Our branch visits pubs (and beer festivals) often. There's lots of choice as we cover such a large area, 313 pubs at the last count! However, we are trying (as part of the National Campaign) to draw attention to Quality - the Quality of the Pubs, and the Quality of the Beer. Why not support your local Branch by joining us at our regular weekly Social Events.
Coronavirus
The CAMRA National Executive has reached the following decisions:
"Due to the advice from government concerning mass gatherings, it is with great regret that we must cancel all CAMRA festivals, including the Great Welsh Beer Festival, planned between now and the end of June."
"CAMRA’s Members Weekend, AGM and Conference weekend in York will be cancelled. Due to government advice on mass gatherings, it is with regret that we must cancel the Members’ Weekend in York this April. We are looking at options for how we can successfully conclude AGM business without a physical meeting, so would encourage anyone who has not already done so to vote remotely for the Ordinary and Special Resolutions and the National Executive elections, as you will no longer be able to do so at a physical meeting."
"Physical meetings, at a national, regional & branch level, should stop immediately. While we understand the important social benefits of CAMRA and the huge pleasure in pub going, we feel it would be seen as highly irresponsible to continue to promote gatherings of people in pubs – both of which have been advised against by the Government. Considering this, the National Executive has decided to instruct all committees, at national, regional and branch level, to immediately cancel any physical meetings and only organise virtual meetings."
"The National Executive continues to review the likelihood of the Great British Beer Festival going ahead. A final decision has not been reached as it is outside the three-month cancellation window. We’d advise visitors and volunteers to hold off booking accommodation or booking leave."
Champion Beer of East Anglia
Brentwood Brewery have won the Champion Beer of East Anglia (Speciality Beers Category) award - the 2019 Silver Award & the 2020 Bronze Award - for their Chockwork Orange beer. The award was presented to them on Saturday 28th September, 2019.
Photo shows Beryl & Trevor Ellis presenting the certificate to Roland Kannor of Brentwood Brewery.
Britain's Best Real Heritage Pubs
The Old Ship Inn at Aveley, has won the Britain's Best Real Heritage Pub award, in recognition of the pub's inclusion in CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. The award was presented on Tuesday 1st October, 2019.
Photo shows Gerry Hahlo, of CAMRA's Pubs Heritage Group (on the right), presenting the certificate to Kevin Field, licensee of the Old Ship Inn.
Good Beer Guide
The 2020 edition of the Good Beer Guide is now available from the CAMRA website at a discount price for members of £14 (usually £15.99). Other publications and merchandise are also available.
It is also available from CAMRA beer festivals and can be obtained through the branch.
Branch Website of the Year 2019
South West Essex Branch have been judged a finalist in the 2019 Branch Website of the Year.
(Above) Webmaster, Steve Hudson, receiving the Certificate from Anne Radley. (Below) Steve with Dean Phillips, who does the technical stuff.
Essex Area Pub of the Year 2019
The presentation for the South West Essex Branch Essex Area Pub of the Year 2019, was made on Tuesday 9th July.
Branch Chair, Anne Radley, presented the award to Ben and Chris Ryley (the licensees) at The White Hart, Grays. This was the 7th time that they have won this award.
London Area Pub of the Year 2019
The presentation for the South West Essex Branch London Area Pub of the Year 2019, was made on Wednesday 22nd May.
Branch Chair, Anne Radley, presented the award to Steve and Trevor along with Lucy at The Gidea Park Micropub.