What's Brewing May 2018

INSIDE THIS MONTH:

Volunteer Voice: social media helps heritage pubs • SIBA champion Industry Insider: Belgian beer culture • PLUS: CAMRA festivals

WHAT’SBREWING NEWSPAPER OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

MAY 2018

HEALTH

CAMPAIGN

Want a printed WB and BEER? Then let us know! pub guide Weekend: food and crown • Members’ PLUS: CAMRA festivals Final four bid for club role in beer flavour • Industr y Insider: barley’s

WHAT’SBREWING

INSIDE THIS MONTH:

THIS will be the last printed What’s Brewing you will get sent – unless you tell us you’d like to continue getting it.

We’re changing the way we send out WB and BEER and will no longer automatically assume all members want a printed copy.

But don’t worry, we’re not taking anything away and we’ll still print and post you copies of the publications if you get in touch to let us know you want to continue to receive them.

It’s easy to let us know either online, by phoning us, by email or post – see below for details.

We currently send out more than 100,000 publications a month by post to members. This costs the Campaign a large amount of money, which could be used to fund other activities. It also has a large environmental cost. Our research suggests a large proportion of the copies we print and post, and therefore the money we spend, is being wasted on unwanted and unread publications.

We’ve also developed our online news service. Digital versions of WB and BEER are made available at wb.camra.org.uk In addition we regularly update news to the wb.camra.org.uk website

NEWS

AIGN PAPER OF THE CAMP

JANUARY 2018

FOR REAL ALE

BREWING

ide All members to dec changes on Revitalisation

CAMPAIGN

ESS MORE MOOR SUCC of Beer THE British Guild named Writers (BGBW) Justin Moor brewery’s of the Hawke its Brewer awards.

Year at its annual Moor brewery was reborn in 2007 when Hawke (right)

g, along Californian changes we’re recommendin brewery of the impacts and more effectively bought the defunct with the analysis of CAMRA’s DNA are the changes Levels. It motions, which in the Somerset potential opportunities than conference

BY TOM STAINER locamoved to its current will have. non-binding. nal and I will be 2014. the recommenda to launch the fi tion in Bristol in “My colleagues Full details of CAMRA is about available at n Project – in January, to The award recognised making ourselves tions will be released stage of the Revitalisatiopurpose and to the country over understand the of its Hawke’s commitment meetings around ensure all members the largest review will the first – and every months so members difference they real ale. Moor was the next three changes and the activities ever conducted about the cask beer work and events. the chance to take brewery to put can ask us questions make to CAMRA’s member will get We’ll also be company open for informainto a can and the proposed changes.

Keep your eyes part in the big decisions. Executive online email, your available in exporting we’re is now regularly making sure tion on social media, CAMRA’s National At the end of .uk and the national to embed the Revicask ales to Italy. at frequent intervals. to make sure on wb.camra.org (NE), will seek the recomis “Justin recommendations website about His citation said: process our aim this CAMRA the talisation Project given register high has been how you can Articles of Assodelivers flavourful, every member mendations and into CAMRA’s more about the heard in the decibe asking members quality beers, combining opportunity to learn to get your voice ciation and will they voted. beer packat the Annual in before process. approval innovation proposals sion-making for their in tions mark an Colin Valenseen (AGM) this April aging – which has “Our recommenda National chairman General Meeting been important in CAMRA’s long take his his canbulance important stage tine said: “It’s always Coventry. the beer and the Articles, have had a say history. We recognise changed and that our members By choosing to change and all members has review process DON’T MISS pub landscape throughout this the NE has ensured vote on the be We’re deterto point where we’ll continues to evolve. change and we’re now at the will get the chance to the chance to vote changes by either mined to continue to giving all of them Revitalisation n Project we’re relevant AGM or registering evolve to ensure on the final Revitalisatio we attending the types and that As Special Resoludrinkers of all recommendations. for a proxy vote. in reason for people between now and 75 per cent vote offer a compelling “In the months tions require a sure members will reflect a clear to continue to join.”

April we’ll be making favour, approval of the and will details views, full can access the majority of members part changes become also ensure the

EVENT PLANNER

NEW CHAIRMAN welcoming a new CAMRA will be when Colin national chairman, to over the mantle Valentine will hand

April.

Jackie Parker next in the role, Colin After eight years he will not be standing has announced the National Execufor re-election to Members’ Weekend, tive at CAMRA’s in Coventry AGM and Conference, the will continue in in April 2018. He until then. chairman’s role vice-chairman, Currently CAMRA’s by her colleagues Jackie was elected in Executive meeting at the National

FOR CAMRA

Project. concluded the Revitalisation to will vote Hopefully members Executive’s approve the National the which would be recommendations, and me to step down perfect time for implementation.” let Jackie lead the an active member Jackie has been for 18 years. Jackie of the Campaign a key point in CAMRA’s said: “We’re at to ask our prepare we as history the recommenmembers to approve as a result of the dations we’re making Revitalisation Project. is to ensure “My vision for CAMRA to our active we remain as relevant members, potential volunteers, our

those people new members and clubs as possible, visiting pubs and to achieve our goals and we continue and for real ale, cider of campaigning the UK.” perry drinkers across

IMINATION TO PREVENT DISCR who, by CAMRA member members, is disreCAMPAIGN ACTS we expect of our their words or acts, values. the Campaign’s whom we work

December April we will have Colin said: “By

ExecuCAMRA’s National a strongly tive has issued making worded statement it clear the organisation condemns discriminatory brewing marketing in the not be industry and will at stocking such brands festivals, or promoting or them in competitions

publications.

The statement also makes the behaviour will be CAMRA members expected to demonstrate all clear and calls on consistent members to be

with The statement follows of discusseveral months discriminasions about the by the tion issues faced pub entire brewing and the industry between and National Executive regional directors.

The statement said: of recent “After a number it believe we incidents is time for us, CAMRA’s senior elected leadership clear and a group, to make unequivocal statement that about the behaviour

those with and the in our campaigning attend our customers who

beer festivals.

“We reaffirm our any condemnation of behaviour that discriminates against individuals gender, because of their race, ethnic origin, disability, age, nationality, sexuality, national origin, marital religion or belief, class. status and social and “We abhor sexism against any will take action

individual spectful of any gender. because of their We expect the behaviour with us, of those who work whether in campaigning to be or at our events, our values. consistent with who use We condemn those or slogans images sexist products to market their them and will not condone beer our being stocked at in festivals or promoted and our competitions

the canned beers on flavours road – with classic can that show just what four core be done with the ingredients of beer.

WB and BEER contribuskill by tors showed their of the top picking up most awards. the at honours won what.

See p3 for who

25-27 January

BEER MANCHESTER AND CIDER FESTIVAL

to The festival returns with Manchester Central, a preview on Wednesday licensed 24 January for the which is trade and media, members. free to CAMRA Advance tickets can be bought at www.mancbeerfest.uk

Club champion revealed • Members’ Weekend: how to get to Coventry Industry Insider: the £100 million message • PLUS: CAMRA festivals

WHAT’SBREWING NEWSPAPER OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

MARCH 2018 CAMPAIGN

Howzat! Closed pub fights back to take our top award

BY TIM HAMPSON A MERSEYSIDE pub saved from closure has been named the best in the country.

The Cricketers Arms in St Helens, Merseyside (pictured), has won the Campaign’s top pub award five years after it was boarded up for closure.

When Andy and Denise Evans (right) took over the running in 2013, it was neglected and hadn’t served cask ale since the 1980s, but since reopening it has been regularly winning local CAMRA awards.

The “Cricks” is now a well-established community pub with a selection of 13 locally sourced cask ales and up to 20 ciders in the summer.

Owner Andy Evans said: “We are over the moon to be named the top pub in the country after just a few short years of renovations.

“We’ve done everything we can to make this a welcoming community pub and still have exciting developments ahead of us. As well as expanding the beers available, we created a beer garden and put greens in the ground and have big plans to install a microbrewery this year.

We are very proud to be part of the cask ale scene and look forward to celebrating with our locals.”

CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year coordinator Paul Ainsworth said: “After winning the regional award in both 2015 and 2016, it’s a well deserved third time lucky for the Cricketers. In less than five years, Andy and Denise have converted

ISSUE

|

Filmed in a St Albans pub and featuring images of drinkers and pub scenes in Glasgow, the video gives a brief introduction to the thinking behind the Revitalisation Project, highlighting the changes in the beer, cider and pub world and explaining what the National Executive hopes to achieve.

The video can be found at revitalisationdecision. camra.org.uk along with details of how to vote online or register for a proxy. Members can vote on Revitalisation by attending CAMRA’s AGM held at the University of Warwick, Coventry in April.

DON’T MISS

EVENT PLANNER

a boarded-up pub on the brink of closure into a true destination pub.

What impressed me the most is that the Cricketers is a genuine community pub where people from all walks of life come together to socialise. It is a shining example of how a pub, which seems destined for closure, can have its fortunes turned around when in the right hands.”

Pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and

judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and most importantly – quality of beer.

The other finalists in the competition were the Wigan Central in Wigan, Stanford Arms in Lowestoft and the Weavers Real Ale House in Kidderminster.

PARLIAMENTARY PRAISE FOR CAMRA RESEARCH THE power and quality of CAMRA’s research has been given a powerful endorsement by a new parliamentary report.

CAMRA research is cited as the 10th most frequently mentioned source of information by MPs, peers and their staff according to the Role of Research in the UK Parliament, which is published by the Houses of Parliament.

The Office for National Statistics is the top resource for parliamentarians, says the report, followed by Institute for Fiscal Studies, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and

SEE WHAT THE NE SAYS ABOUT REVITALISATION

MEMBERS of the National Executive have spoken about why they believe Revitalisation is important and want members to approve the proposed changes to the Articles of Association.

The video is designed to encourage members to find out more about Revitalisation and engage with the decision making process.

It features six members of the National Executive – chairman-elect Jackie Parker, Michael Hardman, Nick Boley, Nik Antona, Abigail Newton and Alexander Wright – speaking THIRTY-EIGHT on behalf of the National WINTER 2017 Executive.

National Audit Office.

Other organisations above the Campaign include the British Medical Association, Shelter and

the Federation of Small Businesses. CAMRA comes in at number 10 ahead of the European Commission, Cancer Research and the Trade Union Congress.

In fact, CAMRA is ahead of the Bank of England and the Office for Budget Responsibility.

“The credibility of the source of research was overall ranked as the most important factor in determining use,” said the research.

CAMRA national director Ben Wilkinson (pictured) said: “For an organisation of CAMRA’s size and resources to achieve such

a level of influence in parliament is outstanding.

“It’s a powerful demonstration of the value of the hard campaigning work conducted both by volunteers around the country and by our team of professional public affairs staff at St Albans.”

The top 10 organisations cited as source of information are: ONS, Institute for Fiscal Studies, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, National Audit Office, Shelter, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute for Public Policy Research, OECD, British Medical Association and CAMRA.

AIDED BY L NNE THE CHA A TUNNEL, BEER GROUP OF HAS LOVERS IUM MADE BELGND ITS SECO HOME

7-11 August

GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL The GBBF is returning this summer to London’s Olympia and tickets are now on sale. Standard tickets start from as little as £9 for CAMRA members or £11 for non-members.

Tickets can be purchased online gbbf.org.uk

Beer Hunter tribute column Members’ • Weekend preview: breweries Industry Insider: changing debate on alcohol • PLUS: CAMRA festivals

INSIDE THIS MONTH:

WHAT’SBREWING

NOVEMBER 2017

NEWSPAPER OF THE CAMPAIGN

Government must cut tax burden to help pubs survive

BY TIM HAMPSON

IN the Budget, the government must reduce the unsustainable burden tax puts on beer and pubs.

Going to the pub is becoming an unaffordable luxury for most people, according to new CAMRA research and now the Campaign wants to see urgent action or thousands more pubs could close.

In its submission to the Treasury, prior to the budget on 22 November, CAMRA is calling for a for an annual £5,000 business rate relief for all pubs in England as well as a freeze, or reduction in, beer duty for the rest of this parliament.

CAMRA warns that without urgent action, thousands of community pubs in England could be wiped off the map as four in 10 face a crippling rise in business rates.

To survive, some English pubs will need to sell more than 20,000 extra pints of beer every year to cover the

rises in rates. Too many pub operators will have to face the stark choice CAMRA’S TREASURY of putting up prices or closing, forcing SUBMISSION SAYS: many to drink at home. ● on average, each pub pays nearly CAMRA’s national chairman Colin £140,000 in taxes each year Valentine said: “All the evidence ● around 37 per cent per cent of the shows drinking alcohol in moderation total cost of a pint is now made up of in the company of others is good for taxes people’s wellbeing, yet the opportu● the UK pays nearly 40 per cent nity to get together and enjoy a beer of all beer duty in the EU but only is being taken away from swathes of consumes around 12 per cent of the people on lower and middle incomes, beer who are increasingly viewing a pub ● CAMRA’s submission to governpint as an unaffordable luxury. ment is at https://tinyurl.com/ “Many landlords are in a tricky yb8vts4xRA situation in that they are forced to either raise their prices or close their doors forever. It is the people on lower rates is Christo Tofalli, landlord of Ye incomes who will be hit the hardest, Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans. and will then choose to drink at He said: “To put it simply, pubs are home. In addition, thousands of local at the point of no return. Our pub’s pubs are at risk of closure, bringing massive 47 per cent increase in busidevastating consequences for their ness rates is nothing in comparison local communities.” to our neighbouring pub, the Boot in One licensee facing up to the dire St Albans, which has seen its rates consequences of a rise in business increase by 286 per cent.”

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE’S COST

NEXT month’s WB, December, will be the second issue affected by the package of cost saving measures agreed by the National Executive. Printed copies of December’s WB will only be sent to members for whom we do not have an email address.

Members for whom we

have an email address will have received messages to alert them to the availability of the digital versions of WB and invite them to read news from the Campaign and the brewing industry on the new news site at wb.camra.org.uk As one of the biggest regular items of expendi-

PUBS

SAVING PLANS

ture for the Campaign, this measure will save around £80,000. You can help save additional campaigning funds by adding your email to your membership record on camra.org.uk or choosing to opt-out of receiving printed versions of WB, which can also be done via your online

CABLE CALLS FOR CAP ON BUSINESS

LIBERAL Democrats are calling for business rate increases for English pubs to be capped.

The party says the rate increase for English pubs should be limited to a maximum of 12.5 per cent, as it is in Scotland.

It comes as research by the party revealed thousands of pubs hit with crippling hikes to their business rates still haven’t received any funding from the government’s flagship relief scheme.

In the March Budget, chancellor Phillip Hammond said pubs hit with higher rates would receive a £1,000 annual discount.

Six months on, four in 10 councils in England still haven’t even been able to start distributing the relief, with

INSIDE BREWPUBS BOAK AND BAILEY PUB HERITAGE BUXTON BREWERY

publications.”

FOR REAL ALE

CAMPAIGN

£3.95

INSIDE THIS MONTH:

BY WB REPORTER

HEADLINES REJECTED

membership record.

You can see answers to frequently asked questions on CAMRA’s website at www.tinyurl.com/ costsavingfaqs If you have further questions email camrafeedback@camra. org.uk or write to Tom Stainer, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW.

GUIDE

QUEEN’S CELEBRATES

THE 45th edition of Good Beer Guide includes five pubs that have made every single edition of the book.

To mark the achievement, CAMRA is making a special presentation to each of the pubs. The latest is the Queen’s Head,

Newton, near Cambridge. ● Pictured, from left, Cambridge & District branch chairman Will Smith, Queen’s Head landlord Rob Short, guide editor Roger Protz and regional director Andrea Briers.

DON’T MISS

EVENT PLANNER

16-18 November

BELFAST BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL

CAMRA Northern Ireland hosts the biggest bar in Ireland, featuring more than 100 real ales and ciders from local and UK breweries. For more information see www. camranorthernireland.com

RATE RISES

Cable (pictured) said: “Thousands of pubs faced with crippling tax hikes are being left in the lurch by this government.

many blaming software problems, the absence of clear guidance from the government and lack of time to put local schemes in place.

Liberal Democrat leader Vince

“This rushed scheme has been plagued with problems from the start.

Local councils have had to deal with software glitches, a lack of clear guidance from ministers and little time to prepare. Pubs form the bedrock of local communities across the country, but many now worry they will have to close their doors.

“Instead of this temporary sticking plaster, we need to properly protect pubs by capping business rate rises at 12.5 per cent.”

Data from Freedom of Information requests shows only 150 local authorities have started distributing funds.

01 Cover Final.indd 1 10/10/2017 13:55

BEER, between issues of WB and BEER making the site more up-to-date and convenient than waiting for the printed issue.

Why not give the digital alternative a try and see if you’d prefer to get your content delivered that way, saving the Campaign funds and reducing our environmental impact?

If you’ve already opted out of getting publications by post, you don’t need to do anything.

If you get publications by post, but are happy to access them online in future, you don’t need to do anything.

If you’d like to continue to get the publications, we’ll still print and post you WB and BEER, just get in touch to let us know you still want it: ● Online: log into the Members’

Section at camra.org.uk with your membership number and password, click “edit my membership information” then “amend my details”, under the “preferences” tab you can switch WB and/or BEER back to “by post” ● By phone: call 0330 058 3130 and follow the automated instructions to change your WB/BEER preference ● By email: send an email to membership@camra.org.uk with the subject ““BEER/WB Preferences” and indicate if you still want to receive BEER, WB, or both, by post ● Write: send your membership number and preference for receiving WB, BEER or both by post to: Membership Contact Preferences, 203 Hatfield Road, St Albans Herts, AL1 4LW.

PUBS

NO WHITE COATS AS SCIENTISTS HEAD TO THE PUB TAKE some sugar from malted barley, add yeast and what do you have? Beer and carbon dioxide.

Or as a scientist might put it add C6H12O6 to yeast at 37˚C and you should end up with 2C2H5OH + 2CO2.

Now, scientists are throwing off their white coats and leaving their labs and visiting pubs to talk about the reasearch they do.

Pint of Science brings scientists out of the lab and into pubs in 33 UK cities.

In pubs from Stirling to Portsmouth people can hear talks on everything from using gene editing to make better beers to the science of love.

More than 1,000 scientists are to appear in pubs, as the world’s largest festival of public science talks returns for 2018. And worldwide, nearly 300 cities in 21 countries are taking part in this festival which runs from 14-16 May. As part of the three-day Pint of

Science event, thousands of scientists around the world will speak about their work and research.

“There is so much fascinating research happening right under our noses that we don’t know about,” says festival co-founder Dr Praveen Paul.

“Some can get lost in translation leading to fake news. Pint of Science allows people direct access to inspiring scientists and encourages open discussion, all in the most familiar of British places, the pub.

Scientists drink pints too – they really aren’t that different,” he said.

Pint of Science is a non-profit organisation coordinated by a small central team which works alongside volunteers predominantly based within the participating universities.

For more information on the pub session and to buy tickets go to www. pintofscience.co.uk

MODERATE drinkers shouldn’t be worried by recent shock media reports stating drinking more than five glasses of wine or beer a week was dangerous.

Research from the University of Cambridge and the British Heart Foundation, which looked at 600,000 drinkers across the world, was claimed to have discovered anything more than five glasses of wine, or pints of beer, is dangerous to health, and could be knocking years off a person’s lifespan.

It’s not so, said Drinkers’ Voice director Dr Richard Harding, saying the headlines do not match the facts.

Harding said: “A lot

of research has been carried out over the last 40 years which is really consistent in its findings.

It finds that moderate consumers of alcohol find they are protected from heart disease through quite a significant degree compared with abstainers.

The drop in the risk is large; between 20-40 per cent.

“At first sight, this study seems to be an outlier to those findings but the detail of the results actually show that the never drinkers fared worse than even the heavy drinkers in this study.

Once again, this is another story about drinking where shock headlines don’t match up with the detail of the findings.”

DON’T MISS

EVENT PLANNER

7-11 August

THE GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL The Great British Beer Festival at London’s Olympia is set to be the best yet with a wide range of beer, cider and perry.

There’s street food, tutored tastings and live music. For advance discounted tickets go to www.gbbf.org.uk

2

NEWS & COMMENT

EDITORIAL COMMENT

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU WANT IN recent months many correspondents to WB have lamented the possible demise of a hard copy version of the paper.

They don’t want to get their news on screens and would prefer to settle down with a pint and the paper and catch up with Campaign activity. Some say the printed paper is an invaluable campaigning tool. Once read, it can be left in a pub or directly passed on to another so they can learn about CAMRA activities.

Some say the paper is outmoded and they are happy to get all their news electronically via a phone, tablet or PC. These people feel comfortable in a digital world and anyway they no longer buy a daily or weekly newspaper.

So why should CAMRA be any different from a multitude of other organisations?

A common thread from most of the most of the correspondents. on both sides of the discussion, is that the choice is binary. Paper or no paper. Electronic and nothing else.

Now members have an individual choice of how they will continue to receive WB. If you want a paper version then you can have it. But you will have to tell us.

This paper issue will be the last to be automatically sent to you unless you tell us how you’d like to continue getting it. If you want to continue receiving the paper then just let CAMRA know. The story on the front page explains how to contact CAMRA if you want to continue receiving it. This can be done online, by email, over the phone or using the post.

CAMRA is not stopping printing and posting WB but if that is how you want to continue receive it, you must let us know.

WHAT’S BREWING MAY 2018 SWIFT HALVES

PUBS

Pubs backed after nerve agent attack

BY WB REPORTER SALISBURY pubs are open and they’re safe. Salisbury & South Wilts branch is proving there is more than a silver lining to the cloud that descended over the city after the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter. There is beer and some fabulous city pubs.

Branch members showed their support for the Salisbury is Open campaign by visiting pubs close to the Mill pub where Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found following the nerve agent attack in the city.

The branch holds a monthly City Saunter around pubs and this time chose venues near the site of the incident.

Shops and businesses in Salisbury suffered in the aftermath of the attack as customers and tourists stayed away.

Because of this a Salisbury is Open campaign has been launched to counteract the loss of trade and CAMRA members were among the first to show their support in a practical way. They visited the Boathouse, Bridge Tap, Quds and Haunch of Venison.

Salisbury & South Wilts branch chairman Derek Blackshaw said: “It was

GBG UPDATE

DELETIONS for the 2018 Good Beer Guide, as notified to the CAMRA office by regional directors are Tap & Bottle, Knutsford, Cheshire, p75 (closed); Royal Oak, Runcorn, Cheshire, p78 (change of licensee); Pie & Ale, Manchester City Centre, Gtr Manchester, p329 (closed); Royal Blenheim, Oxford, Oxon, p395 (closed for refurbishment/change of licensee); Slater’s, Wolverhampton, W Mids, p500 (closed); Kenmuir Arms Hotel, New Luce, Dumfries & Galloway, p641 (closed).

CLUB LATEST the largest group I have ever experienced on one of our city saunters. As a local organisation we feel it is important to do what we can to support our businesses, especially pubs, and demonstrate that they are most certainly open for business.

“We hope other local organisations will make similar efforts in their sphere of interest and everybody will turn out and show that Salisbury is in business.”

As WB went to press the Mill pub remains closed as part of an ongoing police investigation.

AT the end of March the CAMRA Members’ Investment Club fund was worth almost £20.5m.

The club made an initial investment in the small Belgian brewery, Brasserie du Renard.

The club’s AGM in June is filling quickly, members should book their place as soon as possible on 01772 457992. For details go to www.cmic.uk.com

NEWS

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news BEER

ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL WINDSOR & Eton Brewery has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment as Brewer to the Queen.

The award allows the brewer to display a royal coat of arms on its products, stationery, premises and vehicles.

To become a royal warrant holder a business must have supplied goods or services to a royal household for at least five years. Windsor & Eton brewery, which will celebrate its eighth birthday on St George’s Day, brews beer using barley grown on the royal farms at Windsor – and the spent grains are returned to feed its cattle.

Windsor & Eton director Will Calvert said: “We’re a very fortunate business. To be Windsor’s community brewery working with all our local suppliers and customers including the royal household is a real privilege. With this award comes responsibility – and we’ll never forget how we serve Windsor & Eton.”

PUBS

Make CAMRA just the way you want it

BY WB REPORTER YOUR time is precious, so making sure you get the information you want, the way you want, is important to us.

Are you interested in the latest beer festival news?

Hoping to keep up-to-date on our book releases? Or are you more dedicated to blazing the campaign trail? Make sure you let us know!

CAMRA is changing to give you more control over the information you receive. For the first time, every member will have the opportunity to tell us exactly what they want to hear about from the Campaign by easily updating their preferences online.

This means fewer emails and letters about issues that aren’t relevant to you, and better, more

streamlined communication in the areas that are of interest.

As an existing member with an established relationship we have loaded your preferences, from choices you have previously made, onto your existing member record.

If you want to make changes to these, log onto the membership website to personalise and tailor it as you want.

Sign in to your account using your membership details at www. camra.org.uk and select

cider pubs and the beer festival opened its doors on 20 February to a CAMRA members’ preview.

Breweries also hosted their own brewery bars, including Lacons with its award-winning ales. It was joined by the Norfolk Brewhouse in conjunction with grain merchants and custodians of Maris Otter barley, H Banham. The festival also attracted a Cambridge-

based brewery, Moonshine, with its speciality stout and range of ales.

The 41st Norwich Beer Festival, organised by the Norwich & Norfolk branch will be held at St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls from 22-27 October 2018.

Next year’s GBBFW will return to Norwich 19-23 February.

For more information visit winter.gbbf.org.uk.

FESTIVALS

SUCCESSFUL WINTER FEST THE organisers of the Great British Beer Festival Winter (GBBFW) in Norwich have hailed it a success.

More than 10,000 people made their way to the festival, an increase of 33 per cent on the previous year.

“The festival builds on the success of its first year in Norwich in 2017 and has seen an impressive rise in attendees since last year as word has spread and investment in marketing has attracted visitors from as far as Italy,” said festival organiser Martin Ward.

“From the generosity of the festival public, the chosen local charity, Age UK Norwich, raised £3,651 towards its care for the elderly and making later life in Norwich the best it can be,” he said.

The GBBFW began on 1 February with fringe events around the city’s ale and

3

CAMPAIGN

FESTIVAL VETERAN AND JUDGE DIES SARAH Edmondson, one of the stalwarts of the Campaign, has died after a short illness.

Sarah worked at every Great British Beer Festival since the Alexandra Palace days, judged Champion Beer of Britain finalists and

sat on the final panel. In addition she worked at 40 Wolverhampton Beer Festivals and was the organiser of six of them.

A full appreciation of her life can be found at wb.camra.org.uk and will appear in the June issue.

“Edit your membership information” to update your preferences and decide exactly what you want from CAMRA. Don’t miss out on the issues that are most important to you.

