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Issue 159 | June - July 2011

Peterborough Beer Festival IV RNLI lifeboat launched!

IN THIS ISSUE: PUB NEWS | RHYTHM AND BOOZE | MIGHTY MICRO’S | LOCAL BREWERY UPDATE | VISIT TO FULLERS BREWERY | PBF11 REPORT | DIARY DATES AND MUCH MORE! Peterborough & District Branch of CAMRA | www.peterborough-camra.org.uk

Chairman’s Corner | 3 Tel: 01778 426819 Smithsofbourne@hotmail.co.uk

25 North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE

H

Chairman’s Corner

ello again. The last few weeks have seen a flurry of activities taking place, with lifeboat naming ceremonies, beer festivals and of course the wedding.

5th Annual Beer Festival

Award Winning, Multi-roomed, Family Friendly Real Ale Pub

6 Handpumps on at all times

Thursday July 7th (from 7pm) to Sunday July 10th

Two permanent UFFORD ALES – White Hart and Rupert’s Wardog plus FOUR guest ales

25+ beers (Lincs + Local)

Jollydale Real Cider – ‘Crafted & nurtured in Stamford!’ plus Thatchers and Aspall’s available Draft Continental Lagers include Kronenbourg and San Miguel

Open for breakfasts Sat and Sun until 11am. Lunchtime and Evening food daily until 9pm (Sunday 12-4)

Thursdays REAL ALE JUG NIGHT 4 Pints for £10 Wednesdays WINE & BOTTLE NIGHT

Real Ciders • BBQ Food • Live Music Friday and Saturday night Kids Fun Days on Saturday and Sunday

‘Buy One, Get One Free’ on Selected Wines and Bottled Beers

TRY

at Smith’s of Bourne

COMING SOON: STAMFORD ALES! see this magazine for further details

Starting with a party of our members heading ‘norf’ to Skeggy we participated in the official naming ceremony of our fourth life boat Peterborough Beer Festival IV. I won’t go into details as a report is in this issue, except to say that maybe my speech making days should be curtailed a bit to prevent mass walk outs.

As we’re now well into the beer festival season and having two four day weekends on the trot, we had many festivals taking place over that period. With eight taking place locally over the Easter weekend, and six on the following weekend, (at least that we were informed about) a lot of beer was flowing. One irritation that I always find on these occasions is the fact that the local bus services are always cut down to the minimum. With a revised service having been introduced just the week before Easter, the ‘Sunday’ service on three days over each weekend prevented any chance of getting out of town to some of the festivals. Yes I know bus drivers are entitled to a holiday as well but, I’m unwilling to drive miles out of town for one pint!

Plans are now well on for this year’s Peterborough Beer Festival and as I reported in our last issue our Beer Festival committee chairman Mike Lane, has done an update on our current progress. Our annual begging letter will be on its way to our members before the next issue of BAE. A recent trip to Adnams brewery in Southwold by kind invitation was in aid of the re-labelling of their bitter beer. They wish to emphasise that the beer has not been changed or ‘tinkered’ with in any way. Adams were of the opinion that it would be better to identify the

beer actually was brewed in Southold. Hence the reason for changing the labelling back to highlight it as Southwold Bitter. The new labelling will be seen around from June. My grateful thanks to locally based Adnams rep Barry Yates for transporting myself and wife down to Southwold and back.

Yet another brewery trip took place also in between the holiday weekends. An invitation by Fullers to their brewery in Chiswick West London was taken up by a party of twelve of our members. A report on the visit and generous hospitality is in this issue.

Finally due to his increased involvement with The Hand and Heart pub in Millfield Peterborough, our editor of BAE, Bram, has had to step down from that position. We wish him well in attempting to keep the pub as a flagship real ale outlet. This obviously makes a vacant position available to any enthusiastic potential editor of our major campaigning tool. I await the forthcoming flood of applicants!

That’s it folks David Murray - Branch Chairman.

ARE YOU MISSING OUT? Only the beer-stained copy left?

Get Beer Around Ere delivered to your door!

For a year (6 issues) send a £2.46 or £3.06 for 1st Class cheque/PO payable to “Peterborough CAMRA” and your address to:Daryl Ling, 19 Lidgate Close, Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7ZA Peterborough Branch Website |www.real-ale.org.uk

Cheers to Bram for five years!| 5

Blue r From the a~ B~oEye Selection of Real Ales including Oakham Ales Sky HD • Regular live music and Karaoke Bar snacks Thurs to Sat lunchtimes Home cooked Sunday Lunches Small conference room available

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BEER FESTIVAL! 8th to 10th July

15 real ales + 4 inside selection of beers from around the world.

Live entertainment on Friday night, Saturday afternoon,night and Sunday afternoon.

FREE 46 High Street, Eye, Peterborough PE6 7UY Tel: 01733 222234

editor?

S

trictly speaking, this is not the editorial as we don’t have an editor at the moment.

Bram has reluctantly had to admit defeat.

As I am sure many of you know, Bram has been running the Hand and Heart on a temporary basis and has, at times, struggled to deal with BAE editing due to the long hours involved in being a publican. Suddenly, things have become even harder for Bram as he has been offered the tenancy of the Hand and Heart by Enterprise Inns. He had hoped to write this final editorial before resigning – but clearly the pub and his own future must come first.

We would like to thank Bram for his five and a half years as editor (almost a life sentence) and, in particular, for his hard hitting editorials and we hope that once things settle down with the pub, he will be able to find time to write an article or three for the magazine.

We also wish Bram every success in his new venture as permanent licensee of the Hand and Heart and hope that the pub goes from strength to strength under his leadership.

So it’s, “The editor is dead (not literally), long live the editor (also not literally as we don’t have one)”.

What all that nonsense means is that we are looking for a new editor. The new one will need to be a CAMRA member, work all hours for nothing, never expect any praise, know all about CAMRA policies and be abel to spel and rite gud grammer.

If that is you then please get in touch – you know you want to!

Harry

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6|

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Industry News Beer Sales fall by 3.8% The latest UK Quarterly Beer Barometer revealed that both the on and off-trade showed a decline of 3.8 per cent for the early months of 2011. However, the decline of sales in pubs has slowed, following an 8.8% fall in the same period in 2010. This is the lowest first quarter decline since 2005.

“The above numbers relate to all beer including lager and nitrokeg. Many real ale micro-brewers have indicated increasing sales” - Editor.

The British Beer & Pub Association predicts that the good weather over Easter, and the extended bank holiday season may help the second quarter figures.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, said, “Taken together, the fall in sales, and the impact of the Budget shows sales in the sector are still fragile. However, the on-trade’s performance relative to the off trade has improved - and quarter two will be helped by the bank holiday bonanza and the good weather.

"While it’s a pity that any recovery will be undermined by the huge tax hike, we still must make the most of the bank holiday season, and enjoy a celebratory beer or two in the nation’s pubs in the coming days”.

It may well only be a beer or two most of us can afford with the recent budget putting 10p on the average pint in the pub! The average duty and VAT on a pub pint will now exceed £1 and if you like strong beer watch out as a further tax increase of 25% on beers over 7.5% is proposed.

However there is some good news regarding tax as CAMRA has welcomed plans by the government to halve taxation on beers at or below 2.8% ABV with Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive, saying:

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The Ruddy Duck

'While it is welcome to see the Government introducing measures to recognise the benefits of beer as a low alcohol drink, we hope the Government will work with the EU and the wider industry to secure a change in EU rules to increase today's threshold to 3.5% ABV to further benefit Britain's beer drinkers.'

