Minutes of Branch Meeting 25 May 2022

Held at Keymer & Hassocks Social Club 7pm – 7.50pm

In attendance: Jason Phillips, John Kirkland, Simon Winnard, Jamie Hooper.

Apologies – Steve Pardoe; Miriam Harper; Adrian Heft; Graham Eaton; Jeremy Brinkworth; Mark Tester; Steve Leyfield. Marilyn Ashworth.

Chairman’s Report

Jason provided a short update on activity which has been focussed on the Lewes Beer festival organisation and the Ale Trail organisation (see below). The Pub of the Year committee members will be scoring the other Sussex branches’ POTY this Saturday 28th May.

Secretaries Report

The branch Club of the Year presentation was made on 2 May tour hosts for today and a picture will be sent for publication in the Autumn Sussex Drinker. Invitation to bid for the National Winter Beer Festival has been circulated and will be discussed at our next committee meeting.

Facebook members now 171

Treasurer’s Report

Current balance £9,070. Payments still to be made are the outgoings for Lewes Beer festival. Receipts for online ticket sales for the events have been received.

Membership Secretary

The current total branch membership stands at 1217 members.

Looking at membership figures YTD, there were 31 new members joining BSD and 39 lapsing, so a net loss of 8. This compares favourably with the same period last year (1/1/21 - 25/5/21) with 4 new members and a loss of 41 (net loss 37), although this isn't surprising given the impact of Covid in 2021, as pubs didn't reopen until 12 April.

Comparing the same time periods (YTD 21 v 22), there are only 18 members in our branch under the age of 30. So this gives us plenty of scope in terms of our ambition to target some younger members, particularly at the universities. Jason and Graham have some plans to progress this. We will be writing to all new members who have joined recently to welcome them to the branch.

Pubs Officer

Montreal Arms

Charlie Southall owner of the pub hacked the distinctive green tiles of this former Union Brewery pub off. An enforcement notice was served requiring re-instatement within 12 months.

Just to update you, today we received notification there has been an appeal submitted against the enforcement notice served. The appeal has been received and is valid but has not been assigned an Inspector yet. As soon as we receive a start letter I will let you know and you can submit your comments on the planning inspectors portal, this may be months yet though.

Ale Trail 2022

The theme is Summer of the Pub. It is our contribution to the National CAMRA Campaign. I am pleased to say we have all the slots filled up for this year’s Ale Trail. The pubs participating are available on the website and posters.

The packs of passports, posters and stamps are on their way to the pubs.

The launch is next Thursday, 2nd June, between 12:30 and 4:30 (ish) at the Prince Albert at the top of Trafalgar Street in Brighton, It is a drop in style event so have your lunch before you attend. So pop along say hi and enjoy the Ale Trail.

Lewes Beer Festival

Arrangements are on track. The initial allocation of tickets for online sales have been sold. The excess from postal sales and then pub sales will be offered online again shortly. Catering in place and beer orders progressing nicely.

Dementia Awareness

The following information sheet was discussed and considered a valuable asset for pubs. Our network of Pub Buddies have been sent the following link and encouraged to discuss and share with their pubs. The Keymer & Hassocks Club had actual experience of some of their regulars suffering from dementia.

Other Dates for the Diary

• Henfield Club open day 12-4 on 4 June. Downlands ale • The Crown, Newick beer festival 3 June from 4pm; 4 & 5th from midday • Kissingate Brewery Jubilee celebration 11 – 8pm on 4 June • Bluebell Railway Beer Festival 23 – 25 September 2022 • Next Formal branch social – Thursday 27 October at Southwick Beer Engine.

My thanks to all those who attended and Committee members for their submitted reports.

Next meeting tba.