Minutes Committee Meeting 18 Nov 2024

Attendees: RW JP GE MA RW JK

Apologies: EC JE

First action of the Committee was to agree to co-opt Marilyn Ainsworth to the Committee pending confirmation at AGM.

Chairman’s Report

Ale Trail prize distribution underway. We were short-shipped 11 Large 50 stamp sweatshirts. They should arrive during the week for distribution on Sat 23rd at Welly, Shoreham.

Good feedback from the SDBF 24 volunteers for the trip to Kissingate Brewery.

JP supported BRAS by entering a CAMRA team at their charity quiz at Master Mariners, Marina

Approach from Richard Ethrington who has set up Pepperpot Brewery asking CAMRA Branch to support a launch event in NY at Round Georges. Committee agreed support appropriate.

AGM Planning

JP confirmed 2025 would be his last year as chairman as he is already living outside of the Branch area and likely to remain so going forward.

The position of Treasurer was discussed. JP has not had any response from the membership regarding the vacancy. If nobody suitable comes forward at the AGM the Committee should be prepared to take the role on – or Regional Director will suspend the Branch.

JP to have 1-2-1 conversations with some of the committee members regarding their positions for 2025.

The Branch will also need a new Secretary as current incumbent Jim Elsam is not in a position to stand for a third year.

Reports

Treasurer - £5701.49 balance

Pubs Office – AH set out the need to start planning for GBG and POTY survey activity. It was agreed that a physical meeting will be organised for second week of January 2025 for member nominations, review of NBSS data short-list and survey allocation.

Preservation/Planning Issues – Glynde Steamworks to open as café bar. Jolly Boatman, Newhaven to re-open as community café (but still licensed as a pub), No news is good news re development of commercial property adjacent to Prince Albert, Brighton.

A draft inventory has been circulated by JW and is nearly ready for publication on our website. Activity underway to source more photos to include in the report.

Membership – As of 17/11, branch membership stood at approximately 1,129, slightly down from 1.143 and 1,155, as reported at the meetings of 20/10 and 15/9 respectively. However, the overall year to date figures show only a slightly larger number of lapses than of new members, as the net trend (in terms of gaining new members) has been upwards (albeit marginal) in earlier months in 2024.It is hoped that a planning meeting with the new committee, to be held in early 2024 will enable us to plan events to increase member engagement, with the aim of increasing our presence and activity in the local area ,to retain existing members and hopefully grow our branch membership.

Media/Comms - The number of followers on our branch 'X' account stands at just under 400. In addition to regular posts containing interesting and relevant content, relating both to the local branch and wider, national issues, the number of those accounts we are following is increasing, with 'X' accounts being followed with the aim of increasing spread and reach of our 'X' feed. Work is continuing on actively following relevant feeds on X, with a view to expanding our reach..

Tasting Panel -The Mid Sussex Tasting Panel met at the recent branch event at Kissingate Brewery, on 19/10, and it was a very successful meeting. A tasting panel training session was held at Brolly Brewery on 21/10, run by Kevin Travers, and it is hoped that members will become involved by joining a tasting panel local to them by completing the 12 cards and gaining their accreditation.

The number of Brighton & South Downs members overall submitting nominations for the 2026 round of Champion Beer of Britain by the closing date (4/11) was down on last year. Effort will be made to highlight the importance and prestige of CBOB for breweries, and more work will be carried out to promote and encourage engagement (and voting).

WhatPub – 203 updates received and actioned this calendar year. Data requested for AGM to identify those pubs that have not been updated for the longest period to prioritise in 2025.

Regional Meeting update – Minutes now circulated. A reminder that a completely new system for planning Beer Festivals is now in place. Although the Branch has several BLO vacancies the Committee agreed that our on priority basis was the correct approach to take. We will ask at AGM for more volunteers.

Next Meeting is the AGM 8 December 15:00 at Lewes Arms, Lewes. – Reports to John Kirkland in advance please.