Contact membership@ camra.org.uk, 01727 798440, or get in touch with the team by post at Membership, 230 Hatfield Rd, St Albans AL1 4LW if you would like more information and advice about how to amend your preferences. ● DO you hold membership data within a volunteer branch position? You will need to make sure that you are compliant through the comms tool.

For more information, background and FAQs on how this applies to CAMRA branches, visit the Campaign’s members’ website.

QUIZ RAISES £100,000 HOW do you raise more than £100,000 for charity?

You hold a pub quiz.

Money raised from the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz, held earlier this month, has already passed £100,000, with figures still to come in from more than half of the 2,200 pubs that took part.

Now in its third year, the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz is gathering industry support, with the number of locals taking part doubling compared to 2017.

PubAid co-founder Des O’Flanagan said: “We’re excited about the impressive sum this has raised, with more than 500 great charities benefitting,

including Prostate Cancer UK. Not only does the quiz raise money, it also acts as a showcase event for pub charity fundraising overall.

Pubs raise more than £100 million for charity every year, and we’re pleased to see this message is now getting through to consumers, MPs and others, helping to shape positive perceptions of the great British pub.”

Pubs can choose to support PubAid’s charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK or another charity. Pub Aid is confident the quiz will have raised more than £200,000 once all monies are recorded.

COMMUNITY WEEKEND DATES have been announced for this year’s Community Business Weekend, which shines a light on community-led enterprises, including pubs and breweries.

The event, run by Power to Change, will take place from 4-7 May across England to celebrate the

7,000 community businesses across the country.

Last year the weekend saw a pub launch a new beer, while others volunteered at a community-run vineyard. For more on Community Business Weekend visit: www. communitybusinessweekend. org

4

NEWS

WHAT’S BREWING MAY 2018

BREWING

KEELING HONOURED A CONSUMMATE champion of cask conditioning has been honoured by the brewing industry.

Fuller’s John Keeling has been given a lifetime achievement award by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

Keeling, the former head brewer and now global ambassador at the Chiswick brewery in West London, was presented the award by SIBA chairman Buster Grant.

Grant said Keeling’s commitment and passion for quality beer is evident to anyone that meets him, and his work for one of the UK’s most iconic brewers over the last 40 years has seen him dust off the brewing records and revive historic recipes as well as look to the future, inviting some of Britain’s finest independent brewers to join him at the mash tun.

“A fervent defender of the lunchtime pint, the winner of this year’s lifetime achievement award is not only an extremely worthy recipient, but

someone we’d recommend you grab a beer with,” said Grant.

Keeling said he’d dedicated is life to brewing since joining Wilson’s brewery in Newton Heath, Manchester in 1974 as a lab technician. He joined Fuller’s in 1981.

Keeling said: “I’ve dedicated my life to brewing great beer – and I’ve loved every second of it – so being recognised for doing something you enjoy is a double delight.

I’d like to think that in some small way I’ve helped and inspired a number of the ‘craft’ brewers who are producing such interesting beers today. It’s more than 40 years since I first set foot in a brewery and some 37 years since I joined Fuller’s.

“Reg Drury, the legendary former Fuller’s head brewer, was instrumental in my success and I hope I have passed the same degree of knowledge and passion on to Georgina Young and the next generation of brewers at Fuller’s.”

‘Blood, sweat and tears’ pays off for champ Wolf

BY TIM HAMPSON WOLF brewery was named Champion Cask Brewer in SIBA’s national beer awards and AGM. The gold-winning beer, Wolf’s Sirius Dog Star (4.4 per cent) was described by judges as a “uniquely flavoured red ale, lightly hopped with American galena and cluster hops, a smooth beer with a soft fruity finish” Wolf brewery’s Georgina Edwards (pictured with SIBA chairman Buster Grant) said: “A lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into that beer so it means a huge amount to win. It means the world to the family. We were aiming for a smooth, dark session beer that is accessible but with huge flavour – something I think we achieved!”

North Brewing Transmission won the keg cate-

gory. Tring was named the best small pack brewer for its Death of Glory.

The judges described it as a “rich, sweet barley wine with a heady, alcoholic nose and incredibly complex flavour profile”.

Brecon brewer Grant said: “Making it to the finals is an achievement in itself, winning your style category is something to be even more proud of, and then going on to be named the overall champion against such tough competition really is something truly special.

“These are the three best beers from independent ‘craft’ brewers across cask, keg, bottle and can – beers which I would encourage both beer drinkers and publicans across the UK to seek out while they still can, as demand for these beers is surely about to go through the roof.”

l SINCE the awards Grant

has stepped down as SIBA chairman. Grant, who was elected in March 2017, said he was resigning ito “dedicate more time to his business activities”.

At the AGM a motion proposed by its National Executive to make it easier for larger brewers such as

Fuller’s and St Austell to join was rejected by three votes.

Hardknot brewery owner Dave Bailey who spoke against the motion said: “There are a number of like-minded brewers like myself that feel SIBA is failing to represent the little guy.”

BREWDOG SNAPS UP DRAFT HOUSE BREWDOG has paid a reported £15m for the Draft House chain of pubs, founded by industry entrepreneurs Charlie McVeigh and Luke Johnson, in its first major acquisition.

The deal will see the Scottish business buy all 14 Draft House sites in London and the South East, increasing the number of UK bars BrewDog operates in the UK by more than a third, from its current 33.

It is likely the Draft pubs will retain their own identity and not be rebranded as BrewDog bars.

In a statement the company said: “BrewDog is planning to invest in the current Draft House sites and may look to expand on them in future. The beer selection will be different from BrewDog bars, but

with the same focus on independent craft beer from around the world.”

BrewDog bar business MD David McDowall said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce we are joining forces with one of the most exciting ‘craft’ beer bar businesses in the UK, enabling us to bring more amazing beer to more people, across the country.”

He said BrewDog would continue to champion the incredible world of amazing, independent ‘craft’ beer by ensuring Draft House is fully stocked with the world’s best beer from the planet’s most exciting and eclectic craft breweries. BrewDog said it would be investing in the sites with expansion possible at some of them.

BREWERS’ TRIBUTES TO SALLY A STAFFORDSHIRE brewery has produced a real ale in memory of Birmingham branch chair Sally Lavender who died suddenly after suffering a stroke.

Weal Ales has produced Sally’s Strawberry Stout in tribute to the real ale campaigner. Fixed Wheel in the Black Country’s Blackheath also did a special brew, Lady in a Hat in her

memory, and Oakham Ales has also re-branded a beer.

Sally had been chairman of the Birmingham branch of CAMRA for just under a year before her death in February.

HEALTH

DRINKERS’ VOICE RECRUITS RACHEL DRINKERS’ Voice has appointed Rachel Auty as a director. A marketing and communications professional with 20-years experience and a CAMRA member, Rachel also founded Women On Tap in 2017 and is passionate about both the beer industry and the representation of women within it.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to contributing to the shaping of

Drinkers’ Voice. It’s so important to call out the inaccuracies and scaremongering, and to highlight the counter arguments on health, wellbeing, and drinking in order to rebalance opinion. The anti-alcohol lobby has held a monopoly on this subject for too long. It’s time to provide the public with the facts they need so they can form new and betterinformed viewpoints.”

Formed in 2017, Drinkers’ Voice aims to create a movement which encourages conversation around how drinking in moderation is playing a positive role in many lives.

Drinkers’ Voice, run by volunteers, is funded entirely by donations from the public. To help support the Drinkers’ Voice movement donate at drinkersvoice.org.uk/ campaigns/donate/

NEWS

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5

PUBS

BY TIM HAMPSON TRENDS in the USA don’t take long to cross the Atlantic and beer styles are no exception.

Last month, WB online reported on the new beer styles being adopted by the US Brewers’ Association – hazy, juicy, sour and American-style pilsener have all become recognised among a number of changes to the organisation’s guide.

Now, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) is embracing the thirst for hazy IPAs, sour beers and spontaneously fermented brews.

SIBA has torn up its rule book and introduced new categories to its beer awards. These include various

strength bands for increasingly popular India pale ales, or IPAs as they are now more commonly known, as well as a sour and spontaneously fermented beer category more commonly associated with Belgium and the US, but which is becoming much more common in the UK.

“The British beer market is unrecognisable from 10 years ago, with thousands of independent British brewers now producing some of the most exciting, full-flavoured beers I’ve ever tasted – in a range of styles greater than we have ever seen before,” said SIBA competition chair Guy Sheppard.

“While British bitters and traditional porters remain hugely popular, and an important part of our brewing heritage, it’s important for us to recognise the diversity of styles now being brewed in the UK – from hazy, aromatic American style New England IPAs to wild and spontaneously fermented sour beers in the style of the Belgian lambic brewers.”

PORTER GOES LOW TO CARRY OFF FEST CROWN ANSPACH & Hobday brewery has taken first prize in the London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival’s Champion Lower Alcohol Beer of London competition, with its Table Porter, at only 2.8 per cent ABV. Festival organiser Christine Cryne said: “The competition was open to any beer of three per cent ABV or lower that is brewed in London. Our aim was to show a beer doesn’t have to be strong to be tasty.

“The range of beer entered was fantastic. The weakest beer had only a one per cent alcohol content and we had all sorts of styles including a German-style weiss beer, a sour, a brown and a porter as well as a number of golden ales. The judges had a hard job making a decision.”

Paul Anspach and Jack Hobday

set up their brewery in 2013, in Bermondsey SE1 sharing the premises for the first year with Bullfinch brewery. Each had a tiny 100-litre kit (0.6 barrels) with a 200-litre fermenter.

At that time, most of the production was sold through the tap room. After just six months, Anspach expanded to 450 litres and subsequently to 14 hectolitres (8.6 barrels) with eight conical fermenters, which also double as conditioning tanks. l LOWER, lesser, lighter – how would you describe a beer with alcohol below 3.5 per cent ABV? The Department of Health (DoH) has launched a consultation on low-alcohol descriptors for the marketing and labelling of alcoholic drinks. It says it wants to help grow the lower-strength market and clarify labelling for consumers.

Some years ago, CAMRA campaigned successfully for a lower tax band for beers under 2.8 per cent ABV. At the time a CAMRA survey showed one in two people wanted a low-strength beer option in the pub.

Now, the DoH says it will issue guidance on the issue of how to describe and market such drinks.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says it is calling for more flexibility to promote lower-strength or “lighter” beers at or below 3.5 per cent ABV. Under current advertising regulations alcoholic beer contains more than 1.2 per cent ABV. Beers under 1.2 per cent can be described as low alcohol. Alcohol-free beer has no more than 0.05 per cent ABV. De-alcoholised beer has no more than 0.5 per cent.

BOOKS

CAMRA LAUNCHES SECOND HERITAGE E-BOOK FOLLOWING the huge success of a free guide to the heritage pubs of Sheffield, CAMRA has launched another free e-book, this time detailing heritage pubs in East Anglia.

The new guide covers the 63 pubs in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk with interiors of national or regional historic, or architectural importance plus a further 55 whose interiors are of some regional interest.

Edited by Paul Ainsworth, the e-book is available for free as a downloadable PDF, or you can view the information on the website .

The guide includes colour pictures of all the pubs listed, plus information about the features which make them of such interest.

Pubs are identified as either featuring on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Heritage Pubs, or on the East Anglian list.

In the guide Paul Ains-

worth writes: “Defending our traditional pubs has always been a key aim of CAMRA. Work to compile a National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors (NI) began in 1991 and the first actual list appeared in 1997, totalling 179 entries. It has since been continually refined and updated as, on the one hand, new candidates were discovered and, on the other, existing entries were closed or ruined. The irony is that interest in historic buildings

has never been greater.

Many of us are fascinated by our built heritage and spend many an hour visiting old properties from stately homes through to the most vernacular of structures. All the sadder, then, that genuine pub interiors seem so undervalued by mainstream conservationists and that owners are often eager to tear them apart.”

For more details go to pubheritage.camra.org.uk/ rhp/EastAnglia.

PICTURE: Les Shackleford

SIBA rips up beer style rule book to follow US brewers

LANDSLIP THREAT THE future of the Blue Anchor, Minehead is teetering on the edge.

Time is running out for the popular pub on the Somerset coast after a major landslip left the building close to the cliff edge.

Cara Strom, who runs the business, said the building is safe but she feared how long she could remain open.

Strom said the future of the pub, which is also her home, was in the hands of West Somerset council. “It is the coastal protection authority and has to be the lead in any project that takes place.

“We need all stakeholders to come together including Somerset County Council which is responsible for the road adjacent

to the property. The land is continuing to drop although the building is safe to use.”

“We have been working hard on a solution that was not only feasible but could be funded. Unfortunately, time may simply be against us.

“We even informed West Somerset council the winter had not been kind to the cliff and things were accelerating.

“Although still stable once the pub does fall into the sea the road will be next, to me it seems a false economy not to prevent any further erosion now. To me the ‘do nothing’ option is simply not an option.”

Strom said she would consider using crowdfunding to help raise the money to pay for repairs to the cliff.

6

NEWS

WHAT’S BREWING MAY 2018

OBITUARIES

Tributes to Edinburgh CAMRA pioneer ONE of the great stalwarts of CAMRA since its early years, Tony Dean, has died at home in Northern Ireland, writes Allan McLean.

He was closely associated with the Campaign for Real Ale since his years in Edinburgh where he was a founder of the city’s branch. He was also a close friend of the late Dan Kane, the CAMRA stalwart who did so much for the cause of ale.

Tony was the first chairman of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland branch and was also the first Scottish organiser, having been appointed under rather bizarre circumstances in 1976 as the then national chairman Chris Bruton recalls: “In early 1976, the Scottish branches were getting a little boisterous demanding representation on the National Executive.

At a National Executive meeting in Durham, it was agreed to ask the Scottish branches to nominate someone whom the National Executive would co-opt immediately.

“The following day Andrew Cunningham and I drove to Berwick to meet Scottish

delegates. I explained what the National Executive had agreed which rather surprised Tony al. They had come to Dean et al demand just that. This took 60 seconds. The rest of the meeting was taken up with working out whom the nominee would be. In the end Tony Dean was selected because ‘his divorce was through: the others were only pending’.”

Mark Hutchinson, who took over from Tony as the Northern Ireland branch chairman, recalls meeting him in a Belfast pub.

Mark recalls: “There is a big hole in my life, but it will be filled with memories and recollections of the not-so-tall tales he would tell.”

Also from Tony’s time in Northern Ireland come the memories of the then regional director Paul Carter: “In 1987 he moved to Belfast and soon burst upon the CAMRA scene and muscled in on the CAMRA branch to take over as chairman – occasionally ruffling a few feathers but injecting some renewed vigour into the mammoth task faced by local activists.

“This was at a time when real ale in NI had suffered some serious setbacks such as the closure of Herald brewery in Coleraine. Yes, Hilden brewery remained a much-appreciated rock of stability but real ale outlets had dwindled to a small nucleus. In 1989, after many years of trying to persuade Bass Ireland to give cask beer a trial, Tony and I met with the brewery’s management team which announced it had decided to offer Heriot 80/- to selected outlets.

This seemed like a real breakthrough but the trial was not judged a success, largely down to storage and dispense issues, something Tony wrote about in the 1991 Good Beer Guide. It did however lead to Bass bringing

bottle-conditioned Worthington White Shield into NI – this proved to be a useful introduction to real ale for several licensees and their customers. Giving a GBG-listing to pubs that served bottled White Shield but no cask beer raised a few eyebrows in mainland Britain, but it was the right thing to do to boost the profile of real ale in NI. “Tony was not just an esteemed campaigner and consummate fount of knowledge, he was also great company. I have many memories of his boundless enthusiasm, impish smile and wonderfully witty turn of phrase.

Roger Preece recalls: “My first memory of Tony was at the meeting to test support for the setting up of a CAMRA branch for Edinburgh and South East Scotland in the autumn of 1975.

Tony chaired the meeting with what was to become his usual aplomb, which was not necessarily an easy task, given the presence at the meeting of several Edinburgh lawyers.

“I became secretary of the branch and always found Tony a pleasure to work with. He had a relaxed way of chairing

meetings, both branch and committee, but at the same time was rigorous in following the correct procedures. This was all accompanied by an easy wit and a slightly formal way of speaking at meetings which disarmed fractious behaviour. This was essential because at that time CAMRA was a new organisation, and there were almost as many opinions as members regarding how we should operate.

“Tony really came into his own when dealing with unexpected interruptions at branch meetings. The Black Swan was located in what was then Leith docks and one branch meeting was visited by a couple of ladies of the night looking for trade. Tony handled their sudden appearance with such skill that they even thanked him as they were invited to immediately leave.”

On 18 March this year, a few of Tony’s old friends in Scotland, most of whom had been unable to make it to Northern Ireland for his funeral, gathered to raise a glass to his memory in the pub where the Edinburgh branch got started more than 40 years ago.

Tony Dean 1943-2018.

ROTHERHAM REAL ALE CHAMPION ROTHERHAM recently said farewell to Eric Daykin, former landlord of the Limes Hotel in the town, once one of the area’s top real ale pubs until it was closed and demolished

by Marston’s, writes Paul Redfern.

Eric Daykin and his wife Carol ran real ale pubs in Yorkshire for some 30 years, starting at the Scot-

tish Soldier in Beverley, followed by the Shepherd’s Arms in Horbury, near Wakefield before taking over the Limes. They were always friendly and genial hosts. Despite his years in Yorkshire, Eric never forgot his roots in Derbyshire and remained a Derby County supporter. Eric also helped at branch beer festivals until two years ago.

FESTIVAL WORKER MUCH MISSED LAWRENCE Smith, who died recently, was a member of CAMRA Northern Ireland from the early 1990s, back in the days when we held our meetings in the old Kitchen Bar, writes Paul Malley.

As a customs officer he was used to dealing with the licensed trade. This proved useful when he was out campaigning, where he was particularly keen to promote CAMRA’s views on beer quality and the full pint.

Lawrence also worked at many CAMRA beer festivals and he also spent a lot of time visiting other real ale festivals all around the UK.

WEST DORSET BEER WRITER DIES WEST Dorset member Michel HooperImmins has died at his home in Weymouth, aged 70. Michel was born in Weymouth and proud of his Dorset roots, though he had lived in Leicester for many years, In addition to CAMRA he was involved in many local organisations, including the Society of Dorset Men, the Ancient Order of Foresters, Freemasons, and the Weymouth and Portland Louviers Society.

Michel was also a public governor at Dorset County Hospital and chaired the

local NHS patients’ forum, the Weymouth & Portland Health Network.

An accountant by training, Michel wrote and photographed for a number of magazines and newspapers, including the Dorset Echo, Echo where he had a column in the early 2000s, with a speciality in food and drink. In particular he loved the pubs and brewers in the region. He often wrote about community pubs threatened with closure. He was also judge of the Campaign’s Wessex pub and club of the year competitions.

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7

VOLUNTEER VOICE

Getting the young to embrace the old Social media can help save Britain’s pub heritage, says Harry Fenton MANY of you will already be aware CAMRA has a Pub Heritage Group which raises awareness of important pub interiors and seeks to protect them.

Historic pub interiors are a crucial, yet under-appreciated part of our national heritage because the pub is an ancient institution and only a tiny fraction of Britain’s 50,000 or so pubs have interiors that have escaped major refurbishments. These interiors represent an important part of Britain’s history and, as people are spending less time in pubs as they once did, these will escape the attention of many.

There is a wide range of historic pub interiors and the majority of the interiors we recognise date from before 1939 although we do have a few exceptionally well -preserved pubs from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. We often get suggestions for pubs to be included in our inventories but unfortunately, some pubs are downgraded or removed if there

has been a significant refurbishment or if the pub has closed.

The main way we seek to raise awareness of historic pub interiors is by compiling and updating our national inventory (for interiors of national importance) and several regional versions, which anyone can see on our websites. The Good Beer Guide always mentions when a pub is included in our national inventory. WhatPub?, which is effectively CAMRA’s “TripAdvisor” also mentions when a pub is in our inventories which is great because anyone can visit the site. We also have a stand at the Great British Beer Festival.

Another way we seek to get our message across is through our HeritagePubs Facebook page where I have recently become an administrator because I want to help the Pub Heritage Group to reach out to a wider audience.

We’ve attracted a lot of interest in recent months gaining several hundred more followers.

Can you help?

IF you’re looking to fill a role in your branch, festival or committee drop us a line to promote it here. Email wb.editor@camra. org.uk detailing the duties and the kind of person who would be suitable. ● MINUTES SECRETARY A new group, set up to review CAMRA’s beer styles, needs a minutes/admin secretary to arrange meetings and take minutes.

The details of where and how frequently

The engagement with people has been brilliant in the few weeks I’ve administered the page because we’ve had one person who has created a fantastic map of Britain’s heritage pubs, others who have kept us updated on any changes to our heritage pubs and landlords getting in touch via Facebook who would like their pubs to be put in our inventories.

I’ve always enjoyed history, love old architecture and in the last few years, going to the pub and drinking real ale have become important passions of

the group will meet have yet to be decided, and this will require the input of the secretary. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed.

If you have experience of taking minutes and providing administrative support to committees and working groups, and would love to know more about CAMRA’s beer styles and the review of them, email group chairman Ralph Warrington at ralph_warrington@hotmail.com

BREWING

WILD TIME FOR JOINT BREWS WILD Beer is on a mission to ensure cask beer is not just seen as as the pinnacle of a brewer’s craft, but is also one of the most expensive a pub will sell.

The Somerset brewer has announced a series of cask collaborations with some of England’s foremost cask ale champions – Magic Rock, Left Handed Giant, Ignition and Fuller’s. From the Czech Republic comes Budvar and from the USA, the Brooklyn brewery.

The company says it’s out to show cask beer is capable of being far more than the cheapest beer a pub sells.

Wild Beer brewer Russell

Sykes, who has been instrumental in curating this project and will lead the brews said: “Collaborations provide us, as brewers, with opportunities to share knowledge and experiences; develop and refine our skills; and expand our horizons.

“So in choosing our collaboration partners, we have not been constrained by geography, size or market segmentation.

Instead, we have sought out those whose ethos and passion we share; who will push our boundaries and their own; and who believe great cask beer is worth investing in. We’ve

HELP SELECT THE BEST PUBS FOR THE CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE

BY COMPLETING A BEER SCORE AT

WHATPUB.COM

curated these collaborations carefully, as we feel that not only is there a huge learning potential in working with these breweries but it also shows a statement of our intent as a leading European farmhouse-style brewery.”

Sykes added: “Each of the beers produced will bring something wildly different to the market.

Each will be a unique sum of the parts brought into the collaboration.

“Through this, we will add our collective weight to the argument that cask beer is capable of being more than the cheapest pint at the bar.”

mine so when I came across the Pub Heritage Group, I immediately researched the work it does and browsed through the inventories.

Once I left university and settled into my job, I decided to get involved which was when I asked to help out with the running of the Facebook page.

Most of my posts are about pubs on our inventories with a link to that pub’s entry, which have attracted plenty of “likes”’ and other positive reactions.

This is encouraging because a lot of people are amazed at the architecture and heritage in the pubs the group recognises.

I’ve enjoyed reading some of the happy memories people have shared in the comments below my posts which has made me realise how important these pubs have been to communities for many decades, if not centuries.

The most important way you can help protect historic interiors is by visiting them because that is the only way you can keep them open and make the preservation of their heritage viable.

However, this isn’t always enough because we need your

help in identifying more candidates (follow the criteria and instructions on the website), writing letters to oppose proposed changes and in keeping us up to date with any alterations and proposals so we have a chance to protect the interiors.

If you own a pub and are thinking about refurbishment, you may be interested in a page on our website arguing that historic pub interiors make business sense.

Follow the Facebook page to learn more: www.facebook.com/ HeritagePubs ● Harry Fenton is really keen to raise awareness of Britain’s historic pub interiors and reach out to a much wider audience, especially the young social media generation. ● Volunteer Voices are provided by selected members of the Campaign for Real Ale. They are intended to express the views of the author and not necessarily those of CAMRA. If you’d be interested in writing a Volunteer Voice, or would like to nominate someone, email tom. stainer@CAMRA.org.uk explaining why and briefly outlining what you’d like to discuss. The WB team reserves the right to edit submissions and expects them to be legal, civil and constructive.

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9

BEER

HUNTSMAN GETS AXE THESE days, when an old and largely unknown brand, which was once all conquering, is revamped it seems to go forward by reaching further back into its past.

A design shake up at Tetley’s, the Carlsbergowned brand, sees its once iconic huntsman logo axed in favour of a fresh look in a bid to woo new customers.

The latest incarnation features a new interpretation of the Tetley family’s coat of arms.

It is not the first time the huntsman has been unseated. It was first introduced in 1920, before being dropped in 2000.

Then the image was revived a decade later in a more contemporary form.

The new image draws on the brand’s heritage that dates back to 1822 and uses symbols inspired by the family’s previous business as maltsters.

Carlsberg UK vice president for marketing Liam Newton said: “It’s the start of us trying to revitalise the Tetley brand.”

Our top beer festival set to rock Olympia

BY WB REPORTER PLANET Rock, the largest rock radio station in the UK, is partnering with the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) to bring a whole day of unforgettable entertainment to this year’s event.

The GBBF is the ultimate festival for beer lovers and will return to Olympia London from 7-11 August. Planet Rock will be bringing a number of bands to entertain festival-goers on the Thursday session. This is in addition to the regular music line up throughout the week of the festival.

In addition, Planet Rock will run a competition to win VIP tickets to the Thursday session, which one of its presenters will be attending. They will keep their followers up to date with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews live from the festival floor.

GBBF organiser Catherine Tonry said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with

the popular and award-winning station Planet Rock. On top of experiencing 30 bars under one roof, beer lovers can enjoy some fantastic entertainment and music in between sips. We look forward to celebrating good beer and good music this summer.”

Head of marketing at Planet Rock Jon Norman added: “It’s great to be part of the biggest beer festival in the UK. Beer drinking and listening to rock music has gone hand in hand for decades. Marry that up with the Planet Rock stage on Thursday, it is going to be rocking weekend at the Olympia.”

All CAMRA members receive a discount on tickets to GBBF. If you haven’t received an email with your discount code, email your membership number to gbbf@camra. org.uk and the team will get a code to you.

For more on the Great British Beer Festival visit gbbf.org.uk, or follow @gbbf on Twitter or @greatbritishbeerfestival on Facebook.

BEST FOOT FORWARD IN NORWICH NORWICH City of Ale returns for its eighth year from 24 May-3 June, and seeks to build on its successful ale trails, made up of groups of six or seven pubs across the city.

“The trails guide visitors through the city to provide a view of its streets, lanes and architecture through the lens of its pub and rich brewing heritage,” said City of Ale co-chair Dawn Leeder. “It allows visitors to the city to explore it through the familiar device of visiting a sequence of wonderful, welcoming pubs and bars.

