Latest update from Regional Review Team "Progress has started on getting the new team up to speed. The members of the Team are; Nick Bosley (Chair), Kevin Keaveny, Ian Packham, Ruth Sloan and Gary Timmins (NE Representative).

At Penrith, in September, the NE decided to progress but with the removal of the term ‘no exceptions’. They also decided not to reverse changes that had already taken place.

As a start we are reviewing changes that were ready to go such as the Yorkshire part of Lunesdale transferring to Keighley and Craven and the Cheshire part of High Peak transferring to Macclesfield and East Cheshire.

We had identified an exception in South Gloucestershire which will be reviewed also following an objection from a Regional Director.

However, the number one priority is to find a home (be it a new branch , a sub branch or a merger) for the London based members of the former South West Essex branch. That is now with the RD for Greater London with oversight from Kevin Keaveny (as RRIT member but also Chair of Regions and Branches Committee).

Two more complex areas are also to be discussed

Herts Essex borders. Following a paper submitted from the branch the RD for East Anglia is travelling to them to discuss the various options and how each option is working towards the aim of the review. Nick Bosley will be the member of the RRIT working with the RD. North Derbyshire – this involves three regions so there will be an initial meeting of the RDs for East Midlands, North West and Yorkshire looking at the plan submitted by the RD for East Midlands. Following that meeting the branches will be involved (Chesterfield, High Peak and Sheffield). Gary Timmins will be the RRIT member responsible. We are also aware of RD elections being run (Merseyside and Cheshire plus South Central have been given the go ahead by the NE). Others will be following shortly. The timings of these will form our decision making as to the order we work through."

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. "

details here https://bathandborders.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=183453

Note of 2024 AGM are now available in the members area here

https://bathandborders.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=183511

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

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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