Booming Breweries This downward trend of sales figures in the off and on-trade is held in stark contrast to some of the massive growth in sales some of our UK breweries have had recently. In fact Brewdog, the controversial Scottish microbrewer, has seen a 400% sales rise since the start of 2011 and has had to stop selling beer to some national distributors as it struggles to meet demand. A quote from the brewery reads, “We are not at all happy with our current level of customer service, which falls far below the standards we set for ourselves in all aspects of our business. It feels like we have almost reached the tipping point, but have no beer to tip the bloody thing with. Consequently we have decided we can no longer sell to UK ontrade national groups and distributors for the time being due to capacity constraints. We will, however, look to develop this part of our business once we get our new brewery”.

12 St Pegas Road, Peakirk, Peterborough, PE6 7NF Tel: 01733 252426 www.theruddyduck.co.uk

BEER FESTIVAL Saturday 13th August • 1pm til late 10 Real Ales, Ciders & BBQ

LiveeatuMriunsgic F

& Rex, Lloyd Murray i Haylie-Ma s y a & The Br

From P ek to Peak ing Ruddy irk, hell it’s a DUCK F E ST !!!

BrewDog said it hopes to start building the new brewery just outside Aberdeen in “late 2011”.

Sharp’s Brewery, the Cornish brewer bought by Molson Coors in February, has announced record sales as 9,088 firkins were sold for the week ending 8 April 2011, the highest weekly sales volume since the brewery’s launch in 1994. Head brewer Stuart Howe said: “We are delighted with the progress we are making. Sales of Doom Bar have grown by more than 45% this year, and are still rising.

Daniel Speed

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8 | Pub News

Pub News | 9

may make a reappearance as a pub again. Let’s hope so.

Pub News

I

t would appear that my reputation as Angel of Death has now risen to another level! Just a casual remark about a certain hostelry and the fact that it’s doing well will promptly ensure its untimely demise. It now seems that it isn’t only pubs that suffer at the business end of my quill but small inoffensive corner shops too! In our last issue I scribbled a short missive about shifting a few beers on our Brum Trudge and gave mention of the Arthur Robertson pub in Perry Barr and its connections with Robertson’s cycle shop in Cowgate. I am happy to say the pub is still thriving but the aforementioned cycle shop has closed down after many years of serving Peterborian cyclists. Is no business safe from my meddling? Will my dark menacing shadow envelope other local businesses? Will my mere uttering of a proprietor’s name confine his good self to the bankruptcy court where he will inevitably end his days in the Debtor's prison secured in chains. On a brighter note I understand Tesco, Sainsbury and Morrisons are doing well.

Anyway, despite my best efforts to keep the Boy's Head in Oundle Rd closed it has reopened as a music and comedy venue called the Boro Bar. I assume from the colour scheme it may refer to a football team not too far away.

It currently has two real ales with a view to extend the range when they’ve found their feet.

They tell me that the pub is family friendly and food is available. On a Saturday evening you will probably find live music and a big screen will show a selection of live sport. The beer garden has had a bit of a makeover so you could soak up a few rays while soaking up a few beers. They also have a Facebook page where all will be revealed which is a good start. Perhaps the Boy's Head (sorry, Boro Bar) will now make its

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mark on the local scene. The previous incumbents made a move away from live music and the big screen as other pubs in the area were doing similar. They settled upon a more traditional atmosphere which obviously failed. Let’s hope this new persona will be a success.

Pubs Opening It’s excellent news that the Vine in Market Deeping has reopened as a free house following its recent closure. New licensee Frank Phillips tells us there will usually be four real ales with

Vine, Market Deeping

one competitively priced at £1.95. On a recent visit we noticed a Hopshackle beer as well as a Tydd Steam one. It is hoped to add a real cider and introduce regular beer festivals in the sizeable outdoor patio and garden area.

The Dolphin in Stamford has reopened after its shock closure some weeks ago. The licence has been taken on by Daniel Sharp, whose dad ran the pub previously. Trade looks to have been brisk since the doors opened so the locals hadn’t wandered off too far.

Whilst we’re in Stamford we can report that local pub and brewery owner, Mick Thurlby, has sold the Black Bull. The new owners are connected with the nearby Hole in the Wall so it

The Queen’s Head in Bulwick has closed temporarily but should be open soon. The word on the underground grapevine is that the new people hail from Ashton and have a particular interest in local ales and produce. We look forward to the new look.

In our last issue I mentioned that the Black Swan in Farcet has been saved by a local businessman and that it would reopen as a pub as soon as possible. The good news is that it is now up and running and the real ales are flowing nicely thanks to David Rayner the owner.

Mr Rayner also owns the Duck & Drake in nearby Yaxley and the Stilton Country Club in the ever so slightly further away village of Stilton.

The pub is run by Ollie Potkins and he is looking to hold a summer beer festival in the near future.

For those of you ancient enough to remember the Tom Lock in its heyday may be interested to know of its reopening as a wine bar and restaurant. Obviously not what might be termed a 'proper pub' anymore, if indeed it could have been called such during its death throes as a Harvester but it is open. The clientele will no doubt be different, the prices higher and, hopefully, the food digestible.

Bourne Happenings I hear from our rugby playing pub spy in Bourne that the Red Lion now has a real ale on offer.

It might only be Adnams but it’s a start.

To begin with they’re being sensible and are making it available towards the beginning of the weekend, just to see how it goes.

Slightly less encouraging is the news that the Jubilee has now removed its last hand pump which was selling an Ufford beer. Is the competition too stiff from Smith’s opposite or do they have a different clientele who don’t favour real ale?

Even less encouraging is the news that the Marquis of Granby has closed. If rumours are true then it would appear that there was some misunderstanding about permitted hours.

Whether this pub will open again is anyone’s guess but it could definitely thrive under the right management.

Anchor, Bourne

After a decade of Greene King IPA only at the Anchor in Eastgate there now appears to be well kept Woodfordes Wherry on permanently.

The pub is the only one in Bourne outside the town centre and is a real locals’ pub enjoying a wealth of darts and pool teams and a pleasant riverside location. Give it a try!

The Five Bells in Edenham which is about 2 miles north of Bourne has been reopened by Peter Birch. There are two handpumps in use and the food is popular.

The last pub in the village Planning permission has finally been granted to convert the Windmill in Millfield into a shop and some flats. Probably a welcome move considering the people who live nearby have had to suffer the blight of a derelict site for far longer than necessary. This now makes the award winning Hand & Heart the last pub in the village (if you call Millfield a village and not a suburb). Over the last 20 years we have seen the Eight Bells, Baker Perkins Sports & Leisure Club and The Norfolk all close around this area.

Further back you would also have had the Fitter’s Arms but that closed before I was on Continued Overleaf

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Pub News continued | 11

solid foods. As many will know the area has changed considerably over the last 20 years which may account for pubs in the area not being used sufficiently by the new incoming residents. Please continue to use the Hand & Heart. We need it.

Real traditional ale house in the heart of the city

4 Regularly Rotating Ales Opening Times :- 11am -11pm Monday to Thursday, 11am -1am Friday to Saturday, 12 - 11pm Sunday,

Live Music Fridays and Saturdays - ring or check facebook for details!

