We write this today with a mix of gratitude for the hard work that has gone into building our branch and a plea for your support as we face a critical juncture.

At the last Branch Meeting on 24th November, several key members of our committee, including the Branch Chair, Beer Festival Organiser, and Pub Database Co-ordinator, made the difficult decision not to stand for re-election at our upcoming Annual General Meeting in April 2024. Their dedication and efforts have been instrumental in shaping the branch we have today.

The news, however, comes with a challenge: the branch currently lacks a secretary, and other major roles remain unfilled. Without volunteers to step into these crucial positions, we find ourselves at risk of the branch ceasing to exist. It is a situation none of us want to see become a reality.

This is not a call for panic but a call for action. We understand the demands on everyone’s time, but the survival of our branch depends on the collective effort of our members.

After the festive season, we will be convening a special meeting to address this urgent matter. We implore each and every member to consider what contribution they can make and to join us at this crucial gathering. The existing committee members, who have graciously served our branch, are more than willing to discuss the roles and responsibilities in detail. If necessary, these discussions can be held in confidence.

The roles that are, or will be, vacant are diverse, ranging from chairing the branch to co-ordinating our beloved beer festival and managing our pub database. However, all the posts below are up for re-election at our AGM in April.

• Branch Chair: As the Chair you would lead the branch, helping to set its direction and encourage local CAMRA members to get involved and enjoy branch activities.
• Vice Chair: As your Branch’s Vice Chair you would support the Chair and deputise in their absence.
• Branch Secretary: Each branch needs a Secretary to prepare for meetings, book meeting venues and to help with running the branch.
• Branch Treasurer: As Treasurer you can use your abilities to keep the branch accounts up to date, help the branch run smoothly and acquire new skills.
• Membership Secretary: As Membership Secretary you would be responsible for recruiting and welcoming new members, helping to retain them and encouraging them to take part in local CAMRA activities.
• Young Members’ Contact: As the Young Members’ Contact you could help to recruit young members, arrange social activities for them and engage with local students to promote real ale and cider.
• Website Co-ordinator: As Website Co-ordinator (Webmaster) you can help promote your branch and its successes by maintaining our branch website.
• Social Media Co-ordinator: As your branch’s Social Media Co-ordinator you can help to raise the branch profile and champion its successes through our social media channels.
• Cider Representative: You could help to promote and campaign for real cider and perry in local pubs and clubs, and help to raise awareness with branch members.
• Pubs Officers x3: We have three pubs officers within our branch, all of which act as Beer Scores (NBSS) Co-ordinators and can take on a role as either Pub Campaigns Co-ordinator, Pubs Protection Officer or Pub Data Co-ordinator.
  • Beer Scores (NBSS) Co-ordinator: As Beer Scores Co-ordinator you would encourage branch members to submit beer scores via the National Beer Scoring System (NBSS) for pubs and clubs within our branch area, analyse them and present information to the branch for deciding annual nominations for the Good Beer Guide and for other purposes.
  • Pub Campaigns Co-ordinator: As the branch Pub Campaigns Co-ordinator you can help to encourage pub use by getting members interested taking part in CAMRA campaigns and some enjoyable campaigning social events.
  • Pub Protection Officer: As the branch Pubs Protection Officer you can help protect protect pubs in our area and campaign to keep them from change or closure
  • Pub Data Co-ordinator: As Pubs Data Co-ordinator for your branch, you’d collect up-to-date information on pubs and clubs and maintain it within CAMRA’s information database.
• Beer Festival Organiser: As Beer Festival Organiser you would be responsible for organising the branch beer & cider festival in accordance with CAMRA’s rules and policy documents and chairing the Festival Organising Committee.

The above roles make up the core structure of our branch however there are additional roles available and more information about these can be found here.

Each role plays a vital part in the continued success and existence of our branch. If you have a passion for our community and a willingness to contribute, your involvement is invaluable.

It is important to emphasise that you don’t need prior experience – just a commitment to the cause and a desire to play a part in preserving the community spirit we’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more details about the special meeting, including the date, time, and venue. Please keep an eye out for this information and make every effort to attend.

Let’s come together to ensure the legacy of our branch lives on. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the roles further, don’t hesitate to reach out to any existing committee member.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your support in securing the future of our branch.