The Newsletter of West CAMRA 1000 copies throughout West Dorset Issue 23 Blair signals 24-hour And that is exactly what the Government is proposing. When they become law, the proposals will effectively mean that pubs can open up to 24 hours a day, subject to pub opening the views of the police and local residents. It will not be a free for all, with all pubs The Government has cleared the way for Britain’s licensing laws are unfair and opening through the day and night. Pubs pubs to open round the clock with the archaic. Many are left over from Lloyd will have to submit a detailed operating biggest shake-up in licensing legislation George’s days when the government plan for the licensing authorities to for 40 years. The recent Queen’s Speech didn’t want factory workers making consider and this must stipulate the hours confirmed that the government is at last bombs when they were drunk. I’m sure they would like to open. It is likely that heeding the wish of the majority and is you’d agree that this pa- t h e huge majority of pubs introducing a bill in the next session to ternal approach has no will only apply for an permit 24-hour pub opening. place in 2002 society extra hour or two at and reform of the law is long weekends. The move has caused some consternation overdue. among health professionals and raised Such a radical change in the law will help concerns about staffing costs with licensees. CAMRA thinks pubs should be able to turn our town centres into areas for all, However the Government has now been open when the landlord pleases, subject to rather than the war zones they have convinced (by the police, licensing bodies proper and consistent controls to protect become on Friday and Saturday nights. and CAMRA) that the benefits far outweigh the public from nuisance pubs. Areas where any one over the age of thirty these concerns. dare not tread.

The current system means that all pubs close at 11pm. Everyone hits the streets at the same time after rushing down ‘one too many’ and queuing for too few kebabs and too few taxis. This leads to tension and overstretches public services such as buses and taxis as well as the police.

CAMRA thinks that problems with binge drinking late at night are a product of restrictive licensing laws. We believe that reform of these laws will actually reduce binge drinking, lead to a more relaxed approach to enjoying alcohol and thereby reduce alcohol related disorder.

The Government is committed to reform- ing licensing law. It’s a Manifesto com- mitment and CAMRA will be pushing hard to make sure the planned new laws become a reality.

A poster from CAMRA’s long-running campaign to change Britain’s archaic licensing laws. Page 2 Ale Shop

Out and about with Rich Gabe Moor Beer for Christmas Where our Social Sec reports on his travels in search of the perfect pint —in this issue he tests out pub accommodation in Cornwall. Once again ‘tis the season to be jolly or it will be by the time you get to read this! So breakfast for the pub. The room we had was are you planning a party or entertaining Room at the Inn very spacious, a kingsize bed, television, during the festive period; I suspect so, if wardrobes and a good size bathroom that not I’m sure you will over indulge – I will I was just flicking through the CAMRA actually had a bath in it and not the routine anyway! newspaper ‘What’s Brewing’, when I came shower! The breakfast was a full English; upon an article announcing that the popular tea/coffee, juice, cereal, toast and a good guide for beer, bed and breakfast ‘Room at fry up; the service was very friendly too- the Inn’ was in the process of being nothing was too much trouble! The cost for compiled by Tim Hampson. I can certainly my wife and me was a reasonable £42. recommend two pubs that I stayed in last summer, perhaps you know of a pub that A world apart and just outside Redruth merits inclusion in the guide; if so Email stands ‘Tricky Dickie’s’ a mine conversion! Tim on [email protected] for a Tricky’s is built on the former Tolgus nomination form. Mount tin mine site, the main bar being part of the old smithy. The pub seemed to be The two pubs I stayed at were ‘The Blue packed at all times; hardly surprising when Anchor’ in Helston and ‘Tricky Dickie’s’ there is a squash court and gym complex on near Redruth both in Cornwall and less the site, as the pounds go on you can work than twenty miles apart, yet totally them off! Have you thought about getting some ‘real different. The bar is a vast open plan affair with a ale” in for the holiday? There are some The Blue Anchor is one of my all time large dinning area taking up most of the fine local breweries in our area such as favourite pubs, a classic Cornish brewpub. space. Don’t get me wrong, Tricky’s is a Palmers, Quay, Ringwood and Goldfinch, The pub’s history can be traced back to the fine pub that serves excellent Sharpe’s but have you thought of something differ- 15th century, and it doesn’t appear to have beers and guest ales, but I would say the ent for Christmas, something you may not changed much over the years. As you walk biggest source of revenue comes from it’s see in the local area as a rule?

