Chairman’s Newsletter September 2021

Bluebell Beer Festival The first beer festival in partnership between Sussex CAMRA Branches and the Bluebell Railway was held 10 – 12 September. I hope you enjoyed it if you attended or volunteered. The beer of the festival votes have been counted and the results are as follows: Bluebell Railway Beer of the Festival 2021 is Heathen Brewers – Imperial Stout Bluebell Railway Dark Beer of the Festival 2021 is Heathen Brewers – Imperial Stout Bluebell Railway Pale Ale /Golden Ale of the Festival 2021 is Bedlam – Elderflower SMaSH Bluebell Railway Best Bitter of the Festival 2021 is 360 Degree Brewing – Bluebell Best The beer selection and quality was excellent and my thanks go to Paul Free for his expert choices and to Steve Leyfield for his cellarmanship during the set-up and festival. The opportunity to learn lessons from this first event are being taken by the railway and ourselves; we have a debrief session scheduled for next week and we will be addressing issues that arose regarding transport, catering and the dispersed locations of the festival beers. I want to thank all of the volunteers who make a festival of this size happen and in particular Ursula Lockyer who planned the festival, Jamie Hooper who worked on the complicated transport arrangements, Steve Leyfield who led the stillaging and cooling of 120 beers and ciders. My thanks also to Arun and Adur’s Malcolm Foster for erecting the stillage at Sheffield Park station.

CAMRA’s 50th Anniversary Award Back in March of this year we nominated Miles Jenner of Harvey’s Brewery for an award as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. It is great to learn this week that they are being recognised with a CAMRA Golden Award. A presentation ceremony is being organised and it is hoped branch members will be able to attend an event in Lewes in October 2021.

Other Campaign Activity The branch has been monitoring planning applications affecting pubs in our area and have made submissions in relation to the Schooner at Southwick and the Montreal Arms in Brighton. We publicise this on our social media, please support us by signing any petitions we highlight or comment on the council planning portal. A membership drive in places of further education is our priority for the next month now that students are back on campus.

Locations for future branch meetings The committee would like to consider new venues for our bi-monthly branch meetings. We need a space or room in a pub/club to hold the meeting that can accommodate up to 25 people and not be part of a through route within the venue (e.g. not on the way to the smoking area or toiles etc). Does your local sound suitable? Please email me at ku.gro.armac.nothgirb@riahc with any suggestions for venues.

Cheers,

Jason Phillips Chairman Brighton & South Downs CAMRA