Full Pints Volume 20 Issue 1

FREE Please take a copy

FULLP NTS Ayrshire & Wigtownshire CAMRA Branch

Branch Area Pub of the Year Winners p6/7 Revitalisation Project p8/9 Also inside:

Local Events List of Cask Ale outlets Unfined Ales Autovacs Trip Reports and lots more...

SPRING 2018

PU B

2014

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www.awcamra.org.uk

THE Y OF E

WIGTOWNSHIRE Pub of the Year

2015

Ayrs hir e

townshi Wig re

&

townshi Wig re RA AM C

&

RA AM C

Ayrs hir e

Scotland and Northern Ireland Region

PUB OF THE YEAR

2016

Special Award

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• FIVE

M GDO S BR IN

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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 ALES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTTLES AND GIFT PACKS ⅓ pint beer taster platters available for same price as a pint.

Eight cask ales and a selection of real cider available.

OPENING HOURS (All year): 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 2

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

Volume 20, Issue 1

CONTENTS – SPRING 2018 Editorial................................................... 3

BOTF Presentation....................... 22

New CAMRA Chairman............... 5

Grand National Trip..................... 22

National & Branch AGMs............. 5

Giraffes on Tour....................... 26/27

Pub of the Year winners...........6/7

What Pub and Beer Scoring... 29

Revitalisation Proposals............8/9

Trading Standards Info............... 29

Brewery News.................................. 11

Ray's Round Up........................30/31

Old Pubs of Ayrshire....................13

Proposed Trip to Lancaster......31

East Ayrshire Lunch......................13

Autovacs..............................................33

Branch Festive Crawl....................15

Wigtownshire News.....................34

CAMRA Beer Festival Dates.....15

Members' Emails.............................34

Outlets News.................................... 17

Grand National Trip..................... 35

Social Contacts................................. 17

Join CAMRA......................................36

Spring Diary Dates.........................19

Unfined Beer.....................................37

Travel Info...........................................19

Just For Fun...................................... 38

Map/List of Outlets................ 20/21

Last Orders.........................................39

Editorial

Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA Branch Chairman: Graeme Perry Email: chair@awcamra.org.uk 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 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

by Stuart McMahon, Editor

Time flies – where have the past three months gone? Anyway, welcome to the Spring edition of Full Pints, the quarterly magazine produced by the Ayrshire & Wigtownshire Branch of CAMRA – I hope you enjoy it, and please pass it on to some non-ale drinking friends!

In this edition, can I encourage you all to read the article on the Revitalisation Project recommendations and, if a CAMRA Member, to cast your vote on the proposals using the details you should receive directly from CAMRA. The future direction of the organisation depends on your input.

Similarly, please consider coming along to our Branch AGM on 24 March in the Garnock Community Social Club, Kilbirnie.

In addition to enjoying some well-kept ales, you’ll hear what the Branch has done over the past 12 months, and be able to make suggestions as to what we campaign for over the next year. There is no pressure on anyone to join the committee (as is often the case at AGMs), but we always welcome new faces and skills!

Keep an eye on facebook, twitter and our website for details of all our forthcoming events – I look forward to seeing some of you at these events.

Advertising Rates (2018): Full Page: £80 ½ Page: £45 Yearly rates (in advance): £290 / £160 Websites: www.awcamra.org.uk www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Facebook “f ” Logo

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

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Full Pints is designed by Montfode Design, www.md93.co.uk and printed by Brown Brothers Printers, Irvine, www.brown-bros.com. Around 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

www.awcamra.org.uk

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NEW CAMRA CHAIRMAN CAMRA will be welcoming a new National Chairman in April, when Colin Valentine will hand over the mantle to Jackie Parker.

After eight years in the role, Colin has announced that he will not be standing for re-election to the National Executive at CAMRA’s Members’ Weekend, AGM and Conference, which will take place in Coventry in April 2018. He will continue in the Chairman’s role until the April meeting.

Currently CAMRA’s Vice-Chairman, Jackie was elected by her colleagues at the National Executive meeting on 1 December.

Colin has been a CAMRA member for more than 30 years and served as Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland for six years before being elected to the National Executive, the organisation's board of directors, in 2000. He became Chairman of CAMRA in 2010.

Jackie has been an active member of the Campaign for Real Ale for 18 years. She has been a member of the National Executive for 7 years, having previously served as the Regional Director for CAMRA’s Central Southern region for 3 years. She is currently CAMRA’s National Vice Chairman and National Director with specific responsibility for Communications.

CAMRA MEMBERS’ WEEKEND AND AGM

The Members’ Weekend and AGM will be held at the University of Warwick, Coventry from 20th - 22nd April. In addition to the main conference business, trips to local breweries and pubs are also organised for attendees.

More details at www.camraagm.org.uk.

Next year, the Members' Weekend will be coming to Dundee's Caird Hall from 5th - 7th April 2019. A large number of volunteers from all of our region's branches will be required – watch for details over the coming months.

The next edition of Full Pints will be published in June 2018. Articles, photos and other contributions should be sent to the editor at fullpints@awcamra.org.uk no later than Friday 18th May 2018.

BRANCH AGM Our Branch AGM will be held on Saturday 24th March in the Garnock Community Social Club, Kilbirnie starting at 2pm.

All Branch members are encouraged to come along to this meeting, and hear about the varied work that the Branch has undertaken over the past year, and what our aims are for the coming year.

Please also consider volunteering for the Branch Committee - new members are always welcomed.

Two or three real ales should be available at the club which is a 15 minute walk from Glengarnock Station. The X34/X36 and 25/125 buses stop outside the club.

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www.awcamra.org.uk

Full Pints is the free magazine published quarterly by the Ayrshire & Wigtownshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

CAMRA is an independent, voluntary, consumer organisation which campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights. Membership is open to all individuals; CAMRA currently has over 191,000 members. It is governed by a voluntary unpaid national executive, elected by the membership. It has a branch structure which means that all members can join a local CAMRA branch and campaign and socialise locally.

The Ayrshire & Wigtownshire branch currently has over 660 members. Within the branch, we have four social group areas - namely North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Wigtownshire, each of whom organise regular events and meetings (usually monthly).

The branch is responsible for organising the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival held each October in Troon.

Details of all our events are listed on page 19 and are also posted on our Facebook page. Members are always encouraged to bring a friend along if they wish - all are welcome to attend.

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Pubs of the Year 2017

Towards the end of every year we invite nominations from our members for their Area Pub of the Year.

