News
- Regional Review latest 27 Sep 2024
Friday 27 September 2024
Regions Review Update from CAMRA HQ
"The Regions Review was discussed at length at the National Executive and Regional Directors weekend.
Following in–depth exploration following the recent pause and listening to feedback and concerns raised, it is now resuming for final changes to be made.
A range of options were put forward to the NE for consideration, with core areas of operations for a successful national campaign underpinning the discussion. The NE and Regions and Branches Committee agreed that the review's strategic aims remain sound, however there needs to be increased flexibility for implementation in some cases, with a focus on cross-border issues.
The role of Regional Directors is key to this work and their collaboration and engagement with branches, the Implementation Team and the NE is an essential part of the process.
There will not be a blanket approach, or a single solution applied, but where there are exceptional circumstances and evidenced justification for operating outside the initial scope, flexibility may be applied.
A new Chairman, Nick Bosley, will be appointed for the Regions Review Implementation team. Until recently, Nick was the Chair of Branches Committee and brings much experience and knowledge to the role. A member of the National Executive and a Regional Director will also join this group. Once these positions have been ratified, the group’s full membership will be shared.
Next steps for the Implementation Group are as follows:
Review and consider the feedback provided to date before taking the Regions Review forward. Set up priority areas for discussion and actions. Provide regular updates and share key milestones of the project. Engage directly with branches and members affected by proposals. Provide FAQs and ‘myth busting,’ giving updates and answering queries.
As previously stated, the pause does not mean that the approach to the Regions Review will change. The Review’s implementation will continue to aim to reduce the workload of Regional Directors and share with counties and branches by putting in place effective regional and area structures. The NE firmly believes these outcomes are vital to safeguarding and making the organisation fit for the future, while recognising the need for flexibility to address issues which have arisen during the project.
We are setting up a dedicated email address for the Implementation Group which will be shared. "
- Good Beer Guide 2025 now available
Thursday 26 September 2024
The 2025 edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide is now available. This edition is available in a choice of two different covers featuring two of the UK’s favourite locals: Coronation Street’s Rovers Return Inn, and Emmerdale’s Woolpack.
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Both versions will be available to purchase at the local launch : Bristol on Friday 27th September at Lime Kiln, 17 St George's Road, Bristol, BS1 5UU. The event will run from 12 noon until 6pm.
The cover price is £16.99 but for this day only it will be available at the bargain price of £15, or just £12 to card-carrying CAMRA members. The Good Beer Guide is the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide, which showcases 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK. It is the definitive source for those seeking top quality ale and cider, and the guide includes 33 pubs chosen by Bath & Borders branch ( branch area here Branch Area Map ).
- Autumn edition of Pints West now available Sunday 15 September 2024
- Swindon Beer festival tickets now available Monday 9 September 2024
- AGM minutes now available
Thursday 5 September 2024
Note of 2024 AGM are now available in the members area here
- Help Save Bath & Borders
Sunday 4 August 2024
Many thanks to those who responded to our recent Survey Monkey survey about potential break-up of the Bath & Borders branch. As expected that demonstrated that the proposed West Wiltshire branch was not viable and that he proposed Bath/Somerset branch is only viable if those indicating a willingness to serve on the committee each took on multiple roles (as those standing down all have multiple roles).
It is the unanimous view of the Bath & Borders committee that the breakup has no meaningful benefit – only transport disadvantages – but sadly the Regional Review team has dismissed all our concerns and intend to break up the Bath & Borders branch (and up to sixteen other branches with similar concerns) by the end of the year.
In desperation one of the impacted branches has started a petition to be submitted to CAMRA's National Executive seeking a pause in implementation (see link below). We urge you to sign – just need your name and membership no.
Save Bath & Borders
- Sheep & Penguin wins CAMRA Design Award
Friday 12 July 2024
Congratulations Sheep & Penguin , in Wells who were 'Commended' in the refurbishment category of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards. The presentation took place in Vines , Liverpool on 19 Jun, congratulations. We will no doubt see it for ourselves during our Wells social on Sat 3 Aug 2024 !
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Laura Emson (left) - CAMRA Awards Director presents certificate to Sam and Jayne James from the Sheep & Penguin
- Congratulations to Longs Arms South Wraxall
Saturday 22 June 2024
Congratulations to Longs Arms in South Wraxall making the shortlist for Great British Pub Awards - "Best Pub for Food" category. Six pubs made the shortlist, fingers crossed for good news at the ceremony on 17 September.
- Old Green Tree Pub of the Year presentation
Friday 21 June 2024
The Old Green Tree on Green St, Bath was rammed on the evening of Thursday 20 Jun 2024 to see Bath & Borders Branch present the Pub of the Year certificate to Tim Bethune, the long serving landlord. Tim is no stranger to such events having won PotY in 2008 & 2016 and featuring in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 28 years in a row - a unique achievement in the Branch. Tim laid on a sumptuous buffet for customers and live music in the back room. Congratulations to Tim and the team.
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(left to right) Trevor Cromie (Chair Bath & Borders), Tim Bethune (Landlord) and Daniella Nadalon.
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- Summer 2024 edition of Pints West out now
Sunday 16 June 2024
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More detail here Pints West.
- Hop Pole, Bath re-opens
Thursday 2 May 2024
The Hop Pole , opened on 1 May 2024 after a refurbishment by Abbey Ales and we understand that the kitchen will re-open later in the year.