“For city residents, the trails provide a similar function, guiding them to pubs they may never have visited or not been to for a very long time. We get many comments about what an enjoyable experience people have navigating the trails – they work as

both a voyage of discovery or nostalgia.”

For the first time the trails this year will include information about historic sites and landmark buildings along the way.

Norwich city hosts will assist in guiding visitors round the city and steering them to a suitable pub.

The hosts are organised by Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), the main sponsors of the City of Ale festival. Norwich BID works to improve the economic success of businesses within the area.

Norwich BID executive director Stefan Gurney said: “The festival has seen considerable growth in recent years and is now one of the key events in the Norwich calendar.”

For more see cityofale.org.uk

PUBS

FAT CAT GETS THE CREAM A FAT cat, lurcher and white lion have picked up the top awards in Norwich and Norfolk branch’s pub awards.

The Fat Cat Brewery Tap, Lawson Road, Norwich was the 2018 best pub in Norwich winning the City Pub of the Year and the branch’s overall title.

The Norfolk Lurcher in Colton was named branch’s rural pub of the year. The branch’s 2018 Cider Pub of the Year went for the seventh time to the White Lion, Oak Street, Norwich.

Fat Cat licensee Mark White said he and his co-licensee Laura HedleyWhite were thrilled to receive the award “We are very proud of what we have achieved and very thankful to our amazing team and to the support of our customers.”

POP-UP CAFE IS THE HUB AT DUKE A COMMUNITY-owned pub, once threatened with closure, is now home to a pop-up cafe.

The Duke of Marlborough at Somersham, Suffolk has launched its latest venture supported and part-funded by £3,000 from rural pub champions Pub is The Hub. The cafe will be available for one afternoon each week for locals to use the space to meet and access community activities such as cake making and IT training for computer and social media novices.

The Duke is owned and operated by Somersham Community Pub. The group came together following a two-and-a-half-year battle to save the pub from being sold for housing, re-opening in spring 2017.

Somersham campaigner Maggie James said: “We entertained around 70 people in the cafe with an

array of ages from nine weeks to more than 90 years old along with lots of new faces. It was a fantastic atmosphere and a great time was had by all.

“It’s so exciting to see the pub developing its

offer and reaching new customers. It makes all the work involved in raising the funds to buy it and get it re-opened worthwhile.” ● Pictured, from left, Pub is The Hub advisor Terry Stork and Maggie James.

CITY CELEBRATES BEER OXFORD is the latest city to have its own dedicated beer celebration.

The event, which will run from 5-12 May, is organised by the Oxfordshire Brewers Alliance, a coalition of the county’s brewers, for the second year.

XT Brewing’s Russ Taylor said: “The week is a celebration of locally brewed beers – showcased across the city. Beer festivals, tap-takeover events, tastings and brewery open days will be happening all week.”

One of the highlights of is the brewing of a collaboration brew, OSB – Oxford Special Bitter. The beer is made with donated ingredients and profits will

go to local charity children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House.

XT has launched a home brew competition to run alongside the week.

For more information www.oxfordbrewers.org/ oxbeerwk

OZ COLLABORATION FORGET ball tampering and look out for a case of beer tampering as St Austell and Coopers brewery from Australia collaborate on a new beer – Miss Nancy Blair.

The beer came about as a result of a trip to the UK

by Cooper’s operations director Nick Sterenburg.

St Austell head brewer Roger Ryman said: “He was on holiday in Fowey over Christmas and the new year and he contacted me to see if he could visit for a brewery tour.

I suggested we could do better than that, and proposed we brewed a beer together. The rest, as they say, is history.”

The beer’s name comes from a south Australian sea shanty where English emigre Thomas Cooper the founder of Coopers was bound for in 1852.

The draught version, at 4.8 per cent ABV, is brewed with Galaxy and Melba hops from Tasmania. A bottled-conditioned version at 5.3 per cent includes an extra Galaxy hops.

NEWS

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news

9

BEER

HUNTSMAN GETS AXE THESE days, when an old and largely unknown brand, which was once all conquering, is revamped it seems to go forward by reaching further back into its past.

A design shake up at Tetley’s, the Carlsbergowned brand, sees its once iconic huntsman logo axed in favour of a fresh look in a bid to woo new customers.

The latest incarnation features a new interpretation of the Tetley family’s coat of arms.

It is not the first time the huntsman has been unseated. It was first introduced in 1920, before being dropped in 2000.

Then the image was revived a decade later in a more contemporary form.

The new image draws on the brand’s heritage that dates back to 1822 and uses symbols inspired by the family’s previous business as maltsters.

Carlsberg UK vice president for marketing Liam Newton said: “It’s the start of us trying to revitalise the Tetley brand.”

Our top beer festival set to rock Olympia

BY WB REPORTER PLANET Rock, the largest rock radio station in the UK, is partnering with the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) to bring a whole day of unforgettable entertainment to this year’s event.

The GBBF is the ultimate festival for beer lovers and will return to Olympia London from 7-11 August. Planet Rock will be bringing a number of bands to entertain festival-goers on the Thursday session. This is in addition to the regular music line up throughout the week of the festival.

In addition, Planet Rock will run a competition to win VIP tickets to the Thursday session, which one of its presenters will be attending. They will keep their followers up to date with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews live from the festival floor.

GBBF organiser Catherine Tonry said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with

the popular and award-winning station Planet Rock. On top of experiencing 30 bars under one roof, beer lovers can enjoy some fantastic entertainment and music in between sips. We look forward to celebrating good beer and good music this summer.”

Head of marketing at Planet Rock Jon Norman added: “It’s great to be part of the biggest beer festival in the UK. Beer drinking and listening to rock music has gone hand in hand for decades. Marry that up with the Planet Rock stage on Thursday, it is going to be rocking weekend at the Olympia.”

All CAMRA members receive a discount on tickets to GBBF. If you haven’t received an email with your discount code, email your membership number to gbbf@camra. org.uk and the team will get a code to you.

For more on the Great British Beer Festival visit gbbf.org.uk, or follow @gbbf on Twitter or @greatbritishbeerfestival on Facebook.

BEST FOOT FORWARD IN NORWICH NORWICH City of Ale returns for its eighth year from 24 May-3 June, and seeks to build on its successful ale trails, made up of groups of six or seven pubs across the city.

“The trails guide visitors through the city to provide a view of its streets, lanes and architecture through the lens of its pub and rich brewing heritage,” said City of Ale co-chair Dawn Leeder. “It allows visitors to the city to explore it through the familiar device of visiting a sequence of wonderful, welcoming pubs and bars.

“For city residents, the trails provide a similar function, guiding them to pubs they may never have visited or not been to for a very long time. We get many comments about what an enjoyable experience people have navigating the trails – they work as

both a voyage of discovery or nostalgia.”

For the first time the trails this year will include information about historic sites and landmark buildings along the way.

Norwich city hosts will assist in guiding visitors round the city and steering them to a suitable pub.

The hosts are organised by Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), the main sponsors of the City of Ale festival. Norwich BID works to improve the economic success of businesses within the area.

Norwich BID executive director Stefan Gurney said: “The festival has seen considerable growth in recent years and is now one of the key events in the Norwich calendar.”

For more see cityofale.org.uk

PUBS

FAT CAT GETS THE CREAM A FAT cat, lurcher and white lion have picked up the top awards in Norwich and Norfolk branch’s pub awards.

The Fat Cat Brewery Tap, Lawson Road, Norwich was the 2018 best pub in Norwich winning the City Pub of the Year and the branch’s overall title.

The Norfolk Lurcher in Colton was named branch’s rural pub of the year. The branch’s 2018 Cider Pub of the Year went for the seventh time to the White Lion, Oak Street, Norwich.

Fat Cat licensee Mark White said he and his co-licensee Laura HedleyWhite were thrilled to receive the award “We are very proud of what we have achieved and very thankful to our amazing team and to the support of our customers.”

POP-UP CAFE IS THE HUB AT DUKE A COMMUNITY-owned pub, once threatened with closure, is now home to a pop-up cafe.

The Duke of Marlborough at Somersham, Suffolk has launched its latest venture supported and part-funded by £3,000 from rural pub champions Pub is The Hub. The cafe will be available for one afternoon each week for locals to use the space to meet and access community activities such as cake making and IT training for computer and social media novices.

The Duke is owned and operated by Somersham Community Pub. The group came together following a two-and-a-half-year battle to save the pub from being sold for housing, re-opening in spring 2017.

Somersham campaigner Maggie James said: “We entertained around 70 people in the cafe with an

array of ages from nine weeks to more than 90 years old along with lots of new faces. It was a fantastic atmosphere and a great time was had by all.

“It’s so exciting to see the pub developing its

offer and reaching new customers. It makes all the work involved in raising the funds to buy it and get it re-opened worthwhile.” ● Pictured, from left, Pub is The Hub advisor Terry Stork and Maggie James.

CITY CELEBRATES BEER OXFORD is the latest city to have its own dedicated beer celebration.

The event, which will run from 5-12 May, is organised by the Oxfordshire Brewers Alliance, a coalition of the county’s brewers, for the second year.

XT Brewing’s Russ Taylor said: “The week is a celebration of locally brewed beers – showcased across the city. Beer festivals, tap-takeover events, tastings and brewery open days will be happening all week.”

One of the highlights of is the brewing of a collaboration brew, OSB – Oxford Special Bitter. The beer is made with donated ingredients and profits will

go to local charity children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House.

XT has launched a home brew competition to run alongside the week.

For more information www.oxfordbrewers.org/ oxbeerwk

OZ COLLABORATION FORGET ball tampering and look out for a case of beer tampering as St Austell and Coopers brewery from Australia collaborate on a new beer – Miss Nancy Blair.

The beer came about as a result of a trip to the UK

by Cooper’s operations director Nick Sterenburg.

St Austell head brewer Roger Ryman said: “He was on holiday in Fowey over Christmas and the new year and he contacted me to see if he could visit for a brewery tour.

I suggested we could do better than that, and proposed we brewed a beer together. The rest, as they say, is history.”

The beer’s name comes from a south Australian sea shanty where English emigre Thomas Cooper the founder of Coopers was bound for in 1852.

The draught version, at 4.8 per cent ABV, is brewed with Galaxy and Melba hops from Tasmania. A bottled-conditioned version at 5.3 per cent includes an extra Galaxy hops.

LETTERS

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news

yourSHOUT wb.camra.org.uk for latest news

Humour failure

CAMRA is not outlawing humour, but it is against racism, sexism and homophobia. If you can’t enjoy a laugh without deliberately hurting someone else, there’s something seriously askew with your sense of humour.

Lisa Gledhill Goring, Berks

NEWS

BEER

Pubs old, new and conv erted impress

SIBA STANCE SUPPORTED

CAMRA has welcomed the Society of Independent

Brewers’ (SIBA) announcement creating a code of conduct ending the offensive marketing of beers.

SIBA said there is “no place in the beer industry for sexist or offensive marketing”. Now, SIBA staff will be screening all competition entries to its UK beer awards.

CAMRA’s head of communications Tom Stainer said: “We welcome and are very supportive of the code SIBA has introduced and our volunteer leadership has been working on strengthening CAMRA’s own policy in this area since last year.

“CAMRA already has policies and guidelines in place to promote inclusivity and tolerance, including its Code of Conduct and Volunteers’ Charter.”

SALLY MUCH MISSED

BIRMINGHAM branch chairman Sally Lavender

has died suddenly at the age of 47, writes partner Mark Parkes.

Sally was known for working at many beer festivals and her numerous roles within the Campaign.

She held positions at local, regional and national levels.

She was passionate about ale, cider and perry in all its styles and loved talking to people about the ever-increasing range being produced in recent years. Her day job as a teacher helped her fi nd her favourite role within the campaign – taste training.

Helped by many, Sally developed her own unique style when delivering training, whether it was to a team being trained for tasting panels in the West Midlands, or at the tutored tastings she delivered.

Her proudest moments were

being asked to deliver CAMRA sessions at the BBC Good Food Show and the Ludlow Food Festival, where she was based in the Great Hall of the castle, something she would tell people about frequently.

Sally was a vibrant, bubbly person who brought happiness to any room.

Space is too short to list all her accomplishments , enough to say that she, and her hats, will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

I SUPPORT the right of some correspondents to support whatever misogynistic, homophobic or racist marketing they like. It’s only “a bit of fun” after all, but “fun” for whom? No, I am delighted CAMRA has taken a strong stance in recognising some aspects of beer, cider and perry marketing, and indeed aspects of the wider pub industry, are offensive to many.

Ian Parker Colchester, Essex

It’s not 1971

I READ with amazement in WB about “diversification is the road to failure” and “CAMRA going down the route of PC madness” and “outlawing of humour” by condemning sexist images. Are these people for real? If members like this wallow in their own closed-shop, single-minded stubbornness they merely fuel the out-of-date persona CAMRA doesn’t need. It’s not 1971 anymore.

Nigel Lea Wilmslow, Cheshire

Sexist old men

IF those readers who refer to the culling of sexist imagery on beer advertising and pumpclips as PC madness would be happy for every brewer doing so to also feature

CONTACTS Campaign For Real Ale Limited 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 4LW Tel: 01727 867201 Fax: 01727 867670 Letters should be received by 10 May. They should be 200 words or less to stand the best chance of publication. We reserve the right to edit letters for publication.

It’s taken me many years to realise this, so I’m not surprised that some of your correspondents are still finding the notion difficult. After all, we no longer consider black face minstrels a “harmless bit of fun”.

Jonathan Hammond Wetheral, Carlisle

IT’S PARTY TIME!!!

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Strong stance

3

BY TIM HAMPSON of the refurbishment by Sam Smith’s, which WHAT links one of did the the talking for the compelongest bars in Britain, a tition judges who 1930s neo-Georgian were roadimpressed by the skilful house, a former Victorian restoration of the pub coffeehouse and a to newits Victorian era glory. build pub? All are recogThe conservation award nised in the Campaign’s went to the Greenwood 2017 Pub Design Awards. in Northolt, Middx The Fitzroy Tavern (far in right). Still as much Fitzrovia, London won of a the hub for the community refurbishment award after as it was in 1939, Samuel Smiths returned the, sympathetic conservation the pub to its 1897 guise, work executed at this installing pub new partishows how subtlety tions and wrought-iron and respect can often achieve pub signs. The surviving The pub more than a big-budget has It wasn’t just the tiling has been sensitively commanding views 24 plans for a gym and transformation. of cask ales served from hotel. restored and wallpaper their evident commercial the Thames and Canary 42 The decor and design and A large and little-altered handpulls at the are carpets are well-chosen. success, shows just Wharf on three sides Beer industrial, but the how pub built in the late of Hall, Bowland brewery’s ambi1930s vibrant a pub can be The building was built two floors. In contrast ence and the atmosphere – and as in the Neo-Georgian to flagship tasting parlour the Fitzroy Coffee House, what an agent of regenstyle most pubs in the area are warm and vibrant. for Courage & Co, it this in Clitheroe, Lancs, in 1883, and converted eration it can provide was is a modern design, which CAMRA’s pub design to impressively which caught the judges’ restored a pub called the Hundred – if treated with respect pays homage to the eye awards coordinator

by Wetherspoons best (above left). They Sean Marks in 1887. It and sensitivity for and pubs were from previous eras.

Murphy said: “Our was both reopened in 2016 after impressed by the conver2017 renamed the Fitzroy building and clientele.” a The pub certainly winners in six year closure. celebrate put sion from a textile mill an 1919.

The Pub Design Awards wind into the sails of to enormously A the Fuller’s wide variety a pub with a bar more pub, the Sail aimed to find the Last century the judges who said it sets than of building styles pub most Loft, on the waterfront a 105 feet long. and was famed for being stunningly designed at wonderful example of contexts – from a modern used pubs Greenwich which opened “how The pub is now by intellectuals including in the UK. to the do it well” with floor-toThe awards, new build to a historic in January 2016, centrepiece of a larger high Dylan Thomas, Augustus held in association took ceiling glazing, finishes street landmark, from with home the rarely-given regeneration a John, and George Orwell.

Historic England, new scheme, of decent quality, a textile mill conversion recogbuild award for its tasteful wellwhich already includes to a But it was the quality nise high standards crafted island servery Victorian restoration. of display of modern design. and a food hall showcasing architecture in the very pleasant seating.

“The sheer diversity refurBEER regional bishment and the conserproduce and OBITUARY of these winners, and vation of existing pubs.

one with a scantily clad, sexy man then I might start to believe they are merely against censorship. But from where I’m standing they just come across as sexist old men.

Paul Crittenden London N8

Sidetracked

PADDY McCarthy (WB Apr) seems to be confused about the difference between humour and cruelty.

If we’re really that wound up about breasts on pumpclips wouldn’t it just be easier if someone brewed an ale called Mother’s Milk and illustrated it with a picture of a mother feeding a baby?

If we’re going to get sidetracked into talking about breasts we might as well get involved in campaigns to improve the rates of breast feeding.

Fiona Dowson Norwich, Norfolk

Societal problem

CONCERNS about the use of humour in beer names, where it has to do with poking fun at one half of the population, has nothing to do with censorship. Rather, it is about recognising the use of such names is part of a much wider societal problem, which is the normalisation of jokes aimed at women.

Head of Communications Group Editor Tom Stainer tom.stainer@camra.org.uk Acting Editor Tim Hampson wb.editor@camra.org.uk Advertising Sophie Conway Tel: 020 3771 7200 advertising@camra.org.uk Advertising deadline is the first of the month prior to publication. We endeavour to ensure all advertising is in line with CAMRA policy. With limited exceptions, all featured beers should be cask or bottle-conditioned.

Good Beer Guide Editor Roger Protz

Friendly climate

I WAS disappointed to read letters (WB Apr) arguing we should not be critical of sexist advertising on pump clips and elsewhere.

The kind of material they are supporting would not be permitted in most workplaces. If we did not challenge it, we might give the impression we condone attitudes and behaviour unacceptable in today’s world.

It is possible to argue a few pump clips are unlikely to offend many people – possible but mistaken. We need to be an inclusive campaign, welcoming to all kinds of people. CAMRA’s stance does not outlaw humour: on the contrary, it will help foster a climate where friendly humour can flourish without causing offence.

Richard Williams Kingston upon Thames

Not just sexism

WHILE Catherine Dawson (WB Mar) has a point about the dinosaurs lamenting Lady Godiva at the Great British Beer Festival, and we agree with her about inappropriate beer names or artwork having no place in a modern beer industry, we would like to point out that a bare-chested Thor Ragnarok sitting on laps may be as equally as popular with many of our male members, not CAMRA Office Staff Chief Executive Tim Page Chief Support Officer Howard Beeston Head of Membership Services John Cottrell Chief Campaigns Officer Jonathan Mail Head of Publishing Simon Hall Chief Commercial Officer Tony Lewis HQ e-mail addresses camra@camra.org.uk Staff and NE members can be contacted directly at: first name.surname@camra.org.uk Home Page: www.camra.org.uk

11

STAR LETTER

REGION’S FACE OF CIDER AND PERRY MUCH MISSED I WAS deeply saddened to read of the death of Sally Lavender.

I first encountered Sally at the memorable West Midlands Cider and Perry Festival back in 2013, and subsequently on various occasions at the perry judging at Herefordshire CAMRA’s Beer on the just our female ones.

And some of our female members may prefer to share a drink with the inadequately clothed campaigner for social justice, which was Lady Godiva.

The campaign to remove inappropriate slogans, images and advertising shouldn’t just be limited to those that are sexist.

Gary & Sarah Daniels Manchester

beer festival had beer from one family brewer, Sussex three, Bristol three and Thanet a relatively reasonable six.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list and apologies if I have incorrectly read the beer lists on various websites but I think the overall numbers supports my point.

And finally in the case of Harvey’s rightly lauded by Roger, why is it that only three of its eight beers in the breweries section of the 2018 Good Beer Guide have tasting notes?

Michael Constable London SW18

Own goal

CAMRA has announced its support for SIBA’s position on offensive marketing of beers.

However, you rather shoot yourself in the foot when you give over part of your front page to report how a beer from Green Jack’s Brewery called Ripper won Champion Winter Beer of Britain.

Perhaps you don’t know what Jack the Ripper did.

Val Russell Gravesend, Kent

Family interests

MY commendations for Family Matters by Roger Protz (WB Mar). It was so perfectly put and I would add a caution for these small regional breweries of his article, often still family run, as it is my belief they have to most to suffer by the Pandora’s box that CAMRA has opened. So many punters are now blanking these established quality brewers always for the new kid on the block.

While micros are welcomed, remember, beer drinkers, small regional brewers have been at it longer, and their beers are better developed than both the new kids on the block and giant’s branded concoctions. Drink them, enjoy them and ensure they will be there for your decedents too.

Alan Greenwood Epsom, Surrey

Festival bias

I WAS so pleased to read Roger Protz’s article about Family Brewers (WB Mar). For many years, family brewers were the best source of real ale and nowadays are often the most reliable brewers of traditional bitters and milds. But it does appear many CAMRA activists are not particularly interested in their products.

Looking at some recent beer festivals, the London National Executive Jackie Parker National Chairman 01869 347762 (h) 07730 583032 (m) Nik Antona National Director 01283 711611 (h) 07443 426583 (m) Nick Boley National Director 07950 914449 (m) Ian Garner National Director 07766 687743 (m) Michael Hardman National Director 020 8780 0238 (h) Ian Hill National Director, Finance 07769 900553 (m)

Abigail Newton National Director 07946 486642 (m) Ian Packham National Vice Chairman 01364 654242 (h) 07887 876753 (m) Andy Shaw National Director 01480 355893 (h) 07802 485449 (m) Ben Wilkinson National Director 07960 098061 (m) Alexander Wright National Director 07970 633952 (m) CAMRA is a company limited by guarantee, run at a national level by an elected, unpaid board of directors (the National Executive) and at regional level by its regional directors; both backed by a full-time, professional staff.

For national director responsibility information visit www.camra.org.uk/nationalcommittees Send letters to wb.editor@camra.org.uk or the postal address left

Wye festival. To me she was the face of cider and perry in the region: always welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and supportive.

She will be very much missed.

Liz Magee Whitley Bay, N Tyneside

- BRIEFLY April fools

I LIKE to scour the April WB in search of the April Fool’s item. This year, it appears you devoted almost the whole letters page to April Fools, the silliest being from Herr Windgassen. An honourable mention for the bizarre request to “direct me away from the quality beer, and towards the real ale”.

Terry Kealy Market Harborough

Simple strategy

I HAVE a simple strategy with unfined beers. If they are described as naturally hazy, I naturally avoid them.

One can only assume those who judge drinking beer on taste alone must be satisfied with ugly partners!

Mike Challis Yelverton, Devon

Blind faith

I HAVE the answer to all those drinkers who have particular likes and dislikes.

Some don’t like keg or “craft” beers or will only drink clear real ale.

There is a clear way of showing what you do really like. A blind tasting.

I am always amazed when I do blind tastings.

Unfortunately we taste with our eyes. When you have to use your taste buds you realise how difficult it is to know the difference.

Jeannie Abbott Melton, Suffolk

● Continue the debate on the CAMRA forums at discourse.camra.org.uk You can also keep up with CAMRA, beer and brewery news by following @WBandBEER on Twitter. ● This issue should have arrived by 2 May. If you received it after this contact Tom Stainer on 01727 798455 or email tom. stainer@camra.org.uk The next issue is due by 31 May.

12

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S BREWING MAY 2018

CAMRA what’s on

Entries for June should be sent to wb.branchdiary@camra.org.uk and must be at CAMRA HQ by noon on Monday 7 May 2018. Details received after this deadline will not be included

NATIONAL GAMES & COLLECTABLES: www.gandc.camra.org.uk LESBIAN & GAY REAL ALE DRINKERS: Regional info:contact info@lagrad. org.uk Also see LAGRAD website/facebook pg.

Greater London info: Reg events inc crawls incorp gay ale/good ale venues. Surrey/ Sussex: most weekends, Brighton; 1st Weds of mnth mtg: 8pm, Battle of Trafalgar, 34 Guildford Rd, Brighton; contact Billy (07804) 937091.

Scottish info: Last Mon of Mnth from 9pm, Regent, 2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh. Karen 01315 578790 email diversedrinkers@drink. demon.co.uk Manchester: www.facebook.com/groups/ lagradmanchester PUBLIC AFFAIRS CTTEE MTG: 28 Apr 12noon-4pm, Brigantes, 114 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX. CLUBS WORKING GROUP: 12 May 12noon-4pm, Flixton Conservative Club, 193 Flixton Road, Urmston, M41 5DF. BRCHES CTTEE MTG: 19 May 12noon-4pm, Wellington, 37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5SN. CENTRAL SOUTHERN Regional Director Carl Griffin RD.CentralSouthern@ camra.org.uk REG MTG: 12 MAY 12NOON, BANBURY BEER FESTIVAL, ARMY RESERVE CENTRE, OXFORD ROAD, BANBURY, OX16 9AN AYLESBURY VALE & WYCOMBE: 1 May 7pm, High Wycombe Soc, Mad Squirrel Emporium. 5 May 12noon, Beer Festival Soc, Royal British Legion, Marlow. 11 May 7pm, Beer Fest Soc, Whip Inn, Lacey Green. 14 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Hop Pole, Aylesbury. 22 May 830pm, Soc, Shepherd’s Crook, Crowell, 930pm Lions of Bledlow. Contact: David Roe 01296 484551 branch.contact@swansupping.org.uk BERKSHIRE SE: 3 May 8pm, Soc, Reading Beer & Cider Festival, Christchurch Meadow, George Street, Reading, RG4 8BY. 10 May 8pm, Soc, Cannie Man, Bywood, Hanworth, Bracknell, RG12 7RF. 12 May 1pm, Soc, Bull at Barkham Beer Festival, Barkham Road, Barkham, RG41 4TL. 17 May 1pm, Lunchtime Soc. with the U3A (University of the Third Age), Cripin, 45 Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2AY. 17 May 9pm, Soc, Crispin, 45 Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2AY. 18 May 12noon, Soc, Kingston Beer & Cider Festival, Kingston Workmen’s Club and Institute, Old London Road, Kingston, KT2 6ND. 26 May 12noon, Soc, Queen’s Head Beer Festival, 23 The Terrace, Wokingham, RG40 1BP. 27 May 12noon, Soc, Bracknell Ale & Wine Festival 2018, Bracknell Rugby Club, Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Drive, Bracknell, RG12 2UG. 28 May 12noon, Lunchtime Soc. with the BRATS (Bracknell Real Ale Tipplers), Old Manor, Grenville Place, Bracknell, RG12 1PB. 6 JUN 8PM, BRCH AGM, OLD MANOR, GRENVILLE PLACE, BRACKNELL, RG12 1BP. Contact: Clive Doran social@seberkscamra.org. uk or see website for latest info.