This year's winners are as follows: North Ayrshire: Frasers Bar, Millport East Ayrshire: Braehead Bar, Kilmarnock South Ayrshire: McKays, Troon Wigtownshire: Crown Hotel, Portpatrick Congratulations to all our winners. Each pub will now be visited by a judge from each of the four social groups. Once the scores are collated, the pub with the highest score will become our overall Branch Pub of the Year for 2018 which is then put forward to the Scottish heats of the competition.

Congratulations and best of luck to all four pubs.

Presentations have taken place for the Area winners - photos are shown below and opposite of the winners receiving their certificates.

North Ayrshire: Frasers Bar, Millport

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East Ayrshire: Braehead Bar, Kilmarnock

South Ayrshire: McKays, Troon

Wigtownshire Crown Hotel, Portpatrick

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www.awcamra.org.uk

REVITALISATION PROJECT – CAMRA NEEDS YOUR INPUT

As Members will be aware, for the past two years CAMRA has been undertaking a Revitalisation Project – the biggest review into the organisation’s purpose, vision and mission conducted in its 47 year history. CAMRA’s National Executive has reviewed the Revitalisation Committee’s recommendations and they have decided to use Special Resolutions to propose changes to CAMRA’s Articles of Association to reflect the Revitalisation recommendations. Every member is strongly encouraged to vote on the proposals as the future direction and aims of CAMRA depend on your input.

The use of Special Resolutions ensures that every member will be given the opportunity to vote on whether or not to approve the Special Resolutions. Members can vote in person by attending CAMRA’s AGM in April held in Coventry, or by registering to vote by proxy – voting details will be sent out to all members at the start of March.

Special Resolutions require 75 per cent of the voting members to indicate approval – ensuring the process is not only inclusive of all members, but reflects the majority view of members.

You will be able to register for a proxy vote at the start of March, with reminders and a proxy voting form sent out to all members ahead of the voting opening.

All members will be able to study the details of the Special Resolutions and the likely impacts on the Campaign on this site, as well as regular updates in What’s Brewing and via emails sent to members between January and April.

8

If approved, the Special Resolutions will change CAMRA’s Articles of Association, including the stated purpose, mission and objectives of the Campaign.

The change in the Articles will then be reflected in CAMRA’s proposed strategies and Five Year Plan, which set out how we will go about our campaigning and the sort of activities we will carry out in future.

CAMRA’s strategy and plans will inform our branches about how they operate and run activities at a local level.

We have arranged for CAMRA Chairman Colin Valentine to attend our branch AGM on 24th March in Kilbirnie where you can ask Colin any questions or concerns you may have about the proposals. If you are unable to attend this or any of the other meetings arranged around the country, there is a special website with full information on all the proposals, voting process and Frequently Asked Questions at

www.revitalisationdecision.camra.org.uk

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The main revitalisation proposals are as follows:

BEER

• Real ale remains core to CAMRA’s campaigning • CAMRA’s representation widens to include all pub goers and drinkers of quality beer • CAMRA’s scope widens to include quality beer of all types

CIDER & PERRY

• Real cider and perry remains core to CAMRA’s activities • Cider and perry are explicitly mentioned in CAMRA’s Articles of Association

PUBS, CLUBS AND THE ON-TRADE

• The definition of the on-trade outlets CAMRA supports is widened • CAMRA will campaign for and promote all on-trade venues where quality beer, cider and perry is sold, not just traditional pubs and clubs • CAMRA will not extend its current support of the off-trade

QUALITY

• Increasing the quality of real ale, cider and perry, not just promoting their consumption

EDUCATION

• Education and knowledge will be put at the heart of CAMRA’s membership benefits • Positive alcohol and health campaigning will be added into the organisation’s objectives • Objectives will be added to recruit discerning beer, cider and perry drinkers into membership and give them access to information and education resources to introduce them to the best quality beers, including real ale, cider and perry

HEALTH & WELLBEING

• Promote the benefits of moderate social drinking • Build positive alcohol and health campaigning into objectives

FIND OUT MORE: revitalisationdecision.camra.org.uk 9

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

Brewery News AYR BREWING COMPANY A presentation was made at our visit to the Glen Park Hotel during the festive crawl on 27th December for Rabbie's Porter winning CAMRA's Champion Porter of Scotland 2017, for the 4th time in six years. Anthony Valenti is pictured below receiving the certificate from branch Chairman, Graeme Perry.

extended by three months the actual rate of growth was 36%.

Despite that, a trading loss of ÂŁ108,162 was recorded due to bad debts and distribution costs.

The Devils Dyke brewery ales are now being produced in Brodick, following the sale of premises in Cambridgeshire.

The Devils Dyke brewkit is earmarked to produce sour beers at Arran's Dreghorn site, although an offer for the site has been received.

BUTE BREWERY The brewery continues to supply mainly island outlets in cask, but can be found in bottle in some retailers in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

ARRAN BREWERY The brewery has posted a sales increase, in 2016, of 36% Arran Brewery Sales were ÂŁ1,368,657 in 2016, up 45% on the previous period but as the reporting year was

Thoroughbread is a new 5.1% deep amber ale. It's a blend of pale and crystal malts and US and UK hops. But that's not all! Leftover bread, saved from local, island bakeries is added.

When the loaves are a day old, they may not be at their best for sandwiches, but they're perfect for adding to the mash tun. They toast them, mix them

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

in with the grain and extract all of their wheaty goodness.

This way they get to turn something that would otherwise go to waste into delicious beer.

After the mash tun, citrussy Cascade and spicy Chinook hops from the States and UK grown Bramling Cross, which adds just a wee hint of blackberry aroma and a gentle bitterness are added.

The result is a thoroughly drinkable beer with a fruity nose, a sweet finish, and a satisfying sense of wellbeing.

Coming to bottleshop near you soon.

KELBURN BREWERY Look out for Fly Half, a 4.6% session beer that will be available during the Six Nations rugby season.

LOCH LOMOND BREWERY The brewery is going from strength to strength and recently launched a great new logo and branding for all their beers at a special event in Inn Deep, Glasgow at the beginning of February.

Watch out and admire it on bottles, cans and pump clips coming soon to an outlet near you.

