Tyneside & Branch FREEFREE Issue 231 • Spring 2015

HONEYSUCKLE PORTLAND TAP & SPILE (PINEAPPLE) Gateshead Newcastle Newcastle Tesco Offices Jewellers

FARMERS REST BAY HORSE BEACON Newcastle Dinnington Gateshead Bus Station Indian Restaurant Co-operative

HARE & HOUNDS INN QUEENS HEAD ROYAL GEORGE Allendale Gateshead Gosforth Private Dwelling Hotel Care Home

GLENDALE COLLINGWOOD OLD RED BULL Byker Gosforth Morpeth Fish & Chip Shop Asda Car Park

QUEENS ARMS STAGS HEAD MUSKETEER Newcastle Felton Forest Hall Sainsbury’s Furniture Store Aldi

TYNEDALE HOTEL TAP & SPILE (PRINCE OF ) GRAPES VAULTS Byker Newcastle Tea Rooms Morrisons Bank

PUB OF THE YEAR AWARDS Thirty Ninth Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival

Northumbria University Students Union April 2015 Wed 15th 6.00 – 10.30 pm Thu 16th Fri 17th 12.00 – 10.30 pm Sat 18th 12.00 – 5.00 pm

Hat Day Thu The Happy Cats Sat pm

Tyneside & Northumberland www.cannybevvy.co.uk BRANCH CONTACTS TALKING ED

Chairman: Ian Lee There are now 29 closing every week. That is twice as [email protected] many as in 2011. Loopholes in the planning system () Secretary: Pauline Chaplain allow pubs to be sold off for redevelopment behind our backs. [email protected] This is denying us a say in the planning process and is forcing Treasurer: Jan Anderson many of our valued pubs to close. Under current planning law, [email protected] pubs can be demolished or converted into many other uses without planning permission. The Motion (EDM 208) calls for Membership Secretary: Alan Chaplain the Government to amend the General Permitted Development [email protected] Order 1995 to ensure any demolition or change of use involving Editor, Advertising & Distribution: Adrian Gray the loss of a requires planning permission. This simple [email protected] change by Government would give local communities a [email protected] powerful new weapon in the battle to protect our pubs. [email protected] The Black Bull Inn, Lowick is the latest casualty. It closed in Social Secretary: Murray Owen November 2014, but the fight to save it goes on (see page 6). [email protected] Pubs support over 1 million UK jobs and inject an average of Pubs Officer & LocAle Officer: Colin Anderson £80,000 into their local economy each year. Research by CAMRA [email protected] found that 2 pubs were converted to supermarkets every week [email protected] between January 2012 and January 2014. 69% of all adults believe Cider/Perry Officer: that a well run community pub is as important to community life [email protected] as a post office, local shop or community centre. 75% of all adults Press & Publicity: Martin Ellis believe that pubs make a valuable contribution to life in Britain. [email protected] Did your pub win a Pub of the Year award 2015? Public Affairs Officer: Hubert Gieschen Turn to pages 16 and 17 to find out. Don’t forget the [email protected] 39th Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival (see page 5 for details). I look forward to seeing you there. Young Members Contact: [email protected] Cheers Adrian Gray, Editor Website: www.cannybevvy.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/tyncamra Twitter account: @TYNCAMRA ADVERTISING RATES © Copyright for Canny Bevvy is the property of the 6500 COPIES Campaign for Real Ale. All rights reserved DISTRIBUTION 350+ Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in READERSHIP 14,000+ this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Canny REAL ALE DRINKERS & PUB GOERS Bevvy Editor, CAMRA or the Publishers. Seek out and enjoy real ale wherever you can, drink responsibly Full Back Cover £275+VAT and please support the advertisers. Full Inside Front/ Back Cover £250+VAT Full Page £180+VAT Half Page £100+VAT Quarter Page £52+VAT Artworking by Apostle Designs Email: [email protected] Email [email protected] www.cannybevvy.co.uk

Next Edition No. 232 Summer 2015 Copy deadline date 11/5/2015 Advertising deadline date 15/5/2015 Printed by Print North East Publication date 1/6/2015 Email: [email protected]

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 3 BRANCH DIARY Wednesday 11th March 7.00pm Tyneside Pub of the Year presentation Bodega, Newcastle, followed by Wednesday Wander THE FREE Starts at Forth, Newcastle Monday 16th March 7.30pm TRADE INN Branch Annual General Meeting, Chillingham, Heaton CAMRA PUB & CIDER PUB 2013 Metro to Chillingham Road/63 bus at 7.01pm, Blackett Street THE BEST MODERN BEERS Thursday 19th March 7.30pm FROM CASK, KEG & BOTTLE Tyneside Cider POTY presentation STOCKING NEWCASTLE'S BEST Free Trade Inn, Byker RANGE OF LAMBIC & SOUR BEERS Q2 bus every 10 mins, Haymarket INCLUDING CANTILLON, BOON, Saturday 21st March 3 FONTEINEN, MIKKELLER, Visit to Maxim Brewery, Sunderland LINDEMANS & MORE Bus departs from Newcastle at 11.15am Followed by South East Northumberland POTY and PIES FROM THE AMBLE BUTCHER Cider POTY presentations, Three Horse Shoes, HOME OF High Horton at 6.00pm PELOTON PALE Wednesday 25th March 8.00pm ALE & CRAIG DAVID PUBCAT South West Northumberland POTY presentation Boathouse Inn, Wylam "TheFreeTradeInn" Train at 7.25pm, Central Station Monday 30th March 7.30pm Branch Meeting, Gosforth Hotel, Gosforth Metro to Regent Centre/43 bus at 7.10pm, Haymarket ST.LAWRENCE ROAD, OUSEBURN, BYKER Tuesday 31st March 8.00pm NE6 1AP North Northumberland POTY and Cider POTY 0191 265 5764 presentations, John Bull Inn, Bus departs from Newcastle at 6.45pm Friday 10th April 7.00pm Tyneside Club of the Year presentation Newcastle Cricket Club, Jesmond Metro to Jesmond Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th April 39th Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival Northumbria University, Newcastle Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April CAMRA Members’ Weekend & AGM 2015 The Albert Hall, Nottingham Wednesday 22nd April 7.30pm Wednesday Wander, Starts at Ivy House, Sunderland Metro to Park Lane Saturday 9th May 12.00pm Branch Meeting/Northumberland Club of the Year presentation, Comrades Club, Haltwhistle, followed by South West Northumberland Cider POTY presentation Tannery, Hexham at 4.30pm Train at 10.22am, Central Station Wednesday 20th May 7.30pm Wednesday Wander, Starts at Cumberland Arms, Tynemouth, Metro to Tynemouth Saturday 23rd May 1.00pm Regional Meeting, Dun Cow, Sunderland Metro to Sunderland Further details on times, itineraries and other local festivals can be found on the Canny Bevvy website www.cannybevvy.co.uk, the branch Facebook page, www.facebook.com/tyncamra or in What’s Brewing. All the above events are for CAMRA members and non members. Everyone is welcome.