MID CHILTERNS: 28 Apr 12noon, Berkhamsted Beer Fest at the Cricket Club. 5 May 12noon, Brch Soc, White Hart, Whelpley Hill BF. 9 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Rose & Crown, Ivinghoe. 12 May 12noon, Reg Mtg, Banbury Beer Fest, Army Reserve Centre. 12 May 12noon, Brch Social, Cider Crawl Chesham, start at The Pheasant. 19 May 12noon, Brch Soc, Winchmore Hill/Penn Street, start The Plough. 23 MAY 8PM, BRANCH AGM, BLACK CAT, LYE GREEN, CHESHAM. Brch Contact: William Powell enquiries@ midchilternscamra.org.uk MILTON KEYNES & NORTH BUCKS: Contact: John McLaughlin, contact@mkcamra.org.uk N OXFORDSHIRE: All mtgs start 8pm unless stated.

10-12 May, Banbury Beer & Cider Festival, the Army Reserve Centre, Banbury. See website for more info/ updates: www.northoxon.camra.org.uk Contact: Martin Betts contact@northoxon.camra.org.uk OXFORD: 1 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, Tap Social Brewery, Curtis Ind. Estate, Botley, meet 630pm, Seacourt Bridge, West Way. 5-13 May, various times and locations in city, Oxford Beer Week, see Facebook page Oxbeerweek for details. 19 May 12noon onwds, Brch Soc, White Hart, St Andrew’s Rd, Headington.

Contact: Steve Lawrence 01235 525436 contact@ oxford.camra.org.uk READING & MID BERKSHIRE: 3 May 8pm, Soc, 24th Reading Beer & Cider Fest (meet by LocAle judging area), Christchurch Meadow, Cav RG4 8BY, we will be entering a quiz team. 5 May 12noon, Soc, East Bristol brewery Trail, meet Temple Meads Station (Temple Quay exit), details + registration: ebbt5.eventbrite.com 13 May 1125am, Soc, walk from Pangbourne, meet at Pangbourne Railway Station (Platform 2 exit), train times from Reading 1111am, return from Pangbourne 606am. 16 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Butler, 85-91 Chatham Street, Reading RG1 7DS. CAMRA membs only. Contact: Social Secretary: Christopher Hinton

social@readingcamra.org.uk Telephone: 01189 873203 or see web site for lastest info. Branch contact: Katrina Fletcher contact@readingcamra.org. uk Mobile: 07794 019437 S OXFORDSHIRE: Contact: Paul Dixon, contact@ soxoncamra.org.uk SLOUGH, WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD: 5 May 1pm, Brch Soc, Marlow Royal British Legion Beerfest, Station Approach, Marlow, SL7 1NT (100 yds from train stn). 6 May 945am, Cookham Ramble visiting Marlow RBL Beerfest (lunch here) + 2 pubs, meet 936am ​Maidenhead ​train​at Cookham stn​. 9 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, Barleycorn, 151 Lwr Cippenham Ln, Cipp’n, SL1 5DS, all membs welcome. 26 May 1pm, Brch soc, White Horse Beerfest, Village Ln, Hedgerley, SL2 3UY. See www.swm.camra.org.uk for more details, soc contacts + other events. Mark Carter 07871 777062 social.sec@swm.camra.org.uk WHITE HORSE: 28 Apr 12pm, Brch soc, The Nag’s Head Beer Festival, The Bridge, Abingdon OX14 3HX. Contact: contact@whitehorsecamra.org.uk W BERKSHIRE: Contact: Mike Avery 01635 820481(h) secretary@westberkscamra.org.uk EAST ANGLIA

you pls have your membership card with you. Free transport will be provided from the Brewery Tap bus park at 750pm. 12 May 915am, visit to Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham, leaving on the 925am train to Nottingham for an 11am visit. This will be fllwed by free time in Nottingham. Pls arrange own train tkts. Advance fares currently available. Pls let soc sec John Hunt know you’re coming, as places are limited.

20 May 915am, Fenland Bus Festival, Eastern Bus Group running their annual bus festival around the Fens. These routes take in many Fenland pubs. We will be mtg at Queensgate bus stn for the 940am bus to Whittlesey (mini beer festival at the Falcon). We will then do a pub crawl using festival buses for free, but a donation is welcome. A prog is available for £5, listing the day’s timetables. Bk places through soc sec John Hunt on 07923489917. Contact: Dickie Bird 07731993896 info@peterborough-camra.org.uk S BEDFORDSHIRE: All socs 830pm. 3 May, Bell, Griffin & Cuckoo, Toddington. 10 May, Stopsley Conservative Club & Barrels, Luton. 17 May, Brch Mtg, Old Farm Inn, Totternhoe. 24 May, Plough, Wingfield & Queens Head, Tebworth. 31 May, Station Tavern, Weathercock, Fir Tree & Swan Woburn Sands/Aspley Heath. Contact: Mike Coombes secretary@southbeds. camra.org.uk 07917 645222. See website for latest details.

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

SE ESSEX: Contact: Neil Raven, social@see.camra. org.uk

REG MTG: 2 JUN, THE YARD OF ALE, 72 OUNDLE ROAD, PETERBOROUGH, PE2 9PA

SW ESSEX: Brch Contact: Alan Barker contact@ swessex.camra.org.uk - Updates on the Brch website: www.swessex.camra.org.uk

CAMBRIDGE & DISTRICT: 5 May 12noon, Histon Soc + Crawl, start Railway Vue. 8 May 8pm, Open Brch Mtg, Waggon and Horses, Milton. See www. cambridge-camra.org.uk Contact: Will Smith, will. smith@cambridge-camra.org.uk tel: 07595 257980 CHELMSFORD & MID ESSEX: See website for more. For bkings contact social secretary Martin Joy 07878624443 or email socialsecretary@chelmsford. camra.org.uk COLCHESTER & NE ESSEX: 5 May 10am, CycAle Ride to Maningtree + environs. 10 May 7pm, Real Ale Runabout to Layer de la Haye, Layer Breton and Copford. 13 May, Spring Sunday Stagger to Billericay, 1010am from the bus station. 25 May 8pm, Last Friday Pub Crawl to the Brittania and the Odd One Out. 29 May-2 Jun, 33rd Colchester Real Ale and Cider Festival, open: 12noon-11pm every day. Entry FREE to card-carrying CAMRA Members, others Free 12noon-3pm, £3 thereafter. Accompanied children welcome until 6.30pm. Full wheelchair access available. For more details + bkings please visit our website www.colchestercamra.org Contact: Trevor Simpson, 07414 532555. Soc event info: socialsec@ colchestercamra.org.uk E BEDFORDSHIRE: 16 MAY 8PM, AGM, ENGINEERS ARMS, HENLOW. Contact: Barry Price, cabsybar@ yahoo.co.uk E NORFOLK: Contact: Pat Smith, 01493 662526.

ELY & DISTRICT: Brch Contact: Marc Gath marc. gath@gmail.com 07745519952 for transport or further details.

HERTS/ESSEX BORDERS: 28 Apr, all day minibus tour of all the Essex Pub of the Year Finalists: contact Graham Darby to book place. 14 May 830pm, Brch Mtg, Axe & Compasses, Aythorpe Roding. Minibus runs to brch mtgs: to book seat, contact Graham on 07753 266983. Brch Contact Brendan 07778 780807 chairman@heb-camra.org.uk N HERTFORDSHIRE: See Brch website, Facebook or POV for details. Contact: socialsecretary@ camranorthherts.org.uk S HERTFORDSHIRE: Contact: John Bishop realales@ yahoo.com (preferred) or 01582 768478 HUNTINGDONSHIRE: Sec: Ray London secretary@ huntscamra.org.uk 01480 390135 IPSWICH & E SUFFOLK: For soc events see our brch newsletter “Last Orders” or our website. Contact: Mike Lewis mlewis155@sky.com MALDON & DENGIE: 5 May, Burnham on Crouch to Southminster walk, a gentle 6.5-mile stroll around the Dengie Peninsula, starting at 12noon in the Queens Head Burnham for lunch, arriving around 430pm at Wibblers brewery tap. Then on to the Station Arms, Southminster, for 6pm where there will be a Bbq with Meat or Fish options. BKING ESSENTIAL. 15 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Queens Head, Woodham Walter. 17 May 8pm, Bar Billiards Tournament, Chequers, Goldhanger.

If you have never played before, come & try it. 22-24 May, 3 Day trip to the Cambridge Beer Festival. Book own accommodation. For more info, see website or contact Mike Cutler on 01621 850833. Brch Contact: Rob Longley 01245 320381 MID ANGLIA: 8 May 730pm, Brch mtg, The Bell, Wortwell. Contact: Chair - David Williamson, fieldsedge@hotmail.com N BEDFORDSHIRE: 1 May 8pm, fest comm, RAFA Club Bedford. 7 May 10am, May Day Hol brkfast soc, Three Cups Bedford. 10 May 8pm, brch mtg, Bedford Rowing Club. 24 May 7pm, pub tour, meet Wellington Arms. Bk socs + trips w/ Gary Mudd at socials@northbeds.camra.org.uk Check website for latest details.

NW ESSEX: 8 MAY, AGM & BRCH MTG, PRINCE OF WALES, BROXTED. Contact: Tom Bogie 01799 502686 secretary@northwestessex.camra.org.uk NORWICH & NORFOLK: 4 May 8pm, First Friday Five, York Tavern, Rose, Georgian Townhouse, Earlham Arms & Black Horse. 10 May 730pm, Cider and Cheese Pairing, Rose Inn. 11 May 730pm, May is Mild Month Friday Five, Fat Cat, Reindeer, White Lion, Ribs Of Beef and Kings Head. 12 May 11am, Norfolk County POTY Trip, depart Castle Meadow. 15 May 12noon, Lunchtime Stroll, Buck, Rivergarden, Fat Cat & Canary, Coach & Horses and Jubilee. 17 May 8pm, Brch Mtg & Soc, Murderers. 19 May, trip to Beeston + Nottingham, 757am train outbound and 834pm return. 25 May, Campaign Trip + Rural Pub Of The Year pres, coach departs Castle Meadow, 715pm. 30 May 1130am, Lunchtime Campaign Trip, Coach departs Castle Meadow. Contact Michael Phillips, Social Secretary on 07851 923554 or socialsecretary@norwichcamra. org.uk PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT: 8 May 830pm, Brch Monthly mtg, the Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor, PE5 7AL. (Not the 7th as in BAE). If we don’t know

TENDRING: 12 May, Morris Traveller Day around Tendring. 7 Jun, Brch Cttee Mtg, Waggon at Wix. 20 JUN, BRCH AGM, WHITE HART, WEELEY HEATH. Contact: Frank Lally franklally1@outlook.com W NORFOLK: 8 May 8pm, Whalebone, Downham Market, Branch Soc + Mtg. Brch Contact: Ian Bailey, 01553 766904, andrea@briers.myzen.co.uk NE SUFFOLK: 28 Apr 10am, brewery visit and soc in Southwold, meet Adnams Sole Bay Brewery, IP18 6JW. 12 May, PotY/CotY pres on Beccles social, meet 12pm at Butchers Arms, NR34 9YT. 16 May, mid-month meander in Pakefield, meet 12pm at Ship, NR33 7HW. 26 May, Rural PotY pres at pub beer fest, meet 12pm at Wenhaston Star, IP19 9HF. Contact: Chris Luck cbluck7@gmail.com or Mike & Linda Davey 01502 730746 michaeljohndavey52@gmail.com W SUFFOLK: Brch Contact: westsuffolkcamra@ gmail.com EAST MIDLANDS Regional Director Carl Brett RD.EastMidlands@camra. org.uk 07801365232 (home) 01773 778316 REG MTG: 9 JUN 12-4PM, TRENT BRIDGE INN, NOTTINGHAM, NG2 6AA. AMBER VALLEY: 5 May, soc to Chesterfield. 8 May 8pm, BF mtg, George & Dragon, Belper. 11 May, eve survey trip, contact Soc Sec to bk. 24 May 8pm, Brch mtg, The George, Lower Hartsay. 1-3 Jun, membs run real ale marquee at Belper Goes Green. Contact: C Rogers, 01332 880041 e-m threecatscider@ymail.com ASHBOURNE & DISTRICT SUB BRCH: 22 MAY 8PM, BRCH AGM, ARTISAN CAFÉ BAR, all membs welc.

See Fb + website for further details + social events www.ashbournecamra.org.uk Contact: Mark Grist, m.grist2@sky.com 07818 466076.

CHESTERFIELD: 3 MAY 8PM, AGM + BRCH MTG, ROSE & CROWN, BRAMPTON. Look out for socials on Chesterfield CAMRA Yahoo + Facebook groups.

Contact: Jane Lefley, 07790 863432.

DERBY: 30 Apr 8pm, Comm mtg, The Alex. 10 May 8pm, Brch mtg, The Alex. 14 Jun 8pm, Special General Mtg (Accounts), The Brunswick. Brch contact Ian Forman 07711202841 secretary@derbycamra. org.uk Socs/Survey trips: Anne Crawford, socials@ derbycamra.org.uk DRONFIELD & DISTRICT: 9 May, Brch mtg, Royal Oak, Millthorpe. All mtgs start at 8pm. For further details contact chairman@dronfieldcamra.org.uk 0796 614 3420, Nick Wheat socials@dronfieldcamra. org.uk 0781 144 6450, Graham Hall secretary@ dronfieldcamra.org.uk 0784 323 3256 EREWASH VALLEY: 14 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, White Lion, Sawley. 4 Jun 8pm, Brch Mtg, Three Horse Shoes, Ilkeston. See website erewash.camra.org.uk for details. Contact secretary@erewash.camra.org FENLAND: Contact: Ena.Woodburn@fenlandcamra. org.uk or see website GAINSBOROUGH: Contact: Scott Young scott. young477@gmail.com Sec: secretary@gainsboroughcamra.org.uk or visit website GRANTHAM: 2 May 8pm, Brch mtg, The Bustard Inn, South Rauceby. Minibus from the Tollemache 7pm. Contact Chairman Neville Lomas nlomas180@ btinternet.com for more info GRIMSBY & NE LINCOLNSHIRE: Contact for info/ bkings: 07926198728, grimsbycamra@outlook.com HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH: 1 May 745pm, Brch Mtg, Stoke Golding Liberal Club. 10-12 May, Banbury CAMRA BF visit, 100 beers. 15 May, Eve Mystery tour by minibus. 5 Jun 745pm, Brch Mtg, Sapcote Club. Also look out for 2 EMR POTY Judging trips on Saturdays: vols welc. Updates on website. Brch Contact Richard 01455 611341. Social Contact Robin 01455 633660 or 07454 217315 LEICESTER: Contact S Collier 07504829830 chairman@leicester.camra.org.uk Socs: Gary Aikens 07815 825039 socials@leicester.camra.org.uk Up to date brch diary on website LINCOLN: 7 May 730pm, Cttee mtg, Joiners Arms, Lincoln. 7 May 8pm, Beer fest planning mtg, Joiners Arms, Lincoln. 10 May 8pm, Brch mtg, Golden Eagle, Lincoln. 3 Jun 8pm, Cttee mtg, Nags Head, Bardney. 5 Jun 8pm, Brch mtg, Centurion, North Hykeham. Contact: Steve Renshaw, 01522 754458, branchcontact@lincolncamra.org.uk LOUGHBOROUGH & N LEICESTERSHIRE: 24 May 7pm, Survey Trip, contact Phil to reserve your place: loughborocamrapubs@gmail.com 29 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Horse & Trumpet, Sileby. Contact Keith Butler loughborocamra@gmail.com

LOUTH & DISTRICT: 26 APR 730PM, BRCH AGM, VENUE: THE CONSORTIUM, LOUTH. 31 May 730pm, Soc, Red Lion, Mumby. Brch contact Jerry Gale contact@louth.camra.org.uk

Ridgeway, NW7 1RL. 11 JUN 8PM, AGM, LITTLE GREEN DRAGON, 928 GREEN LANES, WINCHMORE HILL, N21 2AD. Contact Peter Graham: 07946 383498, branchcontact@camraenfieldandbarnet.org.uk

MANSFIELD & ASHFIELD: 8 May, brch mtg, T’Pit Micropub, Newstead. 29 May 7pm, Survey Trip: Edwinstowe, meet at the Railway Inn, Mansfield. 12 JUN, AGM, MASON’S ARMS SUTTON, ASHFIELD. Please contact Pub Campaigns Co-ordinator: Paul Edwards pubsofficer@mansfield.camra.org.uk for further details on survey trips. Additional contacts: Chairman: Ralph Golds chairman@mansfield.camra. org.uk, 01623 610421, Secretary: Clare Tasker: secretary@mansfield.camra.org.uk

N LONDON: 1 May 730pm, Stoke Newington High Street Soc: White Hart, 69 Stoke Newington High St, N16 8EL; 815pm Rochester Castle, 143 Stoke Newington High St, N16 0NY; 9pm Coach & Horses, 178 Stoke Newington High St, N16 7JL; 945pm Axe, 18 Northwold Rd, N16 7HR; 1030pm Jolly Butchers, 204 Stoke Newington High St, N16 7HU. 8 May 8pm, POTY Presentation: Tapping the Admiral, 77 Castle Rd, NW1 8SU. 15 May 730pm, Hampstead Social: Garden Gate, 14 South End Rd, NW3 2QE; 815pm Wells, 30 Well Walk, NW3 1BX; 9pm Holly Bush, 22 Holly Mount, NW3 6SG; 945pm Flask, 14 Flask Walk, NW3 1HE; 1030pm Horseshoe, 28 Heath St, NW3 6TE. 22 May 730pm, Blackstock Road Social: Highbury Barn Tavern, 26 Highbury Park, N5 2AB; 815pm Bank Of Friendship, 226 Blackstock Rd, N5 1EA; 9pm Gunners, 204 Blackstock Rd, N5 1EN; 945pm Woodbine, 215 Blackstock Rd, N5 2LL; 1030pm (optional) Arsenal Tavern, 175 Blackstock Rd, N4 2JS. 29 May 730pm, Islington Canal Social: Narrow Boat, 119 St Peter’s St, N1 8PZ; 830pm Rosemary Branch, 2 Shepperton Rd, N1 3DT; 915pm Baring Arms, 55 Baring St, N1 3DS; 10pm North By Northwest, 188 New North Rd, N1 7BJ. Contacts: John Wilson, 07840 111590 (M), jgwnw3@ hotmail.com Stephen Taylor, 07443 473746, stephen. taylor500@gmail.com

MATLOCK & DALES: 16 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Feather Star, Wirksworth, DE4 4DR. Brch Contact: Rob Short chair.madcamra@gmail.com or see www.mad. camra.org.uk MELTON MOWBRAY & DISTRICT: For socials contact David Whitehead kircalla123@hotmail.co.uk Brch contact Kevin Billson kevinbillson@ntlworld.com NEWARK-ON-TRENT: 3 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Castle Barge, Newark. 14 May 730pm, Brch Cttee Mtg, The Rupert, Newark. 25-27 May, Brch Annual Beer Festival, the Newark Riverside, opposite the Castle. Contact: secretary@newarkcamra.org.uk or see website.

N NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: 2 May 815pm, Brch Mtg, the Brick and Tile, Retford. Branch Socs, see Website www.northnotts.camra.org.uk Social Sec: Wayne Cadman, socialsecretarynorthnottscamra@gmail. com Brch Contact: Terry Johnson, secretarynorthnottscamra@gmail.com NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: 29 Apr, Sunday Bus trip to 6 pubs, pls bk. 14 May 8pm, Brch mtg, Bold Dragoon, Weston Favell. Further details contact Karl Tecklenberg, tel: 07723 858069 or social@northants. camra.org.uk Brch Contact Dean Cornwall chairman@ northants-camra.org.uk NOTTINGHAM: 10 May, Cttee Mtg, The Lincolnshire Poacher, 161 - 163 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3FR, UK. 26 May, bus soc loosely following the Mild Trail, heading to Ilkeston, Marlpool, Heanor + concluding at Langley Mill, meet at the Dragon, Angel Row, from 12noon. Aim to catch 1225pm to Ilkeston from the top of Chapel Bar/Upper Parliament St. Please email mickcourtney@nottinghamcamra.org if you are coming. 31 MAY, BRCH AGM, CANALHOUSE, 48-52 CANAL ST, NOTTINGHAM NG1 7EH. Contacts: Branch Secretary Andrew Ludlow acl_50@ntlworld. com 07775 603091, Social Secretary Mick Courtney, mickcourtney@nottinghamcamra.org RUTLAND: 10 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, Blue Ball, 6 Cedar Street, Braunston in Rutland LE159LB. All events on our new website www.rutlandcamra.org.uk/events For more contact Jon Whowell Chair@Rutlandcamra. org.uk 07780 923439 SCUNTHORPE & DISTRICT: 28 APR 1-4PM, BRCH AGM, BERKELEY HOTEL, SCUNTHORPE, all local membs welcome. Contact Brch Chairman Mark Elsome 01724 331056 mark.elsome@ntlworld.com VALE OF BELVOIR: 1 May 8pm, Brch mtg & Mild in May Launch, Anchor (Plungar). 5 Jun 8pm, Brch mtg, Rutland Arms (Bottesford). Brch contact: eddie. fendel@gmail.com or see website valeofbelvoir. camra.org.uk GREATER LONDON Regional Director Geoff Strawbridge RD.GreaterLondon@camra.org.uk LONDON CIDER GROUP: RUN BY LONDON REGIONAL CIDER CO-ORD LONDON-CIDER. BLOGSPOT.COM IAN WHITE, LONDON_CIDER@ BTINTERNET.COM OR TEXT 07712 122402 (10-4 MON-FRI) LONDON PUBS GROUP: CONTACT: JANE JEPHCOTE 07813 739856 JANE.JEPHCOTE@ GOOGLEMAIL.COM BROMLEY: 3 May 2pm, Bexley Beer Festival Soc., Old Dartfordians Sports Club, War Memorial Club House, Bourne Rd, Bexley DA5 1LW. 9 May, Orpington Soc: 730pm Maxwell, Station Rd. BR6 0RZ; 830pm Cricketers, 93 Chislehurst Rd, BR6 0DQ; 930pm Harvest Moon, 141-143 High St. BR6 0LQ. 15 May 730pm, POTY Award Evening, Star & Garter, 227 High St. Bromley BR1 1NZ. 21 May (from 7pm), COTY Award Evening, Orpington Liberal Club, 7 Station Rd, Orpington BR6 0RZ. 24 May 12pm Kidbrooke Beer Fest. Soc., Charlton Park RFC, 60A Broadwalk, Kidbrooke SE3 8NB. 29 May 730pm, Cttee mtg, Queens Head, 25 High St., Downe BR6 7US. See website: www.bromley.camra.org.uk Contact: Social.

Secretary@Bromley.Camra.org.uk CROYDON & SUTTON: 3 May 830pm, Wallington 2 Pub soc, Whispering Moon, 25 Ross Parade, SM6 8QF (dep 930pm) & Wallington Arms, 6-16 Woodcote Rd, SM6 0NN. 10 May 1pm, lunchtime soc, Green Dragon, 58 High St, Croydon, CR0 1NA. 16 May 830pm, Sutton soc, Crown, 285 High St, SM1 1LD. 22 MAY 830PM, BRCH AGM (M’SHIP CARDS REQD TO VOTE), DOG & BULL (UPSTAIRS ROOM), 24 SURREY ST, CROYDON, CR0 1RG. 30 May 830pm, London Drinker Pick-up, Hope, 48 West St, Carshalton SM5 2PR. Contact Terry Hewitt 020 8660 5931 contact@croydon.camra.org.uk E LONDON & CITY: 8 MAY 8PM, AGM, LEYTON ORIENT SUPPORTERS CLUB, OLIVER RD, E10 5NF, attendees will receive a voucher for a free pint for the ale night on Friday. 11 May 8pm, Soc, LOSC Oliver Rd, E10 5NF, ale night featuring beers from Leigh-on-Sea brewery, doors open 5pm. 15 May 8pm, ELAC Cider Pub of the Year, Chesham Arms, 15 Mehetabel Rd, E9 6DU, pres at 9pm. 22 May 730pm, Pigs Ear Planning mtg, Olde Rose & Crown, 53-55 Hoe St , E17 4SA. Full details on all events available www.pigsear.org.uk email elacbranch@mail.com or phone 07757772564.

ENFIELD & BARNET: 1 May 8pm, Mild Night, Little Green Dragon, 928 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, N21 2AD. 4 May, 12noon, Bexley Beer Festival visit, Sports Club, Bourne Rd, Bexley. 9 May, High Barnet Social: 8pm Monken Holt, 193 High St, EN5 5SU; 930pm Old Mitre, 58 High St, EN5 5DJ. 17 May, Route 125 Crawl: 8pm Little Green Dragon, 928 Green Lanes, N21 2AD; 930pm, The Winchmore, 235 Winchmore Hill Rd, N21 1QA; 1015pm, New Crown, 80 Chase Side Southgate, N14 5PH. 26 May, Mill Hill Survey: 12noon, Rising Sun, 137 Marsh Lane, NW7 4EY; 130pm, Three Hammers, Hammers Lane, NW7 4EA; 3pm Adam & Eve, The

RICHMOND & HOUNSLOW: 30 APRIL 730PM, BRCH AGM, CABBAGE PATCH, TWICKENHAM, TW1 3SZ. 9 May 8pm, Brch Soc, Tap Tavern, Richmond, TW9 1ED, then The Railway Tavern, Richmond 9pm. 14 May 8pm, 1st Twickenham Beer Festival Planning Mtg, Prince of Wales, Twickenham, TW2 5QR. 23 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Red Lion, Barnes, SW13 9RU. Contact: Roy Hurry 020 8570 0643(h) rh014q5742@ blueyonder.co.uk SE LONDON: 4 May 7pm, Bexley Beer Fest, Old Dartfordians, Borough Rd, DA5 1CW. 9 May 730pm, Anchor Bankside, 34 Park St, SE1 9EF. 16 May 730pm, Bullfinch Brewery Arch 886, Rosendale Rd, SE24 9EH. 24-26 May 1230pm, 5th Kidbrooke Beer Fest, Charlton Park RFC, 60A Broad Walk SE3 8NB. 30 May 7pm, Quiz Night, Watch House, 198 Lewisham High St, SE13 6JP. Brch contact: Neill Pettigrew contact@sel.camra.org. uk Social Sec Andrew Sewell social@sel.camra.org.uk SW LONDON: Apologies for dates included in error in Apr, correct dates confirmed to be: 9 May 730pm, CAMRAswl Pub of the Year Presentation, Trafalgar, 23 High Path, Merton, SW19 2JY, presentation of the award certificate to the Trafalgar for winning PotY 2017, ALL WELC. 15 MAY, CAMRASWL OPEN BRCH CTTEE MTG + BRANCH AGM, 7PM CTTEE MTG, URGENT BUSINESS ONLY, SPREAD EAGLE, 71 WANDSWORTH HIGH ST. SW18 2PT, 730PM BRCH AGM, ALL CAMRAswl BRCH MEMBS WELC. 29 May 730pm, CAMRAswl Mild Month May 2 pub social, Falcon, 2 St Johns Hill, Clapham Junction SW11 1RU, 830pm Eagle Ale House, 104 Chatham Road SW11 6HG. ALL WELC. Contact: Soc Sec philip.blanchard@ camraswl.org.uk W LONDON: 1 May 7pm, meet the brewer: Union Tavern, 45 Woodfield Rd. W9 2BA (must book with pub). 22 MAY 7/730PM, BRCH AGM: DEFECTOR’S WELD (UPSTAIRS), 170 UXBRIDGE ROAD, SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN, W12 8AA (chge for food). Contact: Paul Charlton 07835 927357 contact@ westlondon.camra.org.uk Soc Sec Alasdair Boyd: 020 7930 9871 x 143 (230-330pm + 6-930pm Mon-Fri) banqueting@nlc.org.uk fax 020 7839 4768 W MIDDLESEX: 1 May 8pm, Harrow PotY Pres, Beer Asylum, HA5. 5 May, Lacey Green & Princes Risborough crawl, meet High Wycombe Stn for 1215pm bus. 16 May 8pm, Hillingdon PotY Pres, Hop & Vine, Ruislip. 24 MAY 8PM, AGM, FORESTER, W13. 28 May, Denham/Harefield Crawl: 1pm Falcon, Denham.