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www.awcamra.org.uk

BAR: Sun-Wed: 11am-11pm; Thur-Sat: 11am-1am RESTAURANT: Mon-Sun: noon-9pm

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY MONDAY CLUB £10 DEALS ALL DAY

DAILY SPECIALS: 2 courses:

£11.95 (£13.95 Fri-Sun) 1st Monday of month: Pie Club 3 courses: 2nd Monday: Pasta Club £14.95 (£16.95 Fri-Sun) 3rd & 5th Monday: Curry Club 4th Monday: Burger Club All clubs include a pint of cask ale, Carling, 125ml House Wine or a pint of draught juice

SAVE *



10%

TUESDAY GRILL NIGHT FROM 5PM

Up to 40% off our Grill Dishes

Cut out this voucher to receive 10% of all main course dishes, valid until 31st October 2018* Voucher must be presented on arrival to the restaurant *excludes Friday, Saturday, Sunday

The Weston Tavern, 27 Main Street, Kilmaurs KA3 2RQ T: 01563 538805 E: info@westontavern.co.uk W: www.westontavern.co.uk 12

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

OLD PUBS OF AYRSHIRE

The Tam o' Shanter Arms was a popular pub in Waterloo Street, Kilmarnock, close to the site of John Wilson's printing works, where the first book of poems by Robert Burns was printed.

On the front of the Tam o' Shanter building there was a heart shaped stone, dated 1761.

This, of course, predates the building being a pub. Frank Beattie

The above image of Kilmarnock Cross was shared by Douglas Graham on our Facebook page recently. If you look closely, the building on the left hand side beside the Rainbow Restaurant has "Kilmarnock Ale Cellars" painted on the upper floor of the building.

Do you have any fond memories and/or photos of old Ayrshire pubs? If so, then email them to fullpints@awcamra.org.uk and we'll feature them in a future edition.

EAST AYRSHIRE FESTIVE LUNCH

The East Ayrshire Social Group held their festive lunch in January - to avoid the hectic schedules of everyone before Christmas! This year's venue was the Weston Tavern in Kilmaurs, and over 20 people attended for the 3-course lunch, with a few travelling from the neighbouring branch areas as well (it's actually quite an easy place to get to via public transport during the day, and trains running into the evening).

All enjoyed the meal and company, and the beers were good.

Initial cask ale was Green Duck Duck Blonde, which according to owner John Cairns, was the first cask to ever sell out in a day since he took over at the Weston Tavern. In its place, Veterans Brewing .303 Golden Ale took over. This is a brewery based in Coatbridge that is owned and run by Veterans to support Veterans. Their ales have been spotted in several local outlets over recent months.

Thanks to Matt Miller for organising the lunch, and to John Cairns and his staff for their hospitality.

There will be an East Ayrshire Social in the Weston Tavern on Wednesday 25 April at 7.30pm - all welcome!

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www.awcamra.org.uk

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, noon - 5pm Check out our entertainment programme on Facebook 14

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BRANCH FESTIVE CRAWL

It seems so far back now, but the Branch's Annual Festive Pub Crawl took place in Ayr on Wednesday 27 December. Over the course of the afternoon, over 40 folk (possibly over 50!) took part in the walk which started off in Wetherspoon's The West Kirk, which had its usual selection of 7 or 8 ales. (One person started in The Smoking Goat which had Fyne Hurricane Jack available).

From there, it was a short walk along to Wellingtons Bar where Born in the Borders Liquid Velvet proved popular along with Kelburn Pivo Estivo and Broughton Hopopotamus.

From there it was along the Glen Park Hotel where Ayr's Jolly Beggars, Fair Jenny's Jig, Leezie Lundie and Dr Blacklock No.23 Strawberry Stout (6%) were available.

Some folk enjoyed the beers at the Glen Park so much that they stayed for a couple more, whilst the stalwarts hiked along Racecourse Road to the Chestnuts Hotel for a Wadworths 6X, and then at the Abbotsford Hotel for Thwaites Wainwright and Marston's Pedigree.

Heading back into central Ayr, everyone regrouped and enjoyed Hardys and Hansons Rocking Rudolph and Wells A Good Stuffing at The Twa Dugs, and Ayr Rabbie's Porter and Fyne Jarl at the Ayrshire & Galloway Hotel.

A great day out with a very good turnout, and plenty of good ales on offer. Some pictures from the day are shown opposite.

Why not try a similar tour of some of Ayr's pubs in the coming months?

SCOTTISH CAMRA-ORGANISED BEER FESTIVALS Confirmed dates for this year's Scottish-based CAMRA beer festivals are as follows: LARBERT: Fri 30 - Sat 31 March, Dobbie Hall, Larbert PAISLEY: Wed 25 - Sat 28 April, Town Hall, Paisley FIFE: Thur 3 - Sat 5 May, Rothes Hall, Glenrothes GLASGOW: Thur 21 - Sat 23 June, The Briggait, Glasgow SCOTTISH (SRAF): Thu 5 - Sat 7 July, Corn Exchange, Slateford, Edinburgh AYRSHIRE: Thur 4 - Sat 6 October, Concert Hall, Troon ALLOA: Fri 26 - Sat 27 October, Town Hall, Alloa CARLISLE (almost Scottish!): Thur 1 - Sat 3 November, The Venue, Carlisle 15

www.awcamra.org.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

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

th

AYRSHIRE

REAL ALE FESTIVAL

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Thursday 4th Saturday 6th October 2018 in Troon Concert Hall real ale | cider | perry | wine live music | food

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

Send your info to fullpints@awcamra.org.uk

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

OUTLETS NEWS NEW OUTLETS

The Drift Inn in Lamlash has reopened, and is once again selling real ales from three handpumps.

LOSSES

The Fox and WIllow in Alloway no longer stocks real ale.

In New Luce, the Kenmuir Arms Hotel has been closed over the winter and is unlikely to be reopening.

OTHER SNIPPETS:

In the last edition, we reported that the Stair Inn had stopped selling ale. Since then, they have reintroduced it, primarily at weekends using a pin (36 pints).

WHATPUB FEEDBACK

Every effort is made to keep pub descriptions in WhatPub up-to-date but we struggle to regularly visit our 80+ pubs, hotels and bars, and so we do rely upon YOU – licensee or drinker – to let us know if information is missing or out-of-date. All users of WhatPub (CAMRA members and non-members alike) can use the on-line feedback form to let us know when we need to update a pub description.

The Paddle Steamer (JDW) in Largs is now selling most of their ales from pins, with the aim of improving the quality and quantity of ales available.

Also in Largs, it is reported that The Lounge hasn't had any ale available for some time.

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.

