Minutes of the BSD Branch meeting held on Saturday 19 March at the Evening Star, Brighton

Committee Present: Jason (Chair), Miriam, John K, Graham.

Apologies: Jeremy B, Adrian H, Paul F, Steve F, Marilyn

In attendance: Badger, Sean Burke, Chris Humphries, Mark Hazell, Steve Leyfield, Barry Oldfield, Rob Stephenson, Mark Tester.

Meeting Administration and minutes of the last branch meeting

Copies of the minutes of the last branch meeting held on 22 Jan 2022 were available and were accepted.

Jason began by thanking Mark Hazell for offering the Evening Star as the venue for the meeting.

It was noted that at the AGM, it was agreed that the next few branch meetings would be held on different days (weekdays/weekends and at varying times) as a way to gauging what works best, and then a decision would be made, and adhered to.

Chairman’s Report

Jason welcomed the new members to the meeting. He proposed a toast to the sad passing of Adrian Towler – Adrian had been a long-standing and active member of the committee for many years. His last role was Social Secretary, but he had made an excellent contribution to the website and was also a Pub Buddy. Details of his funeral would be posted on FB and the website (to be held on Tuesday 22 March).

Jason reminded members of the forthcoming members’ weekend in Eastbourne (commencing April 15th) and of some of the activities taking place, including brewery visits and a mini-beer festival. He suggested that members book these sooner rather than later. CAMRA were also relaunching a bottle conditioned beer for the event.

Secretary’s Report

The Secretary, Jeremy Brinkworth, had given his apologies, but had advised Jason in advance that there were no items to report at the branch meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

John Kirkland gave a brief update on the financial position of the branch, noting that there was approximately £5.5k in the bank account; there had been very little expenditure recently except for some small items. He advised that there was sufficient in the account for usual branch activities and we will, as a branch, receive income from the Lewes Beer Festival (LBF), and that the budget for the LBF had been approved.

Membership Secretary

Graham Eaton advised that there was currently a glitch with accessing the membership database and thus, unfortunately was unable to provide a branch membership update. He advised that this issue was in hand as it has been raised with CAMRA HQ and he would provide membership reports would be provided at future branch meetings.

It was noted that membership leaflets had been dispatched to Pub Buddies and these would be placed in pubs which receive Sussex Drinker, with the aim of boosting membership opportunities.

Jason added that he was working with Graham to see how best to tap into the large student population, given that Brighton has two universities.

Pubs Officer

No report was received, but Jason noted that in our branch area, we had been very fortunate not to have lost pubs due to Covid closures/debts etc.

It was noted that the situation regarding the Schooner and the Montreal Arms (comments about the exterior) were being monitored by the committee. Jason stated that we will activate the membership when we need to campaign against a pub closure, but noted that it was important to be selective about this, insofar that as a branch, we focus on preserving/supporting pubs where we feel that we can influence to support the local community to save pubs.

Social Secretary & Webmaster

Jason suggested that it would be good for the branch to adopt a ‘forward looking’ agenda for social events, noting that there had been discussion about attendance at branch socials. He would be working with the committee with a view to reinvigorating these, and a CAMRA social should include a campaigning element. He advised of the next few social events, notably the presentations for the 2022 PoTY. These would commence on Tues 22 March with the Hole in the Wall, Brighton, receiving the award for PoTY, followed by the Watchmaker’s Arms in Hove on Friday 25 March (Runner-up and Cider PoTY). The final award would be to the Brewers Arms, Lewes (PoTY Runner-up) in mid-April (delayed due to illness). These events would be publicised via our social media feeds, and Graham would write an article for the Summer edition of Sussex Drinker.

John K suggested that it would be good if such publicity was included in ‘Discourse’ – GE to follow up.

Ale Trail 2022

Miriam reported that the last Ale Trail had been held in 2019 and planning had commenced in 2020, only to be halted by Covid. Approximately 31 pubs had been signed up and/or paid, most of which had been rolled over to the 2022 Ale Trail. It was likely that there would be in the region of 41 pubs taking part, although there had been some minor misunderstanding regarding a small number of pubs who thought that they had paid (when in fact they hadn’t).

Jason highlighted the CAMRA ‘Summer of Pub’ campaign and advised that arrangements were in place for the Ale Trail launch event, to be held on Thursday 2 June at the Prince Albert, in Brighton.

It was noted that it was intended that Pub Buddies distribute the passports to the respective pubs (taking part in the trail). Note: for logistical reasons, these will now be sent directly to the relevant pubs.

John K was thanked for his work on designing the passport and Miriam for all her work organising the Ale Trail. It was unlikely that there would be an organised bus trip to the Ale trail pubs which are further afield.

Lewes Beer Festival

Jason advised that he had been attempting to contact Ursula regarding arrangements, but good progress was being made for this event (the beer has been ordered by Paul Free), and other key logistical arrangements have been made. Jason reminded members that a staffing form was available, and it would be appreciated if members could volunteer to staff the event. The dates were confirmed as Fri – Sat 18th June. There would be advance online ticket sales, and also tickets available from venues in Lewes (Harvey’s Brewery Shop and the Gardener’s Arms) as well as by mail.

Other business/AOB

There was a query regarding the dates of the next Susses branches/Bluebell Railway joint festival. Jason confirmed that this would be held on 23-25 September 2022, and enhancements this year would include a much greater number of food outlets being available.

Jason asked if members could record visits to pubs/beers on WhatPub. There was feedback that WhatPub on an app would be useful.

There was a brief discussion (raised by Badger) regarding the criteria for awarding Club of the Year, in relation to the Roots bar at Lewes Football Club.

Steve Leyfield reported briefly on the forthcoming London Branches Cider Festival (2 April, London South Bank).

The next branch meeting would take place on Weds 25 May in the evening.

Meeting closed.