Brighton and South Downs Member’s Branch Meeting Agenda

Saturday 20 April at 2pm on ZOOM

Attendees: MA, GE, JK,PF, JP

Apologies: AH, RW, JE, SL

Minutes of Last Meeting – Agreed.

Chairman’s Report

Handpump Hijack campaign resources available now from HQ inc advice on Protest. No clear focal point for a Branch Protest yet. Requested on social media to be notified of any suspected incidents of this false dispense.

Treasurer

The Bank Account shows a credit total of £5,965.03 to date. Branch Activity Payments since the last report in February were: 1. Expenses for Engraving of POTY Shield – £16.00 Income to date is: 1. Receipts for Ale Trail Subs from Pubs – £3,150.00 Beer Festival Activity Payments to date were: 1. Cost of Printing Posters, Flyers and Tickets for SDBF 2024 – £290.40 Income to date is: 1. Receipt of Payment for 2023 Ticket Sales from Evening Star – £154.00 2. Receipt from CAMRA of Tckty Sales for SDBF 2024, to date – £1,210.0

Secretary – Nil report

Pubs Officer & Protection

Montreal Arms. We commented. Decision awaited. The Glynde Steamworks application was refused.

Membership

Branch membership as of 20 April stands at 1156 members. It is pleasing to note that this represents a slight increase on the figure of 1148 reported at the committee meeting on 22 March. The forthcoming SDBF in June represents a good opportunity for membership recruitment. Website now carries a live membership number from the membership system.

Social Media (X)

The number of followers on X is steadily increasing, including a number of followers who actively re post messages (particularly those which promote events and independent businesses in Sussex), which is greatly appreciated. A range of topical posts (including items of interest at a national level) such as the handpump hijack have been posted, as well as more local matters focusing on the brewery and pub scene.

Tasting Panel

The Mid Sussex tasting panel has held its first meeting, and the Chair, Graham Eaton is actively planning more tasting events. If you are a CAMRA member and are interested in finding out more about full taste training and potentially joining the tasting panel, please contact Graham at ku.gro.armac.nothgirb@yticilbup. Our website will carry a page dedicated to Tasting Panel activity.

SDBF

All on track. Paul to complete the H&S paperwork. Charity still being chased. Beer order coming along. 40 plus volunteers so far.

Ale Trail

40 pubs plus 10 x 2 stamp pubs. Bus Trip on 29 June. I want the prizes to be of better quality this year. 50th anniversary prize will be an embroidered Polo or Sweatshirt of top quality. Launch on 1 June 2024

Social

Trail launch on Saturday 1 June. Coach trip to 7 Ale Trail country pubs being organised for 29 June

WhatPub Nil report

Dates for Your Diary and Next Meeting

• Presentation to Hassocks and Keymer and BN6 Craft bar 2 & 4pm Sat 4 May

• Ale Trail launch and Social on 1 June @ Welly from 1pm. No buffet.

• SDBF 14 & 15 June

• Bus Trip Sat 29 June

• Next Meeting on Sunday 19 May 10.30am