in to this thatched pub you step into extensive menu, the food is excellent! Remember the summer when the sun another world. A short corridor with two A short stroll across the car park brings us shone and the days lasted forever? Well I rooms adjacent to the two bars, thick to the accommodation block, a large had a barbecue then and discovered that granite walls and stone floors set the tone bungalow with en-suite rooms. I suppose the ‘Moor Brewery’ in Ashcott, for a basic interior, no gaming machines or you could compare the way everything is had started wholesale distribution of beers television, just the thrum of the Helston set out to a ‘Travel Lodge’, the rooms all from other breweries. locals and the odd spontaneous singsong. I have a toilet and shower, television and said it is a brewpub, be warned all the beers As well as their own range of excellent fitted wardrobes. (known locally as ‘Spingo Ales’) are beers, Moor seem to deal with small brew- There are also conference facilities at very exceptionally powerful. The weakest called eries on quite a large scale - the last list I reasonable prices. The breakfast is ‘Middle’ weighs in at 5% and ‘Special’ the saw had about 25 different breweries on it, continental, lots of fresh fruit, cereals, stronger of the two permanent brews, is offering about 70 different brews, so meats, rolls and various beverages. The 6.6%. One-off brews are produced for there's bound to be something to whet the price for the two of us was £45 per night. special occasions. taste buds! So if your ever down Cornwall I can highly As for the accommodation, its actually recommend both places to stay, but hard to situated next door. ‘No 52’ is an old town leave! three-storey house converted into a bed and

The Dolphin Hotel Park Street, Weymouth Full range of Hopback Beers The ideal venue for social functions/skittles (No alley hire charge)

36pt 18pt The best thing about beer from Moor is that they will split a nine gallon firkin Fantastic deals on our great Summer Lightning £46.50 £24.00 down to four and a half (36 pints). The beers in poly/minipins for your Best Bitter £43.50 £23.00 beer I had was racked ‘bright’ so there GFB £40.00 £21.00 enjoyment at home over the was no wastage and it could be drunk Entire Stout £46.50 £24.00 straight away! festive season and all other Winter Lightning £46.50 £24.00 If you want further details you can phone occasions the Moor Beer Company on (01458) For all beer orders and skittle alley bookings call John, Giles or Emma on 210050 or Email on ar- [email protected]. What are you 01305 786751 waiting for? Ale Shop Page 3

Swift Halves Best in the West (Dorset!) Thanks Dave! Each year members of West Dorset CAMRA vote for the pub and club in the area which they feel deserves the title of pub/club of the year. In 2002 the local winners were Tom Big changes are afoot at the Weatherbury. Browns, Dorchester and The Colliton Club, Dorchester. The local entries are forwarded Licensee Dave Cromack, who has been in the to the Wessex Regional competion and the winner of that contest is put forward for the trade for 24 years, 15 of them at the Weather- pub/club of Great Britain. bury, feels like a change of direction. For the past few years Dave has developed the British Local Club wins Regional Award Pub Accommodation Guide featuring 2500 Congratulations to Neil Gatehouse and staff at the Colliton Club, Dorchester . Not only were pubs in Britain & Ireland and wants to devote they selected by local members as their Club of the Year but they also came top in the Wessex more energy to this project, producing a CD Regional competition. When you consider that the Wessex Region consists of Dorset, Hamp- version. Although not completely finalised, shire, IOW and Channel Islands this was no mean feat. The club usually features six real ales, Dave plans to retain the building but lease out mainly from local brewers and are very keenly priced. Neil’s expertise is also utilised each the pub. year by the local branch for the Dorchester Beerex. CAMRA members can gain entry to the Weymouth drinkers will remember the days club by presenting a current membership card. when the Weatherbury, a consistent Good Beer Tom Browns Guide entry since 1989, was the only real ale outlet in the area where one could sample beers Congratulations also to Goldfinch Brewery owner from all over the UK, this well before the idea Alan Finch for winning the 2002 West Dorset of ‘guest beers’ became popular. The Weather- CAMRA Pub of the Year. The Goldfinch Tap has bury was also the pioneer in the area for hold- been a popular hostelry on the Dorchester scene ing it's own beer festivals, often with unusual since its conception in 1987 and takes the form of an themes. old public bar, wooden bare floorboards accompa-