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

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

Enjoying the Alloa Beer Festival

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

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www.awcamra.org.uk

2 Rotating Cask Ale Pumps Dog Friendly Beer Garden

FREE Pool Every Monday & Wednesday

FREE Juke Box Every Tuesday & Thursday

“The cosy wee pub on the hill” 8 Langlands Street, Kilmarnock KA1 2AH www.facebook.com/braeheadbar

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SPRING DIARY DATES

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

A monthly email is sent at the start of each month to our members listing forthcoming events if you don't receive this, please check your email Junk/Spam mailbox and confirm your email address at www.camra.org.uk. Details are also published on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

MARCH 2018

Sat 3 Mon 5 Tues 13 Thurs 15 Sat 17 Sat 24 Wed 28 Fri 30

MAY 2018

Scotland & Northern Ireland Branches (SNIB) AGM and meeting – Station Hotel, Larbert, 1pm Committee Meeting, First Edition, Kilmarnock South Ayrshire Social – The Auchans, Dundonald, 7.30pm North Ayrshire Social, The Waterside, Largs, 8pm West of Scotland Tasting Panel, Glen Park Hotel, Ayr, 2pm Branch AGM – Garnock Community Social Club, Kilbirnie, 2pm East Ayrshire Social – First Edition, Kilmarnock, 7.30pm Branch Social at Larbert Beer Festival, 2pm

APRIL 2018

Tues 3 Sat 7 12-15 Apr Sat 14

Mon 16 Thurs 19 Wed 25 Wed 25 Sat 28

South Ayrshire Social – Tam O' Shanter Inn, Ayr, 7.30pm 2 Pub Social, Kilmarnock: Braehead Bar 3pm / Brass & Granite 4.30pm East Ayrshire Social Trip to Lancaster - see page 31 for details.

Wigtownshire Grand National Bus Trip and Branch Meeting. Start at Ruddicot Hotel, Stranraer, 1pm. Names to Malcolm McNeill.

See p35 for details.

Beer Festival Planning Meeting, Geordie's Byre, Ayr, 8pm North Ayrshire Social, The Auld Hoose, Dalry, 8pm East Ayrshire Social – Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs, 7.30pm Paisley Beer Festival. More details at www.paisleybeerfestival.co.uk

CODE OF CONDUCT

Our wish is for everyone to enjoy themselves and have fun on our trips and events. However please remember that trip organisers have only volunteered to arrange times and /or travel arrangements and to provide information about the venue(s).

Sat 5

Tues 8 Thurs 17 Wed 30

Beer of the Festival Presentation / Trip to Kingdom of Fife Beer Festival, Rothes Hall, Glenrothes. Names to Donald Clark at social@awcamra.org.uk South Ayrshire Social – Prestwick Pioneer, Prestwick, 7.30pm North Ayrshire Social, The Salt Cot, Saltcoats, 8pm East Ayrshire Social – Fanny by Gaslight, Kilmarnock, 7.30pm

GETTING AROUND

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

See our website, www.awcamra.org.uk, and previous editions of Full Pints to view possible Ale Trails using public transport.

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 will not be tolerated on CAMRA outings. Any member doing so may be barred from future events. 19

www.awcamra.org.uk

Jaw

Bute

Largs

Millport

Lochranza

Arran

Brodick Lamlash

Blackwaterfoot

Gateside

Kilbirnie Dalry

Stevenston

Ardrossan

Catacol

Saltcoats

Drygate

Kelburn

Irvine Troon

Ayr

Lugton Dunlop Stewarton Kilmaurs Strathaven Kilmarnock

Dundonald Prestwick Ayr

Sorn

Stair

Lola Rose

Alloway

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

Kirkmichael Kirkoswald

pubs@awcamra.org.uk

Bargrennan Kirkcolm

Sulwath

Stranraer

Newton Stewart

Portpatrick Portpatrick

Sandhead

Wigtown 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 2018

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Drummore

Isle of Whithorn Five Kingdoms

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

AYRSHIRE & WIGTOWNSHIRE REAL ALE OUTLETS NORTH AYRSHIRE ARDROSSAN Ardrossan Rugby Club # DALRY The Auld Hoose GATESIDE Gateside Inn * IRVINE The Auld Brig W Bar Sport Lyric's ?

Ship Inn KILBIRNIE Garnock Community Social Club

EAST AYRSHIRE LARGS Bowling Club * J G Sharps Largs Sailing Club #?

Lounge * The Paddle Steamer W Three Reasons Waterside

DUNLOP Merito

STEWARTON The Mill House

KILMAURS Weston Tavern

KILMARNOCK Braehead Bar  Brass & Granite Cookhouse & Pub 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

ISLE OF ARRAN BLACKWATERFOOT Kinloch Hotel

CATACOL Catacol Bay Hotel

BRODICK Arran Brewery § W Brodick Bar Ormidale Hotel Wine Port

LAMLASH Drift Inn Glenisle Hotel Pierhead Tavern

GARLIESTON Harbour Inn ISLE OF WHITHORN Steam Packet Inn § KIRKCOLM Blue Peter Hotel

NEWTON STEWART Creebridge House Hotel Galloway Arms Hotel PORTPATRICK Crown Hotel  Harbour House Hotel SANDHEAD Tigh-na-Mara Hotel STRANRAER Grapes § Ruddicot Hotel WIGTOWN Craft

LOCHRANZA Lochranza Hotel

SOUTH AYRSHIRE ALLOWAY Cambusdoon Sports Club AYR Abbotsford Hotel Ayrshire & Galloway Chestnuts Hotel Geordie’s Byre Glen Park Hotel

Smoking Goat Tam o’ Shanter Twa Dugs Wellingtons Bar West Kirk W DUNDONALD The Auchans

* CAMRA members have noted that real ale is not always available at these outlets. § Special offers for card-carrying CAMRA members

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 *

W Wetherspoons vouchers accepted Current Branch Area Pub of the Year # Weekends only Overall Branch Pub of the Year 2017

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. Please take a few moments to score your beers on whatpub.com if you visit them.

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2018 JULY

5th-7th SCOTTISH REAL ALE Sho h w t ti s R e a c a sin g 1 8 0 + S c o r r y l A le s & Cid e r / P e Keep up to date with festival news on our website and social media: @SRAF ScottishRealAleFestival

www.sraf.camra.org.uk

#SRAF2018

Edinburgh Corn Exchange

5 mins walk from Larbert Rail Station

OPENING TIMES:

Fri 30th Mar: 1pm (CAMRA members); 3pm (public)- 11pm Sat 31st Mar: 12 noon - 11pm

50+ REAL ALES PLUS CIDER & PERRY

11 New Market Road, Slateford, EH14 1RJ 4, 35, 44

30th - 31st March

Dobbie Hall, Main Street, Larbert

Admission: £5 (£3 CAMRA) inc. glass & programme

Slateford

KINGDOM OF FIFE 20th REAL ALE & Cider Festival

Rothes Hall GLENROTHES Over 40 Real Ales, plus Cider & Perry

Rothes Halls, Glenrothes Thur 3rd - Sat 5th May Thursday: 4pm - 11pm Friday: 12 noon - midnight; Saturday: 12 noon - 11pm ENTERTAINMENT: FRIDAY – "Control"; SATURDAY – "Yard of Ale" kingdomoffifefestival