4 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 39TH CAMRA TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL

If its not broken do not fix it is what was said last year and this still holds true. Volunteers and customers have really enjoyed the venue at Northumbria University Students Union we are going back again. This year the battle of the beers is slightly different. There are over thirty breweries in the branch area. So as not to swamp the festival with one sort of beer we have asked for any beer style as long as it is made with British ingredients. Arrive with any sort of odd hat on Thursday and when photographed by our official photographer you will receive a free beer token and will be entered for a grand prize Prices have been held at last years level Glasses to £2 refundable Entry £3 as before CAMRA member free Beer 3 tokens for £5 A token usually being 1/2 pint (except for the occasional beer & cider will be 1/3 pint) Wednesday 15th April opens at 18.00-22.30. CAMRA members at 17.30 Wednesday results of the local Battle of the Beers Silly Hat Day free token for any hat photographed by our CAMRA camera man Thursday 16th April 12.00-22.30 Friday 17th April 12-22.30 - our busy day Music provided by the much acclaimed Happy Cats Saturday 18th April 12.00-17.00 We again most grateful to our brewery sponsors - you will notice your distinctive festival glasses are sponsored by Tyne Bank. The staff will be wearing T shirts sponsored by Mordue and Wylam. Other sponsors are Quay Timber providing valuable transport and DB Regio who sponsored beer mats. Allergy legislation has caught up with us and I must warn you all our beers will contain gluten and be produced in breweries that may contain nuts. COME AND ENJOY 140+ BEERS AND 50+ CIDERS If you are a CAMRA member and would like to work at the 2015 Beer Festival, then please complete the 2015 Staffing Form at www.nclbcf.cannybevvy.co.uk

Dr Ian Lee Festival Organiser

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 5 DIPTON MILL INN, Dipton Mill, Hexhamshire BLACK BULL INN, Lowick, Northumberland Geoff Brooker, 67, owner and popular landlord of the Dipton Plans to demolish the pub to make way for housing, did not go Mill Inn, recently died. Geoff and his wife Janet took over the ahead. This was due to a community campaign that saved the pub in 1989 and started Hexhamshire Brewery in 1992 (see pub from closure in February 2014. In April 2014 the pub was below). Geoff was a real character with an infectious laugh and sold to Leisure Acquisitions Ltd. In November 2014 the landlord a great sense of humour. He will be sadly missed (see page 29). resigned and the pub was closed. Now a judge’s ruling listed the pub as an asset of community value (ACV). This means it CURFEW, 46a Bridge Street, Berwick upon Tweed cannot be sold for six months, allowing the community group This new micro pub is to hold its first beer festival over the time to come up with an alternative proposal. Easter weekend, 3rd - 5th April. There will be over 28 different real ales, with 12 being available at any one time. There will STAR & SHADOW CINEMA, 1 Stepney Bank, Newcastle also be up to 4 real ciders. The local Bear Claw Brewery will This cinema, gigs and events venue is moving from it’s present have a number of their real ales present (see below). location on 31st March, after nine years. They are presently in talks with the council about new premises. The present venue WETHERSPOON, Northumberland Real Ale Festival, has a bar selling 4 local real ales on handpumps, as well as a 27th February - 8th March selection of bottled real ales from local breweries. If you would Selected Wetherspoon pubs in Northumberland and North like to volunteer to help with the move, please contact them Tyneside, will be holding a local real ale festival. There will be through their website/ email address below. 14 real ales from 7 local brewers. The pub’s involved are RED www.starandshadow.org.uk LION, Bedlington, WALLAW, Blyth, FORUM, Hexham, ROHAN [email protected] KANHAI, Ashington, ELECTRICAL WIZARD, Morpeth, JOHN THE CLERK, Cramlington, FIRE STATION, Whitley Bay and JOB GATESHEAD RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, BULMAN, Gosforth. There will be raffles and prizes. All monies Eastwood Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead raised will go to CLIC Sargent, a children’s cancer charity. This year’s Gateshead Rugby Club’s Beer Festival will provide a huge selection of real ales sourced country wide, however in THE ANCHOR INN, 2 Cheviot Street, recent years they have also chosen a region to showcase their Has recently reopened after being closed for weeks. New best ales. In 2013 the Brewing Company helped landlord Chris Robinson and manager Geoff Dade have source Yorkshire’s finest ales and in 2014 Double Top Brewery managed pubs in the North East for many years, they also helped with ’s finest. This year they have run The Queen’s Head in Tweedmouth. The Anchor is a dog chosen as the showcase region and with the help friendly real ale pub for all the family. of Hawkshead Brewery, will be bringing some of Cumbria’s POWBURN, 97 - 98 Bedford Street, North Shields tastiest ales to Gateshead. Has now increased it’s number of handpumps to 6. THE RITZ (formally Ritz Cinema), High Street West, Wallsend CANNON INN, 29 Front Street, Earsdon The opening of this former Art Deco style cinema (see issue Is now under new management. As well as now being open 229/ Autumn 2014) has been delayed. Wetherspoon’s intended every day, it now sells 5 real ales. to open for Christmas 2014. It will now open on 12th May.

BEAR CLAW BREWERY, Rikki Graham, brewer, has been helping the Curfew in Berwick with their first beer festival. Bear Claw will also be supplying their beers for the festival.

HADRIAN BORDER BREWERY, donated almost £300 to the Newcastle United Football Club supporter’s trust charities, with 5p from every pint of Black and White ale sold. Over £1,000 has been donated in the last year. Martin Hammill, Project Manager, has been very busy with major rebuilding work on their newly acquired first pub, the Station Hotel, Gateshead. It is due to open this summer.

HEXHAMSHIRE BREWERY, sad news of the death of owner/brewer, Geoff Brooker (see Dipton Mill Inn above). Geoff opened the brewery in 1992 behind the pub, before moving to an old cow shed on a nearby farm. Over the years Geoff has brewed some memorable award winning beers.

MORDUE BREWERY, founded in 1995 by brothers Gary and Matt Fawson in Wallsend. They revived the name of a former brewery in Wallsend, which was originally established in 1879. They moved to their present premises in 2005. In April this year, it will be the 20th anniversary of the brewery. In that time they have won the Supreme Champion Beer of Britain award at the Great British Beer Festival with Workie Ticket, as well as winning gold in it’s category twice. Radgie Gadgie has also won gold in it’s category.