The local Branch of CAMRA wish Dave and nied by plain wooden tables and chairs. Conversa- Sue all the best in the future and say a big tion rules in this friendly pub only occasionally Tom Brown’s, Dorchester thank you for all the support you have given to disturbed by the ancient, outstandingly good value, proper beer over the years. juke box. The brewery is situated to the rear of the building in what used to be a night club, and is partially visible from the corridor. Three Goldfinch beers are always available. Anyone wishing to know more about the British Pub Accommodation Guide are advised to look up the website at www.stayinapub.com. oo

You name it –we brew it! Dorset is fast becoming the contract brewing county of the UK. Hardy Brewery in Dorches- ter no longer produce any beer of their own but brew name brands of closed breweries Morrells, Ushers and Gibbs Mew. Meanwhile the Badger brewery in Blandford is brewing Flowers IPA and Original for international Submitted by an anonymous contributor ample brewing giant Interbrew. Having been in War- proof that regular consumption of Summer wickshire, Cheltenham, Manchester and now Lightning will remove that unsightly facial hair. Dorset, the Bard on the pump-clip is entitled to be a trifle con- fused. oo

Boddies—cream of Magor ?

At the time of going to press there are concerns that Interbrew are intending to close the Strangeways brewery, long home to Bodding- tons Bitter and move production to its vast plant in North Wales. Having made great play of the Manchester connection during the Com- monwealth Games this seems a touch hypo- critical. What the sexually confused cow will make of this I oo know not.

Beer for breakfast ? A straw pole of local landlords has revealed that there will be very little change when li- censing hours are de-regulated (24 hour open- ing to you and me). At the most we might see an extra hour on Friday or Saturday nights. Of far more concern to licensees is the transfer of CAMRA Pub of the Year 2000 & 2001 control from magistrates to local government ie politicians ! Page 4 Ale Shop

on the Thursday evening when all the beers were judged by a team of 20 volunteers in a A Plethora of Beer Festivals blind tasting session, gradually eliminating It seems to have been one round of beer festivals since the last issue of Aleshop down to a final four. The overall winner was Cottage Brewery’s “Golden Arrow”4.5%, a light coloured ale brewed from Challenger back in 1998; unfortunately due to a number Great British Beer Festival and Golding hops. of factors, adverse weather, inadequate ad- The first week in August sees the ‘biggest vertising etc attendance figures were low and Of all the beers I tasted over the weekend the pub in the world’ set up in London Olympia, not a lot of beer got drunk! following stood out in a class of their own: and the local branch’s social calendar would Archers-Lydham Manor 4.1%; Glastonbury- A lot has changed within the Weymouth real not be complete without our annual pilgrim- Mystery Tor 3.8%; Quay- Organic Gold ale scene since then. The, then fledgling, mi- age. This year we booked a branch table in 4.7%; Skinners- Green Hop 4.2%; Teign- cro brewery ‘Quay’ is now knocking out the members lounge which gave us a guaran- worthy – Spring Tide 4.3%. But of course some fantastic brews, Ringwood and Hop- teed refuge from the hurly burly below on this is just my personnel view! the main floor. back breweries have each purchased and renovated a pub in the town and large pub Over the two days we had an attendance of This event really does get better each year. groups like Wetherspoons have moved into over 500 people in through the doors, which The innovation for 2002 was to split the the town centre. All of these factors helped was a pleasing result. Hopefully this festival main bar into two and increase the floor area give the green light to the second October- will become a regular event complimenting for the customers. The resulting extra space fest. SIBA’s other big April beer festival at Tuck- initially gave the impression of less drinkers ers Maltings in Newton Abbott, an event that The festival was co-organised by the Society but ticket sales figures disproved that. The West Dorset Camra visits every year.(phone of Independent Brewers (SIBA), Brewers beer of the festival was won for the first time the editor for details). by a Scottish brewery. ‘Deuchars IPA’ was a Quay and West Dorset CAMRA this time popular winner and local landlords have not taking place within the heart of the Brewers Finally credit is due to the following people been slow to appreciate it. The Champion Quay complex, on the site of the old Deven- in no preferential order: beer has already made guest appearances in ish brewery. Brewers Quay is now a massive Sue & Penny and the rest of the magnificent Weymouth at the Dolphin and the Boot. tourist attraction with the ‘Time Walk’, a staff at Brewers Quay; Giles Smeath, Chairman of SIBA South West and owner of Quay Brewery for having the courage to do another beer festival; Heather from the cafeteria for letting us commandeer part of her area, Tony from West Dorset CAMRA for his constant enthusiastic approach from the start and all the other members who gave up some spare time to help. Here’s to next year !! Rich