@FifeCamra

ADMISSION: £6 (CAMRA £5) inc. festival glass & programme www

kingdomoffife.camra.org.uk

FESTIVAL SPONSORED BY:

25th-28th April

PAISLEY TOWN HALL More than 300 Real Ales, Ciders and Foreign Beers from around the world £6 entry (£4 CAMRA members) includes free commemorative glass, programme and free entry to subsequent sessions Opening Wed 25th Thu 26th Fri 27th Sat 28th

Paisley Beer Festival

Times 5pm - 11pm 12pm - 11pm 12pm - 12am 12pm - 10pm

@PaisleyBeerFest

WWW.PAISLEYBEERFESTIVAL.CO.UK

22

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

BEER OF THE FESTIVAL PRESENTATION

At the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival held back in October, customers voted Beath Brewing's Unicorn Invasion of Dundee, a 7.4% Imperial IPA, as the Beer of the Festival.

Beath is based in Cowdenbeath but is very small, with no facilities to allow a visit, so we are proposing to run a 50-seater bus to the Kingdom of Fife Beer Festival in the Rothes Hall, Glenrothes on Saturday 5th May, and make the presentation at it. Beath is also one of the sponsors of the festival. Around 50 beers from Fife and rest of the UK will be on offer. Afterwards, there will be a visit to the Harbour Bar in Kirkcaldy (former Scottish POTY) before heading home.

Proposed pick up time are: Ayr Station (rear car park) - 10.00am Prestwick Main Street (opposite Prestwick Pioneer) - 10.10am Kilmarnock (Green Street / Palace theatre bus stop) - 10.30am Glasgow (Bon Accord) - 11am Arrive at Glenrothes approx 12.15pm, departing 4pm Kirkcaldy Harbour Bar: 4.20pm - 5.45pm and return journey in reverse order.

For further details or to book a place on the trip please contact Donald Clark, Social Secretary on 07886 312454 or email social@awcamra.org.uk. Cost will depend on numbers. A small deposit may be required in advance. Watch out for details of other trips.

BRANCH CIDER PUB OF THE YEAR In the past, the Steam Packet Inn has been no stranger to winning our branch's overall Pub of the Year Award for its cask ales, but this year the Branch held its first Cider Pub of the Year competition and the Isle of Whithorn-based outlet scooped the award and will now go forward to the Scottish heats of the competition.

A presentation trip by bus has been arranged for Saturday 9th June.

Contact Donald Clark at social@awcamra.org.uk to put your name down.

The Steam Packet usually has several real ciders available supplied

by Waulkmill Cider in Langholm in the Scottish borders (in addition to their eight handpumps for real ales). Back in the autumn, Alistair Scoular, owner of the Steam Packet, organised for a van of apples from the village and surrounding area to be taken to Waulkmill. Watch out for details for a trip and presentation at the Steam Packet. The other contenders for the award were the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot on Arran and all the JD Wetherspoon outlets in Ayrshire.

23

Traditional Bar Traditional Music

Traditional Ales

• Ayrshire & Wigtownshire 2016/2017 CAMRA PUB of the Year • Basement bar within yards of beautiful Ayr beach • Three handpumps serving quality ales usually from Fyne Ales, Kelburn and Loch Lomond • 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

REFRESHING THE RHINS AND BEYOND...

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL: 07826 542149

WWW.PORTPATRICK-BREWERY.CO.UK

24

&

townshi Wig re A MR CA

WELLINGTONS BAR

Ayrs hir e

www.awcamra.org.uk

PUB OF THE YEAR

2017

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

IGHT AY N M D N MO UIZ 9P Q K LY WEE ALE T S GUE ED S E R V I LY D O FO DA 7PM TILL

thethreereasonslargs

THE

THREE

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

FREE HOUSE | BAR & DINER

1 4 G A L L OW G AT E S T R E E T, L A R G S K A 3 0 8 L X C A L L : 0 1 4 7 5 6 7 2 3 3 0 M A I L : e n q u i r i e s @ t h e t h re e re a s o n s . c o. u k V I S I T: w w w. t h e t h re e re a s o n s . c o. u k

25

www.awcamra.org.uk

Giraffes on Tour Part 1: London, December 2017

by Alpha Giraffe, Ian Martin

Following a previous trip to London the Giraffes decided to return, this time to volunteer at the 34th Pigs Ear Beer festival early in December.

Unfortunately 2 of the Giraffes were in quarantine and unable to make it, however Andy Cooper, Bob Forrest and myself were in top festival conditioning and fit for the migration.

Plans made, rail tickets and very inexpensive accommodation arranged, 7th December we were on our way to The Round Chapel in Hackney, East London.

What started as good planning soon became a significant delay due to problems ahead of us on the railway, however the fluid replacement beers for the journey got us through.

On arrival, The Round Chapel is a stunning building. There were two Real Ale Bars (230 ales), one either side of the hall and also a Foreign Bar (including a 21% abv Dutch beer) and a Cider Bar. We were very impressed by the bar layout and room behind the bars. A prepaid token card system was very easily used and perhaps is one to consider for other festivals closer to home.

A fantastic festival and we were made very welcome; I reunited with some old school friends and we most certainly will be returning in the future.

26

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

Giraffes on Tour Part 2: Bruges, February 2018 Yet another outing for the Giraffes – this time to meet up with fellow Giraffe Tony Blackburn for a liver overloading... Bruges Beer festival and Superbowl Party all in one weekend (not forgetting outings to Grand Place Mons, and Delirium in Brussels (plus a little trip to the Battle of Waterloo museum for a slight rest).

Yet again rail issues were experienced as our local Giraffe put us on the wrong train so instead of a 2-hour trip to Bruges it became 4-hours. By this time the long necks of the Giraffes were becoming very dry.

1

Imagine our relief when there ahead of us was the first beer tent – well when I say beer tent you could call it a beer hall with over 40 brewers, all with at least five beers available. There was also a second tent plus two indoor bars (Pics 1 & 2). The Giraffes soon were on the hunted list and became the must have photo opportunity even with the Festival organisers. (Pic 4) The selection and beer quality was outstanding and more than one day is certainly needed, but we tried our best and found the best way to drink beer and make room for more al fresco! (Pic 3)

2

A couple of the Giraffes now have now started to appreciate – yes, you have heard it here first – Fruit beers!!! with two in particular – Barbe Ruby & Silly Rouge (both Cherry). There was also La Mere Vertus (not a fruit beer but a fantastic hop malt balanced beer) which was stunning.