NORTHERN ALCHEMY, brother-in-law brewers, Andy Aitchison and Carl Kennedy started brewing in a shipping container next to the Cumberland Arms in Byker, six months ago. With the recent purchase of new kit, they have increased their capacity from 90 litres to 270 litres (1.6 barrels approx). They now plan to produce real ale in cask, to be primarily sold in the Cumberland Arms.

6 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 BEER FESTIVALS CAMRA Festivals Non CAMRA Festivals

Leeds: Three Horse Shoes, High Horton: 12th - 14th March 19th - 22nd March : The Curfew, Berwick: 19th - 21st March 3rd - 6th April Newcastle: Morpeth RFC: 15th - 18th April 24th - 25th April Glasgow: Gateshead RFC: 25th - 27th June 1st - 3rd May : Tynedale: 9th - 12th July 18th - 20th June Great British Beer Festival (GBBF): Bill Quay Cricket Club: 11th - 15th August 28th - 30th August

Durham: We recommend you confirm 27th - 30th August all dates before you travel. GATESHEAD 6TH BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL Gateshead Rugby Club, Gateshead, MAY 1ST- WEEKEND FRI TO 3RD 2015 12.00 PM TILL LATE SUN

REAL ALES LIVE MUSIC Day Pass £10.00 CIDER BAR CRAFT BEERS Weekend Pass £25.00

VALID FOR DANCING, DRINKING AND GOOD TIMES EASTWOOD GARDENS LOW FELL NE 95 UB www.gatesheadbeerfestival.co.uk

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 7 They don’t make pubs like The Fox & Hounds this anymore. Coalburns, Greenside

Sunday Lunches served 12 - 3.30pm Beer Garden Children welcome up to 9pm Copperfields Always on, 6 Handpulls with local beers qualityquality timetime withwith qualityquality aleale

Tel: 0191 413 2549 Members get 20p off each real ale pint. www.coalies.co.uk Tynemouth - Behind the Grand Hotel - 0191 293 6666

! TRADITIONAL FAMILY RUN PUB SINCE 1975

Real Ales and Regular Music Nights

Mon ! Fri from 4pm; Sat from 12pm; Sun 12pm-3pm & from 7pm Ovingham: 01661 832219

8 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 WE ARE OPEN! A cruel blow has been delivered to Irene and James Outterside. On the 25th November 2015 it will be their 40th anniversary as mine hosts at the Bridge End Inn, Ovingham. Indeed, James’ links to the Bridge End stretch back to 1930, when James’ great grandparents were the licensees. They left in 1953, but the family was always eager to return and got the chance to do so 22 years later, first with James’s father John then James himself. James is the 5th generation. Unfortunately the road bridge linking Prudhoe with Ovingham is closed for 12 months. Although the bridge is still open to pedestrians trade at this wet sales only pub have been hit hard. Some loyal locals still patronise the pub, getting a taxi to the bridge and taking the 5 minute walk into Ovingham.

The 2 roomed pub is one of the finest in Northumberland, friendly locals, magnificent open fire, no juke box, no pool table, no bandit and no bad language… In days of yesteryear James’ Dad danced on the tables for pennies. A photograph of his great grandmother hangs proudly in the bar – a copy is at Beamish Museum – she had bar staff but collected all the money herself… (Ma Jordan – pic taken about 1945). Another photograph hangs proudly at the bottom of the bar near the fire. A much younger James from the early 80’s stands next to 66 World Cup hero Jack Charlton. The pub is very popular with the local fishing community who adjourn here for prize-giving after competition judging. James’ Gran used to play the piano in the back room. It seems James has inherited her musical talents as he has his own band. The pub is very popular with locals and hosts themed music nights. The pub recently contributed to a “Wood Wander” from the Society of Preservation for Beers from the Wood. The North East branch were made very welcome and drank copious amounts of Shieldsman 3.8% and Billy Mill 4% both from the Three Kings brewery. A return visit is envisaged as James hopes to stock some more beer from the wood in the future. Grainger Ale 4.6% from Hadrian Border had previously been stocked as a try out and the regulars gave it the thumbs up. When I first visited the pub several years ago I noticed it retained the atmosphere of a wonderful traditional village pub. A feature here are the pub regulars who freely engage in conversation with visitors. You will no doubt enjoy the company of David, a regular for 32 years who originally hails from Tynemouth, or perhaps it might be Peter Wood, a highly respected folk singer, or Rob the Accountant who will have popped in on the way home from work. The pub in the past has been popular with summer “Whistle Stop” parties. (A real ale trail on the railway line from Newcastle to Carlisle). However a practical day out is to go to Haltwhistle and stop off at locations on the way back. A “Winter Whistle Stop” is still possible. A visit to Haltwhistle is very worthwhile, the Comrades Club at the top of the street now accepts visitors and has 3 ales always in good condition. The Black Bull is under new management and has a good reputation for food and ale. A shorter train ride of about 35-40 minutes will take you to Prudhoe and a 5 minute walk over the bridge will bring you to the Bridge End, Ovingham (turn left at the end of the bridge). Thereafter a 5 minute train ride will bring you to Wylam Station very handy for the adjacent Boathouse pub. Opening times for the Bridge End are as follows:- Mon – Friday 4.00pm to 11.00pm, Saturday 12 till 12, Sunday 12- 3.30 and 7 till close. The Bridge End has 5 real ales from both local and national outlets whose ales are kept in excellent condition. However don’t take my word for it, try out the pub yourself and support this pub through a difficult period. Gordon Heal

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 9 NATIONAL PUB OF THE YEAR Salutation Inn, Ham,

The Salutation Inn, a rural freehouse in the small village of Ham, Gloucestershire, has today walked away with the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) National Pub of the Year Award - a feat made even more impressive given that this is the first pub the landlord has ever run. We count ourselves so unbelievably lucky to have Former business analyst Peter Tiley had never even a brilliant team of staff who are so passionate and pulled a pint when he decided to quit his job in dedicated as well as a community of locals who have and follow his love of beer to take over The given so much to support and contribute towards the Salutation Inn with his wife Claire. Eleven months pub. It is these people that have made the pub what later the pub had won its local branch competition, it is today and for that we are incredibly grateful.” then the whole region, finally making it through to the Peter Tiley, landlord of The Salutation Inn. final four and today, being named overall National The three other finalists are, in alphabetical order, Pub of the Year. The Freshfield in Formby (), The “For the Sally to have won National Pub of the Year Harewood Arms in Broadbottom (Greater is beyond our wildest dreams - we’re totally shell- ) and The Windmill in Sevenoaks shocked. Pubs are so important to me that to have Weald (). our own one recognised in this way is just amazing.