Poole Beer Festival 2002 Hats off to our East Dorset Camra colleagues who over the weekend of the 25th/26th Octo- ber held their annual beer festival at St Ald- helms Hall, Brankesome. This was the fourth festival so far and very good it was to. Rich- ard, our branch chairman and I attended the Saturday lunchtime session, a change from our usual Friday evening visits.

As usual the festival was well attended and I would say the additional space in the mar- quee that was erected in the vicarage garden makes the church hall a lot less claustropho- West Dorset CAMRA ‘on tour’ at the Great British Beer Festival bic than it used to be! This year Palmer’s journey into Brewery of Bridport sponsored the event Weymouth’s past, various craft both financially and practically with four of 1st Dolphin Beer Festival their excellent beers on offer. As well as the August Bank Holiday saw the official open- shops and of course the Quay Brewery itself. ing of Hopback Brewery’s Weymouth pub, range of about 70 beers on offer there was the Dolphin in Park Street. The small, but During the lunchtime sessions the festival cider and continental bottled beers to choose select festival, featured past Best Beer of was situated in the cafeteria area of the com- from. The beer of the festival for me was Britain award winners. Along with this plex surrounded by all of the shops. This was ‘Green Jack- Roaring Boy’ a dangerously year’s winner, Deuchars IPA, other GBBF a particularly good location as we got a lot of drinkable barley wine that weighed in at prize winners in attendance were RCH East interest from passers-by and good feed back. 8.5%; it was so good I had a pint and a half Street Cream, FFF Moondance, Timothy In the evening the shops closed and the festi- of it!

Taylor Landlord and Black Cat Mild. A val spread throughout the indoor ‘street area’ small beer festival maybe, but as they say, giving a very special and unique atmosphere. All correspondence concerning this newsletter beautifully marked !! Bridport musicians played at both evening should be addressed to : Tony sessions. They proved so popular on the Fri- The Editor, Aleshop, 13 Williams Ave, Wyke day night that many customers returned for a Regis, Weymouth DT4 9BW. The Great Western Octoberfest repeat performance on Saturday. Views expressed in this publication are not The weekend of October the 4th and 5th saw a The festival itself was a selection of over 50 necessarily those of the Editor, or the Cam- special event take place in ‘Brewers Quay’, beers from about 25 different breweries plus paign for Real Ale. Weymouth in the form of the ‘Octoberfest’ a large selection of bottled beers from beer festival. Some of you may remember a smaller breweries. A tasting panel took place similar event taking place in Hope Square Ale Shop Page 5

Breweries of Dorset

Hall & Woodhouse Michel Hooper-Immins attends the opening of the new visitor centre at the Badger Brewery in Blandford.