31 May 430pm, Ruislip Beer Fest, Ruislip Rugby Club.

Contact: Roy Tunstall info@westmiddx-camra.org.uk 020 8933 4934/07585 744533 WATFORD & DISTRICT: 30 Apr 8pm, Brch mtg, Oxhey Conservative Club, Keyser Hall, Lower Paddock Road, Watford. 10 May 830pm, Croxley Green Social, starting at Croxley Guild of Sports, Sports Pavilion, The Green.

19 May 8pm, Mild and Cider Social, Land of Liberty, Peace & Plenty, Long Lane, Heronsgate. 21 May 8pm, Brch mtg, West Herts Sports Club, Park Avenue, Watford. Contact: Andrew Vaughan 01923 230104 branch@watford.camra.org.uk GREATER MANCHESTER Regional Director Graham Donning 07961886696, g_donning@yahoo.com RD.GreaterManchester@ camra.org.uk BOLTON: 3 May 8pm, brch mtg, The Spinning Mule. 7 May, Rammy Craft Brewery, Halliwell, incl tour, time TBC. Contact: Keith Sowerby, secretary@boltoncamra. org.uk CENTRAL MANCHESTER: 2 May 6pm for 630pm start, Brch Mtg, Town Hall Tavern. 15 May, Soc starting 630pm Oxnoble, White Lion, 730pm Cask, finishing Deansgate. 4 Jun 6pm for 630pm start, Brch Mtg, Gullivers. For further details contact mcrcamrasocials@hotmail.com HIGH PEAK, TAMESIDE & NE CHESHIRE: 28 Apr, afternoon/evening soc at the Glossop Brass Band Beer Festival, Glossop Bandroom on Derby Street. 12 May 1pm, Brch mtg, Old Cell, Market Place, Chapel en le Frith fllwed by a social in Chapel pubs + possibly if time Whaley Bridge. 26 May 1pm, Torrside Brewery Open Day New Mills, meet in the Malt Disley micro pub in Disley, calling at White Lion on way to Torrside. 9 JUN 1230PM, BRCH MTG + AGM, WHARF TAVERN, CAROLINE STREET, STALYBRIDGE, fllwed by social in Stalybridge pubs + possibly Ashton if time. Brch contact: Tom Lord 0161 427 7099 / 07733335046, email jenni.lord@tiscali.co.uk ROCHDALE, OLDHAM & BURY: For full details of social events or to book, contact: Ken Holt kenjanholt@ btopenworld.com Contact: Peter Alexander peter@ peteralexander.plus.com SALFORD: 2 May, Cider Pub of the Year, New Oxford.

9 May, Club of the Year, Boothstown Royal British Legion. 16 May 730pm, Brch mtg, Union Tavern. 23 May, Irlam station 730pm, Grocers 9pm. 30 May, Rochdale Road Beer Gardens, Marble 730pm, Angel 830pm, Bar Fringe 930pm. Socs secretary: Joanne

For more details of branch activities - including itineraries for pub crawls please contact branch or see our website. Go to ‘CAMRA near you’ on national website www.camra.org.uk All branches are run by unpaid vounteers

Massey camrasalfordsocials@gmail.com SE LANCASHIRE: Contact: Steven Prescott 01942 719037 sel_camra@hotmail.co.uk STOCKPORT & S MANCHESTER: 3 May 815pm, Cttee Mtg, Plough, 925 Hyde Rd, Gorton M18 7FB. 10 May 815pm, Brch Mtg, Blossoms, Buxton Rd, Heaviley, SK2 6NU. 18 May 730pm, Stagger, Stockport North & Portwood, Midway, 263 Newbridge Ln, SK1 2NX; 830pm Railway, 1 Avenue Street, SK1 2BZ. 24 May 8pm, PotM, Red Lion, 83 Stockport Rd, Cheadle, SK8 2AJ. 25, 28-29 May 9am, Stockport BCF, Setup, Edgeley Park, SK3 9DD. 3 Jun 9am, Stockport BCF, Takedown. Contact: Paul Felton 0161 442 3143 feltonp@essl.co.uk TRAFFORD & HULME: 11 May, Soc Chorlton, 8pm Morley Cheeks, M21 8AE; 9pm Dulcimer; 945pm Elektrik; 1030pm Chorlton Tap. 17 May, Soc Hale, 8pm Elk, WA15 9DR; 845pm Cheshire Mid; 915pm Railway; 1015pm Costellos. 26 May, Trip to Buxton, incl Buxton Brwry Tap & Red Willow bar. Contact: enquiries@ thcamra.org.uk Also see thcamra.org.uk WIGAN: 5 May, Brch Social Trip, contact Social Sec for details. 14 May 8pm, Brch mtg, the Crooke Hall Inn, Crooke. Contact: sandy@wigancamra.org.uk KENT Regional Director Kae Mendham 01634 847011, RD.Kent@camra.org.uk ASHFORD, FOLKESTONE & ROMNEY MARSH: Contact: Michael Line, mjl68958@gmail.com 07843006754 BEXLEY: 28 Apr, New Cross Cider Fest, details tba. 9 May 830pm, Brch Mtg, Door Hinge, 11 Welling High St, Welling DA16 1TR. 17 May 8pm, Cider Social, Kentish Belle, 8 Pickford Ln, Bexleyheath DA7 4QW. 23 May 8pm, Bexleyheath social, start Kings Arms, 156 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7DW. 2 Jun 12noon, walking social, start George, 74 Bexley High St, Bexley DA5 1AJ and going on to Sidcup. Brch contact: Rob Archer camr@rcher.org.uk Website: www.bexley. camra.org.uk - @BexleyCAMRA, ‘Friends of CAMRA Bexley Branch’ on Facebook CANTERBURY, HERNE BAY & WHITSTABLE: 28 May, Bank Holiday Tour of our country pubs in luxury minibus, starting Unicorn, Canterbury at 12noon, bking essential, £10. Contact Gerry Keay gillandgerrykeay@ btinternet.com Tel 01227 463478. Join our Meetup group for more details.

DEAL, DOVER, SANDWICH & DISTRICT: 3 May, GBG trail, contact John for details on 01304 214153. 19 May 12pm, Cider Crawl, start Thirsty Scarecrow, Dover. 21 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, Hare & Hounds, Northbourne.

18 JUN, 730PM, BRCH AGM + BRCH MTG, MASH TUN, DOVER. Brch Contact: Jim Green, tel. 01304 202453, brch e-mail: Jimbeeryboater@aol.com GRAVESEND & DARENT VALLEY: 10 May 830pm, Rising Sun, Cotman’s Ash; Chequers, Heaversham; Bell, Kemsing. 24 May 830pm, POTY Pres, The Old House, Ightham. Contact: Peter Cook 07913500414 gdvcamra@yahoo.co.uk MAIDSTONE & MID KENT: 28 Apr 830pm, Bus/Train trip to Chequers, Laddingford beer festival. 3 May 830pm, Maidstone Mild in May: Rifle Volunteers, then Flower Pot. 8 May 1057am, Bus & Walk to Withyham + Hartfield. 10 May 830pm, Milk House, Sissinghurst, then Three Chimneys, Biddenden. 17 MAY 830PM, BRANCH AGM/BIZ MTG, STYLE & WINCH, MAIDSTONE. 24 May 830pm, Railway, Wateringbury, then River House, Yalding. 31 May 830pm, Royal Paper Mill, Tovil, then Wheatsheaf, Maidstone. Contact: jeff. tucker@blueyonder.co.uk 01634 241538 MEDWAY: Contact: Wayne Coveney medway. contact@yahoo.com SWALE: 9 May 8pm, Open Brch mtg, The Golden Hope, Sittingbourne. 11 JUL 8PM, BRCH AGM, THE ELEPHANT, FAVERSHAM. Check our social media pages or Brch contact: Paul Irving psirving@ talktalk.net THANET: Soc Secretary - Danny O’Sullivan: 07757 721693, dosullivan21@hotmail.com For Brch info, news and other events, visit www.thanet-camra. org.uk Facebook: @thanetcamra, Twitter: @ ThanetCAMRA. Brch Contact - Graham Rickett, tel: 07870 563918, branch@thanet-camra.org.uk W KENT: 14 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Mount Edgcumbe, Tunbridge Wells. 23 May 8pm, Soc, Sevenoaks crawl, start at Halfway House, Sevenoaks. 27 May 2pm, Halfway House, Brenchley, Beer Festival.

Contact: Carole Dalgleish, 01892 683445, campaign@ camrawestkent.org.uk MERSEYSIDE & CHESHIRE Regional Director Nick Bosley RD.MerseysideCheshire@camra.org.uk CHESTER & S CLWYD: 12 May, 3 Choirs & 3 Taverns festival, Minibus departs Mill hotel, Chester 11am, pick-up at Wrexham General stn 1130am, cost £10 per person, email: secretary@camracasc.org.uk to bk a place. 17 May, Brch Soc in Wrexham, meet in Elihu Yale from 730pm, then visit Royal Oak, Fat Boar & others in town centre. Call John on 07887 688871 to find out which pub we’re in. 31 May, Manchester pubs in Deansgate area, meet at Chester stn in time for 1052am train. Brch contact: Eileen Willshaw contact@ camracasc.org.uk or 07713 946622 HALTON: Trips info Suzi Waller suziwaller@hotmail. com Chairman: David Gray 01925 727787 chairman@ halton.camra.org.uk Sec: Gary Sleigh 07879854449 garysleigh@hotmail.com MACCLESFIELD & E CHESHIRE: Soc: Rob Nicholson 07983 524102 social@eastcheshirecamra.org.uk LIVERPOOL & DISTRICTS: Coach trips contact social@liverpoolcamra.org.uk or Ian Macadam on 07521741586. Contact: Steve Downing contact@ liverpoolcamra.org.uk ST HELENS: Brch contact: Des Platt on 07970 625024 or desplatt@gmail.com SOUTHPORT & WEST LANCS: 9 May 8pm, Grasshopper, Hillside, Southport, train from Northern Line stns, alight Hillside, 5 min walk, hourly 47 bus from Southport & Formby. Monthly socs: info from Secretary Phil Morris, tel 01704 575454 email phil_morris@talk21.com Brch Contact Mike Perkins 01704 573768 mikepcamra@gmail.com Brch Website

WHAT’S ON

wb.camra.org.uk for latest news www.southport.camra.org.uk N CHESHIRE: 28 Apr 1230pm, Cttee mtg fllwed

by Pub Survey, Libertys, Culcheth. 10 MAY 8PM, BRCH AGM, CHETWODE ARMS, WHITLEY. See website for details. Contact: Rupert Adams contact@ northcheshirecamra.org.uk Socs: Andy Perry (m) 07772080628 S CHESHIRE: 2 May 8pm, South Cheshire COTY presentation: Nantwich Club. 17 May from 12noon, Soc to Barrow Hill Beer Festival: catch 1011am train from Crewe, change Stockport. 19 May 2pm, Brch Mtg: Bhurtpore Aston. Contact Simon Turner/Christine Blakeman secretary@southcheshire.camra.org.uk or see website southcheshire.camra.org.uk WIRRAL: For further details, see website: wirral. camra.org.uk or contact Dave Hutchinson at daveandjeanh@ntlworld.com or 07769 617986 NORTH EAST Regional Director David Brazier, 07796842691, RD.NorthEast@camra.org.uk CLEVELAND: See under Yorkshire.

DARLINGTON: Brch contact: Judith Betts judithandtom@virginmedia.com 07918 593952. Soc Sec / Pubs Officer / Cider Officer: Pete Fenwick 01325 374817(h) 07889 167128(m) mithril58@btinternet.com DURHAM: Contact: secretary@camradurham.org.uk or Peter Lawson (Chair) 07919927460.

SUNDERLAND & S TYNESIDE: 9 May, Brch mtg, Stars Head, Fowler St, S Shields. Contact: Michael Wynne 07925075933 rivetcatcher@yahoo.co.uk TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND: 1 MAY 730PM, BRCH AGM, BRIDGE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE. 9 May 730pm, Beer Festival Feedback Mtg, Bridge Hotel, Newcastle. 15 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, Central, Gateshead. 23 May, Morpeth Wander, meet Haymarket Bus Stn (X18, stand Q) at 613pm. The Office, Morpeth, 7pm; Electrical Wizard, 730pm. See website for details. Contact socialsecretary@cannybevvy.co.uk SCOTLAND Scotland & Northern Ireland Director Sarah Bellis RD.ScotlandNI@camra.org.uk REG MTG: 12 MAY 1PM, SCOTLAND & NI BRANCHES AGM + MTG, GREEN ROOMS, PERTH, PH2 8HX ABERDEEN, GRAMPIAN & NORTHERN ISLES: 19 May 2pm, Brch mtg, Tolbooth, Ellon. Sec/Contact: George Howie (01224) 624652/07733 068 673 AYRSHIRE & WIGTOWNSHIRE: 5 May 10am, Fife Real Ale Festival, Glenrothes, Brch trip + BOTF pres, names to Donald (social@awcamra.org.uk). 14 May 8pm, Brch cttee mtg, South Beach Hotel, Troon. 19 May 3pm, Pub of the Year pres, Fraser’s Bar, Millport.

See website for area social dates + venues. Brch Contact Mick Lee 01294 557225 contact@awcamra. gov.uk DUMFRIES & STEWARTRY SUB BRCH: Any sub brch matters please contact Phil Robinson, email robinsonphil0@gmail.com mobile 07789 866025 EDINBURGH & SE SCOTLAND: 3 May 8pm, Comm, McCowan’s (conf room). 9 May 730pm, 3 Pub Soc, Guild of Forester’s, Espy, Skylark. 19 MAY 2PM, BRCH MTG & AGM, CANON’S GAIT (CELLAR), membs only. Comm membs needed, nomination forms from Contact. Must be returned by 12 May. Contact: Jim Darroch 01315528820 secretary@ edinburghcamra.org.uk FORTH VALLEY: 12-14 May, Mild Trail, Pubs near Dunblane - Linlithgow Railway Line: Tappit Hen Riverside, Dunblane; Bridge of Allan, Allanwater Brewhouse, Westerton Arms; Stirling, Portcullis, No 2 Baker St; Larbert Station Hotel; Falkirk, Carron Works; Newmarket, Bar Wheatsheaf; Linlithgow Platform 3, Four Marys. 19 May, Beer scoring trip to Killin, Comm Mtg 12noon, Coach House Hotel, Killin. Contact Soc Sec. Contact: Gordon Morrison, 01324 813324, fv.camra.sec@gmail.com Soc sec: Bill Fleming, 07982 875615, billfleming@talktalk.net GLASGOW & W SCOTLAND: 9 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, The John Fairweather, 52-58 Main Street, Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire. Brch Contact: Jonathan Kemp branch.contact@glasgowcamra.org.uk HIGHLAND & WESTERN ISLES: Brch contact: Mike Humphrey 07340 316 914, contact@highland.camra. org.uk or see brch website:- www.highland.camra.org. uk for all the latest info KINGDOM OF FIFE: 12 May 1pm, Brch mtg + soc, Aikman’s Bar & Bistro, 32 Bell Street, St Andrews, KY16 9UX. Contact Gordon McRae branchcontact@ kingdomoffife.camra.org.uk www.kingdomoffife. camra.org.uk RENFREWSHIRE: 14 May, Beer Fest washup mtg, venue + times tbc. 2 JUN 1PM, AGM + SOC, HOUSTON INN, HOUSTON. Contact Sec: Tracey Murray-Cassidy 07787870022 secretary@renfrewshirecamra.org.uk or contact@renfrewshirecamra. org.uk TAYSIDE: 12 May, membs note: SNIB Mtg, Green Rooms, Perth. 19 May 1pm, Brch Mtg/Social Saturday, Lochlands Bar, Arbroath. Contact Frank Mills 01738 638749 or secretary@tayside.camra.org.uk SOUTH WEST Regional Director Gareth MacDonald 07718 052 303 RD.SouthWest@camra.org.uk REG MTG: 9 JUN 1230PM, GREAT WESTERN HOTEL, ST DAVID’S STATION, ST DAVID’S, EXETER EX4 4NU. BATH & BORDERS: 1 May 8pm, Tuckers Grave, Faulkland, pres of a ‘Special Pub of the Year’ Certificate, to recognise the rescue of a true National Treasure! 5 May, lunchtime/afternoon trip to the Bristol East Brewery Trail, more details to follow. 10 May 8pm, soc, the new Frome micro-pub Just Ales (Part 2), Stony St, opened just a few weeks ago. 17 8pm, The Organ Inn, Warminster, pres of the ‘Rural Pub of the Year 2018’ Certificate. 22 May 8pm, The Raven, Bath, pres of the ‘Branch Pub of the Year 2018’ Certificate. 31 May 830pm, soc, the Moon, Rudge, newly re-opened after being bought by a new owner.

Brch Website: www.bathandborderscamra.org.uk Brch Socials contact Denis Rahilly 01225 791399 or 07711 004501 denis.rahilly@talktalk.net BRISTOL & DISTRICT: 3 May 7pm, Bristol Pubs Group, Gryphon. 5 May 1130am, South Glos Mild Trail, 1130am-730pm, dep Cornubia. 1st stop: Snuffy Jacks, Fishponds. Trail Leader Richard Lobb 07745 598623. See website for more details. 9 May 8pm, Cttee Mtg, Gryphon. 17 May 645pm, Explorer Trip West Bristol, dep Cornubia. 19 May 1215pm, Yeovil Brewery Trip 1215-715pm, dep Cornubia. See website for more details. 23 May 645pm, Brch Mtg, 8pm start at Imperial Hotel WSM, dep Cornubia. 30 May 645pm, Explorer Trip North Somerset, dep Cornubia. Info: Andy: camrasocials@gmail.com or see website.

CHELTENHAM: 8 May 8pm, Biz Mtg & SGM, The Old Courthouse. 10 May 8pm, Soc, The Royal, Charlton

Kings. 15 May 730pm, POTY Pres, Jolly Bremaster.

30 May, Ale Amble, TBA. Contact: Rob Coldwell, 07752740488. See website.

CORNWALL: 28 Apr 12noon for 1230pm start, CAMRA Kernow Brch Mtg, The Halfway House, Polbathic. 2 May 2pm, Wednesday Walkabout: Penzance, meet at The Dock Inn, Penzance. 12 May, Mild Month of May trip, meet at Bodmin Parkway. 23 May, Wednesday Walkabout, The Lizard, meet at Redruth Railway at 1245pm for the bus to The Lizard. Brch contact: Sonia Bunce, pressofficer@cornwall.camra.org.uk DEVIZES: Contact: Devizescamra@gmail.com or see website EXETER & E DEVON: More info: or socialsecretary@ exetercamra.org.uk Chair: chair@exetercamra.org.uk GLOUCESTERSHIRE: Brch contact Martin Parker 01242 604114, mzparker@btinternet.com Cirencester: Contact Rob Tough, 01285 851194. Forest of Dean: Contact Alec Keene, 01594 780655. Gloucester: Contact Margaret Wilkins 01452 551400. Stroud: Contact Andy Burston 01453 882410.

DURSLEY SUB BRCH: Contact Peter Corfield 01453 844952; peter-corfield@dursleydistrictcamra.org.uk N COTSWOLD: 10 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, White Hart, Stow on the Wold. 18 May 11am, Ale & Steam Festival set up, GWR Winchcombe. Brch Contact: Chris Knight 07890 666707 or visit website N DEVON: 5 May, Ale trail to Topsham by train, meet Barnstaple train stn for 1040am departure, details from Mark via aswell007@gmail.com 12 May 1230230pm, Brch Cider Pub of the Year pres, mtg + soc at Cyder Presse, Weare Giffard, EX39 4QR. 27-28 May 11am-1030pm, Barnstaple Pannier market, volunteers contact Mark via aswell007@gmail.com Sec: Chris Wells 01769 560153 vena1100@hotmail.co.uk NW WILTSHIRE: 8 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Catherine Wheel, 39 High Street, Marshfield, Chippenham SN14 8LR. Contact Don 07977-157204 secretary@ nwwiltscamra.org.uk PLYMOUTH: 2 May 8pm, Brch mtg, Queen’s Head Hotel, 80 West Street, Tavistock, PL19 8AQ. Brch contact Ian Daniels: contact@plymouth.camra.org.uk or tel 01822 616861.

SOMERSET: 12 May 12noon, Watchet pres, The Star POY Runners Up 2018, followed by Cider POY 2018 award to Pebbles Tavern at 1pm. Travel to Watchet by the hourly service on Buses of Somerset 28 or WSR. 14 May 8pm, Brch mtg, Apple Tree, West Pennard, BA6 8ND. Pub on A361 just before Glastonbury Festival site. 25 May 630pm, Perkin Warbeck, Taunton, Tape Take Over by Quantock Ales. Social Sec Phil Emond pje.4mt7mt@sky.com or 01823 277038.

Lifeboat, Selsey/Fisherman’s Joy, Selsey. 29 May 9pm, Soc, Old House At Home, Chidham/Barleycorn, Nutbourne. Please note: not all mtgs finish at the pubs listed; full details on website. Brch Contact: Max Malkin (01243) 828394 WALES Regional Director Chris Charters RD.Wales@camra. org.uk ABERCOLWYN: 12 MAY 1PM, BRCH AGM, BANK OF CONWY, CONWY. Contact: Ian Saunders isaunders@ btopenworld.com 07907 812 007.

BAE CEREDIGION: 28 Apr 1pm, brch mtg, The Cadwgan, Aberaeron. Contact: secretary@ baeceredigion.camra.org.uk BRECKNOCKSHIRE: Contact: Dave Wise sage@ wiseinwales.co.uk CARDIFF: Contact: Brian Francis, 07970 909343(m), secretary@cardiffcamra.co.uk CARMARTHENSHIRE: 14 MAY 7PM, BRCH AGM, FRIENDS ARMS, JOHNSTOWN, CARMARTHEN. Sec David Lewis davidedgarlewis@btinternet.com CHESTER & S CLWYD: See under Merseyside & Cheshire. Brch contact: Eileen Willshaw contact@ camracasc.org.uk or 07713 946622 GWENT: 21 May 7pm, open Brch Mtg, McCann’s Rock N Ale Bar, 10 High Street, Newport, NP20 1FQ. tba. Branch Contact: Gerry Watkins. 01633 253209, g.watkins147@btinternet.com Website: www.gwent. camra.org.uk GWYNEDD A MÔN: Brch contact: hopkins.john48@ gmail.com tel. 07939 323615 (text only).

MID GLAMORGAN: 14 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Pontypridd Golf Club. Contact Bill Roberts 01443 205693, contact@midglam.camra.org.uk NEATH PORT TALBOT SUB BRCH: 14 May 730pm, Brch mtg, Ancient Briton, Pen y Cae, mtg will include POTY + CiderPOTY certificate pres. Brch contact: Steve Tustain 01792 447562 sktustain@gmail.com PEMBROKESHIRE: Contact: Mike Porter, mikep. pembscamra@outlook.com MONTGOMERYSHIRE: Contact: Gareth Marston 07969 526833 gareth.marston@btopenworld.com RADNORSHIRE: Contact: Dave Gill radcamradave@ outlook.com 01597 824576 SWANSEA: 21 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, the Woodman, Blackpill. Contact Debra 07970680616 if any queries, contact@swanseacamra.org.uk TEIFI VALLEY SUB BRCH: Contact: Jamie Ayres jamie.ayres@zen.co.uk 01559 362582

S DEVON: 10 May 8pm, tutored cider tasting, The Cider Bar, Newton Abbot, incorporating Cider Pub of the Year pres. 16 May 11am, Mid-Week Soc, meet at Teign Cellars, Newton Abbot, then bus 88 to Ashburton at 1145am, Buckfast and Totnes. 25 May, Brch Mtg in the railway carriage at Staverton stn. 26 May 12noon onwards, beer festival at Staverton station. 12 JUN 8PM, BRCH AGM, THE HIGH WEEK INN, HIGHWEEK, NEWTON ABBOT. Brch contact: Bob Southwell, ecosochistoryman@hotmail.co.uk

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

SWINDON & N WILTSHIRE: 9 May, Brch mtg, The Haydon Wick Working Mens Club, 10 Blunsdon Road, Swindon SN25 1JD. Events start at 8pm unless otherwise stated. Contact: contact@swindoncamra. org.uk

Regional Director Sharon Broom RD.Wessex@camra. org.uk Twitter: @Camrawessex

TEWKESBURY: Contact Steve Kisby 01684 295466 WESTON-SUPER-MARE SUB BRCH: For events see weston_camra@googlegroups.com or Facebook Campaign for Real Ale Weston-Super-Mare or contact Laurie Jackson on 07944291052 SURREY & SUSSEX Regional Director Chris Stringer 01403 270505(h), 07751 818949(m) RD.SurreySussex@camra.org.uk BUS TO THE PUB: Friendly group meets weekly, visiting pubs throughout Sussex. For details see Sussex Drinker mag or ring Max on 01243 828394 or email max.malkin@mypostoffice.co.uk ARUN & ADUR: Contact: aaacamracontact@gmail. com Soc Sec: social@aaa-camra.org.uk For up to date news see Arun & Adur Facebook pg BRIGHTON & S DOWNS: 3 May 8pm, Windmill, Upr. N. St. Brighton then Hampton. 5 May, meet 4pm Lewes Station, Publicity Crawl for SD Beer Fest. 10 May 8pm, Neptune, Hove then Cliftonville Inn. 17 May 8pm, Brewers Arms Lewes (‘Ruth A Tribute’). 24 May 8pm, Old Boot Seaford then to Steamworks micropub.

