OBITUARIES Gone but not forgotten DEREK GIBSON REMEMBERS “THE QUIET CAMPAIGNER”
I am sorry to announce that Brendan Boyle, Peterborough CAMRA’s first Chairman and the first Editor of BAE, passed away in early June. Shortly before his passing, Mick Slaughter and I travelled to visit him at his Darlington home, but he was taken to hospital while we were en route. We were, however, allowed to see him there and at least were able to speak to him. Brendan became Chairman when the Branch was formed in May 1975 and was a brilliant campaigner at ground level. He launched a newsletter called Brews News, but after a couple of issues a competition was held to rename it, and it was always a source of embarrassment to Brendan that his wife Sue was the winner – with Beer Around ‘Ere! Brendan (pictured with Sue) had a Beer Festival planned in a marquee on the Embankment in June 1977. Twelve years later that came to pass, but back in ’77 not a single landlord would back us with a licence, simply saying it would not work! Brendan Boyle was certainly ahead of his time…….
THEY ALSO SERVED……
Sadly Brendan wasn’t the only Branch stalwart to leave us in recent months. Pete Talbott, known to most as Flo, passed away in the early days of the first lockdown. Flo was a major player and innovator at Peterborough Rugby Club, amongst others, and was heavily involved at every Peterborough Beer Festival (right back to when the event was held at the Rugby Club), where his invaluable practical skills and great good humour were his trademarks. He was also the owner of a far, far more striking blazer than mine! Another who contributed selflessly to numerous Beer Festivals was Bernard Randall, who departed in August and who leaves behind a host of fond memories. We also pay tribute to Theresa Gallagher, who for some years contributed heavily to the local pub scene through her involvement in the placing of managers and staff in pubs in the city. These included the Lime Tree, The Cock Inn and the Dragon. Her input cannot be underplayed. Rest in peace Theresa.
When I first met him in December 1976, Peterborough only had six pubs selling real ale, but things improved before Brendan moved away to Sheffield in September 1977 – and then to Darlington, where he formed their CAMRA Branch in 1982 and launched another newsletter, this time the Darlington Drinker (it is not known whether or not Sue was responsible for the name this time!). I kept in touch and he revisited from time to time. Many madcap trips to Belgium ensued! In the Peterborough Standard, local beer columnist Harry Giltrap referred to Brendan as “the Quiet Campaigner” and it was a wonderfully apt name. I have lost a good friend – and CAMRA have lost the Quiet Campaigner. Please raise a glass to one of our most famous members and wonderful campaigners – Brendan Boyle!
Equally mourned by the CAMRA family will be Jeff Vernall, whose natural expertise and sympathetic views were brought to bear on the refittings of the Bumble Inn (Westgate), the Frothblowers (Werrington) and the Wonky Donkey (Fletton). Jeff was also a Beer Festival volunteer and he, like everyone else in this sobering article, will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all the above.
Al
Derek Gibson Visit our website for up-to-date news: www.peterborough.camra.org.uk
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021
BEER AROUND ‘ERE
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