King George III still reigned when farmer Charles Hall founded the Brewery at Ansty in 1777. He supplied ale to the Army, who were camped near Weymouth, fearing invasion by Napoleon. In 1847, his son Robert Hall took benefits in running an operation where we can deliver products direct to the cus- George Woodhouse into partnership following marriage to Robert’s niece tomer. But each part of the business has to and so Hall & Woodhouse was born. stack up on its own; it would be no good The familiar Badger logo was adopted in having a profitable brewery with unprofit- Additional to the cask ales, there are 8 able pubs or vice versa. We always 1875. In 1899, the "new" Brewery was bottled beers including Badger Original, concentrate on a quality product." built on the banks of the river Stour, just Blandford Fly, K&B Cornucipia and K&B outside Blandford Forum. Today Hall & Faygate Dragon. 6 million bottles are sold Expansion is always in the air. "We want Woodhouse is firmly in the ownership of every year. Panda Pops account for 29% to become the top brewer in the South and the Woodhouse family, a proudly inde- of the national soft drinks market and the so well known, that when people come pendent family company with about a new Visitor Centre has a Heath Robinson south, they want to drink Badger ales." hundred pubs in Dorset alone, on which sort of machine that for 10p., allows you There has been a concentration on larger £5m has been spent on improvements. 225 to mix, flavour and carbonate your own and better quality pubs, "with smaller years on, the great great grandson of bottle of pop! units it can be difficult to attract the sort of George Woodhouse, Managing Director talented people we need." David Woodhouse is the fifth generation I chatted to Managing Director David Real ale is wrongly said to be in decline, to lead the flourishing enterprise, one of Woodhouse in the restful atmosphere of as national brewers move more towards the top breweries in the South, with a the Company’s headquarters, a building of gassy creamflow. "In the last 18 years, formidable pub estate of 257, employing character topped by a clock tower. Born in half the pubs in Britain have changed over 2000. David Woodhouse has counted Blandford, David began in 1984 as trainee hands and the customer base has changed 9 different monarchs and 63 changes in Area Manager, before becoming a Direc- greatly. 50% of British brewing is now Prime Minister since 1777. tor in 1988. Married to Sarah, a Northum- foreign owned." Famed for good quality berland girl, they have three young and tasty real ale, Hall & Woodhouse has The Visitor Centre opened on 18 October, children Jake, Tatiana and Rex. maintained sales of cask ales and produces a spectacular conversion of the old wine "Hopefully one day I’ll get them inter- no keg beer. store, with a beer bottle chandelier as the ested in becoming one of the sixth stunning centrepiece. The Wine Shop is generation of brewers here, if they have David Woodhouse oozes enthusiasm for adjacent. Brewery tours start here, the skills." Second cousin Jock Wood- his beers and his pubs. "I get a great buzz Monday to Saturdays. The cost is £4.50 house was Chairman until 1998 and first from going into one of our pubs and including a free pint of beer. Manager cousin Mark Woodhouse is Vice Chair- seeing customers enjoying themselves- I Ashleigh Sowden comes from a successful man. am lucky to be in such a great business." career as a pub Manager. The magic of As I finished my final superb pint of fuggles and goldings hops is explained in Some brewers have ceased running pubs, Badger Best in the sparking new Visitor loving detail and no real ale lover will be but Hall & Woodhouse stays wedded to Centre, I was pleased to salute the nouse able to resist the temptation of a guided the idea of the traditional tied estate. and enthusiasm of the Woodhouse family, trip round the fermenting vessels and David Woodhouse recognises "huge which has made their Blandford company mash tuns.

Head Brewer Tim Morris is rightly proud of his popular Badger range of beers. I delight in the superbly malty Best Bitter [4% ABV,] which has a hoppy and slightly biscuity character. Fruity and spicy Tanglefoot [5.1% ABV] is the strongest of the range. Refreshing Cham- pion [4.6% ABV] sells well in summer and Golden Glory [4.5% ABV] is a relatively new creation, which includes extract of peach blossom. In 2000, Hall & Woodhouse bought Horsham brewer King & Barnes and today matches some of their highly regarded cask beers at Blandford. Sussex Bitter [3.5% ABV,] Mild [3.5% ABV] and Old Ale [4.5% ABV] are shortly to be joined by the famous K&B Festive Ale, a beer I know well. Since November 2001, national brands Flowers IPA [3.6% ABV] and Original [4.3%] are brewed at Blandford, under contract from Interbrew. Page 6 Ale Shop

2003 Good Beer Guide Weymouth Harbour Master ALL Champion now on sale Weymouth Best Bitter Beers in 2002 Weymouth JD 1742 Weymouth Organic Gold ALL brewed by Quay Brewery

BE YOUR OWN JUDGE ...... TRY THEM FOR YOURSELF The Quay Brewery, Brewers Quay, Hope Square, Weymouth. Dorset DT4 8TR Tel 01305 777515 . [email protected]

A (difficult?) quiz Think carefully before you answer.

