin (6.1%) and Rascals Brewing Big Hop Red (5.0%).

Special mention must be made of a very genial American from Wyoming but living in Idaho (which he claims is the potato capital of USA!) called Dave who shared our table during our visit-you DO meet such nice people at Beer Festivals!

To end our day, we decided to eat in the excellent Wetherspoon's Bridge House across the road from the Ulster Hall. The place was buzzing with a lively early evening crowd but service was excellent, as were the beers.

Thanks are due to Billy and Sally of The Grapes for all their efforts, not just for this festival but for their commitment to the cause of Real Ale in The Rhins throughout the year.

It was also good to welcome a few Ayrshire CAMRA members on both the Friday and Saturday and thanks to them for their support.

Keep an eye on the branch website for dates of social events in 2017. We're hoping to organise a Grand National coach trip around the Rhins on Saturday 8th April.

35

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AYRSHIRE & WIGTOWNSHIRE REAL ALE OUTLETS NORTH AYRSHIRE ARDROSSAN Ardrossan Rugby Club* Lauriston Hotel BEITH Saracen’s Head * GATESIDE Gateside Inn IRVINE Ship Inn The Auld Brig W KILBIRNIE Garnock Community Social Club KILWINNING The Corner House

EAST AYRSHIRE LARGS J G Sharps Largs Sailing Club # Lounge MacAulays The Paddle Steamer W Three Reasons Waterside

DUNLOP Merito

STEWARTON The Mill House

KILMAURS Weston Tavern

KILMARNOCK Braehead Bar Brass & Granite Fanny by Gaslight § First Edition § Wheatsheaf Inn W

SORN Sorn Inn

LUGTON

STAIR Stair Inn

MILLPORT Fraser’s Bar

WIGTOWNSHIRE

SALTCOATS Salt Cot W

BARGRENNAN House O’ Hill Hotel

Canny Man §

STEVENSTON The Red Squirrel

BLADNOCH Bladnoch Inn DRUMMORE Clashwhannon GARLIESTON Harbour Inn

ISLE OF ARRAN BLACKWATERFOOT Blackwaterfoot Lodge (summer only) Kinloch Hotel BRODICK Brodick Bar Ormidale Hotel Wine Port

CATACOL Catacol Bay Hotel

ISLE OF WHITHORN Steam Packet Inn §

LAMLASH Drift Inn Pierhead Tavern

KIRKCOLM Blue Peter Hotel

LOCHRANZA Lochranza Hotel

NEWTON STEWART Creebridge House Hotel Cree Inn Galloway Arms Hotel PORTPATRICK Crown Hotel Harbour House Hotel SANDHEAD Tigh-na-Mara Hotel STRANRAER Grapes § Ruddicot Hotel

NEW LUCE Kenmuir Arms Hotel

SOUTH AYRSHIRE ALLOWAY Cambusdoon Sports Club AYR Abbotsford Hotel Ayrshire & Galloway Chestnuts Hotel Geordie’s Byre Glen Park Hotel * CAMRA members have noted that real ale is not always available at these pubs. # Weekends only 36

Harry’s Bar Smoking Goat Tam o’ Shanter Twa Dugs Wellingtons Bar Western House Hotel# West Kirk W

KIRKMICHAEL Kirkmichael Arms KIRKOSWALD Souter’s Inn PRESTWICK Prestwick Pioneer W

TROON Bruce’s Well Cheeky Charlie’s Harbour Bar * McKay’s Marr Rugby Club # South Beach Hotel

DUNDONALD The Auchans W Wetherspoons vouchers

accepted § Special offers for card-carrying CAMRA members

CAMRA members are encouraged to score ales they drink in their local pub, as it assists the committee in considering outlets for inclusion in the Good Beer Guide. Scores are continually required for the whole Branch area – please take a few moments to score your beers on whatpub.com if you visit them.

FULLP NTS WINTER 2016

Bute

Lochranza Catacol Arran

Jaw

Largs

Drygate

Kelburn

Beith

Millport

Lugton Dunlop Kilbirnie Gateside Stewarton Stevenston Ardrossan Kilwinning Kilmaurs Strathaven Kilmarnock Saltcoats Brodick Irvine Dundonald Lamlash Troon Sorn Prestwick

Blackwaterfoot

Ayr

Alloway

Ayr

Lola Rose

Stair

Kirkmichael Kirkoswald Do you know of a pub that sells real ale and isn’t listed? Please let us know by emailing:

pubs@awcamra.org.uk

Bargrennan Kirkcolm Stranraer

Sulwath

New Luce

Newton Stewart

Portpatrick Portpatrick

Sandhead

Bladnoch Garlieston

KEY:

Breweries producing cask ale Towns & villages where cask ale is available Not to scale. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data by permission of the Ordnance Survey Š Crown Copyright 2016

Drummore

Isle of Whithorn Five Kingdoms

37

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Just For Fun

Identifying the pump clips in the last edition proved popular, so here is another selection of 25 pump clips from Scottish breweries – how many can you identify?

Answers in next edition.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

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25

38

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

by Tim Page, CAMRA Chief Executive

It’s now two years since I took over as CAMRA’s Chief Executive, so perhaps an appropriate time to reflect upon my experiences and to share some of my thoughts about our future. I was appointed as an ‘outsider’: someone with no prior knowledge of the sector within which CAMRA operates. Apart from a brief flirtation in the mid-70s, when I joined for a year whilst at university in Devon, I had previously had little contact with the Campaign – not least because, as a soldier, I spent most of my first 27 working years abroad. After leaving the Army I worked for two charities, supporting homeless and socially excluded people and then running an air ambulance charity, before joining CAMRA at the end of 2014.

Much has happened in the last 24 months, both within and outside of the Campaign.

We’ve experienced great change, not least in the political landscape, and face the prospect of further disruption to what we’ve been used to in the past. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the appointment of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States has left many of us concerned about the future of the UK and the stability of the entire world.

So what of CAMRA? It is clear from conversations with members across the UK that many are concerned about our ability to attract people to take the place of those who have run the Campaign at national and regional level for so many years. There is a feeling that we need to look hard at ourselves and work out why, at a time when there is such a resurgence of interest in beer, we appear to be ‘losing our edge’. Are we, many asked, in tune with the wishes and aspirations of today’s discerning drinkers – who have so much in common with those CAMRA pioneers of the 1970s and 80s?

That’s how the Revitalisation Project came about: the first truly ‘root and branch’ review of the Campaign in its 45 year history.

My perspective is that CAMRA’s future is more secure now than at any time in its existence – not least because we’ve had the courage to take a long hard look in the mirror. With one of CAMRA’s founders leading the Revitalisation Project, the opinions expressed by more than 22,000 members will be measured against our ability to enjoy a widely available choice of really good beer: CAMRA’s founding principle.

Having secured our position as the representative of all beer drinkers and pub-goers, not just those who favour real ale, cider and perry, CAMRA is well-positioned to build on its past successes. There are many future activists ‘out there’: potential real ale, cider and perry enthusiasts, passionate about pubs and clubs. We just need to catch their attention, feed their interest, and help them learn and understand what we already know.

LAST ORDERS

And now, we’re near the point when the result of the widespread consultation of members about CAMRA’s future positioning and purpose will be known. Rumours abound: the name is going to change; we’re going to redefine real ale; we’re going to abandon our principles; we’re going to sell out to keg beer. Fear of change is widespread: we are all wary of the unknown.

39

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