North Street, behind Westgate House, Peterborough Tel: 01733 746370 www.facebook.com/ostrichinn

THE GREEN MAN 29 Scotgate, Stamford 01780 753598

Established in 1796 as one of the ORIGINAL Stamford Ale Houses - Providing Accommodation.

Eight Real Ales and Seven Real Ciders Real Ales from mainly small microbrewers and independents, a range of European beers and twenty Belgian bottled beers.

FOURTEEN YEARS IN THE GOOD

BEER GUIDE! www.real-ale.org.uk

About a half hour walk north of Millfield you’ll find the Crown in New England. As you would have read previously this is the second pub refurbished by Baxter & King, the local builders.

Refitted to a very high standard it now serves the local community brilliantly thanks to Brian Gascoyne the landlord. Brian is a devoted fan of real ale and now has three handpumps in regular use with a fourth one planned in the near future.

Brian is very keen to show that real ale is alive and kicking in New England and the Crown will be having its 1st beer festival during the second week of June. Look out for more details on their website www.crowntotown.co.uk Websites and stuff One of the benefits of the interwebby thingy is the ease with which businesses can distribute up to date information to prospective customers.

The forthcoming happenings in your local pub being ideal. So why is it that so many local pubs still have out of date websites? Let’s hope they keep more upto date with their VAT returns than they do with their web presence.

One pub that keeps its customers right up to date is Ye Olde Dun Cow in Cowbit near Crowland ( www.yeoldeduncow.com). The website is a fairly new one and gives all the information you’ll need to make your visit to this part of Lincolnshire all the more enjoyable. The landlord Dick Morgan also pointed out to me that they have published their beer list online for their forthcoming beer fest weekend on 15th-17th July. The weekend will also feature BBQ, live music, tug of war and a host of other diversions.

The pub might be a bugger to get to via public transport so this is an ideal opportunity to adopt the ‘reciprocal lift system’. We should all know how this works but I'll give you a personal example just in case it isn't obvious. Myself and Mrs Pubs Officer get a lift from the father-in-law to an out of the way hostelry (or hostelries) on

one day. We then reciprocate my driving him to the golf club and back or to another of his social functions on another day. This way we can all enjoy the pleasures of real ale in nice pubs without having to fork out for a taxi or suffer the vagaries of the public transport system. A win win situation with Ye Olde Dun Cow but a half hour away by Toyota Avensis.

Werrington things The Dragon on the ‘Ear of Werrington’ has now been consumed by the newest Pub Company in the area. Simmonspoons, the small but progressive operation, headed by the Simmonds brothers Andy and Stuart (and assisted by third bro Chris) have now taken on the pub with plans to make Werrington a destination village when it comes to a night out. As we should all know, the brothers have been in charge of the Ploughman the current Peterborough CAMRA Pub of the Year for a few years now and have transformed the place. A recent chat with Andy revealed that the grand reopening of the Dragon brings a selection of 4-6 hand pumps which have been moved to pride of place in the centre on the bar. A full menu of Live Music is planned along with charity events, the first of which will be a bikers do for the Gurkhas in July.

Pub News shorts The Hare & Hounds in Greatford is rumoured to have been bought by a local gentleman who owns a pub in Market Deeping. Watch this space.

The Blue Bell in Maxey now has an incredible 8 handpumps in use. Yes, that’s right EIGHT. Must be worth a visit, surely.

Their is a family fun and real ale day taking place on Saturday 11th June at Wansford Station. There will be rail connections from Peterborough Nene Valley Station as well as a bus running from the Brewery Tap in Peterborough with departures at 1200, 1400 and 1600. For the children there will be a Children’s clown, Bouncy wagon, Thomas playing in the yard and Model Railway.

Steve Williams - Pubs Officer 0775 6066503 www.real-ale.org.uk

Campaigning | 13

12 | Campaigning

Emma rightly guessed that we all had a reasonable idea of the brewing process and handed some samples of Old Honesty around straight away! She then outlined the brewery’s history and gave an interesting insight into what her plans for the brewery were. Emma proudly explained about her new brand image and showed us some of the new marketing materials including pump clips and beermats. These are very professional and striking and should help to attract sales across the bar. We then moved across to the pub for a further selection of beers including the unique beer Ingle Dingle brewed only for the pub and named after loyal customer Kenny Ingle who just happened to be in the bar trying his beer!

Mighty Micro’s P

eterborough & District CAMRA has a very successful LocAle scheme with over a hundred pubs signed up to take beers brewed within 30 miles of the pub.

Saturday 26th March saw a LocAle campaigning trip with a difference. Sixteen members of the branch visited three of the small micro- breweries which help to provide such a rich source of locally brewed ales.

First port of call was Hopshackle Brewery which is situated on an industrial estate in Market Deeping. Inside was a very tidy and well organised brewing and bottling operation. Nigel Wright, the owner and brewer at Hopshackle was on hand to guide the party through the brewing process after giving an overview of the brewery’s history. We were then given a demonstration of the bottling and labelling equipment.

Following a group picture, we moved on to the Goat at Frognall where landlord Graham had

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now known by the nickname of Tydd Towers.

Anna kept the party’s thirst at bay with a constant stream of Tydd Steam samples.

Finally after the obligatory group picture we carried on to the Plough at Holbeach St Johns.

This pub acts as the brewery tap for Tydd Steam and Ian and Tabitha Irvine are great supporters of the brewery in particular and real ale in general. Five Tydd beers and a guest were on in fine form and we also enjoyed a buffet.

The whole idea of the trip was for branch members to get to know some of the unsung local heroes who put so much effort into brewing craft ales for local people. I think the trip was a great success from this point of view. Look out for Mighty Micro’s 2 later in the year where we will be visiting breweries in other parts of the branch area.

John Hunt - Social Secretary

ensured that Hopshackle beers were well represented. Shacklers Best and Double Momentum were enjoyed by the party.

Next port of call was a 30 minute journey away. Blue Bell Brewery is situated in a former potato store at the rear of the Blue Bell pub in Whaplode St Catherine. It is run by Emma Bell assisted by brewer Pat Sage. We were met by Emma Bell and young son Angus.

The gang inside Blue Bell Brewery

Will Neaverson - Tydd Steam Brewery

We then moved on to our final brewery, Tydd Steam at Tydd St Giles where we were met by owners Will and Anna Neaverson. The brewery is situated in a refurbished barn adjacent to their house. This is my idea of working at home! Will gave a talk on the brewery and explained that the brewery was named after two steam traction engines that used to be kept in the barn. Will then showed the party around his brand new 15 barrel plant including the two large fermenters www.real-ale.org.uk

14 | Please support our advertisers

Beer Festival Charity | 15

Naming of RNLI lifeboat Peterborough Beer Festival IV

The Dolphin Inn 60 East Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1QD. Tel 01780 755494

4 Cask Marque accredited real ales that includes 2 regularly changing guests Food served - Monday to Saturday 12pm to 9pm. Sunday Carvery served 12pm to 5pm Early Bird menu - Monday to Thursday 5pm to 7pm. Main courses from £3.50 Friday night Steak Night - Get a free drink with steaks or mixed grill from 5pm

Free wireless internet

Parade Wee kend

beer festiv al June 24th - 26 th 10 real ales an d two real ciders .