The 2002 edition of the CAMRA Good 1 Write your name in the square provided. Beer Guide offers a whole new reading and drinking experience for lovers of real 2 How many animals of each species did Moses take into the Ark ? ale. The guide has been overhauled and redesigned from start to finish. There are 3 Some months have 31 days, some have 30. How many have 28 ? still 5,000 of the best pubs in Britain that offer cask beer in tip-top condition, but 4 How far can a dog run into the woods ? 4,000 of the entries now have longer descriptions. Readers will learn more 5 A man built a rectangular house, each side having a southern exposure. A bear about these pubs before they visit them, came wandering by. What colour was the bear ? and will have all the information they need about the food, the history, the 6 Which country has a 4th July; the UK, US or France ? architecture, the facilities for families and children as well as the beer. As always, 7 If you were in a deserted house at night and there was an oil lamp, firewood and the Good Beer Guide features its unique a candle, and you only have one match. Which would you light first ? Breweries section that lists all the brewer- ies -- from micros, to regionals to global 8 How many birthdays does an average man have ? producers -- that make cask and bottle- conditioned beers. Editor Roger Protz 9 Why can’t a man living in York be buried West of the Trent ? gives a no-punches-pulled analysis of the state of the brewing industry, while other 10 You have two coins totalling 11p and one is not a 10p. What are the two coins ? top writers -- Susy Smith of Country Living, Susan Nowak and Jeff Evans -- 11 How much soil, to the nearest cubic inch, is there in a hole measuring 2ft x 1ft x describe the battle to save Britain's 6 inches ? country pubs, the campaign to improve pub food, and the growing number of 12 If 2 monkeys sit in the corner of a square room and look at another 2 in the next bottle-fermented beers. Don't go to the corner and so on for the other corners, how many monkeys could say they were pub without it! The Good Beer Guide looking at other monkeys ? 2002 costs £12.99 from bookshops or direct from CAMRA head office. For 13 Is it legal for a man to marry his widow’s sister ? CAMRA members the price is £9 -- remarkable value, so if you're not a 14 If you drove a bus leaving Weymouth with 40 passengers and dropped off 7 at member of the Campaign, now is the time Chickerell, picked up 9 at Portesham, called at Abbotsbury, where 12 got of and to join! 7 got on and then went on to Bridport. What would the driver’s name be ? The 2002 Good Beer Guide is sponsored by Cask Marque. 15 Tommy’s mother has 3 children. Which one is missing ? 1p – Penny, 3p - ? , If you order direct from CAMRA, send 5p – Bob. cheques made out to "CAMRA" to 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4LW; Ale Shop Page 7

Love Beer? Time to join How CAMRA works Branch Diary National Executive & Regional Directors CAMRA. If you're reading this newsletter the chances No-one on any of CAMRA’s committees Saturday 30th November Christmas brewery visit to Hopback at are that you already enjoy a pint of two in a is paid. All committee members are Salisbury. This trip is fully subscribed at decent pub. But are you a member of volunteers, usually with their own full present but phone Rich on 01305 257914 to CAMRA? If not you're missing out. time jobs and they come from all over the check for cancellations. Also on the above Saturday there is a ‘come If you think all our 60,000 members are country. The National Executive are one come all’ 3-way skittle match’ between middle-aged men with a preference for elected at CAMRA’s AGM & E & W Dorset CAMRA branches and Hopback Brewery staff. Meet Dolphin, beards and woolly jumpers think again! Conference. The term of appointment is Weymouth 2.30pm. CAMRA members come from all walks of no more than 3 years. The current NE live Wednesday 11th December life and from all age groups. If you are under in , Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Open Branch meeting, Bridport. Start Hope 26 you can join us for a mere £8 per year - Edinburgh, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, & Anchor 8pm

that's less than 70 pence a month. Merseyside, Nottingham, Shropshire, Wednesday 8th January Branch Meeting Sherborne. Start Skippers In return you can enjoy a wide range of West Midlands, Yorkshire and Tyneside. 8pm, then Britannia 9pm and Digby Tap. benefits including your own copy of 'What's Regional Directors are appointed by Wednesday 19th February Brewing' our hard-hitting and informative CAMRA’s branches. There are sixteen Branch Meeting Portland. Start George 8pm.