26 May 12noon-6pm, Adur Valley Beer Walk, between Adur & Riverside Breweries. 27 May 730pm, Ale Trail Launch Night, venue: pls see website. 31 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Swan, Falmer. Social Sec: Adrian Towler, socialsec@brightoncamra.org.uk E & MID SURREY: 23 May 830pm, Brch mtg, Hatch, 44 Hatchlands Road, Redhill RH1 6AT. 29 May 7pm, Mild soc, Garibaldi, 29 Mill Street, Redhill RH1 6PA. Brch Contact: Roy Golding, 01737 842326, eams@ camrasurrey.org.uk KINGSTON & LEATHERHEAD: 2 May 815pm, Brch mtg, the Walton Village, High St, Walton on Thames KT12 1DG. 26 May 12noon, day out to visit Draft House pubs in London, meet Wimbledon District Lines, or 1230pm Hammersmith Draft House, Shepherds Bush Rd, W6 7NL, and then five others. Brch contact Clive Taylor 02089492099 or ctaylor2007@freeuk.com N SURREY: 1 May 730pm, Brch soc, Kings Head, Ashford. 21 May 730pm, Brch mtg, The Bells, Staines.

Check www.camrasurrey.org.uk for updates. Contact Les 07876751346 or lesstrange@hotmail.co.uk N SUSSEX: For queries contact Soc Sec: Thomas Black socialnscamra@gmail.com 079360627300 SE SUSSEX: 8 May 8pm, Soc, Victoria Hotel then Dew Drop Inn, Eastbourne. 16 May 8pm, Soc, Alma Arms then Highlands Inn then Brickmakers, Uckfield. 19 May, Soc, pub crawl by minibus, details tbc. 22 May 8pm, Two Sawyers, Pett then Robin Hood, Icklesham then Queen’s Head, Icklesham. 25-27 May, Beer & Cider by the Sea Festival, Eastbourne Western Lawns, vols welc. Contact Phil Cozens, 01323 460822 (h), contact.camra.sesusx@gmail.com Contact for NE Sussex Sub Brch, John Packer 07841 669096. john_packer@me.com SURREY/HAMPSHIRE BORDERS: 1 May 8pm, POTY pres, Jolly Sailor, Farnham. 12 May 12pm. London Tour, meet Lord Clyde, Borough. 15 May 8pm, Brch Mtg + COTY pres, Woking Railway Club, all welc. 19 May 12pm, Soc at Kingston Beer Fest. 23 May 8pm, Cider POTY pres, Sar Inn, Godalming. 1 Jun 8pm, Soc at Prince of Wales, Farnborough. Contact: Mike Stone socialshb@camrasurrey.org.uk or 01483 234280 for info on events.

WESTERN SUSSEX: 1 May 830pm, Formal, Maypole, Yapton. 8 May 9pm, Soc, George, Eartham/Winterton Arms, Crockerhill. 15 May 9pm, Soc, Greyhound, Cocking/White Horse, Easebourne. 22 May 9pm, Soc,

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

E DORSET: 28 Apr 1230pm, Brch mtg, Southbourne Brewery, Poole Hill. 5 May 1235pm, Vibrant Forest Brewery visit, meet Wheel Inn, Pennington. 12 May 12pm, Swanage Railway Beer Festival, Corfe Castle Station. 16 May 1230pm, Southampton Saunter, meet Waterloo Arms. 25 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Barking Cat, Ashley Road. Contact: Nigel Jones 07526 803051 chairman@eastdorsetcamra.org.uk or see website HEART OF WESSEX SUB BRCH: 2 May 730pm, C/M, the Nog Inn, Wincanton. 16 May, Soc to the Talbot, Berwick St John (815pm), followed by the Grove Arms, Ludwell (930pm). 5 Jun 730pm, C/M, the George, Mere. Website: heartofwessex.camra.org.uk Contact: Paul Smith howessex@aol.com 01747 823574.

ISLE OF WIGHT: Contact: Ken Matthews, 01983 294377, camraiw@aol.com E HAMPSHIRE: 5 May 1135am, minibus to village pubs, meet Alton Community Centre. For meeting details, go to www.eha.camra.org.uk Contact: Paul Hawley 01420 85529 N HAMPSHIRE: For details see website or contact Mike Hodson, secretary@camrahantsnorth.org.uk PORTSMOUTH & SE HAMPSHIRE: 5 MAY 12NOON FOR 1PM, BRCH AGM, THE BARLEY MOW, CASTLE ROAD, SOUTHSEA. Contact: Tim Mathews socials@ psehcamra.org.uk S HAMPSHIRE: 7 May 930am, Kitchen Navigation Pub Walk, Woodmill Bridge Southampton, visiting Steam Town, Eastleigh (11am), The Bridge, Shawford (130pm), to reach The Black Boy, Winchester, around 245pm, then a curry. Email secretary for details. 8 MAY 730PM, BRCH MTG + AGM, BREWHOUSE AND KITCHEN, HIGHFIELD, SOUTHAMPTON, email secretary for details. 16 May 8pm, Southampton Beer Festival Planning Mtg, Belgium and Blues, Southampton, email secretary for details. Email secretary for details on all events: Kevin Wooton, secretary@shantscamra.org.uk SALISBURY & S WILTSHIRE: 27 Apr 730pm from Coach Park, Hook & Glove at Farley, Silver Plough at Pitton, Lord Nelson at Winterslow & Black Horse at Hurdcott. 2 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Cloisters, Catherine Street, Salisbury. 6-7 May, Salisbury Rugby Club Beer Festival. 16 May 8pm, City Saunter at Tisbury, South Western, Benett & Boot. 25 May 7pm, Minibus Trip, Landford Poacher at Landford, Lamb Inn at Nomansland, Kings Head at Redlynch & Woodfalls Inn at Woodfalls. Brch Contact Andrew Hesketh 07867504225 secretary@salisburycamra.org.uk Soc Sec Mike Gurd 07776 234017 social.secretary@ salisburycamra.org.uk W DORSET: 9 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Corscombe; The Fox (Pub garden of the year nominations). 19 May 12noon, CITA Mtg Bottom of Portland, meet in the Britannia. Events + Trips info from Rich Gabe 07771 903868. Brch Contact Tony Egerton 01305 789906(h) 07711 752720(m) agegerton@aol.com Web: camrawdorset.org.uk WEST MIDLANDS Regional Director Gary Timmins, 07737 584 300 RD.WestMidlands@camra.org.uk BIRMINGHAM: 3 May 730pm, Brch mtf, the Jewellers Arms, 23 Hockley Street, Birmingham, B18 6B. Contact secretary@birminghamcamra.org.uk BRIDGNORTH SUB BRCH: 22 May 730pm, The Shakespeare, West Castle St., Bridgnorth. Contact Eleanor Haddon, 07711 739007, ehaddon1@hotmail. com Telford & E. Shrops. events below.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT & S DERBYSHIRE: 3 May 8pm, Brch POTY Pres, Colvile Arms, Main St, Lullington. 16 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Cock Inn, Hanbury.

Brch contact Nik Antona (e) nik.antona@camra.org.uk CANNOCK CHASE: 2 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, Royal

Oak, 8 Norton Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 6PE. 12 May, Soc to Birmingham for Mild In May. Details to appear on website. Contact Chris Southall ccsbbc@gmail.com COVENTRY & DISTRICT: 1 May 830pm, Cider PoTY, Broomfield Tavern. 8 May 830pm, Survey, Bulls Head, Humber Hotel, Golden Cross. 15 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Broomfield. 25 May 830pm, Soc, Dhillons Brewery. 22 May 830pm, Kenilworth Mag Distribution, meet Old Bakery. 29 May 620pm, Walsall by train, meet Cov. Stn. 2 Jun 12noon, Real Ale Ramble to Kenilworth, meet Flying Standard. Contact: Paul Hamblett 02476 417675 paulhamblett@hotmail.co.uk DUDLEY & S STAFFORDSHIRE: 30 Apr 8pm, Brch Mtg, Old Swan, Netherton. 21 MAY 8PM, BRCH AGM, LAMP, DUDLEY. Soc sec jedwards31@btinternet.com 07939480746

Arts Centre. Vols req. Contact Amanda Hignett 07933 441850, mandab59@yahoo.com Set up Mon-Thu, BF Thu-Sat. Takedown Sun-Mon. Contact: John Nightingale 01902 850509, 07808 324805, info@ wolverhampton.camra.org.uk WORCESTER: 9 MAY 8PM, BRCH AGM, UPSTAIRS AT THE DRAGON INN, 51 THE TYTHING, WORCESTER, WR1 1JT. Soc trips contact: Mark Griffiths social@worcester.camra.org.uk Brch contact: Mark Sorrell contact@worceste.camra.org.uk WYRE FOREST: All brch mtgs 745pm for 8pm. 1 May, The Black Star, Stourport- on-Severn, DY13 8YP. 17-19 May, Kidderminster Beer & Cider Festival, Kidderminster Town Hall. 5 Jun, The Bell, Pensax, on the B4202, Pensax, WR6 6AE. Brch contact: Nick Rubery 07812 451547 or v8nickr@gmail.com

HEART OF STAFFORDSHIRE: 12 May, Mild in May trail, Birmingham, meet at Stafford railway stn to catch 1125am train. 31 May 8pm, Beer Festival Planning Mtg, The Sun Inn, Stafford. 5 JUN 8PM, BRCH AGM, THE SHREWSBURY ARMS, STAFFORD, all membs welc. Brch Contact: Neil Butler 07810142664, email nbcamra@outlook.com

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

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

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

HEREFORDSHIRE: 12 May, trip to Sheffield for pres of Beer on the Wye Beer of the Festival (Redemption) to Abbeydale Brewery + tour of Steel City pubs.

For brewery trip, pls confirm attendance to social secretary Mark Haslam, mdhaslam@btinternet.com Leaving at 839am from Hereford Railway Station, return on 555pm or 740pm from Sheffield. 30 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Black Lion, Hereford. Brch contact: Mike Jefferis, contact@herefordcamra.org.uk

BLACKPOOL, FYLDE & WYRE: 28 Apr, South Fylde Coast Social trip, start at Craft Hse 1215pm, detail on website. 29 May 8pm, Cttee mtg, Bispham Hotel, Blackpool FY2 9HY. 31 May 8pm, Brch mtg, St Annes Cricket Club, FY8 2RQ. Contact Ian Carden branchcontact@blackpool.camra.org.uk 07803136276.

LICHFIELD, SUTTON & TAMWORTH: Contact: George Greenaway, Chairman, 07712 893353, camralst@ gmail.com MARKET DRAYTON SUB BRCH: For more go to the brch web site or contact Bryn 07949 321442.

NUNEATON & BEDWORTH: 8 May 8pm, Brch mtg, Horseshoes. 31 May, Summer Social/Survey: Acorn 8pm, Chase 845pm, Anker 930pm. Contact: nuneatonandbedworthcamra@gmail.com POTTERIES: 26 APR 730PM, BRCH AGM, THE WHITE STAR, KINGSWAY, STOKE, ST4 1JB, CAMRA membs only. 3 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, The White Star, Kingsway, Stoke, ST4 1JB, incl. Pub of the Month Presentation at 830pm. 12 May 12noon, Potteries Brewery Tap tour by bus starting at RAN Ales Real Ale Bar, Unit 8, Ormonde Street (off Duke Street), Fenton; fllwed

by Lymestone Vaults (Lymestone Brewery), Pepper Street, Newcastle; Wellers (Weal Ales), Pepper Street, Newcastle; Holy Inadequate (Inadequate Brewery), Etruria Old Road, Etruria; Bull’s Head (Titanic Brewery), St. John’s Square, Burslem; and Wheatsheaf (Sunset Taverns Brewhouse), Tunstall. All pubs accessible via public transport incl RAN Ales Real Ale Bar via First 6/6A & 11 and D&G 1/1A buses, fllwed by a short walk down Duke Street and Ormonde Street. First Potteries Day ticket at £4.50 recommended. 15 May 8pm, Stoke Beer Festival Planning Mtg, The White Star, Kingsway, Stoke, ST4 1JB, CAMRA Membs Only. Chairman & Contact: Corin Brown. Email: chair.camrapotteries@ gmail.com Mobile: 07841 022 236 REDDITCH & BROMSGROVE: 12 May, Brch Trip “Lechlade + Around”. Contact mark@rb.camra.org. uk for further details. 22 MAY 8PM, BRCH AGM + SOC, ALESTONES TARDEBIGGE, B97 6QW, pls come along + have your say about how our branch is run.

2 Jun, Brch Trip “Amber Valley Villages” (Derbyshire Villages III). Contact mark@rb.camra.org.uk for further details. Contact tony@rb.camra.org.uk or call Paul: 07974 889553 RUGBY: 4 May 720pm, Country Pub Surveys, Minibus Trip. 16 May 830pm, Brch Mtg, venue TBC. Brch Contact: malcolmharding@mail.com 07803 777987 SHAKESPEARE: 9 May 8pm, Beer & Cider Fest 2018 mtg, Fleece Inn, The Cross, Bretforton, WR11 7JE. 23 MAY 8PM, AGM, HOLLY BUSH, HENLEY STREET, ALCESTER, B49 5QX. For details, contact: secretary@ shakespeare.camra.org.uk or visit shakespeare. camra.org.uk SHREWSBURY & W SHROPSHIRE: 27 Apr 7pm, Beerbus beerscoring trip from Salopian Bar, Shrewsbury. 2 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Royal Oak, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, SY1 2DZ. 8 May 7pm, Beerfest Mtg, Admiral Benbow, Shrewsbury, SY1 1NF. 14 May 7pm, Exec Mtg, Nags Head, Shrewsbury, SY1 1XB. 15 May 1115am, Beerscoring trip to Oswestry, Arriva 70A ex SHR. 19 May 930am, Bus trip to Kidderminster beerfest and/or town pubs, dep Salopian Bar SHR, SY1 1PW. 25 May 7pm, Beerscoring minibus trip, meet Salopian Bar, SHR. Soc Trips: Dave Grainger 01743 358975 Public transport trips: Pete Duckers 01743-359903 SOLIHULL & DISTRICT: 14 May 830pm, Brch mtg, The Boat, Catherine de Barnes. 21 May 830pm, Cttee mtg, The Reservoir, Earlswood. 4 Jun 830pm, Brch mtg, The Lyndon, Olton. Contact: Allan Duffy 01564 200431 secretary@solihull.camra.org.uk STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS SUB BRCH: 5 May 1pm, Brch Mtg, Benks, 39 Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DH, fllwed by a mini ramble to incl the Ball Haye Tavern (known locally as Bodgers), then down to the dam and part way around Tittesworth Reservoir to the Lazy Trout, then overland to The Abbey and finishing at The Dyers Arms before returning to town, this relatively short walk should take around 2.5 hours and may be a bit muddy in places, incl gradients, styles + steps. Chairman & Contact: Steve Barton, email: chair. moorlandscamra@gmail.com STOURBRIDGE & HALESOWEN: 2 May 8pm Brch Mtg, Waggon & Horses, Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen.

17 May 8pm, Pedmore Marking Soc, meet Foley Arms then Crown, Crabmill, Bird in Hand and Shrubbery Cottage. Contact: Tony Morgan 01384 877396 (H) tonymorgan@morgs.org.uk or see website TELFORD & E SHROPSHIRE: 5 May, Minibus survey of South Shropshire, pickups Wellington, Oakengates, Shifnal and Bridgnorth, £5 per member. 8 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Cock Hotel, Wellington TF1 2DL. Contact Paul Bradburn 01952 510611 paulbradburn8439@ btinternet.com Paul Jones 01952 460456 paul.jones@ caskale.net Bridgnorth Sub Brch events listed above.

UTTOXETER SUB BRCH: 3 May 8pm, Brch mtg & soc, all welcome, Bulls Head Alton. Simon Ardron: chair@ uttoxtercamra.org WALSALL: 28 Apr, Soc to Stourbridge beer festival, mtg at festival for 12pm. If you have any further questions please contact John Morgan johnmorgan94@ hotmail.co.uk Brch contact John Morgan chair@ walsallcamra.org WOLVERHAMPTON: 26 Apr 8pm, Community Pubs Mnth Games Night, The Chindit, Darts, Dominoes, Crib, Board Games. Everyone welc to enjoy an eve with the locals. 28 Apr, Stourbridge BF & town crawl, meet 12noon, Court House, Dudley. 3 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Stile, all membs welcome. 5 May, MILD & More Crawl, meet 12noon, Royal Oak, Tettenhall Wood.

12 May, WM Regional Mild Crawl, Birmingham. 14 May 8pm, BF Mtg, Lych Gate Tavern, all interested vols pls attend. 26 May, Brch Cider Crawl. 4-11 Jun, Wolverhampton Beer Festival (Thu - Sat), Newhampton

WEST PENNINES

REG MTG: 12 MAY 1230PM FOR 1PM START, THE WHITEHOUSE, PEEL, ISLE OF MAN.

CENTRAL LANCASHIRE: 10 May, Brch Soc & Cider POTY Pres, Haighton Manor, Haighton, mini-bus from Old Vicarage, Preston 715pm, pls contact Dave Linley (07981) 518506 to bk a place. 14 May 8pm, Cttee Mtg, Black Bull, Penwortham. 24 May 730pm, Brch Soc, starting at the Guild Ale House, Preston. Contact: Dave Bell, email: dave64b@me.com. Tel: (07900) 565281 E LANCASHIRE: 12 May, day trip to Edinburgh by train. 7 Jun 745pm, Brch mtg, Lemon Tree (formerly Jubilee) opposite King George’s Hall, Blakey Moor, Blackburn. 9 Jun, Minibus trip to Ribble Valley. Pls contact Pete Clegg peteclegg222@gmail.com for places & details of visits/trips. Contact: Phil Drew 01254 232936 or 07788 986789 or philip.drew@ yahoo.co.uk FURNESS: 15 May 7pm, Brch mtg, Beerwolf, Ulverston. For info, contact Dave Latham 01229 467238 dave.latham@talktalk.net LUNESDALE: 8 May, Brch mtg, Hest Bank (Hest Bank). Brch contact: Martin Sherlock 01524 66131 secretary@lunesdalecamra.org.uk SOLWAY: 27 Apr, Ale trail by minibus. 30 Apr 8pm, Brch Mtg, Howard Arms, Carlisle memb/prospective membs welcome at mtg/soc. 11 May, Ale trail by minibus. 19 May, Penrith Ale Trail by train. 21 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, Kings Head, Carlisle membs/prospective membs. welc at mtg/soc. Contact: Mike Tuer contact@solway.camra.org.uk Tel 01228 525062.

SOUTHPORT & WEST LANCS: See under Merseyside & Cheshire Region. Brch Contact Mike Perkins 01704 573768 mikepcamra@gmail.com See brch website for more details W CUMBRIA: Contact Stephen Walker 07747 084039 WESTMORLAND: 14 MAY 8PM, AGM, BOATHOUSE, WINDERMERE MARINA. Transport details and contact: Caroline Schwaller secretary@westmorland. camra.org.uk 0771 8077 459

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355378 (w) 01484 654062 (h) info@huddscamra. org.uk (email) HULL & E YORKSHIRE: 2 May, Open Mtg, venue tbc.

Brch Contact: Bernie Cawte at secretary@hull.camra. org.uk 07904 252910 KEIGHLEY & CRAVEN: 28 Apr, Minibus trip to Ribblesdale pubs (route tba). 1 May 8pm, Brch mtg, 3 Acres, Lees Moor. 11-13 May, Camping at Silverdale.

19 May 12noon, Newcastle crawl, meet Newcastle Tap. 22 May 7pm, Riddlesden crawl from Willow Tree, bus (662) at 625pm. 26 May 2pm, Tasting panel challenge from Three Links, Skipton. Contact: Tony Davies 01274 510674 info@keighleyandcraven. camra.org.uk LEEDS: 8 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, The Brewery Tap, New Stn. St., LS1 5DL. 15 May 730pm, Beer Fest Planning, Editors Draught, Wellington St., LS1 4LT. 24 May 730pm, Horsforth Soc, Queens Arms, Long Row, LS18 5AT, then Granvilles (Long Row) + Town St Tavern.

7-9 Jun, Leeds Beer Festival, New Venue! Becketts Uni Students Union, Portland Way, LS1 3HE. Sign up to Ale Delight, our monthly brch email, for regular local news/info: Membership@leeds-camra.com Contact: socialsecretary@leeds-camra.com NW YORKSHIRE: Brch contact: Helen Grant hgboggy@gmail.com or 07791 786903.

ROTHERHAM: Brch secretary Rachel Parkin 07768293593 after 7pm rachelparkin9@gmail.com SCARBOROUGH: 10 May 730pm, brch mtg, Wilsons, 6 West Sandgate, Scarborough. Pls look at the website + Facebook for further details scarborough.camra. org.uk Brch Contact: scarborough.camra@gmail.com Gillian mob: 07786378557 SHEFFIELD & DISTRICT: 1 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, White Lion, London Rd. S2 4HT. 8 May 8pm, Pub of the Month pres, White Lion, London Rd. S2 4HT. 15 May 8pm, Beer Festival planning mtg, Harlequin, Nursery St. S3 8GG. 19 May 1030am, Rambale, Ford to Unstone, 252 bus to the Bridge, Ford. 22 May 8pm, Beer Matters Distribution & Cttee Mtg, Dog & Partridge, Trippet Lane, S1 4EL. 4 Jun 8pm, Brch Mtg, Westwood Inn, Loxley Rd. S6 6RR. Contact Andrew Cullen 07554 005225 WAKEFIELD: Soc/Events Sec: Mark Goodair markgoodair@googlemail.com 07908553206 YORK: 11 May 7pm for 730pm start, Cycle Social, meet Slip Inn, 20 Clementhorpe, YO23 1AN. 12 May 12noon, Ainsty Brewery Tour, rtn by 8pm, cost approx £15.50: visiting Old Sun Inn, Colton, Three Hares, Bilbrough, White Horse, Wighill and various pubs in Wetherby. 15 May 8pm, Cttee Mtg, Waggon & Horses,19 Lawrence street YO10 13B. 18 May 730pm, Frid 5. Slip Inn, 20 Clementhorpe, YO23 1AN. Swan, Bishopgate Street, YO23 1JH. 815pm, Old Ebor. 30 May 8pm, Brch Mtg & Social, Knavesmire, YO23 1ER. Buses dep from Memorial Gdns, Leeman Road nr Westgate apartments (YO26 4ZF) and must be prebooked with Ken Wright, 07913 341284 socials@york. camra.org.uk For more event details visit our website www.york.camra.org.uk York membs: sign up to Dave’s email network and get regular local news&info: Brch Contact - David Ellis, 0771 465 3479, secretary@ york.camra.org.uk ISLE OF MAN For Regional Director see West Pennines.

ISLE OF MAN: 10 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, The Pinewood, Pulrose. Contact: Angela Aspin, angelajaspin@ manx.net 01624 617293 (h) or 07624 491613 (m).

YORKSHIRE Regional Director Kevin Keaveny 07402 329475 RD.Yorkshire@camra.org.uk BARNSLEY: 4-7 May, Elsecar Heritage Railway Beer Festival, Elsecar Heritage Railway. Fest open Friday 11am-Monday 6pm. FREE admission, live entertainment (not Friday), train rides, tombola. 100+ Drinks on offer. Hot/cold food, soft drinks. Vols needed, if interested pls use staffing form on website or contact beerfestival@barnsley.camra.org.uk 19 May 9pm, Club of the Year pres to The Wortley Men’s Club, Wortley Village, Barnsley, contact Margaret Croft for a seat on the bus, email: socials@barnsley.camra.org. uk Telephone: h. 01226 714492 m. 07734 155792. 23 May 8pm, Cider Pub of the Year pres to the Old No. 7, during an interval in the quiz, aim to have made the presentation by 9pm. 29 May 8pm, Brch mtg + Soc, The Anglers Rest, Wombwell, catch the number 222 bus from Barnsley at 7.20pm. 31 May 8pm, beer tasting soc, The Old No7, tasting beers from the Acorn Brewery range. 1 Jun 9pm, Pub of the Year pres, The Arcade Alehouse, Victorian Arcade, Barnsley. Also on our website: www.barnsley.camra.org.uk/viewnode. php?id=60295 Brch contact: Linda Hutton contact@ barnsley.camra.org.uk or 01226 719450 BRADFORD: 2 May 730pm, Saltaire: Salt Cellar, Hop. 9 MAY 730PM, AGM, GLYDE HOUSE, BRADFORD. 12 May 130pm, Pub of the Year & Cider Pub of the Year Runner Up pres, the Fighting Cock. 16 May 8pm, Cider Pub of the Year pres, Jacobs Beer House. 19 May, Wheatley, Ben Rhydding 12.16 train from Bradford, fllwed by the Outer Bradford Pub of the Year pres, the Flying Duck, Ilkley 2pm. 23 May 8pm, Outer Bradford Pub of the Year pres, the Fox, Shipley. 30 May 730pm, Bradford: Duchess of Kent, Lord Clyde. Contact: secretary@bradfordcamra.org.uk CLEVELAND: Visit clevelandcamra.org.uk for more updates. Brch contact: Andy Bell Adbellcamra@f2s. com 01642 231351 DONCASTER & DISTRICT: 3 May 730pm, town soc, meet at The Yorkshire Grey. 14 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, The Social. 19 May, Soc to Barrow Hill Roundhouse Rail Ale Festival, catch train at 11am to Chesterfield; from there, a free bus! Cost anytime return is £8, advance tickets £7, can be purchased at The Corner Pin. 24 May 730pm for 9pm pres, Doncaster town POTY Pres to The Doncaster Brewery Tap. Contact: Carole Leonard Spice 123queen@aol.com 07973969046 HALIFAX & CALDERDALE: Meetings start at 8pm unless otherwise stated. 28 Apr 1130am, Soc, Rastrick, 549 Halifax Bus Station, 1155am Brighouse Bus Station, 1215pm App Four Sons, Rastrick. 3 May, brch mtg, Millers Bar, Brighouse. 12 May, soc around Old Town, 1232pm 595 Bus from Commercial Street, Hebden Bridge. 24 May, comm mtg, Cross Keys, Siddal. Brch contact: Rog Bentley, rfb@clara.co.uk 01422 347832 HARROGATE & RIPON: 9 May 730pm, Brch Mtg, Six Poor Folk, Knaresborough, all welc. 26 May, Soc: trip to Glossop, 10:09am from Leeds, all welc incl non-membs. Contact: Steve Fairweather 07985412486 harcamra@hotmail.co.uk HEAVY WOOLLEN: 15 May 8pm, mtg, Old Colonial, Mirfield. 24 May 8pm, soc, start at Obediah Brooke, Cleckheaton. Contact: Paul Dixey 01924 420029 (h/w) pauldixey@iee.org HUDDERSFIELD & DISTRICT: 14 May, Pub tour of Longwood, 745pm Slip, 815pm Longwood Bowling Club, and onwards. 21 May 8pm, Brch Mtg, White Cross, Bradley. 25 May 8pm, Presentation at the Corner, Huddersfield. Contact: Bob Tomlinson 01484

NORTHERN IRELAND For Regional Director see Scotland REG MTG: 12 MAY 1PM, SCOTLAND & NI BRANCHES AGM + MTG, GREEN ROOMS, PERTH, PH2 8HX N IRELAND: 8 May 7pm, Monthly mtg, The Bridge House, Belfast. See website calendar for details/ update. Contact: Clive Talbot chaircontact@camrani. org CHANNEL ISLES For Regional Director see Wessex GUERNSEY: Meet 2nd Thu of each mnth in diff pubs, details on website, or call Eileen 01481 710531. Email: secretary@camrabog.org JERSEY: Contact Brch Sec branch@camrajersey. org.je EBCU MEMBERS www.ebcu.org AUSTRIA: BierIG Österreich. Contact:Jörg Prähauser.