Weekend BEER Festival & Tug-of-War Friday 15th – Sunday 17th July 2011 Friday Undercover BBQ from 6.00pm 9.00pm Live Music With – ‘Brotherhood Roundabout’ Saturday Beer Festival 12 Noon – 12.00pm Undercover BBQ 12 Noon 9.00pm Live Music With – ‘Retrolux’ Sunday Beer festival – 12 Noon – till we run out Tug-of-War – Start 2.00pm sharp. Teams to be here by 1.30pm PLEASE Undercover BBQ 12 Noon – 6.00pm aprox • Children’s face painting • Children’s bouncy castle • ‘Children’s (& adults) hair braiding • 4.00pm Live Music With Daffy & the Alien

Phone for details & to book your Tug-of-War team

Ye Olde Dun Cow Inn

Barrier Bank, Cowbit, Spalding, Lincs 01406 380543 www.yeoldeduncow.com

S

aturday April 16th saw a party of some thirty local branch members board a bus with the destination being Skegness. Now Skeggy is not renowned these days for a great selection of pubs with real ale on tap, so why there?

We had been invited by the RNLI to attend the official naming ceremony of our Peterborough Beer Festival IV. This as the name implies was the fourth lifeboat that our funds raised at PBF and, was stationed at Skegness.

Actually our first port of call (no pun) was Batemans Brewery in Wainfleet before we smelled the sea air at Skegness. The brewery was holding a beer festival that weekend and we are indebted to Jacqueline Bateman who very generously put on a buffet lunch for us and, gave a discount to all our party on the beers available. After we had refreshed ourselves we headed off to the RNLI station.

The following is a report on the proceedings: The naming ceremony for Skegness new RNLI inshore lifeboat Peterborough Beer Festival IV was interrupted when the new boat and her crew were called to help a jet skier.

Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats Andrew Clift had finished describing the new boat and her capabilities, and handed the mic to David Murray

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Peterborough CAMRA branch Chairman, when the lifeboat was requested to launch by Yarmouth Coastguard. “Was it something I said” he quipped as most of the audience scattered.

The boat was accepted on behalf of the RNLI

by David Shepherd, Head of Business Operations, and by Alan Fisher, Lifeboat Operations Manager on behalf of Skegness Station.

Having cleared the crowds from around the boat, the lifeboat proceeded to launch and headed north towards Winthorpe where a man had become separated from his jet ski and appeared to be struggling to get back ashore.

However, as the lifeboat arrived on the scene, the man was being assisted back on to the beach and his jet ski had been recovered. The crew returned to the Skegness station to continue the ceremony just before 3-30pm.

Following a brief service of Dedication lead by Reverend Ian Banks, a Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mrs Joan Evison, former secretary of the Skegness Ladies Lifeboat Guild. The lifeboat was officially named Peterborough Beer Festival IV by Mike Lane and Mrs Jenny Bambridge, with Batemans XB beer supplied by

Senior Helmsman Tony Kelly said they were aware of the possibility of being called out, and both the station lifeboats were on service if called out during the ceremony if required – but never expected it would actually happen.

David Murray and Mike Lane, Beer Festival Committee Chairman, re-started proceedings by explaining how the funds for the new boat were raised by festival goers over several years, before handing the boat into the care of the RNLI.

(

“We had been invited by the RNLI to attend the official naming ceremony of our Peterborough Beer Festival IV. This as the name implies was the fourth lifeboat that our funds raised at PBF ”

)

Batemans Brewery poured over the bow of the boat. Mike Lane and David Murray were presented with a signed photograph of the new boat as a memento of the occasion.

The ceremony ended with a beautiful rendition of ‘Home from the Sea’ sung by the lifeboat crew and station officials and ladies from April’s Piano Academy, under the direction of April Chapman.

The new boat was then toasted by all present in Bateman XB beer kindly donated by the brewery. Numerous photo shoots took place before our party headed back to Wainfleet for some more ale to round off a most memorable day.

DM/Russ Matthews RNLI Press Officer

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Brewery Update | 17

The Bluebell Inn

Local Brewery Update

10 Woodgate, Helpston Peterborough, PE6 7ED 01733252394

A

Pictures by Michael Slaughter

traditional country Inn set in the beautiful village of Helpston. Offering a warm welcome and a typical English pub atmosphere. The antidote to uncluttered “cool”.

We serve up to six real ales from national breweries and local microbreweries including Tydd Steam, Elgoods, Adnams, Fullers, Wells and The Grainstore Brewery. All changing weekly. Permanently available, exclusive to us John Clare Bitter 4.3% from the Grainstore.

Good home

cooked food served Tuesday to Sunday. Traditional

Sunday roast served from noon and daily 2 course lunchtime specials.

Small parties can be catered for Funerals, christenings, birthdays etc...

Ample customer parking.

8th - 10th July Beer Festival

Also conveniently close to the hourly Peterborough - Stamford bus route (mon - sat)

20 + Real Ales & Ciders

Summer Sundays Start Sunday 5th June

Visit www.oakhamales.com for full details.

Quiz Night every Thursday 8pm FREE Entry Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

Tel: 01733 315700 Web: www.oakhamales.com www.real-ale.org.uk

Blue Bell The future for the brewery will certainly include bottle-conditioned beer. Olde Honesty is about to be launched into 70 Lincolnshire CoOperative stores. Cask sales are now mainly confined to the Spalding and Wisbech areas.

Elgoods Black Dog in a bottle won Silver Medal at the recent International Brewing Awards. At the brewery on Thursday April 28th a cheque was presented to Lindsey Atkin from the Norfolk Hospice in Snettisham. The money was raised by donations at last year’s Beer Festival at the brewery.

On the photo left to right, Belinda Sutton MD Elgoods, Lindsey Atkin Norfolk Hospice, Nigel Elgood, John Rice. Also this year Elgoods have given their fleet of delivery vehicles a new livery.

An even stronger version will soon be available at a hefty 6.2% and will be known as Citra I.P.A. According to Head Brewer, John Bryan, it will be very hoppy. Now there’s a surprise!

The special beer for the Peterborough Beer Festival has been brewed. Its style & strength are closely guarded at present but will be above 5.5% and won’t be a pale beer. Can see the festival night caps taking some stick then!

Tydd Steam They are very happy with sales at the moment and the brewery is thriving. The arrival of the new cask washer is now imminent and this will make life a lot easier than the present system.

They are looking to propagate their own yeast.

Ufford Ales Over the summer Ufford Ales Brewery will be preparing to move to larger premises on St Leonards Street in Stamford. To reflect the change of location they will also be changing their name to the Stamford Brewing Company and they will also rename their range of beers.

It is hoped production will start at the new brewery sometime in early autumn 2011. Brewing will continue at Ufford until the New Year giving the brewer time to get used to the new plant and formulate the new beers.

Oakham Ales Fans of Oakham Ales increasingly popular beer Citra have some extra treats during the spring & summer months. Due to some extra beer being available from a run of the 4.6% bottled version some has been made available in cask form. It will be called Citra Export and has an even bigger hop zing than the regular 4.2% version.

This will not be around for long so enjoy it.