Three! Horse Shoes – Spring Beer Festival ! South East Northumberland CAMRA Pub of the Year 2015

LateLate barbar everyevery nightnight SaturdaySaturday discodisco bringingbringing youyou throughthrough thethe decadesdecades

OverOver 2525 realreal alesales && cidersciders fromfrom aroundaround thethe countrycountry 19th19th –– 22nd22nd MarchMarch FestivalFestival themedthemed snacksnack menumenu availableavailable

www.threehorseshoes-horton.co.uk 01670 822410 ! 10 Issue 231 • Spring 2015

! NATIONAL WINTER National Champion Winter Beer ALES FESTIVAL 2015 of Britain Winners Overall Champion: 1872 Porter, Elland The Roundhouse, Silver: Darkside of the Moose, Purple Moose Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JE Bronze: Dark Drake, Dancing Duck Wednesday 11th - Saturday Barley Wine/Strong Old Ales 14th February 2015 Gold: Moonraker, Lees Silver: Skullsplitter, Orkney Bronze: Extinction Ale, Darwin CAMRA’s flagship National Winter Ales Festival returned to Derby nwaforf.or theg.uk second year running, following many successful years in Old Ale/Strong Milds T Manchester.H E R O U VisitorsN D H hadO U a SchoiceE of more than 450 real ales on Gold: Darkside of the Moose, Purple Moose draught plusD E overR B 40Y draught ciders and perries, plus mead. Over Silver: Fra diavolio, Ulverston 100 breweries were represented and an attendance of over 15,000. Bronze: Midnight Owl, Castle Rock

Four breweries had their own bars at the festival. Multi award Stout winning Blue Monkey from Nottingham, innovative North Gold: Dark Drake, Dancing Duck Star from , Derby’s very own Brunswick Brewing Silver: Incognito, Plain Ales Company and Yorkshire’s shinning gem Brass Castle. Bronze: Sneeky Wee Orkney Stout, Highland 1872 Porter @ 6.5% ABV, Elland Brewery, Elland, , was crowned Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2015. This is Porter the second time in the last three years that it has won. Creamy Gold: 1872 Porter, Elland full flavoured porter with rich liquorice flavours and a hint of Silver: (joint) Festivities, Bath Ales and chocolate from the roasted malt. A soft but satisfying after taste London Porter, Fuller’s of bittersweet roast and malt. Bronze: Deep Dark Secret, Blakemere

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 11 1963 was a remarkable year, noted for a “big freeze” during winter, burst pipes, frozen milk sticking out of bottles, no central heating then, just blazing chimneys full of black smoke. In the summer the Spanish City juke box in Whitley Bay, surrounded by schoolgirls, echoed to “yeah yeah yeah” as the Beatles topped the charts with She Loves You.

On the evening of Friday, 6th December, 1963 (8 BC)* seven disgruntled beer drinkers gathered in the Rising Sun pub in Epsom. Their concern was the growing decline in both quality and palatability of beer. This they felt was due to the increasing use of gas pressure dispense and the introduction of keg beers. They deplored the policies of the big brewers who, by forcing the sale of beer from ‘sealed dustbins’ were threatening the availability of traditional draught beer. The seven drinkers decided to form a society with the purpose of drawing attention to their plight - and so the SPBW was born.

47 years later I was in Halifax sourcing a CAMRA pub crawl when a visit to Dirty Dicks revealed an award displayed on the wall from SPBW. Their website (SPBW.com) was interesting reading.4 years later an enthusiastic chat with Rob Shacklock sowed the seeds for the creation of SPBW North East Branch. The Branch area is from Berwick down to Teesside. An enjoyable trip to the White Rose Cooperage Wetherby ensued and I collected my own wooden cask. The Bacchus The branch had its first meeting at the Bacchus, Newcastle and we returned there to christen the cask which was filled with Billy Mill from Three Kings Brewery and sold out in 3 hours.

Ewan McCann owner of Three Kings Brewery recognised a commercial opportunity and purchased 10 casks which are in constant demand. Maxim, Wylam, and Free Trade Inn have recently purchased some casks.

Rob Shacklock and I recently attended the 51st anniversary of SPBW at the Rising Sun at Epsom. We built a lot of Bridges and the National Weekend in November is going to Oddfellows Beer Festival be hosted by our Branch.

12 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 A beer festival with all 12 beers from the wood was held at Oddfellows in North Shields Friday 17th October - Sunday 19th October 2014 and is to be repeated at 30th April 2015 to 4th May 2015 when is it hoped to source beer from the wood from outside the area. A Christmas Wood Wander was very popular with the specially chosen pubs all selling beer from the wood.

A similar outing was enjoyed at Darlington. Our Branch meeting was held at the highly rated real ale emporium Darlington Snooker Club, followed by visits to Number 22, Half Moon, Quaker House, Tapas Bar all of whom hosted beer from the wood. Our January meeting was a train trip to Haltwhistle Comrades - visitors most welcome – we tucked into Pie N Peas washed down with Hadrian Gordon’s wooden cask Border Farne and Westoe IPA both from the wood, which were in pristine condition. On the way home we stopped off at Bridge End Ovingham (Irene kindly saw we were well fed as well as watered) Shieldsmans Bitter (3.8%) and Billy Mill (4%) both off the wood kept us busy indeed we enjoyed the visit so much stayed another hour before finishing at the Boathouse Wylam for more Shieldsman and Billy Mill. At the time of writing the Branch has acquired its own cask as has Rob Shacklock and were christened at the Beamish Hall Winter Beer Festival in January. Unfortunately we visited on the Saturday and the Maxim Brewery Maximus had sold out on the Friday night!

Awards presentation night The branch has 22 active members who recently voted on several awards, results as follows:-

Pub of the Year: Oddfellows North Shields Club of the year: Borough of Tynemouth Unionist Club North Shields Brewery of the year: Three Kings North Shields Beer of the year: Hale Ale

Our next meeting is at the Maltings, South Shields Saturday 7th March 2015 when more beer from the wood will be available and we also hope to visit the Steamboat who hope to have beer from the wood.

*(BC = before CAMRA)

Gordon Heal

Branch members enjoying beer from the wood

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 13 14 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 A couple of weeks before Given its nickname then was Christmas what had been “The Spit & Vomit” this was a role O’Neill’s ‘Irish pub’ on Neville it was seemingly well suited to. Street, directly opposite the main As Brian Bennison wrote in his entrance to the Central Station in book Heady Days: The Central Newcastle city centre. Reverted Area v. 1 (A history of Newcastle’s to its old name of Victoria Comet public houses) - “Its clientèle and re-opened after a very stylish became rather limited and was refurbishment by respected pub characterised by someone who operator Nicholson’s, as their knew the pub well as ‘railwaymen most northerly pub in England. upstairs and villains downstairs’.

