www.awcamra.org.uk
If nothing else, the initiative raises the perception that CAMRA is trying to keep community pubs open. This was further demonstrated recently by the Campaign putting weight behind Liverpool and Districts Branch in their efforts to save the Rosco Head, one of the city’s iconic and longstanding GBG community pubs. National Chairman Colin Valentine and I attended the rally in November to show support from north of the border. Carry out containers may be available in your local pub
One of the disadvantages of being a small brewer is the difficulty in securing future hop supplies. Anthony told me recently that he can no longer get the hops required for the beer of the festival partly due to the big brewers flexing their muscles and buying up all available stocks. Keep your eye open for Betty and the Gardens “B” Side soon with a slightly different recipe. No doubt it will be a big hit as well. A big hit for CAMRA recently was the distribution of a free demonstration carry-out container pack to support Rural Pubs identified by branches. This initiative, for Scotland only, was funded from our “Save the Pub” campaign to try and alleviate the effects of the reduction of the Drink Driving Limit introduced by the Scottish Government at the turn of the year. If pubs think it will help them sell more real ale to their customers they can order direct from our warehouse using the form enclosed with their pack.
Glen Park Beer Festival, Ayr
If you get the opportunity to visit Liverpool for the Members’ Weekend and AGM from 1st-3rd April I am sure you would thoroughly enjoy it. You can register in advance at www.camraagm. org.uk. There is something for everybody. Anyway, it was a good day out combined with campaigning. Now, what more could you ask for? I might ask Santa for a few nice winter ales in my stocking. Who knows, I might get a pleasant surprise! Hope you have a good festive season and a happy New Year. Cheers!
Colin Valentine speaks at the Rosco Head rally
Supporters at the Rosco Head rally, Liverpool 29