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Summer at The GOLDEN PHEASANT Great main food menu to choose from Daily (Mon-Fri 12-2pm and 6-9pm, Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm)

ly: Open Dai hurs Mon – T d 6-11pm 12-3pm an -11pm 12 Fri/Sat 1pm Sun 12-1

Lunchtime specials (Mon–Fri 12-2pm)

‘Early Bird’ menu (Mon-Fri 6-7pm)

LIVE MUSIC IN THE BAR

of Two Halves

A Campaign

)DL U RQ GHD E WD[ HHU O QR Z

7EZI &VMXEMR·W 4YFW

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

Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201.

All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

Ring for dates

WINNER CAMRA GOLD AWARD 2011

FOUR real ales!

(Batemans XB + 3 Guests) 1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough PE6 7DA Tel 01733 252387 kateshinkins@hotmail.com Web www.thegoldenpheasant.net

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12/10

Campaigning for Pub Goers & Beer Drinkers

Enjoying Real Ale & Pubs

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Friday 12th - Sunday 14th August

17 Real Ales & Real Ciders Many served from the ‘Duck Beer Shed’ Open Noon to Midnight Fri and Sat Noon -10.30pm Sun Live Music on Saturday and Sunday from 6pm BBQ tent • Ice cream Van • Kids Bouncy Castle • Adults Bucking Bronco

For more Info call: 01733 240476 www.real-ale.org.uk

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number To the Manager

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

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

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CAMRA Cricket | 21

Peterborough CAMRA Cricket Team

T

Exotic Thai Food & Handcrafted Beers

he indoor cricket team finished third in the afternoon league competition and this was followed by sharing presummer season nets with Orton Park and then Ashton. Playing friendlies at weekends, Peterborough 20/20 league and cup during midweek, we have 38 fixtures this season. The club have also entered into an agreement with Orton Park to use their ground for a limited number of home matches whilst they gain use of our Captain Nick Bradbury as coach, Secretary Matt Mace as umpire, and the possibility of sharing players when either side are short.

1 2 3 7 10 14 17 21 22 24 31

The club have also registered with Huntingdonshire County Cricket for the first time. This allows the club to use the English Cricket Board’s “Play-Cricket” website to attract new opposition in the future.

7 14 21 28

JULY

Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club Bradford Telegraph & Argus XI Ledsham Perkins 1 H Upwood A Pak Azad A Lord Kings XI A Nassington A Motley Crew A Meerkat Harborough South A Ashton Wold A

AUGUST

Burghley Park A Boughton A Witham on the Hill A Orton Park H

This season has not started well for the club with losses to Orton Park (by 8 runs) and Old Eastonians (by 4 wickets) with the batting being very disappointing, with the exception of Captain Nick Bradbury’s 91 not out against Orton, and “extras” that have contributed 51.

If there are any people wanting to join the team please contact Matt Mace on 07809 629241 or register on the play-cricket website.

Cricket Fixtures

JUNE

Oakademy of Excellence

Beer of the Month www.real-ale.org.uk

Europe’s Largest Brew Pub 80 Westgate, Peterborough PE1 2AA

Tel: 01733 358500 Web: www.oakhamales.com

2 5 9 12 16 19 23 26 30

Pak Azad Rushden Nassington Stonygate Castor Ashton Wold Cup Quarter Final Tolethorpe Bharat Sports

H A H A A A H H www.real-ale.org.uk

22 | Please support our advertisers

Please support our advertisers| 23

The Cherry Tree 9 - 11 Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9PB Tel: 01733 703495 FIVE Real Ales available including Landlord, Pedigree, White Dwarf plus 2 changing guests.

OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY FOOD SERVED LUNCH & EVENINGS AMPLE PARKING • CAMRA GOLD AWARD

29th May Charity Music day

Organised by the PLVSC (Peterborough Lambretta and Vespa Scooter Club) to raise funds for a little boy called Tyler Newton.

8 bands, amusements for children and a real ale called “Tylers PLVSC”of which 30p per pint will go to the charity!

www.cherrytree-inn.co.uk www.real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

24 | Fullers Trip

Fullers Trip | 25

A Fulfilling Day Out At Fullers

O

ne of the many benefits of being a CAMRA member is that you get the opportunity now and again to enjoy the real-ale experience at source. So on 26th April a group from Peterborough and Wisbech ventured down to the historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick at the personal invitation of Fullers.

Taking an early morning train to Kings Cross it appeared that half of Peterborough must have booked the whole Bank Holiday week off work as it was remarkably quiet and commuter free.

Good start. Next up was a lengthy spell on the Piccadilly line as far as Hammersmith and then a short hop onto the District line before finally alighting at Turnham Green. After gathering our bearings we proceeded with the remainder of the route on foot until we observed the brewery pub, the Mawson Arms, in the distance – a welcome sight after a couple of hours of nonstop travelling.

We were immediately made to feel at home and everyone in the party was offered drinks on the house before the official tour began.

Fortunately for several members of the group there was time enough for two!

After refreshments we were handed over to our tour guide, Jeff, who ensured we were all kitted out with the mandatory “high-viz” jackets.

Before we stepped into the brewhouse we were given a little overview of the whole setup which I gratefully snapped just in case there was a test later:

windowed observation room – presumably the hub of the whole brewing operation. Inside the room an assortment of Fullers bottled beers adorned the desk which made me think I’m in the wrong job.

There was also the opportunity to try the bottled versions of 1845 and Vintage Ale both of which hit the mark. To the shame of my CAMRA colleagues I’m afraid to say I enjoyed the keg version of the London Porter too.

As Jeff kept us entertained with anecdotes we headed towards the laboratory and then to the hop store. The overwhelming aroma was in your face as soon as the door was opened. Pleasant enough but needless to say the door wasn’t destined to stay open for too long.

As we moved back downstairs we paused to survey a select array of oak aged barrels simply marked up in chalk on a blackboard as “Brewers Reserve No 3” and dated 23/12/08.

The inside arches of the cellar bar were decorated with past decades of drinking memorabilia, including an edition of “What’s Brewing” from 1977. I made a note to self to ask John Rice if he’d appeared in that one!

The final part of the tour took us to the racking area where the results of the brewing process are either added to cask or bottle. This is where you get the feel for the scale of the brewery as you see the output on the conveyor belt. I think we all took some pity on the chap who was employed to tap the barrels as they came past, although he clearly preferred his iPod as opposed to ear-protectors to drown out the background noise.

The Brewing Process

Just arrived outside the Mawson Arms Pub

Upon arrival (and pretty much bang on time) we were greeted by Ron Finch of Fullers. Ron was a charming bloke and immaculately turned out. After retirement, following a lifetime in the licensed trade, he was invited back to work for Fullers and had nothing but praise for the achievements of the current owners.

www.real-ale.org.uk

On entering the brewhouse the first thing that greets you is a large copper coloured round vessel. This is one of many relics of the Victorian brewing era situated in the room. Moving up the steps was the vast “London Copper” boiling vessel. Wall plaques state that this was originally installed in 1823 and was still operational up to 1984, the only major change during that period being a conversion from coal-fired to steam heating in 1956.

The dividing lines between old and new are visually clear. The newer installations like the striking 40 foot tall hot liquor tanks are metallic silver as opposed to copper red. The walk took us past the mash tuns each with a grist capacity of 9000 kilos. These were all viewable from a

Our group in the Hock Cellar

Sightseeing over, it was now time for a spot of tasting at the underground bar, the Hock Cellar.

Our tour-guide Jeff took on new role as barman and served out drinks from a selection of the handpumps: London Pride, ESB, Chiswick, Spring Sprinter and HSB.