What’s more it’s two handpulls Since those days the pub has had grown to eight with regulars been a Yates Wine Lodge then Durham; White Gold, Nicholson’s; a Durty Nelly’s before becoming Pale Ale (brewed by St. Austell an O’Neill’s in the mid-90s and and clearly indicated as doing so restricted itself to the ground floor on the pumpclip – why can’t all only. (Nicholson’s though have other pub owners do the same?) plans to bring back into use the and Sharps Doom Bar. There are upper one as a Get Carter themed also generally four guest beers restaurant). In fact over the years with Adnams; Broadside, Black Get Carter has been re-made too Sheep; Best Bitter, Harviestoun; with Sylvester Stallone starring in Bitter & Twisted, and Pure UBU the version set in Seattle, which all noted amongst them recently. was once actually voted the worst remake of all time. While the building apparently dates back to the mid-to-late Naturally the re-vamped pub 19th Century when two separate has some interesting Get Carter establishments occupied the site. memorabilia on display and very Indeed The Victoria Hotel and The attractive lighting from its eye- Comet Hotel were only merged catching chandeliers which along into one by Deuchars in 1929. Its with the plentiful dark stained real call to fame, to those in the wood creates a warm welcoming know anyway, came about when ambience. British style food it featured in the classic British which I’m sure Jack Carter would gangster movie Get Carter (1971) approve of is now the mainstay of with Michael Caine in the starring the menu. As would he the new role as Jack Carter. Here it was well polished butcher’s block high that a very young Alun Armstrong tables (to watch over the whole served the revenge seeking room while seated perhaps?). London enforcer who had returned to Tyneside on ‘personal business’. John Holland

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 15 TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND PUB AND CLUB OF THE YEAR

Tyneside Pub Tyneside Cider of the Year Pub of the Year Bodega, Newcastle Free Trade Inn, upon Tyne Byker Presentation Presentation on Wednesday on Thursday 11th March, 7.00pm 19th March, 7.30pm

North North Northumberland Northumberland Pub of the Year Cider Pub John Bull Inn, of the Year Alnwick John Bull Inn, Alnwick Presentation Presentation on Tuesday on Tuesday 31st March, 8.00pm 31st March, 8.00pm

South East South East Northumberland Northumberland Pub of the Year Cider Pub Three Horse Shoes, of the Year High Horton Three Horse Shoes, Presentation High Horton on Saturday Presentation 21st March, 6.00pm on Saturday 21st March, 6.00pm

16 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND PUB AND CLUB OF THE YEAR

South West South West Northumberland Northumberland Pub of the Year Cider Pub Boathouse of the Year Inn, Wylam Tannery, Hexham Presentation Presentation on Wednesday on Saturday 25th March, 8.00pm 9th May, 4.30pm

Tyneside Club Northumberland of the Year Club of the Year Newcastle Cricket Comrades Club, Club, Jesmond Haltwhistle Presentation on Friday Presentation 10th April, 7.00pm on Saturday 9th May, 12.00pm

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 17 Hadrian Border Brewery THEdukeoF WELLINGTON

Deliveries every week to Edinburgh in the north, Darlington and Middlesbrough in the south and across the Scottish Borders, – plus of course daily around Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. Tel: 0191 264 9000 for a list of our products HIGHBRIDGE NEWCASTLE NE1 www.hadrian-border-brewery.co.uk drinkdukewelly www.thedukeofwelly.co.uk thedukeofwelly

In the Good Beer Guide since 2012

MADE IN SMALL BATCHES FINEST INGREDIENTS TRUE CASK CONDITIONED Delivered directly and through SIBA DDS in the north and by good wholesalers nationally. hexhamshire.co.uk • 01434 606 577 e Queen Victoria Enjoy our beers in our pub, the DIPTON MILL INN Gosforth High Street with delicious home cooked food – diptonmill.co.uk 6 real ales 1 real cider Dipton Mill Road, Hexham NE46 1YA

18 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 Paul Francis Wilson, local artist, was commissioned last year by Dr Ian Lee, Branch Chairman, to paint a scene from the 38th Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival 2014 (above), to commemorate the branch’s 40th anniversary.

Paul has painted for most of his life, now specialising in watercolours. He took up painting full time after finishing work in 1990. Since then he has had many exhibitions in the region. These include 2 at the Literary and Philosophical Society, 2 in the Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University, Newcastle Central Library, Laing Art Gallery, the Links Art Gallery in Whitley Bay and the Wooden Doll in North Shields for 15 years. Paul has had a stall in Tynemouth Market, on a Sunday morning, for the last 5 years. As well as this commission, Paul has done over 35 other commissions for various people since 1990, in oils as well as watercolours.

Paul and his wife Maria, have lived in the Gateshead area since 1982. Dr Ian Lee, his wife Cath and their family, became neighbours in 1985. In that time both families have become close friends. During the last 5 years Paul and Maria have become active members in the Tyneside & Northumberland Branch of CAMRA, regularly attending Beer Festivals, meetings and social events.

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 19 20 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 THE BREWERY AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Tofino is a tiny town in Canada: 1500 They both enjoyed the Spruce Tree Ale (5% people. Travel from Vancouver takes a ABV, includes freshly-picked sitka spruce day on ferries and buses or car. It’s at tips) – totally right for the forest setting – the end of a remote peninsula where and Rob liked the Kelp Stout (6% ABV), the next stop is Japan. But it’s worth made from locally harvested seaweed. the effort – and one reason is the The IPA was another enjoyable beer Tofino Brewery. CAMRA members Rob (golden, citrus, pine, 7.5% ABV, their other Creswick and Olwyn Hocking enjoyed descriptive term was “lobotomy”). Sadly finding out more on a recent trip to the Cosmic Wave Double IPA (9% ABV) Vancouver Island. wasn’t due to be on until after they left. Olwyn and Rob This micro brewery opened five years The Tuff session pale ale (5% ABV) is ago. Already their beers are in more made from Pacific northwest hops and than 200 shops and restaurants/bars has a toasty malt flavour and copper throughout British Columbia, stretching colour. Its name reflects the nickname of as far as Kelowna, capital of the wine- Tofino – Tuff City. Its history is fascinating, growing Okanagan area (which Olwyn an outpost reachable only by sea until and Rob also visited, for sampling of a a logging road was broken through the different kind!). The word “industrial unit” mountain range down the centre of doesn’t quite do justice to an location Vancouver Island. This long bumpy route in dense temperate rainforest, close to was opened to intrepid travellers (for signs warning you to “respect” the local weekends only) in the 1960s, and so this Be very afraid wildlife: bears, wolves and cougars. beautiful Pacific coast area only opened But that’s where the founder owners to tourists fairly recently. They’ve made Chris Neufield, Bryan O’Malley and up for it since, with more than a million Dave McConnell set up the brewery, as people visiting each year. Sea fishing, a labour of love. Brewmaster was Dave surfing, birdwatching and boating are Woodward until about a year ago, and amongst the many activities that tempt Bryan has this vital role. Hannah who also people to make the long journey. The works at the brewery told us: “Our future glorious wilderness around makes this a plans are to increase production (we are very environmentally-conscious area. It getting larger tanks this Spring) and to was the scene of one of the largest (and expand sales throughout the province.” longest) mass protests in the 1990s when Lots of bottle more than 900 people were arrested for Visitors to the brewery can sample four non-violent obstruction over ten years beers on tap, plus buy seven regular of loggers seeking to destroy forests brews in bottles, with other seasonal ales thought to be up to 2000 years old. Power available. The friendly bar atmosphere is hydro-electric, and the brewery has was misleading: Rob was horrified to find developed a water recovery programme. they didn’t have a pub licence, so after Its spent grain is used to feed farm sampling reaches a litre, takeaway is your livestock and passed to local gardeners only option. Screw top bottles can be for compost. purchased to take home beers, ranging from small to Growlers (1.89 litres/ 64oz). You can torture yourself by finding World’s end Like all the merchandising, these are out more about this remote pleasure really attractively designed – so Rob’s by looking at the pictures and well-trained glass recycling earned a pet descriptions on their website: lip from Olwyn who’d hoped to bring www.tofinobrewingco.com them home as mementoes.