monthly newspaper. You also get discounts regions with a total of 190 branches. The No other firm dates for the coming months on entry to many CAMRA beer festivals and time commitment needed for being a as yet. Call the Social Secretary or consult What’s Brewing on CAM RA products including the best- National Executive member or a Regional TRANSPORT DETAILS selling Good Beer Guide. Director is quite high. A minimum of 10 Please note that seats on our trips are limited Most of all you get to be a part of one of hours per week is usually required. There so to avoid disappointment book you place Britain's most successful consumer groups are nine major (lead) committees which as soon as possible by calling the Social Secretary. Trips are open to anyone who and you are welcome to get involved in local are generally chaired by a NE member and wishes to come along. campaigning and varied social activities. have at least one Regional Director (RD) ADVANCE NOTICE Why should I care? represented. The other committees report MALTINGS BEER FESTIVAL, Many of the issues we campaign on matter into these. The committee members are Newton Abbott Saturday 5th April to you. We are lobbying for a fairer and appointed by the National Executive for The branch will be again running a coach more flexible approach to pub opening specific skills and/or interests. They are next year to this prestigious event, the largest hours. We are working towards new laws on ordinary CAMRA members; most are beer festival in the West country. This trip gets more popular each year. I know it’s a full pints to make sure you don't get ripped active at branch level as well. long way off but all I’m asking at the off in pubs. We campaign to promote choice Travelling expenses are paid and, when moment is for you to give me a call 01305 789906 (or e-mail [email protected]) just and competition to keep the pubs you like required, costs for overnight stays in to register your interest. No deposits just yet, open and the beers you like on the bar. B&Bs can also be reimbursed. The I just need to get some idea of numbers. You could sit back and do nothing. Or you committees meet either mid week None CAMRA members welcome. could put your money where your mouth is. (usually, but not always London) or on a Fill in the form in this newsletter or check us Saturday or Sunday and can be anywhere PUBLICAN HOTLINE out at www.camra.org.uk in the UK. Please inform us of any event you are planning or anything else that ought to feature in Aleshop . Also should you wish to place an JOIN CAMRA TODAY advertisement at excellent rates, please Just fill in the form below and send your remittance (payable to CAMRA) to : contact the editor on 01305 789906 Membership Secretary, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Rd, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW. Alternatively, contact the editor.

Rates are Single: £16, Joint: £19 (at same address), Over 60/Unemployed/Disabled: £9, Dorset Trading Joint Over 60 or under 26: £12 (at same address), Under 26: £9 Date of Birth………….……….. For life/Overseas rates please ask for details. Standards Do you think you have been served a Name(s)……………………………….....…………..…………… short measure ? Is the standard of

Address………………………..…...……..……………………… service not up to reasonable expectation. Is your pint not of ………………………………………..…………………..……. ‘merchantable quality’? Your local trading standards office wants to ……………….………………..…….Post Code……….……. know. Contact them at: 01305 224701 Page 8 Ale Shop

Dorchester Beerex 2003 A Beer Festival not for the faint hearted

An event brought to Dorchester by: Dorchester Round table and West Dorset CAMRA

Venue: Corn Exchange, Dorchester

Dates & times: Friday 7th Feb 2003 11am - 3pm (quiet session) 6pm - 11.30pm (music) Saturday 8th feb 2003 11am - 3pm (quiet session) 6pm - 11.30pm (music) Entertainment: Mad Jocks & Englishmen

Ticket outlets: Dorchester: Tom Browns Pub, Blue Raddle, Headway Charity Shop, Top O’Town, The Dressing Room, Royal Mews, Princes St

Weymouth: Boot Inn, Dolphin Hotel

Or West Dorset CAMRA Tel: 01305 269260 or 01305 772491

More information online at www.DorchesterRoundTable.co.uk/Beerex