A few photos’ for posterity followed by a chat with Jeff about local lad (and Fullers drinker) James May and then it was back to the Mawson Arms for lunch. Not just of the liquid variety though. Honestly, our hosts really went to town on the day and pulled out all the stops to help Peterborough CAMRA enjoy the experience.

Great food and drink, on the house, what more can you say? Ron – if you are reading – thanks ever so, it’s much appreciated.

After partaking of the hospitality at the Mawson’s a few of the group decided to pay a visit to the “shop” to invest in some supplies.

Not that they’d be needed straightaway however – it was mid afternoon and what better way to enjoy a sunny stroll along the Thames than with a few refreshments along the way?

We stopped first at the Dove, a Fullers pub down the river at Hammersmith. Inside this authentic 17th century inn with the obligatory low ceilings and wooden panels was a small, square-shaped bar which led out to a bigger room at the back and then to an outdoor terrace overlooking the water. Great pub, excellent beer.

Might have been two rounds of ESB in here; I’d stopped counting by now.

The walk resumed until we reached the Blue Anchor just down from the Hammersmith Bridge. All good, until….. our membership secretary, Mr Saldana, and I were for some inexplicable reason singled out to be served beer in Continued Overleaf

www.real-ale.org.uk

Fullers Trip continued | 27

Come and check out some

wished them a safe return trip. The more incorrigible ones amongst us decided to make the most of the train fare and enjoy the last drops of the London pub experience.

Live Music and Great Events at the Crown Inn, Lincoln Rd

of the

The final pub we (officially) visited was the Nags Head in the heart of Covent Garden.

Outside the entrance to the Dove at Hammersmith

Here McMullen’s was on offer and I settled for a pint of the Cask Ale. It was only a modest 3.8% but I daresay a sensible choice after a day on the stronger stuff and a long trek home to

the dreaded plastic glass! Were we dressed in festival clothes or asked if we were drinking outside? Err…no. I have no idea why no-one else was given this special treatment. Even worse, when we challenged the barman over this he practically blanked us. Come on guys, the pub trade is tough enough without scoring an own goal by ignoring your own customers.

Fortunately we were back in good cheer by the time we took the tube over to Covent Garden and descended on the Harp, the new CAMRA National Pub of the Year.

Every Monday: Free League Poker Registration from 7.00pm Play starts at 7.30pm Free Pool - from 6.00pm Every Thursday: Free League Poker Registration from 7.00pm Play starts at 7.30pm Free Pool - from 6,00pm Every Friday: (except when live band is booked): Karaoke - from 8.30pm Every Saturdays: Live Band night (See listings) Every Sunday: Sunday Lunches from 12am to 5pm

For further information on any of our events please contact Brian Gascoyne Tel: 07516 395 905

CROWN MINI BEER FEST

Being early evening this small pub was packed out full of revellers. Nothing however came in the way of a round of Dark Star American Pale Ales served, as nature intended, in a glass.

Everyone was back to smiling again. After a pint in the Harp some of group decided it was a good time to depart back to Peterborough so we

Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th June

Outside the entrance to the Nags Head in Covent Garden

look forward to. By the time we had finished a round in the Nags early evening was starting to make way for dusk and thoughts were turning towards the end of a long Bank Holiday weekend and going back to work. I’m not sure if Oscar Wilde was actually working in Covent Garden at the time he declared that work is the curse of the drinking classes but it seemed appropriate right about now!

All in all though a fantastic and memorable day out and sincere thanks to the guys at Fullers for helping to make it so. This was my first “real” CAMRA social and it was much more fun than just getting those discounts at Wetherspoons or having reduced festival tickets for PBF. Join in on a social, go to an event, meet like-minded and have fun. I’ll see you there.

Live music every night from 8.30pm Fri - Frankly My Dear Sat - Dr A’s Rhythm & Groove Sun - Rockit Saturday 18th June- from 7pm

Reggae Night with "MESSENGER ROOTS"

Outside the entrance to the Harp, CAMRA National Pub of the Year

Karl Simpson, Press Officer

www.real-ale.org.uk

28 | Please support our advertisers

Please support our advertisers| 29

Lincolnshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2009

A superior charming Country Inn

5 rotating cask ales and 2 regular

Sun 28th Aug 3rd

Full Chef’s Menu 7 Days a week served between 12-2pm & 5.30pm - 9pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12-9pm

Annual Chilli cook off 2pm

Sunday Roast 12-2.30pm from £7.95 for 2 courses

Fri 26th - Mon 29th Aug

Beer Garden with Smoking Area Childrens Play Area

Beer & Cider Festival

12 rooms with en-suite accommodation available Full English Breakfast included

For all further enquiries call 01780 765888 or mail: voodoolounge@mamaliz.co.uk

Main Street, Dyke, Nr Bourne PE10 0AF

Tel: 01778 422970

Peterborough & District CAMRA Pub of the Year 2009

9A North St, Stamford Lincs PE9 1EL 01780 765888 www.mamaliz.co.uk

Peterborough CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2010

• 5 real ales • plus Ciders and Perries.

Over 30 Malt Whiskies

• Food served daily • 12-3pm Monday - Sunday 6-9pm Friday & Saturday • Sky HD and 3D showing Football and Rugby •

t. 01780 755141 w. jollybrewer.com

Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PP

THE VINE Market Deeping

77 Main Street, Farcet

Tel: 01733 243596 blackswanfarcet@hotmail.co.uk

The Black Swan Traditonal Village Pub

2 permanent Real Ales from £ 2.60 Under New Management

Large Beer garden with heated smoking area

Come and vist your new hosts Steve & Nikki Thomas

Quiz night Mondays

Free House with 4 Real Ales

Killer pool Wednesdays

Enjoy the Summer in our spacious Beer Garden Telephone: 07501 465 646 www.real-ale.org.uk

30 | Rhythm and Booze

| 31

Rock’s best kept secret!

For all you Real ale rockers out there here’s a festival well worth a visit this Summer!

Complimenting the music will be a good choice of real ales which in the three times I have been to the festival have been well kept and at pub, not festival, prices.

The festival itself is easily accessible from the M11 (Junction 12) and the cycleway from Cambridge City Centre.

Welcome to another round up of live gigs in a real ale pub or club near you.

Please send any details for July / August events to dan@tamoko-design.co.uk before 25th June.

Backroom Music Club

The Backroom Acoustic Music Club has changed venue to the Railway Inn, Ramsey with club nights on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. The open mic nights are still on at The Rose, Burghley Rd, Peterborough PE1 2QB every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

T

he Cambridge Rock Festival is widely regarded as one of the friendliest and most welcoming festivals around.

Arising from the fact that the festival is run by enthusiastic music fans first and foremost.

Festival goers come back year after year and have gotten to know many of the volunteers and crew almost as an extended family; something unheard of at most festivals. As such the atmosphere is excellent and safe. Many rockers take along their kids to expose them to some decent music instead of the plastic X-factor stuff most youngsters are exposed to these days!

Local heroes leading the charge on the festival’s opening night are the irrepressible Split Whiskers, who can always be relied upon to light the fuse.