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 21 Campaigning for real ale, pubs & drinkers’ rights since 1971

PUBCO REFORM CAMPAIGN WIN! In total 212 MPs signed up to support our Trying to divert the blame from pubco’s in a campaign and debates with MPs such as debate on 4 December 2014 he blamed the Thanks to the support of over 8,000 CAMRA Toby Perkins, Greg Mulholland and Heather growing number of teetotal Muslims for the members and campaigners who lobbied Wheeler were held to promote reforms decline of the British pub. their MP, MPs voted to introduce a market at the main Party Conferences.” It was our rent only option for licensees tied to the campaigning that made Government take Citing CAMRA The Independent newspaper large pub companies – as part of the Small on board what was going on: www.gov. reported on 4 December 2014“It amendment Business, Enterprise & Employment Bill. The uk/government/news/publicans-to-get-a- allows for pub tenants to opt out of being Government was defeated by 284 votes fairer-deal required to sell only alcohol provided by to 259 with MPs from all parties voting in their pub company and follows a long- favour of a new clause to the Small Business “Publicans who are currently tied to large pub running campaign by the Campaign for Real Bill that will empower pubco licensees to companies say they are struggling to make a Ale (CAMRA). The body’s research found that choose between a tied agreement and a decent living, and more than half say they are a pub company have been charging tenant market rent only agreement; allowing them earning less than the minimum wage. landlords as much as £150 for an 11 gallon to buy beer on the open market. This will keg of lager, compared with a wholesale help deliver more investment in your local Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and price of £84. “ In the Lords’ debate business pubs, better choice and ultimately fewer Business Secretary Vince Cable today (3 June minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe said the pub closures. The new amendment follows 2014) announced that the government will Government would accept the change in the Government’s decision to introduce a give publicans new rights under a statutory the legislation as voted through by the Pubs Adjudicator and Statutory Code to code, and set up an independent adjudicator House of Commons. However, Greg protect thousands of licensees from unfair with the power to resolve disputes. Mulholland has criticised the government’s business practices in the pubs industry rewording of the market-rent only provisions earlier this year. This extraordinary win would The adjudicator will have powers to enforce in the Commons amendment. Before a bill not have been possible without the support the new code, arbitrate disputes, carry out can become law both Houses of Parliament of CAMRA members and campaigners who investigations into alleged breaches and need to agree exactly on the wording. Usually have backed this campaign for over ten impose sanctions on pub owning companies the Lords bows to the Commons as the years. So thank you for all your support. if they fail to comply.” elected chamber. But with time running out before the general election let us hope the With so many pubs threatened (see previous That was a major step forward as CAMRA bill will not fail due to lack of parliamentary editions about CAMRAs campaigns to save wanted a better deal for landlords tied to time. March will be critical when the bill pubs and thereby the wide availability of the big pubcos which is defined as having returns to the Report Stage in the Lords for a good quality real ale (or real cider and perry 500 pubs or more. THE FIGURE OF 50% OF line by line examination on the 3rd.. if you are so inclined )here is a good news TIED PUB LANDLORDS EARNING BELOW THE While the British Beer and Pub Association story: CAMRA makes a difference. At the time MINIMUM WAGE IS STAGGERING. (BBPA) has said it would accept the market- of writing a bill is going through Parliament rent only option will become law, some of that will make easier for tenants in tied pubs Pubco groups of that size include Enterprise the larger pubcos may try to go for a legal and thereby make more available real ales. Inns, Punch Taverns, Admiral Taverns, Greene challenge under the Humans Rights Act. And likely to be cheaper.” King and Marstons. But they can only do that once the bill has become law. “The long 10-year campaign road to reach The bill went to the House of Lords where, this result has seen CAMRA contribute to four Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, a non- Anyway, do not be surprised if CAMRA is Business Select Committee investigations, executive director of Marstons plc from asking you again to raise your voice for real several high profile Parliamentary debates, 2002-2014 tired to water down the will ale and community pubs. To strengthen our a Government consultation, an Office of Fair of the elected chamber by introducing campaigns, why not join CAMRA anyway Trading Super Complaint and numerous amendments to make exemptions possible rallies in Parliament. from the market-rent only option for tied pub Hubert Gieschen landlords if the pubco makes an investment [email protected] CAMRA members and branches have in the pub. The way I see it, this means the distributed half a million beer mats and tied landlord on top of having to pay a posters promoting the campaign in pubs high rent will effectively have to subsidise and sent 8,000 letters to MPs on this issue the pubco. As we all know its not just the in the last year alone! And the most recent market rent but also the high prices pubcos activity saw a petition reach nearly 45,000 charge their tenants for a very limited choice signatures which was handed to the Business of beers. Department.

22 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 Campaigning for real ale, pubs & drinkers’ rights since 1971

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED

We need you to lobby your MP immediately to achieve a third cut in the beer duty.