3

We are relatively new to the vast range of Belgian beers available, however we’re loving them. We will certainly be back to this festival and have plans to go to others.

giraffes on tour: to be continued...

4

27

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28

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

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.

If you visit a pub with real ale, then log in to WhatPub.com on your phone, tablet or laptop and submit a score. It only takes 30 seconds.

Scores are used by the committee to assist them in selecting entries for the Good Beer Guide (GBG) – this year's entries were chosen at a branch meeting held on 19th February, but you'll have to wait until September for the new 2019 GBG to be released to see if your favourite pub made the shortlist. We have around 75 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. The more scores there are, the better the overall average will be.

We have a really good number of scores submitted for our branch's pubs, but let's keep trying to get even more!

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.

Low scores (if warranted) are just as important as high scores.

So, a huge thank you to all who have contributed scores on whatpub. com last year. If you are unsure of how to log in (you need your CAMRA membership number and password), details on accessing / updating your details can be found on page 34.

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.

3: Good Good beer in good form. You may cancel plans to move to the next pub. You want to stay 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.

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 AYR: IRVINE: www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01292 616060 Tel: 01294 310100

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk

KILMARNOCK: Tel: 01563 576602

STRANRAER: Tel: 03033 333000 29

by Ray Turpie, Branch Vice Chairman

Regular readers will know that I am a great fan of Yorkshire, mainly for its pubs, places of interest and relative ease of access. Mrs Round-Up and I managed a quick visit to Skipton before the end of last year, a town which displays all three attributes. There is the ancient castle, nice canal walks and good pubs. Our favourite was the Narrowboat where we enjoyed Timothy Taylor Landlord and Ilkley Mary Jane as well as the local food recipes.

S Y’

ROUND

UP

RAY’S ROUND UP

RA

www.awcamra.org.uk

had the advantage of the cheap and plentiful local labour. Being a religious man, he built the United Reform Church as well as houses, bathhouses and a hospital for his workers. Rules were strict, however, including abstinence so there were no pubs until much later.

We took the train down from Skipton to do one of the trails in “Yorkshire Pub Walks” by Bob Steel, a book in the series recommended

by CAMRA. The canal starts in Leeds and meanders over This starts in 100 miles to reach the port of Liverpool. The Roberts Park, first time I visited Skipton, I was surprised also provided to find this out as it seems quite far north

by Salt, taking for heading to Liverpool. There are many in Shipley Glen interesting towns along the route including and Baildon Saltaire and Keighley, more of which later.

Moor before returning to Let’s start with Saltaire which is now on the list Saltaire by of world heritage sites. This is famous for the canal six miles Titus Salt textile mill together with the “model” later. Having village he built for his workers similar to the one stopped off at in New Lanark. In particular, he developed the the Bull’s Head use of Alpaca (Llama’s) wool and lanolin, the oil Inn, Baildon at extracted from wool to make soaps. lunchtime for a Saltaire Blonde Originally from we finished Bradford, he off our walk at bought land a the Boathouse few miles away overlooking on the River the River Aire Aire, building for some Black his factory next Sheep Bitter. to the canal for exporting his On the way back, we got off the train at goods. It was Keighley which is the home of Timothy Taylor also free of and, although no brewery trips are available, city smog and the Boltmakers Arms is only a few hundred 30

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

yards from the station. It sells nearly all their beers. I could have stayed there all evening enjoying the ambience but eventually we had to head back to Skipton.

my luck when right at the top of the offramp sits the Kirkstall Bridge Bar. Naturally, I dropped in to sample a few from their own brewery tap.

I got through their Three Swords and Dissolution IPA. Mrs R's preference was the Pale Ale. I finished with a Black Band Porter before our return journey.

The weather held up quite well so the next day we headed for Leeds on the bus. Starting at the city centre, we walked along the same canal from its start point in Holbeck. After and hour and a half we took the next exit point and arrived at Kirkstall. I could not believe

So, there you have it beer hunters. There are plenty of opportunities if you are able to get around a bit. Leeds is within striking distance from Carlisle and does not cost an arm and a leg for a good day out if booked in advance. The Settle line is well renowned for its scenery and the Ribblehead viaduct, but many pub walks are also available if you hop on and off the train.

By the time you read this our branch AGM will be upon us.

I hope to see some new faces at the Garnock Social Club in Kilbirnie at 2pm on the 24th March. Discussion on the Revitalisation Project, with the vote at Coventry during the National Conference in April, will have a big impact on the future of CAMRA. This is the chance to have your say.

Please take advantage of it.

Cheers, Ray.

PROPOSED TRIP TO LANCASTER Earlier last year, the East Ayrshire Social Group had a very successful social outing to Stockport & Manchester visiting many excellent real ale pubs. Plans are now complete for a 2018 trip by rail to Lancaster.

The dates are Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 April, travelling from Kilmarnock and staying 3 nights at a city centre Travelodge. The accommodation cost will be around £46 - £128 for three nights, depending on whether you want to share a room or require the use of Wi-Fi etc. The rail fare should be around £45, less any railcard discounts.

Ye Olde John O' Gaunt, Lancaster Merchant, Lancaster

If interested, please contact Matt Miller, east-ayrshire@ awcamra.org.uk, as soon as possible to confirm accommodation and travel costs.

31

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32

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

'AUTOVACS' – WHAT ARE THEY, AND WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

by Ron Elder, Edinburgh & SE Scotland CAMRA Member

Those reading this may wonder what it is all about, and those who are aware of these devices may be wondering what it has to do with them. However, if you ever drink real ale in Yorkshire or Scotland, the chances are you probably have, unknowingly, drunk some of your beer via 'Autovacs' (sometimes also known as Beer Economisers in Yorkshire, and Return Trays in Scotland).

'Autovacs' are commonly found throughout Yorkshire, and in south east Scotland, especially in Edinburgh, but are also reported to be in use in Aberdeenshire, and Cumbria.

Nowadays, it is unlikely that any will be found south of a line between the Mersey and the Trent.

The 'Autovac' is a device fitted to the bottom of the drip tray, and allows the beer accumulated in the tray from the pouring process to be returned to the draw pipe by a secondary pipe and valve, eventually finishing up in the customer's glass, or the next customer's glass if there has been a lot of overspill. When the practice is used in the Scottish tall font method of dispense, the beer accumulating in the spillage tray is recycled into the customers' glasses by means of a two way valve, under the control of the bar staff.

'Autovacs', and tall fonts in Scotland, were introduced by the breweries as a method of reducing the wastage incurred in the dispensing of real ale – thereby increasing their profitability. It is argued that the use of 'Autovacs' improve the appearance of a pint of real ale by producing a tight, creamy, head on the top. It is also argued that the practice knocks the condition and much of the aroma from the beer.