The fireworks continue to build driven by The Pure Floyd Show, The Ultimate Eagles, and The Hamsters performing one of their final festival headline slots before saying Hamster la vista, Baby! Friday 5th August sees

www.real-ale.org.uk

Ye Olde Dun Cow, Nr Spalding

Friday 1st July 8.30pm onwards Lloyd Watson & His Band The ‘Blues’ genius has been going for ever www.lloydwatsonmusic.co.uk the triumphant return of John Otway’s Big Band, bringing their usual slice of slapstick family fun to the stage. Whilst the Classic Rock Society and Cambridge buskers stages will add acts from across the country and county to the mix. The evening will then be brought to a climax proved by Eddie and The Hotrods.

The Quireboys, Chantel McGregor and The Bizzarros will be headlining on the Saturday whilst The Enid, Caravan and Mostly Autumn, will prog up the Sunday night line up to complete the Festival’s long weekend. The Cambridge Rock Festival takes pride in looking after their festival goers; by providing two all weather stages to ensure full protection from the elements, as well as flushing toilets and showers with no queues.

Friday 15th July 8.30pm onwards Brotherhood Roundabout Colin Smith, Ken Norman, Chris Allen, Steve Dunmore & John Haire Saturday 16th July 8.30pm onwards - Retrolux playing The Who, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters, Deep Purple and many more. www.retrolux.co.uk Sunday 17th July 4.00pm onwards Daffy & the Alien - Two very talented musicians playing rock unlike anyone else.

Bourne Beer Festival

The Bourne Beer Festival is back in early June with its usual mix of live acts, great ale and great atmosphere, here is the current line up:Friday 3rd June - The Precious 20, Hooker and The Replica’s

For more information and tickets please go to www.cambridgerockfestival.co.uk or call 01353 749 749 or 0845 299 0845 Thanks to Julia Roberts, Jacatax, Andrew Stawarz and Michael Inns for the photos.

Saturday 4th June - Power Surge, Loose Rocket, The Soul Solution, Retrolux, The Tunnel, The Flex, The Overdubs, Copyright and Doctor & the Medics.

Sunday 5th June - Circa73, Children of the Revolution, Brotherhoods Roundabout, The Re-entrants, Lime Shark, The Almaboobies and Greendate. For further information go to www.bournefestival.com

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge - Stamford

Thursday June 16th - The Lesley Curtis Band Lesley Curtis has released three albums of original music, and toured nationally and internationally in a theatre show tribute to the music of Eva Cassidy. Now she presents her 'Stateside Songbird' show together with her band.

The Simmo’ empire grows!

The Simmonds brothers have now officially taken over the Dragon, Werrington and are putting on a great selection of live acts in both their pubs over the next few months:-

PLOUGHMAN, Werrington

Sat 4th June Undercovers Sat 11th June The Returns Fri 17th June Porky Pig Sat 25th June The Electric Warriors

DRAGON, Werrington

Fri 3rd June Porky pig Fri 10th June Undercovers Fri 17th June Monkey Boy Sat 18th June Roundhouse Fri 24th June Karaoke Sat 25th June Daffy and the Alien www.real-ale.org.uk

32 | Peterborough Beer Festival

Peterborough Beer Festival | 33

cated requiring continuous site access during festival opening times allowing us to ensure the smooth running of the event. However, we do listen to your feedback and it is intended to implement a number of changes to improve the site in a number of areas.

The Peterborough Beer Festival 2011 is Coming

P

BF 2011 is rapidly creeping up on us and those of us trying to organise the event thought it would be interesting to give you a progress report and update. You may not be aware, but the organisation of the Beer Festival begins almost immediately at the conclusion of the previous year’s event, so a lot of work is already done.

In 2010 we endured possibly the “hardest” beer festival that we have ever experienced. With three days of rain starting just before opening on the Tuesday evening and continuing almost non-stop through to Thursday evening, the Embankment site was totally waterlogged around the beer festival site.

Those of you who did make it will recall a big puddle between the second bar and the entertainment area that took us until Friday to successfully clear; otherwise once inside the festival marquees the ground was completely dry. This meant that once through the entrance area the whole of the inside of the marquees was dry and accessible to all. Problem then was access to the toilets and the food vendors, but that’s another story.

www.real-ale.org.uk

Comments have been made about the new layout that was tried for the first time in 2010 and I have to say that, had we not changed to the layout, it is almost certain that the festival would not have gone ahead. The old format of marquees would not have stood up to the volume of rain in such a short time that the site would have had to be closed for safety reasons.

I am afraid that the new layout did not get a fair trial.

(

“I have to say that, had we not changed the layout, it is almost certain that the festival would not have gone ahead.”

)

Although there has been some criticism of the 2010 site layout it is important that we stay with it for 2011. The main consideration is that it would be extremely difficult to revert to the previous layout because of the location of the essential services required “behind the scenes” which have become more and more sophisti-

The main toilet blocks will be increased in number of units and also be moved closer (adjacent) to the main entrance so that in the event of rain there will be no need for a long trek across the field. The secondary toilet block at the rear of the site will also remain, but in the same location as there is no possibility to relocate these due to the position of the mains services.

There will be an additional bar in the Entertainment Tent (river end) which will have cask ale, bottled beers, cider and wine available and it is intended to have this open specifically whilst entertainment is in progress, so you will be able to get a top up without the hassle of a “bus trip” from one end to the other end of the festival and for those of you that are both cider and music lovers, you will be pleased to know that the Cider Bar will be relocated to be more equidistant between the entrance and the music tent.

For those of you working behind the scenes, you will be pleased to know that we have reigned in our Staffing Officer to have only ONE Staff Office this year and this will be adjacent to the main entrance, which we hope will avoid any confusion when “reporting for duty”.

The one thing we would like to change, but have little control over, is the unpredictable weather at the end of August. To those who struggled valiantly to support us last year we thank you for that support and look forward to seeing you later in the year on the River Embankment. But, for certain we must consider the worst scenario and assume that there will be some rain, but with even more site improvements this year it is certain that come rain or shine the Peterborough Beer Festival remains one of the great events in our fair city, so please do come along and catch up with old

friends, enjoy a pint or two and support Peterborough CAMRA and help us to keep this event very much in the limelight of the Peterborough calendar.

Enjoy the summer and all of us on the Festival Committee look forward to seeing you at the end of August.

Cheers Mike Lane - Chair Festival Committee For more information and to volunteer check out our website, www.beer-fest.org.uk.

Email: info@beer-fest.org.uk Phone: 01733 896555 Full details will be in the next issue of BAE

The Jolly Sailor, 43 Great Whyte, Ramsey PE26 1HH Tel 01487 813388

Traditional Town Centre Pub with a Warm Welcome!

5 REAL ALES + CIDER Including Wherry, Bombardier, Abbot, London Pride and an ever-changing guest beer Pub games including Crib, Dominoes and Darts Good sized Car Park Heated smoking shelter www.real-ale.org.uk

34 | Pleaase support our advertisers

Campaigning | 35

Shoulder of Mutton ‘cuts’ The Cake

A

revived pub in the village of Weldon, Northants, was our recent recipient of a Gold Award. Part of the citation on the award stated ‘a real ale hotspot’. That was certainly the case when, as part of our Northants pub tour on the 15th of May, we called into the pub to present the award.

On the weekend of the presentation a beer festival was in full swing, with around twenty odd beers from local brewers and further a field.

Uniquely the festival emphasised the community involvement by having three local houses participating in the event selling a beer for the pub in their gardens.