On 10th March the Chancellor will present the budget. This has happened in two consecutive years supporting pubs and beer drinkers. There is no reason it should not happen again. There are two ways to lobby your MP: 1. Write to your MP. This letter should have been included in What’s Brewing, but you can also print it out here. All you need is the name of your MP, an envelope and a stamp. You’ll also need to insert your address so your MP knows you are a constituent! You can find out your MPs name here by putting in your postcodewww.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/ or 2. Lobby your MP online. www.camra.org.uk/beer-tax It just takes two minutesScrapping to lobby your MP. the Beer Duty Escalator SCRAPPING THE BEERand DUTY two ESCALATOR beer duty AND TWOcuts BEER have: DUTY CUTS HAVE:

Saved Created Saved hundreds thousands pub goers of pubs of new jobs money from closure

IssueTo : 231 • Spring 2015 From: 23 MP Your Address House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Postcode February 2015

Dear MP

As your constituent I am writing to ask you to urge the Government to consider a further GYXMRFIIVHYX]EX&YHKIXß The beer duty cuts in 2013 and 2014 have been hugely beneficial in keeping pub pints affordable, supporting the growth of Britain’s breweries, creating jobs and saving pubs which [SYPHSXLIV[MWILEZIGPSWIHß It is crucial that this progress is not undone. Any increase in beer duty in 2015 will threaten growth in the industry and risk continued investment in community pubs and breweries. Please therefore back action to support beer in the 2015 Budget by: ˆ7MKRMRK)(1&IIVß(YX]&YHKIXMJ]SYEVIEFPIXSERH ˆ;VMXIXSXLI'LERGIPPSV+ISVKI3WFSVRIYVKMRKLMQXSFEGO&VMXMWLßFIIVßERHTYFW Even if you do not sign EDMs, please write to the Chancellor on my behalf.

I trust I can count on your support.

Name

Signed CUT OUT & SEND 24 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 BOOK REVIEWS BY MARTIN ELLIS

Beer A Global History Wood, Whiskey and Wine: Gavin D. Smith A History of Barrels Hardback £9.99 Henry H. Work Hardback £20.00 The title of this book really does sum-up what the book is about, it looks at beer from a Aware that there is a great resurgence in world-wide and historical perspective. Gavin interest in beers being served from the wood, Smith explores and celebrates the heritage with an active local branch of the Society for of beer from its earliest origins through to the Preservation of Beers from the Wood, this current trends. book caught my eye. Obviously the book is about barrels in the main and beer is a thread At first glance the book appears to be a ‘gift to the book. book’ which will be light and entertaining with wide appeal to beer lovers. At second The starting point for the book is over 2,000 glance it is clear that it is a book that it is a years ago with Celtic tribes of northern Europe. ‘gift book’ that has depth and is entertaining. It looks at the use of barrels in history and how they became essential for world trade, Many readers will enjoy the illustrations, changing the face of the global economy. I particularly like the illustrations that accompany the chapters that explore the The Celts, Romans and the middle ages history of beer. The section on great beer are covered in depth. The development of brands will have less appeal for Canny Bevvy manufacturing processes and materials is also readers, however they may be pleased to see a key part of the history of the barrel. that Newcastle Brown is included and the reader is correctly informed that it is no longer This is a book that people who love television brewed in Newcastle. history programmes will enjoy and find interesting. If you enjoy wine, beer or whisky it The beer cocktails are a bit of fun, I notice is added interest, but primarily this is a book that there is a Breakfast Beer Cocktail No. 2 for arm chair history fans. but no number 1 – perhaps Smith doesn’t like No. 1? A well researched book that succeeds in presenting detailed historical and sometimes scientific information so that it is an enjoyable read.

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 25 4

1 5

2 6

3 7

Do you recognise these pubs? Then send your answers to [email protected]. The closing date for entries is 31st March, 2015. The first 3 correct entries received will win a free admission pack (worth £10) to this year’s Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival. The winners and answers will be shown in the next issue.

26 Issue 231 • Spring 2015

10.

5. Tokyo Hen Speckled Old

9.

4. Pygmalion Night Owl Night

8.

3. Los Angeles Los Newcastle Brown Ale Brown Newcastle

7.

2. Bones Leicester

6.

1. Eddie Redmayne Eddie Adnams

Answers:

Canny Bevvy Quiz by Baz Lite Beer

1 Broadside, Explorer and Ghost Ship are ales associated with which brewery?

The re-internment of King Richard III is due to take place 2 on 26 March 2015 at which English Cathedral?

It was announced by Heineken in February 2015 that the recipe of which 3 famous bottled beer is to change?

4 Gerry Rafferty had two UK top ten hits; Baker Street was one, name the other?

Which popular bitter was first brewed in 1979 by Morland Brewery in Abingdon 5 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MG car company setting up there?

Who plays the part of Stephen Hawking in the 2014 film The Theory of 6 Everything?

7 What are ossicles and osselets?

Which is the only American city to have hosted the Summer Olympic Games 8 on two occasions?

9 Which George Bernard Shaw play is named after a legendary King of Cyprus?

10 Haneda and Narita airports serve which major city?

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 27 If you are a licensee and would like to join the scheme or would like some more information, or you are a customer and know of a pub which regularly sells local beers, please contact the Pubs Officer Colin Anderson via [email protected]. All new additions shown in red.

Allendale Eglingham Matfen Old Hartley Golden Lion Hotel Tankerville Arms High House Farm Delaval Arms Allenheads Eighton Banks Visitor Centre Ovingham Allenheads Inn Waggon Inn Meldon Bridge End Inn Alnmouth Embleton Dyke Neuk Ponteland Hope & Anchor Greys Inn Mickley Blackbird Alnwick Felling Glenside Rennington John Bull Inn Old Fox Morpeth Horseshoes Inn Tanners Arms Wheat Sheaf Black Bull Slaley Alwinton Gateshead Joiners Arms Rose & Crown Rose & Thistle Central St Marys Inn South Gosforth Bedlington Sage Tap & Spile Millstone Red Lion Gosforth Newcastle upon Stamfordham Birtley Border Minstrel Tyne City Centre Swinburne Arms Bacchus Bowes Incline County Thropton Bodega Country Pub & Hotel Job Bulman Three Wheat Heads Bridge Hotel Blaydon Queen Victoria Bridge Tavern Tynemouth La Taverna Greenhaugh Barca Holly Bush Inn Broad Chare Blyth Centurion Copperfields Haltwhistle Olivers Charles Grey Dolphin Haltwhistle Comrades Club Post Office Crown Posada Hugos at the Coast Milecastle Inn Wallaw Crows Nest Lola Jeans Byker Heaton Duke of Wellington Priory Cumberland Arms Chillingham Lady Grey’s Salutation Free Trade Northumberland Hussar Lola Jeans Tynemouth Lodge Hotel Catton Hedley on the Hill New Bridge Wark Crown Inn Feathers Old George Inn Battlesteads Hotel Choppington High Horton Percy Arms West Thirston Swan Three Horse Shoes Pleased to Meet You Northumberland Arms Corbridge Kenton Bank Foot Redhouse Whitley Bay Dyvels Inn Twin Farms Sausage Emporium Briar Dene Stand Comedy Club Cornhill on Tweed Langley Strawberry Wylam Collingwood Arms Carts Bog Inn Three Bulls Head Black Bull Cramlington Longhorsley Town Wall Linden Tree John the Clerk Trent House of Cramlington Low Fell Newton Plough Gateshead Rugby Club Duke of Wellington Dipton Mill Lindum Club North Shields Dipton Mill Inn Tap @ Carters Well Low Lights Tavern Low Newton-by-the-Sea Earsdon Oddfellows Ship Inn Beehive Pub & Kitchen Cannon Inn