The principal objection to the use of 'Autovacs' is the possible risk to public health resulting from cross contamination. As a result of court action by Birmingham City Council in the early 1960's, 'Autovacs' almost disappeared from England's pubs, but were reintroduced after

pressure from the trade. In an effort to quantify the risks to public health, a survey into the bacteriological quality of real ale dispensed via 'Autovacs' was undertaken by the Environmental Health Officer of Leeds City Council in 1981.

The survey revealed that bacteriological contamination in the glass, resulting from the use of 'Autovacs', could be proved under laboratory conditions. However, whilst the contamination was still present in the glass under pub conditions, it was more difficult to prove that this contamination only resulted from the use of 'Autovacs', as there were many other sources of contamination within the pub and cellar. Further research was undertaken in 1987, which recommended yet more research, and the issue was again raised

by Humberside Council in 1995. This resulted in recommendations to the trade, but no further research – given the advancements in technology over the past 23 years, perhaps it is now time for further research to be done.

Real ale drinkers can choose whether or not to drink their real ale from 'Autovacs' but, to make this choice, they need to know where they are in use. It is difficult enough for locals to identify these devices, but the visitors to the tourist traps in York and Edinburgh have little chance. A notice advising of their use at point of sale would be very useful, but it is doubtful if publicans would provide these signs willingly.

33

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WIGTOWNSHIRE NEWS

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

The Grapes, Stranraer was the venue for Wigtownshire's Christmas Social. Nineteen guests, including a couple from Kilwinning, enjoyed a light hearted quiz based on the Full Pints Winter Wordsearch backed up by food and drink anagrams and drink-related questions from the Autumn edition.

Winners of a round of drinks were the team of Bill Hilton, Lynne-Marie Stebbens and Sheila McNeill. Second prize of a 2017 Good Beer Guide were the two "Wise Men from the East" Allan Dyson and Ben Klink and their wives Linda and Susan. Beers were Portpatrick 16-21 and Brewyork LittleRIPA. The company also enjoyed an excellent buffet. Thanks are due to Billy and Sally of The Grapes once again for arrangements and hospitality.

Congratulations to The Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn for winning our first Branch Cider Pub of the Year 2017 competition and to the Crown Hotel, Portpatrick, Wigtownshire Pub of the Year 2017. At the time of going to press, it is anticipated that a presentation will take place on Sat 9th June, with The Crown's 'formal' presentation [an initial presentation photo was taken for inclusion in this magazine - Ed] taking place during the Rhins Grand National Coach Trip (details opposite).

OTHER FORTHCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS

Once again, there are a large number of local events which involve cask ale taking place over the next 6-8 months in Wigtownshire. These include some independent beer festivals at Sulwath Brewery, Castle Douglas on May 26th, as well as one at House o' Hill, Bargrennan (dates tbc) and another at The Grapes, Stranraer (dates tbc). We may also organise a Machars Trip to the Isle of Whithorn and other local hostelries over the summer months, and will include also a group Social to the second Stranraer Oyster Festival on Saturday 15th September following its hugely successful debut last year.

Any other organised events will be intimated online via the CAMRA Calling Email Newsletter, the monthly What's On email from the Branch, and of course in the next Full Pints once dates of events become known. Information is also on the Branch website. If you've never received an email with branch info - see the article below!

EMAILS & MEMBERS' AREA ON NATIONAL WEBSITE

Every month we send out a 'What's On' email to all Branch CAMRA members usually around the 1st of the month, along with periodically, electronic copies of Full Pints and the CAMRA Calling Newsletter. However, approximately two-thirds of these emails do not appear to be getting opened. Please check your SPAM folders and add "noreply@camra.org.uk" to your senders list to ensure you receive the email.

Every CAMRA member has access to a dedicated members area on the national website: www. camra.org.uk > Sign-in. You just need your membership number and there's a link available if you

don't know your password. Once logged in you can check that your email address is correct and that other membership details are correct at members.camra.org.uk > Member Dashboard > My

Membership > Edit Membership > Preferences

And whilst logged in, why not visit CAMRA's Discourse discussion forum and take part in conversations on a multitude of topics at discourse.camra.org.uk.

34

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

RHINS GRAND NATIONAL COACH TRIP – SATURDAY 14TH APRIL One of the stated aims of the local branch is to try to support pubs in our more remote areas which may be facing difficult trading conditions due to the change in the Scottish drink-driving law along with a significant reduction in already poor public transport provision.

After feedback from last year's tour where attendees expressed the view that we spent "too much time on the road and not enough in the pubs", we have shortened the course but will still visit the same number of pubs!

Transport is again by Wigtownshire Community Transport and the bus will leave the Ruddicot Hotel, London Road, Stranraer at 1.30 pm. This allows Ayrshire members to arrive by train at 1pm and join Wigtownshire members there.. We then proceed down the side of Luce Bay to the Tigh-na-Mara Hotel, Sandhead followed by Clashwhannon at Drummore, turning for home via Portpatrick (Harbour House Hotel and Crown Hotel) where the official Wigtownshire POTY presentation to The Crown will take place. We then travel to the Blue Peter Hotel, Kirkcolm where we will watch the race at 5.15 before returning along the shores of Loch Ryan to The Grapes, Stranraer for 6pm where a finger buffet will be provided.

This shortened course allows a good 30 minutes in each pub with an hour in Portpatrick. The cost will be around £7-£8 depending on numbers to include transport, sweepstake ticket(s), buffet and gratuities. You only have to buy your own beer! This trip is likely to fill up fast so PLEASE book as soon as possible and by Saturday 31st March at latest so please email Malcolm McNeill at wigtownshire@awcamra.org.uk or phone 01776 704573 as soon as possible to book seats. Non-members welcome as usual but with CAMRA members taking priority.

Please note that anyone withdrawing after this date will have to pay for seats to be fair to the others on the bus.

Possible Ayrshire travel details are: Depart Kilmarnock 1104 / Troon 1116 / Ayr 1131; arrive Stranraer 1256. From Kilwinning depart no later than 1055 to connect at Ayr; RETURN Depart Stranraer 1903. (An anomaly of the ticket system also means it's up to £20 cheaper to buy a return from Largs / WK / Salt / Stev / Kilmarnock to Kilwinning or Troon and then a return from Kilwinning/Troon to Stranraer for a full adult ticket.)

