Welcome to Rutland CAMRA
Formed in 2008, we were formerly a sub branch of Leicester CAMRA, we became a full branch in July 2011.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is an independent consumer organisation whose major objectives are to maintain consumer rights and choice with regard to UK beer and pubs. We are a voluntary organisation with over 125,000 members and have been described as the most successful consumer group in Europe. CAMRA promotes good quality real ale and pubs, as well as acting as the consumer's champion in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry.
Welcome
Welcome
Hello and a big welcome to all Imbibers, Tickers,
Beer, Cider and Perry lovers to our website.
Three years ago a few like minded souls decided
that it was time to stand up for our Rutland pubs and its drinkers.
After a few meetings with the three branches of CAMRA which covered
Rutland namely Leicester, Peterborough and Melton, our sub branch was
formed. As you maybe aware we were granted full branch status at our 1st
Multum-in-Parvo Beer Festival last June. Since then we have been
striving to make things better for both the drinker and the publican by
keeping things to the fore with the media, by such things as our pub of
the season, pub of the year, our beer festival and any other way we can
to help our few remaining pubs. It may be a surprise to some that we
only have 59 licensed pubs in Rutland. These compare with over 70 at the
turn of the century, or go back a hundred years or so and Uppingham had
37 with Oakham having 48. How times have changed
A lot of the problems pubs have are due, in part
to the government’s continuous hike in the rate of excise duty on beer
and other alcohol beverages. Pubs cannot survive on just drinkers, food,
pub teams, games and charities form a huge part of a community pub. Did
you know that more monies are raised for charity through the medium of
public houses than any other?
One of the other reasons for a struggling pub is
the unfair tie pub companies have over their tenants. Charging in some
cases three times the amount for a barrel of beer than in the free
trade, to which the licensee has no choice to buy. This joined with huge
rents makes it hard for licensee’s to compete on a level playing field.
So the next time you buy a pint, albeit expensive there may be a real
reason behind it.
The final reason of course is the good old
supermarket of which there are many brands. The fact is when you can buy
a case of beer CHEAPER that the equivalent amount of water then
something is wrong
As a branch we also have a great social side it’s
not all about campaigning. We have trips out to far flung cities to
enjoy a day out with a few scoops thrown in. We have our monthly
meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and 90% of the time
in a different pub. We also have our survey tours around Rutland, in a
mini bus visiting and sampling the delights of a pub or two.
So please if you feel that this welcome has made
you think you would like to become or involved, or just for the social
side of things then join CAMRA to help us fight for your local Pub and
the consumer. If you live in Rutland then you will automatically become
a member of the Rutland Branch. Please use your local as often as time
and finance allow you too, but most of all drink responsibly and enjoy
all what our pubs have to offer.
Food for thought:
If old Harry comes into your local for a couple of pints every
lunchtime and one day he does not show, someone will say whether it is
the landlord, barmaid or customer “where’s Harry?”
Someone will then be dispatched to go and see if all is well.
When the pub has closed down who checks on
Harry….. No one.
Cheers.
Graham Proud – Branch Chairman
The views expressed on this website are not necessarily those of the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, no responsibility for errors and omissions can be accepted.
Last updated 18th May 2012