Branch Update – January 2021

Welcome to the New Year. It may not feel like it at the moment, but I’m sure it will turn out to be a better year than 2020. I’ve just re-read January’s What’s Brewing (yes, that’s how desperate I am!), and I do agree with at least some of the things CAMRA are asking us to do.

Please put your name to any on-line petition asking for government support for our pubs, including a relaxation of the “no takeaways” rule. You don’t need me to tell you that many of our pubs and small breweries are in a desperate situation, and unfortunately some won’t survive this lockdown. Order beer direct from breweries, or, even better, support those pubs who are offering a delivery service. As for the idea of an “on-line” pub, or even more remarkably “on-line” beer festivals, it’s not for me, but never mind that, do whatever floats your boat.

Looking ahead, we will reach a point when the government feels they can start to ease current restrictions. While pubs can’t expect undue leniency, neither should they be singled out for excessively harsh treatment. I fear that when businesses are allowed to re-open, pubs will be near to the back of the queue. We need to keep an eye on this and be ready to protest if pubs are treated unfairly.

As for branch activity, that remains in the deep freeze for the foreseeable future. Once pubs are allowed to open I will convene a Branch Meeting followed, about a month later, by our AGM (which would, under normal circumstances, be held at the end of February). We will run some socials in the branch area. As for other activities, it should be possible to run Pub of the Year later on in 2021. With the Good Beer Guide entries, what we do will be dictated by what CAMRA decide regarding GBG 2022. As for Festivals, almost certainly no Amber Valley Festival in 2021.

Keep safe, try to keep cheerful and keep drinking the beer,

Chris Rogers

Amber Valley Branch Chairman

Branch Secretary Required

We are still seeking a new Branch Secretary following the 'retirement' of Nora who has done sterling work in the role.  If you are interested or know of anyone who would like to volunteer for this vital position please contact our Chairman.  The duties that come within the Secretary's remit are detailed in this profile.

Pub of the Year 2020

The results of the Amber Valley CAMRA Pub of the Year 2020 competition were announced at the AGM as follows -

First place - White Hart, Bargate

Second place - Dead Poets, Holbrook

Third place - Old Oak, Horsley

Congratulations to Sean and the team at the White Hart and thanks to all members who nominated pubs to go into the competition and all those who judged the eight finalists.

THE FIVE BRANCHES WINTER ALE TRAIL 2020

The Amber Valley CAMRA Winter Ale Trail top three placed pubs are -

1st Hunters Arms, Kilburn

2nd Codnor Inn,  Codnor

3rd George and Dragon,  Belper

Cider Pub of the Year 2020 

Winner Angels Bar, Belper

Runner-up Dead Poets Inn, Holbrook

Angels Bar, as Amber Valley Cider Pub of the Year 2020, will go forward to the East Midlands Cider Pub of the Year Competition, judged in March 2020.

Please see Awards for more information.

Member assistance requested

Could all members please help us to keep our area  information updated by entering any updates for their local pub into What Pub this will really assist our pubs member and enable you to have current info when you venture further afield.

Good Beer Guide 2020

Angels, Belper
Arkwrights, Belper
Beehive Inn, Ripley
Black Bulls Head, Openwoodgate
Holly Bush, Makeney
Old Oak, Horsley
Red Lion, Ripley
Steam packet Inn, Swanwick
Talbot, Ripley
White Hart, Bargate