Harbour House Hotel, Portpatrick

Blue Peter Hotel, Kirkcolm

Tigh-na-Mara Hotel, Sandhead 35

Join up, join in, join the campaign

www.awcamra.org.uk

From as little as

Discover why we joined. camra.org.uk/ members

£25*

a year. That’s less than a pint a month!

Join us, and together we can protect the traditions of great British pubs and everything that goes with them.

Become part of the CAMRA community today – enjoy discounted entry to beer festivals and exclusive member offers. Learn about brewing and beer and join like-minded people supporting our campaigns to save pubs, clubs, your pint and more.

Join the campaign today at

www.camra.org.uk/joinup 36

*Price for paying by Direct Debit and correct at Jan 2018. Under 26 concessionary rates available. Please visit camra.org.uk/membership-rates

FULLP NTS SPRING 2018

Naturally unfined?

No thanks - I prefer my beer clear!

by Sarah Bellis, CAMRA Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Director Email: rd.scotlandni@camra.org.uk Tel: 07846 856 930 Photo: nickfairhurstphotographer.com

I attended Wigan Beer Festival and was enthralled with the selection of real ales that were on offer there.

The blonde hoppy beers, the dark wholesome porters and everything in between. There were some I took a liking to and some I frankly couldn’t even drink. But one thing I liked about them all is that they all had a bright crystal clear appearance due to being fined, this is the process of adding ingredients that will help organic compounds to settle easier and hence clarifying the beer. I know you are not supposed to drink with your eyes, but I do. I joined the campaign that very day!

Fast forward nine years and the real ale on offer looks decidedly different. There’s still a selection of crystal clear beers, but the trend to brew beers that are ‘naturally unfined’ is growing. Far too often recently I’ve been served a pint that looks like dirty dish water and I can’t say I like it. Maybe I’m just part of the old school. I have been programmed to believe that the clarity of beer is linked to beer quality and that a cloudy beer is indicative of poor cellarmanship. A landlord who wants to serve a beer quickly could rush an unfined beer onto the bar easier than one that’s fined.

There is a growing demand for unfined beer, as people believe that some of the taste is stripped out when finings are added. Modern consumers are looking for more natural products with stronger flavours and aromas. Examples include scrumpy cider, juice with bits, smoothies, etc.

There is an increased perception of value when the product has goodness in it that consumers can see, taste, and feel. Beer it seems, is no different.

And lets not forget the vegetarians and vegans who can’t drink beer made with Isinglass (fish swim bladder) that is used to fine some beer – for them an unfined beer is often a welcome sight.

If given the choice I will always choose a fined beer over an unfined one, that's my personal preference.

The same as I would always choose a handled pot over a straight glass, a cask over a ‘key-cask’ or a light beer over a darker one, but, that’s just me. We all like different beers and that’s the magic of real ale, there’s a beer for everyone! Its just that some people haven’t found theirs yet.

Have fun finding yours, I certainly have!

Cheers!

Sarah 37

www.awcamra.org.uk

Just For Fun ANAGRAMS (POPULAR BEERS) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

AJAR RICE CHUNK ROPIEST BARBER ROAM DORK RANK RADAR GREED PIE

1.

Rickets is caused by a lack of which vitamin?

2.

On the banks of which river does Glamorgan County Cricket Club's ground stand?

BEER KNOWLEDGE

3.

Zealand is the largest island of which country?

4.

Which US musician has announced a series of farewell shows entitled Homeward Bound?

5.

George Orwell, the author and son of a British civil servant, was born in which country?

6.

Which bridge was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge when it opened in 1937?

7.

Which childrens book character was told "your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor"

8.

What is a Bedfordshire clanger?

Anemology is the study of what?

1.

What does beer contain which ale traditionally did not?

2.

Which Manchester brewery was acquired

by Whitbread in 1989?

3.

In 'The Lord of the Rings', what is the name of the inn in Bree, where a fine beer can be enjoyed?

4.

What is the process of separating the wort from the solid remains of the mash called?

5.

What is the national beer of Jamaica?

6.

What city gives its name to the lightest, palest, styles of lager?

7.

There are numerous breweries that brew the Tripel style beer, but in which abbey did this style originate?

9.

8.

Last year’s Champion Beer of Britain, Church End Goat’s Milk, is brewed in which county?

9.

When was CAMRA founded?

10. What is the collective name for a group of Giraffes?

10. Where will next year’s CAMRA Members’ Weekend and AGM be held?

WORDSEARCH ANSWERS - WINTER 2017 The following twenty Scottish beers were hidden in the Wordsearch: 1. Leezie Lundie, 2. Scalpsie Blonde, 3. Sunset, 4. Misty Law, 5. Black Galloway, 6. Happy Chappy, 7. Tornado, 8. Scapa Special, 9. Cairngorm Gold, 10. Red Kite, 11. Daracha, 12. Old Jock, 13. Old Engine Oil, 14. Old Norway, 15. Deuchars, 16. Macbeth, 17. Azure, 18. Fathom, 19. Silkie Stout, 20. Maverick 38

I read an interesting article in the winter issue of Wetherspoon News by our own Chief Executive Officer, Tim Page, regarding the tax take on the pint in front of you at your local. Most people do not seem to realise that a third of the cost goes on tax.

Considering the drinks industry contributes over ÂŁ23bn to the economy, provides employment to around 900,000 people, encourages tourism and last but not least, adds to social cohesion within communities you would think the Chancellor might give us a break.

LAST ORDERS

PICKING YOUR POCKET

by Ray Turpie, Branch Vice Chairman and CAMRA Public Affairs officer

Not a bit of it. Ponder the following: Pubs contribute 2.8% to the total business rates bill but only account for around 0.5% of business turnover. This is not to mention the disproportionately high beer duty compared to other European countries. In Germany for example, beer duty is 3.8p a pint against 52.2p in the UK. To make matters worse, we pay more VAT on food in our pubs than our European neighbours.

Do you think this is fair? Is it any wonder that pubs are closing at an alarming rate?

Part of the work I contribute to with my CAMRA Public Affairs hat on is to lobby government on just such issues. This is why it is so crucial that when members get circulars from our campaign team at HQ asking you to write to your MP or MSP or Assembly Member (AM) on an issue, you make the effort to do it.

Believe me, I talk to many politicians. Your contribution as a constituent makes a big difference and the more of you that write on pub related concerns, the more they pay attention. That is why CAMRA is the 10th most cited organization in Parliament, according to recent report.

Think about it. What can you do to help?

Find out at www.camra.org.uk

Acknowledgements: Wetherspoon News Bar Talk - Tim Page

The next edition of Full Pints will be published in June 2017. Articles, photos and other contributions should be sent to the editor at fullpints@awcamra.org.uk no later than Friday 18th May 2018.

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