Address: Kirchstättstraße 25, 5162 Obertrum am See, Österreich info@bierig.org www.bierig.org BELGIUM: Zythos vzw. Contact:Tommy Van Ouystel Address: Hoevestraat 30, B-3850 Nieuwerken, België.

T +32 (0)11 58 13 36 rvb@zythos.be www.zythos.be CZECH REPUBLIC: Karel Benacek czech-beertours.eu pratelepiva.cz +420 602 230 510 www. pratelepiva.cz DENMARK: Danske Ølentusiaster Contact:Secretariat, Kirkeskovvej 1, DK-4660 Store Heddinge. Tel +45 4582 3400 Mon-Fri 9-12noon. sekretariat@ale.dk www.ale.dk FINLAND: Olutliitto r.y Särkiniementie 10A1 00210 Helsinki Finland Phone +358407027870 www. olutlitto.fi ITALY: Unionbirrai: Andrea Sclausero, andreasclausero@yahoo.it www.unionbirrai.com IRELAND: Beoir Contact:admin@beoir.org Home page: www.beoir.org THE NETHERLANDS: Vereniging Promotie Informatie Traditioneel Bier (PINT) Contact:Sabine Schipper- Wellink. Address: Postbus 3757, 1001 AN Amsterdam, Nederland. T: +31 6 48018116 info@pint. nl www.pint.nl NORWAY: Bent Engen Tel +47 90 89 19 98 post@ nor-ale.org www.nor-ale.org POLAND: Bractwo Piwne. Contact:Marek Suliga.

Address: ul. Piotrkowska 6, 90-270 Łódź, Poland wielkimistriz@bractwopiwne.pl www.bractwopiwne.pl SWEDEN: Svenska Ölfrämjandet (SÖ) Contact:Thomas Nilsson Address: PO Box 16244, SE-10325 Stockholm, Sweden info@Svenskaolframjandet.se www. svenskaolframjandet.se SWITZERLAND: Association des Buveurs d’Orges (ABO). Address: Case postale 2, CH-1800 Vevey 1, Switzerland. www.abo-ch.org/info@abo-ch.org Contact:Nick Bersinger / nick.bersinger@romandie. com USA: Cask Conditioned Ale Support Campaign (CASC) Contact:Mark Bowers Address: 398 Columbus Avenue, Box 182, Boston, MA 02116 T 781-572-2208 casc@ nerax.org www.nerax.org email.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S BREWING MAY 2018

CAMRA beer festivals Only CAMRA beer festivals appear in this section. Organisers of other festivals (including pub beer festivals) should book an advertisement by phoning Sophie Conway on 020 3771 7200 or emailing advertising@camra.org.uk where CAMRA members will receive a 10 per cent discount.

APRIL 25-28 (Wed-Sat): STOURBRIDGE BEER FEST Town Hall, Crown Centre, Stourbridge, W Mids DY8 1YE (5 mins walk from Stourbridge Town Station + Bus Interchange). 80+ real ales, plus cider & perry. Open Wed 7-10pm, membs night & VIPs ONLY - please bring up to date CAMRA memb card. Thu 7-11pm. Fri 12noon-11pm.

Sat 12noon-9pm (or when the beer runs out). Hot/ cold food, CAMRA merch + souvenir glasses avail (£1 all sessions - refundable). £3 Admission Thu/Fri (£2 extra tokens for CAMRA membs). Free admission Sat. No live music any sess, beer + chat only. Info @ www.stourbridgebeerfest.org.uk 25-29 (Wed-Sun): PAISLEY BEER FEST Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Cl, Paisley, PA1 1JF. 100+ British/overseas beers + cider, mead + wine. German sausages, French crepes + other catering avail. Open Wed 6-11pm, Thu 12noon-11pm, Fri 12noon-12midnight, Sat 12noon-9pm. £6 public entry, £4 CAMRA/EBCU entry.

Re-entry free with 2018 fest glass. Staffing reqd all week incl set up + takedown. Contact staffing@ paisleybeerfestival.co.uk 26-28 (Thu-Sat): BOLTON CAMRA BEER FEST Bolton Ukrainian Club, 99 Castle Street, BL2 1PL (map on www. boltonbeerfestival.org.uk or use www.whatpub.com).

50+ real ales & cider/perry, keg wall + selection of local quality mead varieties avail. Open Thu 3301030pm, Fri 12noon-1030pm, Sat 12noon-8pm. Entry £2 (except Fri after 530pm: £3); card-carrying CAMRA membs free (except Fri after 530pm: £2). Free prog.

Hot food, soft drinks & snacks avail at all sess.

Quiet festival. Vols, pls contact Gill on: staffing@ boltonbeerfestival.org Updated info + beer/cider lists will appear on: Twitter @BoltonCAMRAbeer; Facebook BoltonCAMRAfestival & website www. boltonbeerfestival.org.uk 27-28 (Fri-Sat): CHIPPENHAM BEER FEST Olympiad (5 mins from Rail & Bus Stns). 90+ Real Ales, Ciders/Perries. Open: Fri 6-11pm; Sat lunch 11-4pm + Sat eve 7-11pm. Prices £10 for all sessions which include free fest glass + £3 beer tokens (£4 Sat eve). £2 extra tokens for CAMRA membs at all sessions. Tix avail online from www.nwwiltscamra.org.uk, by person from Three Crowns, Chippenham or by post at Beer Fest Tickets, 143 London Rd, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3AN. Pls enclose SAE + state sessions. Cheques payable to CAMRA NW Wiltshire. Entry to eve sessions by advance ticket sale only. Vols always welcome; email staffing@nwwiltscamra.org.uk or visit our website.

27-28 (Fri-Sat): 6TH GLOUCESTER CAMRA REAL ALES & CIDER FEST The Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester, GL1 2HT. 100 beers, 30+ ciders. Food, wine + soft drinks avail.

Entertainment on both days. Admission £6, incl glass + prog. Open Fri + Sat 1130am-11pm. Free pint token for CAMRA membs with valid CAMRA card.

More info www.gloucesterbeerfestival.org.uk 28 (Sat): LONDON SPRING CIDER FEST Goldsmiths Students’ Union, Dixon Rd, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW. New Cross + New Cross Gate train stations, many bus routes. London branches present one-day cider fest. 30 plus ciders + perries, + a real ale. Food avail + bar open for other refreshments. 11am-8pm (or as stocks last). £3 non-membs, £1 CAMRA membs.

More info www.sel.camra.org.uk MAY 3-5 (Thu-Sat): 13TH BEXLEY BEER FEST Marquee + Clubhouse, Old Dartfordians Sports Club, War Memorial Club House, Bourne Rd, Bexley, Kent DA5 1LW. 90+ Beers, Ciders & Perries. Refundable souvenir glass £3, hot & cold food. Snacks + soft drinks available at Club Bar. Thu 2-11pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat: 11am-8pm, CAMRA Free + under 26s - free admission with ID (proof of age), non CAMRA £3. Bingo style payment cards.

More info www.bexley.camra.org.uk 3-5 (Thu-Sat): 20TH KINGDOM OF FIFE REAL ALE & CIDER FEST Rothes Halls, Glenrothes. 50+ real ales, plus cider + perry. Thu: 4-11pm, Fri 12noon-midnight, Sat 12noon-11pm. Live music: Resonation from 7pm Fri, local piper from 2pm Sat, + Yard Of Ale from 6pm Sat. Admission £6 (CAMRA membs £5). www. kingdomoffife.camra.org.uk 3-6 (Thu-Sun): READING BEER & CIDER FEST Christchurch Meadows, Reading, RG4 8BY. 5 min walk from N exit of Reading Stn. 550+ beers, 160+ ciders, foreign beers, key cask ales & UK wines. Thu: pub quiz; Fri/Sat: live music; Sun: family day. Food avail all sessions. Advance tkts or ltd ed season tkt avail (+booking fee), incl four 1/2pt beer tokens (per session for season ticket), see fest website for details. All prices incl comp fest glass + prog while stocks last. Thu 430-11pm, £7.50 on the door, £15.20 in advance; Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 11am-430pm & 6-11pm, each £11 otd, £18.60 advance; Sun 12noon7pm, £7 otd, £14.60 advance; season tkt £64.20, advance only. Vols reqd: pls contact staffing@ readingbeerfestival.org.uk For details see www. readingbeerfestival.org.uk Facebook: readingbeerfest Twitter: @readingbeerfest 4-7 (Fri-Mon): 7TH ANNUAL BARNSLEY BEER & MUSIC FEST Elsecar Heritage Railway, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Wath Rd, Elsecar, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S74 8HJ. 80+ real ales + cider. Held in conjunction with the Elsecar Heritage Railway - the Coalfields Memorial Line. Opening hours: Fri, Sat, Sun 12noon-10pm, Mon 12noon-7pm. See webpage for admissions, travel info + more. Live entertainment on stage in the station yard. Food stalls + CAMRA tombola stands will be open throughout the weekend. Entry is free. This will be great weekend out for all the family. Contact Margaret on (01226) 714492 or email Andrew at beerfestival@barnsleycamra.org.uk More details at www.barnsleycamra.org.uk Twitter @ beerbarnsley or @barnsleyCAMRA 10-12 (Thu-Sat): 18TH BANBURY BEER & CIDER FEST Army Reserve Centre, Oxford Rd, Banbury, OX16 9AN. 10 min from town centre + Banbury Rail Stn, or take B1 bus from Bridge St. 100+ real ales/ciders. Real ales focus on the East Midlands, + selection of locales + around UK, with specials incl 20 new beers. Features a selection of porters + a Mild Trail avail with opp to get a free mild. Cider & Perry range incl nat’l, East Midlands + local producers. Glasses w/third/ half/pint lines. Beer/cider tokens avail. Under-18s

free, accompanied by adult. Special promotions for anyone joining CAMRA during fest. Hot/cold food avail all sess. Meet the Brewer sess. Cheese + beer matching/tasting sess on Fri/Sat. Live entertainment: Thu eve: Bushfield Smith; Sat pm: Adderbury Morris Dancers; Sat eve: Pete Watkins. The dray from Hook Norton Brewery normally appears Sat. Open: Thu 5-11pm; Fri 12noon-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm. Entry: CAMRA membs free, non-membs: Thu £2; Fri till 5pm £2; Fri after 5pm £4; Sat till 5pm £3; Sat after 5pm £1. Incl fest glass + prog with beer/cider lists. Vols reqd all sess - enquiries to lynne@northoxon.camra. org.uk Staff get free beer + food tokens, fest glass, prog + staff t-shirt. For details see www.northoxon. camra.org.uk 11-12 (Fri-Sat): MELTON MOWBRAY & DISTRICT REAL ALE & CIDER FEST - CANCELLED, due to venue withdrawal.

Hopefully will be rescheduled for later in the year.

11-12 (Fri-Sat): MACCLESFIELD BEER FEST Priory Park, Priory Lane, Macclesfield, SK10 4AE. 200 real ales, + ciders/ perries & food. Live bands at both evening sessions.

Open Fri 7-12pm, Sat 12-330pm, 7-12pm. Evening tkts £10 incl souvenir glass & prog. Sat lunch free, families welcome. Tkts + more info www. macclesfieldbeerfestival.org 11-13 (Fri-Sun): GWENT CAMRA BEER FEST The Clore Room, Tredegar House & Country Park Folk Fest. 26 ales + 20 ciders/perries. Bar times: Fr 3pm-midnight; Sat 12noon-midnight; Sun: 12noon-11pm (or when the beer + cider run out.) Click on Real Ale on the website index to see which ales will be on. Entry is free. Adjacent to J28 of the M4. Buses 35, 36 & X15 stop at the rear entrance; 30 is a longer walk from near the front entrance. www.tredegarhousefestival. org.uk/index.html 17-19 (Thu-Sat): KIDDERMINSTER BEER & CIDER FEST Kidderminster Town Hall DY10 1DB (10 mins from Rail Stn). 6th yr, theme: Celebrating Women in Brewing. 48 beers + 15 ciders, hot food, live entertainment Fri eve, tutored tasting. Plenty of table seating, separate bar, Thu 6-11pm (CAMRA Membs Preview from 4pm), Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 11am-7pm. Entry £2, £3 Fri eve, CAMRA membs free entry all sess. Designated Driver’s Scheme free entry. Full details at www. wyreforest.camra.org.uk 17-19 (Thu-Sat): 19TH KINGSTON BEER & CIDER FEST Kingston Workmen’s Club & Institute, Old London Rd, Kingston, KT2 6ND (4 mins from rail + bus stations). 60 beers + 8 ciders + 4 perries. Open: Thu 5-11pm (£3), Fri 11am-11pm (£3), Sat 11am-9pm or when the beer runs out (free entry). CAMRA membs £1 discount. Hot/cold food all sessions. Vols reqd, email: KBFVolunteers@camrasurrey.org.uk Website: www. camrasurrey.org.uk/festivals 17-19 (Thu-Sat): RAIL ALE FEST Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield.

Over 350 beers, ciders, fruit wines + prosecco & gins. The most atmospheric beer festival of the year!

Free bus from railway stn + town centre. Hot food + sandwiches avail. Entrance incl commemorative glass, prog + train rides! Open: 12noon-5pm Thu (separate bespoke music event eve). 12noon-11pm Fri + Sat with musical interludes throughout.

Headline tribute bands in the evenings TBC. Tkts £5 on Thu afternoon (advance & gate). Advance tkts Fri/ Sat £7 (£9 on the gate) avail from local pubs, www. seetickets.com or Chesterfield Tourist Information www.visitchesterfield.info 01246 345777. CAMRA concession at the fest on production of current memb card. Staff reqd; email Mark Burgess volunteer@railalefestival.com See colour advert in beer festivals section for additional detail, visit our website at www.railalefestival.com or our very social media pages.

18-20 (Fri-Sun): YAPTON BEEREX Yapton & Ford Village Hall, Main Rd, Yapton, West Sussex, BN18 0ET. 60+ real ales, ciders, perries + food. Open: Fri 6-11pm (£5); Sat 11-9pm (£6), reduced entry (£3) after 5pm; Sun 12noon-3pm (free). Souvenir glass + prog incl in price. £2 beer tokens for card carrying CAMRA membs. Vintage open-top bus runs from Barnham Railway Station to venue on Sat (1030am-430pm).

Tickets avail early Feb, by post (SAE to WSC, 19 Canal Rd, Yapton, BN18 0HD, cheques to CAMRA Western Sussex Branch) or from various pubs around West Sussex.

19-20 (Sat-Sun): 10TH SPRING ALE & STEAM WEEKEND North Cotswold CAMRA in conjunction with Gloucestershire + Warwickshire Railway. Bars at Winchcombe + Toddington Stations. 36 beers split 24/12 respectively. Wessex beers at Toddington. National + local beers at Winchcombe in the new larger bar. 12 selected ciders + perries avail. Larger tenth anniversary event with extended line to New Broadway Station opened at Easter 2018. Open Sat 1030am-7pm, Sun 1030am-5pm. Hot/cold food with soft drinks. Fest glasses allowed on the trains. Travel by train: see details online.

21-26 (Mon-Sat): 45TH CAMBRIDGE BEER FEST Jesus Green, Cambridge. 200+ ales, 80+ ciders/perries, + foreign beer, wines + meads. CAMRA cheese counter, with a wide range of British cheeses. Entry: Mon-Wed £4 after 5pm; Thu-Fri £5 after 5pm; Sat £3 all day.

CAMRA membs free all sess. Open: Mon 5-1030pm, Tue-Fri 12-3 & 5-1030pm, Sat 12-1030pm. Free soft drinks for designated drivers at paying sess. We always need vol staff. More info: email enquiries@cambridgebeerfestival.com or see www. cambridgebeerfestival.com 24-26 (Thu-Sat): 5TH KIDBROOKE BEER & CIDER FEST Charlton Park RFC, 60A Broad Walk, Kidbrooke, London, SE3 8NB. 15 mins walk from Kidbrooke Stn; buses 132 & 286 stop nearby). 50+ real ales, 20+ real cider/perry.

Beer/cider sold in pints/thirds/two-thirds only. Hot/ cold food. Entertainment incl live music Thu eve & Sat. Open 12noon-1030pm. Admission £1 cardcarrying CAMRA membs, £2 non-membs. More info www.sel.camra.org.uk Twitter @selcamrafest, email festivals@sel.camra.org.uk 24-26 (Thu-Sat): LINCOLN BEER FEST Lincoln Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EY, 5 min walk from bus + rail stn. 100+ real ales + cider, perry, int’l bottled beers.

Food avail at all times. Live music each eve + Sat lunch. Open: Thu 12noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm; Fri 12noon-11pm; Sat 12noon-11pm. Admission free Thu lunch, £3 at all other times. Free for card-carrying

CAMRA membs. More details from Steve Renshaw 01522 754458, contact@lincolncamra.org.uk or at www.lincolncamra.org.uk 25-27 (Fri-Sun): EASTBOURNE BEER & CIDER BY THE SEA Western Lawns, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4UH. 15 min walk from railway stn.

Next to the Wish Tower. 60 + real ales, 30+ ciders & perries + range of foreign bottled beers, wine & cocktails. Live music entertainment on all sessions.

Set under large Marquee on the Seafront with outside seating area. Hot & cold food avail. Open Fri 4-10pm, Sat 11-4pm, 5-10pm. Sun 12-7pm. Fri £8 (CAMRA £7) Sat Day £7 (CAMRA £6) Sat Night £8 (CAMRA £7) Sun £7 (CAMRA £6) Prices may be subject to alteration. www.visiteastbourne.com/beer-festival or phone ticket office on 01323 410611. Non-ticket enquires to contact.camra.sesusx@gmail.com 25-27 (Thu-Sun): 23RD NEWARK BEER & CIDER FEST Riverside Park, Newark on Trent, 1 min from Newark Castle Railway station. Fri & Sat 1030am-1030pm, Sun 12noon-4pm.

140 beers, 40 ciders. Admission £10, incl free commemorative glass + beer tokens. CAMRA membs get tokens for additional free pint. Variety of food vendors on all days. Live music aft & eve. www. newarkcamra.org.uk 31-2 (Thu-Sat): 32ND STOCKPORT BEER & CIDER FEST Edgeley Park Football Ground, Hardcastle Rd, Stockport, SK3 9DD. Directions on website. 150+ cask beers, plus ciders/perries + bottled conditioned beers. Live entertainment, hot/cold food, Special Festival Ale, stalls, prog, souvenir T-shirts, refundable souvenir glasses. Families welcome in the stand. Disabled access avail (unfortunately limited access to some bars for wheelchair users, alternative service avail if reqd). Seating + outside drinking. Trade + CAMRA membs preview session Thu 330pm. Open to the public Thu 530-11pm, Fri 12noon-11pm, Sat 12noon-11pm. Admission all sess £2, Fri from 4pm £5. CAMRA membs admission free, except Fri eve 7pm £3. Special discounted hotel rates for fest goers, check website for details. Vols reqd: setting up days 25, 29-30 May, trade + open sessions + the knocking down day 3 Jun. Free staff beer/cider + food during set up, all sess open to the public + at knock down.

Subsidised taxis + accom for eligible staff. Free food + beer/cider at the vols’ post fest party. For more info re: staffing/staff benefits, contact Mike Wilson 07973 303570, Pete Farrand 07710 878796 or email at volunteers@stockportfestival.org.uk For other matters, contact Jim Flynn on 0161 432 1816 / 07917 596751 / organiser@stockportfestival.org.uk or visit our web site at www.stockportfestival.org.uk or follow us at @skbeerfestival JUNE 1-3 (Fri-Sun): 6TH BELPER GOES GREEN CAMRA BEER & CIDER FEST Belper Rugby Club, Derby Rd, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 1UU. On A6, south of Belper town centre. 5 min walk from Belper rail & bus stns.

Organised by Amber Valley CAMRA. 40 beers + ciders/perry. Fest held in a marquee on the Rugby field adj to the club house. Event coincides with the Belper Goes Green Eco Festival on Sat & Sun, see www.transitionbelper.org Live entertainment on two stages: Fri, Sat & Sun; Sat & Sun, stalls, art, crafts, energy advice, kids’ games + activities, electric bikes, natural health, workshops, books, plants & more. Hot/cold food incl veggie, vegan, gluten free options avail at all sess. Admission: Free at all times.

Beer fest open Fri 6-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 1211pm. Staff reqd, email bggstaffing@ambervalley. camra.org.uk General enquiries to nigelheathcote@ live.co.uk On site camping avail for staff by advance arrangement.

2 (Sat): GILLINGHAM BEER FEST Star Meadow Sport Club, Darland Ave, Darland, Gillingham, ME7 3AN. 20+ beers/ciders. Bus routes 132, 326 & 327 for Chatham & Rainham. Open 12noon-10pm. More details to fllw.

5-9 (Tue-Sat): THURROCK BEER & CIDER FEST Thurrock Civic Hall, Blackshots Lane, Grays, Essex, RM16 2JU. 120+ beers, 30+ ciders/perrys, a selection of English country wines + mead. Open Tue-Thu 12noon-3pm, 6-11pm. Fri 12noon-11pm. Sat 12noon-7pm.

Admission: Tue-Fri lunchtime free. Tue-Wed eve £1.

Thu eve £3. Fri eve (from 5pm) £4. Sat all day £2.

Card carrying CAMRA membs, free. Entertainment: Tue + Wed eve: quiet nights (no live music), Thu eve: Bif Bam Pow, Fri eve: The Long Run, Sat lunchtime/ aft: Rumford Morris Men, followed by: Saltshaker Blues, The Twisty Turns + Element Hill. Children not allowed in main hall, only allowed in garden or foyer up to 6pm accompanied by an adult. Souvenir glass avail + CAMRA m’ship/products stand. Hot/cold food avail at all sess. Outdoor drinking area avail.

Nearest station, Grays, C2C line, London Fenchurch Street. Nearest bus stop ‘The Oak’ Socketts Heath.

For latest info visit branch website: www.swessex. camra.org.uk For all enquiries call festival hotline on: 07960 969462 7-9 (Thu-Sat): DONCASTER CAMRA’S 27TH BEER FEST The Dome, Bawtry Rd, DN4 7PD. 100+ real ales & ciders on sale. Open Thu 5-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm.

Entrance price £2, free to CAMRA membs. Fri 6pm onwards: non-memb admission £3. £3 charge for commemorative glass, refundable to CAMRA membs only. To get there catch one of the following buses from the Interchange: 21, 25, 29, 55, 56, 57, 58 or 99.

Wolverhampton Bus Stn, 20 min walk from the railway, bus + Metro stns. Open Thu 5-11pm, Fri 12noon-11pm, Sat 12noon-11pm. Admission prices: Thu £3.50, Fri £3.50, Sat free all day. CAMRA membs get £1 beer token except Sat. Vols reqd incl set up Mon-Wed, beer fest duties Thu-Sat + takedown on Sun-Mon. Contact Staffing Officer Amanda Hignett, 07933 441850, mandab59@yahoo.com Other details from organiser Charlotte Coxon 01902 341209, festival@wolverhamptoncamra.org.uk Facebook: Wolverhampton CAMRA Beer Festival 2018, website: www.wolverhampton.camra.org.uk 7-9 (Thu-Sat): HITCHIN BEER & CIDER FEST Hitchin Rugby Club, King George V Playing Fields, Old Hale Way, Hitchin, SG5 1XL. 100+ real ales, 30+ ciders/perries, + int’l beer bar & key keg bar. All ciders nominated for 2018 Herts Cider of the Year comp avail. Open Thu 5-11pm, Fri/Sat 12noon-11pm. Entry £3, FREE for CAMRA membs + OAPs. Food avail at all sess from Hitchin Street Food Monthly. For more info go to www.camranorthherts.org.uk Vols needed Tue-Sun for set up/takedown + all areas during the festival, in return for t-shirt, glass + beer (depending on hours worked) pls email nhcamra.staffing@gmail.com 8-9 (Fri-Sat): SOUTHAMPTON BEER FEST Southampton Football Club, St Mary’s Stadium, Britannia Rd, Southampton, SO14 5FP. 20 min walk from Southampton Central Train Stn, on Solent Blue Star + First Bus routes.

Parking avail at venue, contact to arrange. 100 beers, 30 ciders/perries + a vast range of international bottled beers. New food menu available at all sess!

Live music at 3/4 sess alongside a quiet area. Open Fri 1130am-4pm (£6) - quiet sess, Fri 630-11pm (£10) - The Trav Cats, Sat 1130am-4am (£9) - Adam Sweet + Junco Shakers, Sat 630-11pm (£7) -The Johnson Van Dykes. All entry incl free prog + fest souvenir glass. CAMRA card-carrying membs receive free beer tokens. No food/drink brought into venue.

Tkts can be bought at St Mary’s Stadium, Bitter Virtue, Belgium + Blues, Caskaway, The Guide Dog or the fest website www.southamptonbeerfestival.org. uk Vol staff reqd. See website for more information or email info@southamptonbeerfestival.org.uk 15-16 (Fri-Sat): CAMRA KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY BEER FEST Tenterden Town Station, 5-min walk from the High St + bus stops. A range of real ales, ciders + perry.