The pub had been closed for over a year when a local businessman decided to invest his money and revive the business. He also recruited new licensees Steve and Tracey who have turned the pub’s fortunes around. By introducing a variable range of cask ales and making a very precise effort to draw the local community back in less than a year, The fortunes of the pub have certainly been improved.

The nomination had been made by local member David Fursdon who presented the award to the couple with our LocAle Officer John Rice.

Photo by Daryl Ling

The Picture shows from left to right LocAle Officer John Rice, Steve and Tracey and nominator David Fursdon.

www.real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

36 | Pleaase support our advertisers

Diary Dates | 37

The Prince of Wales Feathers

29 North Street, Stanground PE2 8HR. 01733 753544

Friendly village pub with riverside mooring.

Large garden • Dogs welcome • Open all day Food served: Tues to Sun 12.00 until 2.30pm, Mon to Sat 6pm to 9pm.

Quiz night Sundays - cash prizes.

Charity Day 10th July In Aid Of Air Ambulance/Magpas.

Stalls • Games • Tombola • Raffle • Real Ales • Live Music Late Afternoon/Evening.

Fun For All The Family!

© Mick Slaughter 2009

Castor, Peterborough Tel: 01733 380222

Diary Dates JUNE

Sat 11th - 11am CAMRA members visit to Oakham Ales Brewery, 2 Maxwell Road, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 7JB from 11am to 3pm. Make your own way there but please book a place with John Hunt first.

Sat 11th - Noon East Midlands Regional Meeting, Horse & Plough, 25 Long Acre, Bingham, NG13 8AF

Award winning village local in historic Castor.

Close to the Nene Valley Railway & Ferry Meadows.

Serves 5 guest ales & real cider. Walker & dog friendly.

Home cooked food every lunchtime and NOW available midweek evenings too!!

BREWERY TAP OF CASTOR ALES details at: www.princeofwalesfeathers.co.uk

Mon 13th - 8.30pm Open Beer Festival Meeting, Brewery Tap. All invited to come along and hear what is happening.

Sat 18th - Noon East Anglia Regional Meeting, CAMRA HQ, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW Sat 18th - Mystery Tour. Depart the Brewery tap at noon and return at 8pm. Cost £12.00.

Wed 29th - 8.30pm Committee Meeting, College Arms, 40 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1RS

JULY

Sunday Roasts Served all day from 12 noon until 8pm

Six Real Ales• CAMRA Gold Award Live Saturday Night Entertainment Become a Red Lion Friend

See our new web site for available beers and entertainment

www.theredlionwestdeeping.co.uk

Sat 2nd - 5.00pm Cycle Rally. The regular rally and treasure hunt will leave from Cathedral Square at 5pm sharp. All welcome. Be there at 4.30pm to sign in.

Sat 16th - Heritage Pubs Trip to Southend and parts of Essex. Contact Mick Slaughter for details.

Mon 25th - 8.30pm Committee Meeting, Letter B, Whittlesey.

AUGUST

Sun 14th - Fence building on the Embankment ready for the Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival.

Thu 18th - onwards Building the Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival.

theredlionwestdeeping@hotmail.com www.real-ale.org.uk

Mon 22nd - Visit to the Social Club at the Rushden Historical Transport Society. This club was National CAMRA Club of the Year 2010 and normally has seven real ales available.

The trip will also include pubs in

Wellingborough where the three Good Beer Guide pubs normally have 20 real ales between them. Contact Mick Slaughter for details. NB This trip is only open to Peterborough Beer Festival volunteers.

Tue 23rd to Sat 27th Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival. Sun 28th to Tue 30th Taking the Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival apart.

Selected Beer Festivals JUNE

Fri 3rd - Sat 4th St Ives Beer Festival, Guildhall, Street an Pol Fri 3rd - Sun Bourne Beer Festival, Wellhead Park, Bourne Sat 11th Nene Valley Railway Beer Festival, Wansford Station, Stibbington, PE8 6LR Fri 17th – Sun 19th Fitzwilliam Arms, Stamford Road, Marholm, PE6 7HX Thu 23rd - Sun 26th Fenland Beer Festival, Sports & Community Association, Wisbech St Mary, PE13 4SS Thu 23rd - Sun 26th 1st Rutland Beer Festival, Rutland Museum, Oakham

JULY

Fri 1st – Sun 3rd Ploughman Beer Festival, 1 Staniland Way, Werrington, PE4 6NA Thu 7th – Mon 11th Pig & Falcon Birthday Beer Festival, New St, St Neots, PE19 1AE Thursday 7th - Sunday 10th Smiths of Bourne 5th annual Beer Festival. 25 North St Fri 8th – Sun 10th Blue Bell Beer Festival, 10 Woodgate, Helpston, PE6 7ED Fri 8th – Sun 10th Blue Boar Beer Festival, 46 High Street, Eye, PE6 7UY Fri 15th – Sun 17th Olde Dun Cow Beer Festival, 164 Barrier Bank, Cowbit, PE12 6AL Fri 22nd – Sat 23rd Deepings Beer Festival, Rugby Club, Deeping St James, PE6 8EP

AUGUST

Tue 23rd - Sat 27th Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival. www.real-ale.org.uk

30 | Contact Details

The next issue of BAE will be available on: 21st July We must have your stories, news and advertisements by: 28th June Late copy cannot be guaranteed entry.

Please contact Chris Shilling 01778 421550/07736 635 916 or Steve Whadcock 01778 420888 / 07985 240365 steve@shillingmedia.co.uk for all of your advertising needs.

Sky Sports Happy Hour Mon - Fri, 5-7pm Live Entertainment (See Rythm and Booze section) Join our Facebook group The Ploughman

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Steve Williams pubs-officer@real-ale.org.uk or 07802 896641 is always looking for pub news.

Please send stories and other copy to bae-editor@real-ale.org.uk Beer Around ‘Ere is published by Peterborough & District Branch of CAMRA Copyright © 2011, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Views or comments expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the Editor or of CAMRA.

1st - 3rd JULY• 30+ ALES! (preview on Thursday 30th June)

Locally produced Bottled Ales • Ciders • German themed BBQ Money being raised for the Rudolf Fund Charity

LIVE MUSIC Friday: One Eyed Cats Saturday: Citizen Smith Sunday Afternoon: The Nuggets Sunday Evening: Karaoke with Mighty Mouth Trev

THE PLOUGHMAN Staniland Way, Werrington centre PE4 6NA Tel: 01733 327696

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Real Ales!

More than just a Carvery!

A

great welcome awaits you at The Farmers, Yaxley.

We are famous for our fresh vegetables and great carvery meats, succulent and served with all the trimmings, then finished off with a tantalising hot or cold dessert!

Check out our new lunch time grill menu’s and our ever changing specials boards. Put it all together with three fine cask ales and you have the perfect place to enjoy dinner with friends or a family celebration. We have a self contained function suite which is ideal for parties, weddings and all of life’s celebrations.

Open Every Day 10am - 5.30pm All Day Menu & Coffee

So if you’ve not been before give us a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Midday - 2:30pm Carvery & Specials Menu 5:30pm - LATE Carvery & Grill Menu Sunday Open From 12 Noon - 9pm All Day Carvery

200 Broadway, Yaxley Tel: 01733 244885 Email: thefarmers@btconnect.com www.thefarmersyaxley.co.uk