28 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 OBITUARY GEOFF BROOKER Geoff Brooker – landlord of the Dipton Mill, owner of Lightside. He also created beers for the Tynedale Beer Festival Hexhamshire Brewery and long-time CAMRA member, sadly (Liquidity) and a beer (Tyde Marque) for a local folk group. died in January, aged 67. Hexhamshire’s family of beers plus the occasional winer ale Old Humbug are a range of beers that Geoff considered Many knew him as the landlord of the Dipton Mill, an award would ensure that there would be a beer for every palate. winning pub just outside of Hexham, which he ran with his wife Janet since the late 1980s. Customers were greeted Geoff was also a CAMRA member, on many occasions by Geoff at the tiny bar, with Janet working in the kitchen. over the years he has welcomed the branch. I have warm The pub has won awards for its food from a number of memories of our last visit when he was enthusiastically organisations on top of many CAMRA awards recognising preparing unleavened bread for his curry evening. He told what a great pub the Dipton Mill is for beer drinkers. Geoff me how he had been presented with traditional recipes from talked about himself as if he was a grumpy, old landlord, I an Asian woman living in the Tyne Valley, which Janet and remember Geoff using the term ‘old humbug’ to describe himself had learned to cook for their curry nights. They had himself. However, Geoff was a positive ‘pint half full’ type of perfected a range of interesting and varied dishes which have bloke, friendly and easy to talk to. New customers found him become a popular attraction. Geoff, although running one of welcoming, returning customers were reassured to see him our smaller breweries, always and he was a friend to many regulars. Hexhamshire Brewery advertised in the CannyBevvy, he was set-up at the start of Britain’s micro brewing explosion was keen to support the branch over 20 years ago. Geoff’s philosophy about running a micro- and CAMRA. Geoff was lovely, brewery was to brew a small range of beers and get them down to earth man who created ‘right’. He told me on more than one occasion that he thought great beers, he ran a great pub it was better to concentrate on ensuring consistency and high with his wife Janet. He will be standards than experimenting. Geoff was a bit hesitant about fondly remembered by the many entering a beer in the 2010 Newcastle Beer Festival Battle of who enjoyed meeting him. Photograph by kind permission the Beers competition, he was thrilled to win with his entry of James Byrne Photography CAMRA DISCOUNT SCHEME All new additions shown in red

BORDER MINSTREL, Gosforth THE BLACKBIRD, Ponteland 20p off a pint and 10p off a half pint of all cask ales 20p off a pint and 10p off a half pint of all cask ales and real cider COPPERS 8 TILL 8, Gosforth 10% discount on all bottled beers COPPERFIELDS (GRAND HOTEL), Tynemouth totalling £20 or more 20p a pint off all cask ales. THE COUNTY, Gosforth TURKS HEAD, Tynemouth 30p off a pint of all cask ales. 10% off a pint and a half pint off all cask ales and real cider NORTHUMBERLAND HUSSAR, Heaton 30p off a pint, 20p off 2/3 of a pint and 10p THE ANSON, Wallsend off 1/3 of a pint of all cask ales and real cider. 20p off a pint and 10p off a half pint of all cask ales. THE CROW’S NEST HOTEL, Newcastle THE LONSDALE, West Jesmond 10% off a pint of all cask ales. 10% off a pint of all cask ales. JUNCTION, Newcastle THE BEACON, West Monkseaton 10% off a pint of all cask ales. 20p off a pint of all cask ales. UNION ROOMS, Newcastle If you know of any pubs or clubs offering discounts to 20p off a pint and 10p off a half pint of all cask ales CAMRA members in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside TRENT HOUSE, Newcastle and Northumberland, then please contact the Editor at 20p off a pint and 10p off a half pint of all cask ales. [email protected]

Issue 231 • Spring 2015 29 ))))) LAST ORDERS MEMBERSHIP FIGURES FUTURE FUTURE

The North East Region has 3,301 (3,194) members ARTICLES SPECIAL ISSUES Darlington Branch has 394 (380) members Family Pubs Winter Beers Durham Branch has 677 (668) members Dog Friendly Pubs Beer Festivals Sunderland & South Tyneside Branch has 576 (528) members Seaside Pubs Summer Beers Tyneside & Northumberland Branch Country Pubs Students has 1,654 (1,618) members Heritage Pubs If you have any suggestions CAMRA National Membership is now Pub Walks for either Future Articles over 168,553 (168,540) members and Future Special Issues, Pubs by Metro then contact the Editor, at (Figures correct at 28th February 2015. Previous figures from last issue shown in brackets). Pubs by Bus [email protected]

If you have a complaint about any unfair trading practices, such as short measures, beer quality, overcharging, service or misleading product promotions, you should firstly inform the publican. If however you do not get a satisfactory response, then CAMRA recommends that you contact your local Trading Standards office. Contact details listed below. City of Newcastle upon Tyne, Tel. 0191 211 6129. Gateshead, Tel. 0191 433 3987. North Tyneside, Tel. 0345 200 0101. Northumberland, Tel. 01670 534 585.

If you have enjoyed reading this If you would like to receive a copy of issue and you wish to become a Canny Bevvy, then contact the Branch member of CAMRA, then please Secretary at [email protected] complete the “Join CAMRA Today” Send an A5 size stamped addressed form, which is on the back cover envelope. of this issue.

30 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 Issue 231 • Spring 2015 31 F A Campaign of Two Halves air dea on beer Save l t Britain’s ax no Pubs! w! Join CAMRA Today Complete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription. Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to the: Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW. Your Details Direct Debit Non DD Title Surname Single Membership £24 £26 Forename(s) (UK & EU) Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Joint Membership £29.50 £31.50 (Partner at the same address) Address For Young Member and other concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call Postcode 01727 867201. Email address I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Tel No(s) Articles of Association Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) I enclose a cheque for Title Surname Signed Date Forename(s) Applications will be processed within 21 days Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Email address (if different from main member) 01/15

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