Food avail on Fri eve + Sat all day/eve. Live music on Sat aft/eve + Morris Dancers. Families welc.

Limited camping avail but MUST be bkd in advance, camper vans + caravans welc. To bk a pitch, phone the railway on 01580 765155. Opening times: Fri 6-1030pm, Sat 11am-1030pm (or until the beer runs out). Admission: purchase of a KESR platform ticket if you wish to attend the beer fest only. Entrance to the beer fest is free to card-carrying CAMRA membs, also a discount on train travel. Real ales + cider avail on some train departures from 1040am. Service buses operate to Tenterden from: Ashford (2 or 2A), Maidstone (12), Tunbridge Wells (297), Hastings (2), Rye (312). Railway Stations: Headcorn (connecting bus 12) or Ashford International (connecting bus 2 or 2A), Hastings (connecting bus 2). For full bus timetable, pls contact relevant operator. For festival info call 01580 240104. Email: festival@camra-afrm. org.uk or visit the website: www.camra-afrm.org.uk 15-16 (Fri-Sat): SALISBURY BEEREX XXXVIII BEER & CIDER FEST Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin St, Salisbury SP1 3UT. In assoc w/ Salisbury Arts Centre & Rotary COGS. 48+ ales from around the country, many LocAle. 10+ ciders. Open: Fri 630-11pm; Sat 11-330pm, then 630-11pm. Tickets £10 (£12 from June), incl souvenir glass + prog. Free ½ pint for card-carrying CAMRA membs. Live music all sess. Disabled access, hot/cold food avail throughout. Tkts on sale from Salisbury Playhouse Box Office 01722 320333 www. salisburyartscentre.co.uk Tkt only admission, unsold tickets avail on door.

16-17 (Sat-Sun): 11TH GIBBERD GARDEN BEER FEST The Gibberd Gardens, Marsh Lane, Old Harlow CM17 0NA. 50 beers, + ciders. 20 min country walk from Harlow Mill Stn.12noon-8pm both days. Further details www.heb-camra.org.uk/gg 20-23 (Wed- Sat): CAMRA CRICKET MARQUEE Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5ES. Hospitality marquee for the Kent v Warwickshire county championship match, for CAMRA mems + their guests. Ever-changing selection of beers + cider from 12+ breweries.

Food. 11am-close of play. More cricket marquees at Canterbury, Jul 20, 22-25, 27. See www.meetup. com/CAMRACanterbury/pages/21639342/Cricket_ Tents for details or contact Gill Keay, 01227 463478 / 07976 431886, gillandgerrykeay@btinternet.com 21-23 (Thu-Sat): GLASGOW REAL ALE FEST Briggait, 10 mins from both Glasgow Central + Queen St Stations, 5 mins from St Enoch Subway. 150+ beers, ciders + foreign beers. Hot food avail. Open Thu 330-1030pm; Fri 12noon-1030pm; Sat 12noon-1030pm. Prices £4 membs/£6 non-membs. Price incl fest glass. More info + to vol see www.glasgowrealalefestival.co.uk Contact: enquiries@glasgowrealalefestival.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/Glasgowrealalefestival

7-9 (Thu-Sat): LEEDS BEER FEST Leeds Beckett Students’ Union Bar (City Bar), Portland Way, Leeds, LS1 3HE. Just 15 mins walk from Leeds railway stn, opposite the Dry Dock pub, just off Woodhouse Lane. 100+ real ales, incl old favourites + brand new beers, tons of LocAles, beer from all over the UK, real ale in key keg, real cider/perry incl fruity ones + global beers. Refundable glasses, hot/cold food, choice of measures: thirds, halves, two thirds, pints, small bottles, big bottles, sharers. Open: Thu 11am-4pm (free) & 5-11pm (£3), Fri 11am-4pm (£3), & 5-11pm (£5), Sat 11am-11pm (£5). £3 discount for CAMRA membs avail at all fee-paying sess. Advance tkts avail but not essential from www.leedsbeerfestival. co.uk

22-23 (Fri-Sat): 22ND SOUTH DOWNS BEER & CIDER FEST Lewes Town Hall, Fisher St, Lewes, BN7 2QS. Nearly 90 beers, a selection of ciders + perries avail. Hot/cold food + veggie options, soft drinks, teas + coffees at all times. Tkts for Fri pm + Sat lunchtime sess sell quickly, early purchase advised. Open Fri 11am-3pm, 5-1030pm. Sat 11am-5pm, then free entry until beer runs out or 8pm. Admission by advance tkt only for all sess, no refund for unsold tkts. Tkts on sale 5 May: Fri lunchtime £4; Fri eve £7; Sat lunchtime £5. Price incl festival glass + prog. Beer tokens for card-carrying CAMRA membs for two free halves, not after 5pm Sat. Postal sales made to South Downs Beer & Cider Festival, 139 Elm Grove, Brighton BN2 3ES. Pls state which sess tkts are for + enclose a SAE, no SAE no tkts. Cheques payable to Brighton South Downs CAMRA. Can buy tkts at: Evening Star, Brighton, Harvey’s Brewery Shop, Gardeners Arms & Brewers Arms, Lewes. Fest charity this year is Albion in the Community (AITC). Full disabled facilities in the hall. For further information call 07450 656148 www. brightoncamra.org.uk

7-9 (Thu-Sat): 43RD WOLVERHAMPTON BEER & CIDER FEST Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley St, Wolverhampton, WV1 4AN. 70 real ales + a range of ciders/perries + foreign bottled beer bar. Venue served by Nat’l Express (W Mids) no.6 bus from

28-30 (Thu-Sat): BROMSGROVE BEER & CIDER FEST Bromsgrove Rugby Club, Finstall Rd, Bromsgrove B603DH. 144 beers & 50+ ciders/perries. Open Thu 6-11pm (CAMRA membs + Trade Only); Fri 12noon-11pm; Sat 11am-930pm. Entry £3 (membs £1) + £2 Souvenir

Glass (refundable). Variety of food stalls available; live music from Fri (see website for details). Plenty of room outside marquee for picnics + family games. Camping available from Rugby club. 10mins walk from Bromsgrove station + buses avail from town centre. Vols welcome. See website: www. bromsgrovebeerfestival.org.uk email contact@ rb.camra.org.uk 28-1 (Thu-Sun): RUTLAND CAMRA BEER FEST Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW. 40 beers, 10 real ciders + perries. Also having mead + investigating English wines. Traditional rural fare food + gentle entertainment. Hoping to encourage pubs in Oakham to join our Ale Trail. Oakham well served by trains from Birmingham/Peterborough + local bus services. More info on www.rutlandcamra. org.uk/beer-festival/ Opening hours: Thu, Fri & Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 12noon-4pm. Entry free at all times to card carrying CAMRA membs. Lined glasses avail. Vols reqd from 25th for set up + helping out during the fest; also for taking down the show on the 2nd. Pls contact Dave Casewell - secretary@ rutlandcamra.org.uk or via the website www. rutlandcamra.org.uk JULY 5-7 (Thu-Sat): SCOTTISH REAL ALE FEST Edinburgh Corn Exchange, New Market Rd, Edinburgh EH14 1RJ, Lothian Bus 4, 20, 34, 44 or Skylink 300, Slateford Rail Station within 200yds. 180+ Scottish real ales + cider, perry + wine. CAMRA products, tombola + games. Open: Thu-Fri 12noon-1030pm, Sat 12noon-930pm. Hot food avail throughout. Entry: £6/£4 CAMRA membs.

Free re-entry to all sess with 2018 souvenir glass.

Vols reqd, srafstaffing@gmail.com See www.sraf. camra.org.uk for info.

7 (Sat): 19TH DEVIZES BEER FEST The Wharf, Devizes, Wiltshire. Beer fest under canvas, beside the Kennet & Avon Canal. 100 real ales/cider + food avail. Open: 11am-10pm. Mainly open-air fest, family-orientated, live music. Admission by advance tkt at £10 (incl souvenir glass + £3 beer tokens, card carrying CAMRA membs get extra £2 tokens). SAE + cheque made payable to ‘Devizes CAMRA’ to Devizes CAMRA, 17 Corn Croft Lane, Devizes, SN10 2FR. 6-8 (Fri-Sun): BEER ON THE WYE XIV Hereford Rowing Club, Greyfriars Avenue, Hereford HR4 0BE. Giant riverside marquee adj to club, edge of city centre, 20 min walk from rail stn. 135+ cask beers (incl popular Herefordshire Brewers’ Bar), 130+ ciders/perries (100+ from small Herefordshire producers), 40 World beers, + six hot/cold food concessions (incl veggie) + interesting non-alc drinks. Live music, nine acts over weekend; Fri pm is quiet session. Sun is Family Fun Day, 60p off a pint + activities for all. Camping in Festival Village next door with 24hr access to proper toilets/showers, + hot breakfast service.

More seating, posher loos + priority re-admission for campers. Open: Fri 2-11pm; Sat 12noon-11pm; Sun 12noon-5pm. Admission Fri £4; Sat £6; Sun £1.

CAMRA membs get £2 in free drinks tokens Fri/Sat; Sun free admission. Refundable festival glass £2.

Vols still needed for this event, incl set-up from 2 Jul, open 6-8 Jul, takedown 9 Jul. Vols fed + watered, + free ticket for non-working sess, priority free camping avail. Contact: festival@herefordcamra.org. uk + Facebook at Beer on the Wye. More info: www. beeronthewye.org.uk 6-7 (Fri-Sat): 12TH STRATFORD-UPON-AVON BEER & CIDER FEST Racecourse, Luddington rd, Stratford CV37 9SE. Run

by Shakespeare CAMRA. 75+ beers & 30+ ciders/ perries. Food avail across sess, town shuttle service from railway stn, camping via racecourse campsite (enquire direct). £10 ent package to incl glass, prog, entrance + £5 tokens. Fri 12noon-11pm, Sat 11am11pm. Contact info@stratfordbeerfestival.org.uk Website: www.stratfordbeerfestival.org.uk 10-14 (Tue-Sat): CHELMSFORD SUMMER BEER & CIDER FEST Admirals Park, Rainsford Rd, Chelmsford, CM1 2PL. 350+ beers, incl key keg, int’l beers + 120 ciders/ perries, wine, World Food, live entertainment. 10-15 min walk from railway + bus stns. CAMRA membs FREE all times. Entry: Tue-Thu, free before 5pm, £2 after. Fri, £2 before 5pm, £5 after 5pm. Sat, Family Fun Day, only £2. Souvenir glasses £3 (refundable).

Vols wanted, camping avail for vols. www.cbcf.info 12-14 (Thu-Sat): 14TH CHORLTON BEER & CIDER FEST St Clement’s Church, Edge Lane, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9JF. 200+ real ales, craft beers, world beers, ciders & perries. Featuring North West Region Champion Speciality Beers comp. Splendid setting with al fresco drinking in the church grounds. Live music Fri/Sat eves, jazz combo Sat aft. Open Thu/Fri 6-1030pm; Sat 1-930pm. Admission £10 incl free fest glass, prog & first £4 beer tokens. Free beer voucher to card carrying CAMRA membs. Children welc Sat until 7pm, children’s activities provided.

For more info see www.chorltonbeerfestival.org. uk twitter: @ChorlBeerFest, e-mail chorlton@ thcamra.org.uk Vols reqd: see website or e-mail chorltonstaffing@thcamra.org.uk for staffing form.

19-21 (Thu-Sat): 44TH KENT BEER FEST Canterbury Rugby Club, Merton Lane North, Canterbury CT4 7BA. New venue.

200 beers+ciders incl foreign beers, Kent beers + other UK beers. Good food, great live entertainment, wine bar, family area, parking. Basic camping facilities, no bking needed, £10 per person for whole fest (free to staff), see website. Free bus shuttle all sess, starts 15 min before each session from Canterbury Bus Station (near Canterbury East Rail station) + runs about every 15 min (30 min Thu/ Fri lunchtime). Thu 630-11pm £6; Fri 12noon-4pm £4 + 630-11pm £8 (advance tkts essential); Sat 12noon-9pm £6. All sess except Fri eve: half price entry to card-carrying CAMRA membs. Thu night: pay on entry. Fri night: advance tkts essential, avail online (see website) or by post after June 1st from 5 Hollow Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3SB, cheques payable to CAMRA Kent Beer Festival. Pls send SAE. Tkts avail in person from The Unicorn Canterbury, see website. Sat all day: pay on entry, tkts not needed. Staff needed, even for a few hours, on any days 18- 22 July. Staff contact Rowan on staffing@ kentbeerfestival.com Fest info: Andy Mitchell, andy@kentbeerfestival.com See our website, www. kentbeerfestival.com for details.

CAMRA members must show a valid membership card to get discount admission to festivals. Branches should email festival details to wb.beerfestival@camra. org.uk by midday on 7 May 20-22 (Fri-Sun): 42ND COTSWOLD BEER FEST Postlip Hall Tithe Barn, off B4632 near Winchcombe, Glos. Organised jointly

by Gloucestershire/Cheltenham branches + Postlip Soc. 60 beers + 20 ciders/perries, food, soft drinks, entertainment (no music at Fri session). Free parking on site, shuttle bus service avail from Cheltenham + Winchcombe. Weekend camping permits also avail. Admission by advance tkt only (price incl commemorative glass + prog). Fri eve 7-11pm £10, all day Sat 12noon-9pm £11, Sat evening only 430pm-9pm £9, + Sun lunchtime 12noon-3pm free entry (limited beer/cider avail). Free pint for CAMRA membs at each Fri/Sat sess (show current m’ship card + entry ticket). £2 reduction on every tkt purchased before 23 Jun. More info, see: www. cotswoldbf.camra.org.uk 20 (Fri), 22-25 (Sun-Wed), 27 (Fri): CAMRA CRICKET MARQUEE Kent CCC Spitfire Ground, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3NZ. Ever-changing selection of beers/cider from 14+ breweries. Hospitality marquee for Kent v Surrey T20 (20th) opens 430pm + Kent v Leics (22-25) opens 11am + Kent v Sussex T20 (27) opens 430pm, for CAMRA membs + their guests. See www. meetup.com/CAMRACanterbury/pages/21639342/ Cricket_Tents for details of CAMRA marquee, or contact Gill Keay 01227 463478 / 07976 431886, gillandgerrykeay@btinternet.com See www. kentcricket.co.uk for details of matches.

20-22 (Fri-Sun): 6TH EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY BEER FEST North Weald Station, Essex. 75 beers + 20 ciders. Now a joint CAMRA + Epping Ongar Railway fest. Easily accessible via ‘EOR’ vintage bus from Epping Underground + Shenfield National Rail stns. EOR travel discounts avail for CAMRA membs with a valid memb card. Bars in operation on heritage trains all day, incl draught beer + cider. Hot/cold food avail.

Main bar marquee at North Weald Station open 12noon-10pm Fri/Sat, 12noon-5pm Sun. Minibus groups welc with prior arrangement. More info at www.eorailway.co.uk or contact railway direct via 01277 365200 or enquiries@eorailway.co.uk 26-28 (Thu-Sat): SOUTH DEVON NEWTON ABBOT SUNSHINE BEER & CIDER FEST Newton Abbot Rugby Club, Newton Road, Kingsteignton, TQI2 3AD, 20 min walk from the town centre past the racecourse, on bus 2/X64 routes. Shuttle bus from the railway station all day Fri + Sat. Up to 60 beers + 20 ciders, incl many from outside the region + wine bar. Open: Thu 5-11pm, Fri + Sat 11am-11pm, admission for CAMRA membs £1.40 + non-membs £3.40 incl commemorative tankard + prog. Under 18s free with an accompanied adult before 6pm + must leave premises by 9pm.

Hot/cold food avail all sess, live music Fri + Sat eve + meet the brewer sess avail. Camping avail. Dave Buckler 07772 568280, bucklersuk@yahoo.co.uk 26-28 (Thu-Sat): MAIDENHEAD BEER & CIDER FEST Desborough College, Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead SL6 2QB (town centre only 5 min walk from railway stn side exit, turn right). 100+ real ales + 20+ ciders!

Drinks served in 1/3s, halfs + pints. Wine/soft drinks will be avail! Open: Thu 12noon-10pm + Fri/Sat 12noon-1030pm. No bking reqd! Normal entrance £5, Advantage Card membs £4 + CAMRA Membs £3, entry incl fest glass! Many delicious foods to enjoy.

Entertainment throughout the fest incl live music.

Parking will be avail onsite. Contact us on Twitter: @ maidenheadbeer, Facebook: maidenheadbeerfestival, Insta: maidenheadbeerandcider, or email info@ maidenheadbeerfest.org.uk Alternatively, visit us at www.mbcf.camra.org.uk See you there!

26-28 (Thu-Sat): 11TH STAFFORD BEER & CIDER FEST Blessed William Howard School, Rowley Ave, Stafford, ST17 9AB, under 10 min walk from Stafford rail stn, off Newport Rd. 65 real ales + 30 ciders/perrys + country wines + gin bar + bottled beers. Hot food avail all sess. Live music, semi acoustic Fri/Sat eve, brass band Sat aft. Details: Thu 6-11pm; Fri 1130am4pm + 4-11pm; Sat 12noon-1030pm. Fri/Sat aft, families welc, other sess over 18s. Admission £1 Thu & Fri aft; £3 Fri eve; £2 Sat. £1 entrance discount to CAMRA membs with valid cards. Refundable glass hire £3 or souvenir glass £3 (while stocks last). All rights of admission reserved. Vols rqd for set up/ staffing event/takedown, staff form on website.

Details at www.staffordbeerfestival.co.uk Twitter @ StaffsBeerFest FB: Stafford Beer Festival 26-28 (Thu-Sat): 5TH BECKENHAM BEER FEST Beckenham Rugby Club, Balmoral Avenue, Elmers End, BR3 3RD, held

by Bromley CAMRA. 64 beers, ciders + perries. Hot food, snacks, soft drinks + Tombola. Free admission for CAMRA membs + under-26s. Free entry for new membs signing up at the Fest. Admission £3 for nonmembs. Opening times 12noon-11pm.

AUGUST 21-25 (Tue-Sat): 41ST PETERBOROUGH BEER FEST The Embankment, Bishops Rd PE1 1EF (in giant marquees). 400+ real ales incl many fest specials. Huge range of ciders/ perries, bottled beers + wines. Extended LocAle bar + specialist key keg craft beers bar. Gin bar with 50+ varieties avail. Wide selection of food stalls catering for all tastes. Additional seating in several areas. Pub games, tombola, CAMRA shop + other stalls. Family friendly fest. ESCAPE Bar for Soft Drinks. Live music eves in separate music marquee.

Opening times: Tue, trade-only sess from 3pm, open to public 530-11pm; Wed-Sat ALL DAY. Entry prices as last year: Tue £5 (£3 CAMRA/ECBU), Wed & Thu 12noon-3pm £2 (£1 CAMRA/ECBU), Wed & Thu 3-11pm £5 (£3 CAMRA/ECBU), Fri & Sat 12noon-3pm £2 (£1 CAMRA/ECBU), 3-11pm £6 (£3 CAMRA/ECBU).

Vols reqd, MUST pre-register. More info/trade tkts 01733 896555 email info@beer-fest.org.uk or visit www.beer-fest.org.uk Keep up to date on Twitter @ BoroBeerFest SEPTEMBER 1-2 (Sat-Sun): FAVERSHAM HOP FEST CAMRA street bar, probably in East Street, Faversham, ME13 8AS. Ever-changing selection of beers from 7 local breweries. Real cider from 3 local producers. Open Sat-Sun 10am-about 5.30pm. See www.favershamhopfestival.org for details of stalls, bands, camping etc at this very popular event held in the streets of Faversham.

Free admission. For info on the CAMRA bar, contact Gill Keay, 01227 463478 / 07976 431886, gillandgerrykeay@btinternet.com

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BEER FESTIVALS

Prince of Wales Feathers Peterborough Road, Castor, Peterborough, PE5 7AL www.princeofwalesfeathers.co.uk 01733 380222

12th ANNUAL CASTOR & AILSWORTH BEER FESTIVAL 10th – 13th May The Brewery Tap for Castor Ales

30 Real Ales

Ciders and Perries as well

CRICKET C CAMRA tents for members and all their guests Wed 20 - Sat 23 June Kent v Warwickshire 11am (at Tunbridge Wells) Fri 20 July Kent v Surrey (T20)* Sun 22-Wed 25 July Kent v Leics 11am Fri 27 July Kent v Sussex (T20)* (at Canterbury) * tent opens at 4.30pm Real ales and cider (food at Tunbridge Wells)

THE FLYING PIG BEER FESTIVAL

Details: www.meetup.com/CAMRACanterbury/ pages/21639342/Cricket_Tents/ Contact: Gill Keay 01227 463478 gillandgerrykeay@btinternet.com

BREWING COURSES

at The Talbot, Knightwick, Worcestershire Fri 1st and Sat 2nd June all day Sun 3rd June 11am-6pm Beers from around the UK Live music Friday and Saturday evening

chris@temevalleybrewery.co.uk 01886 821235

The deadline for

June’s What’s Brewing is 5 May

HOLIDAYS

GOOD BEER? BAD BEER? USE THE NATIONAL BEER SCORING SCHEME TO RATE YOUR PINT

TOUR 93 BEER ON THE WATERFRONT Thursday 2 August – Tuesday 7 August 2018 TOUR 94 BEER & BATTLEFIELDS ARMISTICE TOUR Tuesday 30 October – Sunday 4 November 2018 TOUR 95 CHRISTMAS IN ANTWERP Saturday 22 December – Thursday 27 December 2018 www.podgebeer.co.uk Ring 01245 354677 for details Driving people to drink since 1994

CAM

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16

AND FINALLY

WHAT’S BREWING MAY 2018

INDUSTRY INSIDER

BEER BUSINESS

HOW CAMRA MADE BELGIAN BEER CULTURE THE BEST

VOLUMES UP

BY THE COAST

Tim Webb reveals how a pioneering press trip led to the creation of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide Belgium THERE are two ways of seeing the 8th edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide Belgium. For some it is a book listing 850 bars, 250 breweries and more than 2,000 beers in limitless styles. For me it marks the end of a project that took Belgian beer from obscurity to global stardom.

Last November, at its meeting in Addis Ababa, UNESCO proclaimed Belgian beer culture to be part of humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage – the spiritual equivalent of a World Heritage Site.

It was all a far cry from a misty October night in Bruges, 30 years ago, when a small party of British beer writers and friends (most pictured), gathered at the Brugs Beertje café, and decided Belgian beer needed to be taken more seriously, for everyone’s good – not least Belgium’s.

That night we invented CAMRA’s first publishing company, and the book that was to become the Good Beer Guide Belgium.

The trip was the first foreign outing of the newly formed British Guild of Beer Writers and involved three days of being introduced to brewers, and various pubs and restaurants selling great beers in

styles ancient and modern.

It is hard for today’s beer drinkers to imagine the context of that visit.

The state of brewing in the 1980s was very different from now. At the beginning of the decade the world’s remaining beer cultures had been reduced to little more than cask ale in the UK, blond lagers in Czechoslovakia, a few local beer styles in parts of West Germany and Belgium’s raggedy bunch of weird beers.

CAMRA in its early years did not confine its interests to cask ale. We supported all beers worthy of respect. Nobody believed cask ale would survive in isolation.

In 1985 we had invited a few pioneering American “microbrewers” to serve their distinctly keg beers at the Great British Beer Festival in Brighton, to encourage one of the few positive signs in a beer world becoming uniformly corporate. Publishing a guide to Belgian beer felt like a logical extension of that principle.

Authoring Good Beer Guide Belgium for eight editions has been a huge privilege, made all the better by being trusted.

In 30 years at the helm,

the only beer description that has ever been spiked was one for a 1990s sweet imitation of a classic beer brand. “A Spice Girls whistling Mozart kind of beer” was changed to, “A golden ale much like Duvel”. A wiser but less truthful description.

The 8th edition is a 360-page tome that will be taken by many as the global report on how Belgian beer is doing.

It has also become a travel guide. While its primary aim remains to take readers to the country’s best beers, bars and breweries Joe Stange and I have amassed enough experience of this dotty country to compel us to pass on advice about dining, where to stay, what to see, how to get there

and how to get around.

None of the survivors of that evening discussion, three decades ago, will remember what was said.

But be sure that we were not just having a moan.

We intended to try to change something. And I think we did.

The 2018 guide describes where Belgian brewing fits in a beer world that has become, in President Kennedy’s words, “safe for diversity”.

The UK’s contributions to the bungling enthusiasm that has thus far saved good beer from extinction have been attitude, in the form of CAMRA, and illumination, in the persons of Michael Jackson and other beer writers, some stood in that picture.

In turn, Germany and

KEG BUSTER BY BILL TIDY

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Czechoslovakia brought respect for older ways, the former by sticking to pure ingredients and the latter to careful and inefficient production, a reality necessitated by their Soviet masters’ lack of investment.

Belgium’s contribution, which has proved critical to the developments in brewing everywhere in the last decade, was to demonstrate that where beer is concerned one size can never fit all. Uniformity is not required on the voyage.

Beer culture cannot be monochrome.

It is a comfort that UNESCO and the Belgian government appear to agree. l To order a copy of the book go to https://shop. camra.org.uk/good-beerguide-belgium-8th-edition. html l Pictured: the British Guild of Beer Writers’ trip to Bruges, in October 1988, included beer writers Michael Jackson (1), Roger Protz (4), Tim Webb (10), Martyn Cornell (12), Brian Glover (7), Ted Bruning (2) and Mike Bennett (6); cartoonist John Simpson (3); CAMRA’s company secretary Iain Dobson (11) and research officer Danny Blyth (8); brewer Martin Kemp (9); tour promoters Lynette Arblaster (14) and Tim Clarke (13); and organiser Ian Golightly (5).

PROFITS might have dipped but beer volumes are frothing at Adnams.

The Southwold, Suffolk brewer reports 2017 was a year of transformation as a three-year project to invest in the brewery and other aspects of the business ends. Turnover for the 12 months to December 31 grew 6.4 per cent, from £70m in 2016 to £74m, but underlying operating profit came in 45 per cent lower at £2.2m against £3.7m.

JD WARNS OF TOUGH TIMES

ONE of the country’s biggest retailers of real ales, says its profits are up but it warns of trouble ahead. JD Wetherspoon has posted a strong rise in profits to £62m for the six months to the end of January, but it is warning of a tough year ahead because of higher costs in pay, taxes and utilities.

GIANT SETS ITS SIGHTS ON £1M

BRISTOL-BASED Left Handed Giant Brewing has targeted a £1m investment using crowdfunding site Crowdcube. The company hit its initial £450,000 target within an hour of launch as it offered a six per cent stake in return for the investment. Now the campaign has been extended as it bids to hit its stretched target of £1m.