Twenty-two men and women crammed into the back room at the Queen Inn in Upper Cwmbran for the November meeting of the Gwent Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. I’ve been a member of CAMRA for at least six years but this was the first time I plucked up the courage to attend a meeting.
There was nothing to worry about. I bought a pint of Daemon Red IPA (brewed in Cwmbran by Brew Monster) and found a seat. Several members said hello and smiled before the meeting started. Topics included the next branch magazine that was about to be published and pubs that had opened or closed.
A Christmas social is taking place on Monday 17 December at the Queen’s Head in Chepstow and members were asked to bring food to share.
The 2019 Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival came up and many of the members get involved in
It was a lovely evening. Members stayed around to chat after the meeting closed. I found a group of people who care about pubs and good quality drinks. Imagine if your local pub closed? This meeting was held in a month that where the media had headlines like “More than 25% of UK pubs have closed since 2001.“
But the Gwent branch of the Campaign for Real Ale are doing their bit to improve and celebrate pubs and brewing in this area. If you want to support the campaign it only costs from £25 a year. And if membership isn’t for you maybe it would make a good Christmas gift for one of your relatives?
VIDEO: Why should you join CAMRA?
After the
About CAMRA
With over 188,000 members around the world, the Campaign for Real Ale is considered one of the most successful consumer campaigns ever. Our aim is to have good quality real ale, ciders and perries and to have thriving pubs and clubs in every community.
Join CAMRA- the benefits
It costs just £25 a year if you pay by Direct Debit (or it’s £27). Click here to visit the Join Now page on the CAMRA website.
Members get £20 of JD Wetherspoon vouchers every year and access to a dozen discounts that include:
- 20% of National Express tickets.
- 10% off your first sailing with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
- Up to 49% off entry tickets to some of the UK’s top attractions including Legoland and Alton Towers.
Visit the benefits page on the CAMRA for the full details.
CAMRA’s key campaigns
- Stop tax killing beer and pubs.
2. Secure an effective government support package for pubs.
3. Encourage more people to try a range of real ales, ciders and perries
4. To raise the profile of pub-going and increase the number of people using pubs regularly.