MINUTES OF THE SWALE CAMRA BRANCH OPEN BUSINESS MEETING HELD ON 13TH DECEMBER 2023 AT 7.30PM AT THE PILOTS REST, SHEERNESS PRESENT: (10 MEMBERS): Les Bailey, Steve Bennion, Steve Bury (Chairman), Mary Cross, Howard Gates, Simon Ing, John Kent, Paul Kent, Nigel Mills and Andy. APOLOGIES: Lin Gates, Tony Hayes, John Sissons, and Doris.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 15th NOVEMBER 2023: Considered, noted, agreed as a factual record of proceedings and signed off by Steve Bury.

MATTERS ARISING: No matters arising.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Steve Bury reported that consideration needed to be given at the next meeting to compiling the short list of pubs to be surveyed for consideration for entry in the Good Beer Guide 2025. Members agreed that this should include What Pub, National Beer Scoring Scheme returns, and active members own direct input. Steve agreed to work with John Sissons to begin this process. Steve also reported that, due to the lack of a suitable affordable venue, the 2024 Great British Beer Festival would not be going ahead. Planning for its return in 2025 is in hand. The CAMRA AGM takes place in Dundee from 26 – 28th April. Steve said he would be attending and was drafting motions on declaration of dispense information regarding intentionally naturally cloudy beers to avoid erroneous comparisons with poor quality standard beers. Also a motion to require a pint to be 20 fluid ounces of beer excluding any head and the use of lined measures. The meeting indicated that the Branch was inclined to support both these motions. Both the National CAMRA Chair and Vice-Chair had indicated that they would be standing down at the AGM.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Nothing to report since the previous meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Howard reported that the current balance of the Branch Account stands at £1,268.18. The sum of £1,200.00 was remitted to CAMRA HQ. Howard was awaiting a receipt from CAMRA HQ.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT: Mary reported as follows with all figures correct as of 10 December 2023: CAMRA TOTAL MEMBERSHIP – 151, 227 NEW MEMBERS - 822 LAPSED MEMBERS – 1,705 KENT TOTAL MEMBERSHIP – 4,853 NEW MEMBERS - 18 LAPSED MEMBERS – 53 SWALE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP - 368 NEW MEMBERS - 2 LAPSED MEMBERS – 5

SOCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT: John Kent reported that the Branch Xmas Social Trip to Gravesend on 2nd December had been very successful and enjoyable and well attended. The Iron Pier Brewery Tap Room in Gravesend was holding a tasting session on Saturday 20th January. Members were invited to book online directly if they wished to attend. Suggestions for future social events included a Broadstairs pub crawl and a visit to Wantsum Brewery and Tap Room at St Nicholas at Wade.

PUB OFFICERS REPORT: Nigel Mills reported as follows: The Long Hop, Sittingbourne is currently closed due to ongoing problems with repairs to gas mains; The Ship, Conyer is currently shut; The Anchor, Faversham has now re-opened and The Fox and Goose, Bapchild has been sold but it is unclear whether it will re-open as a pub or be converted to flats. WEBSITE OFFICERS REPORT: Howard said he had nothing significant to report. PUB NEWS: The new micropub in Chestfield and Swalecliffe, The Brickfield, has now opened.

EAST KENT DRINKER MAGAZINE UPDATE: Nothing significant to report since the previous meeting.

BREWERY REPORTS: Shepherd Neame: BLO John Kent said that he would arrange a meeting in the new year. The Brewery would be continuing with their Cask Club range and would be brewing two beers for the Spring Wetherspoons Beer Festival.

Mad Cat: BLO Les Bailey said there was nothing significant to report since the previous meeting.

GOOD BEER GUIDE 2025 – BRANCH SELECTION PROCEDURE: See Chairman’s Report.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Howard agreed to set up a Whats App Group for Committee Members to assist with communications. Paul Kent agreed to become Branch Cider Representative.

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS: WEDNESDAY 17TH JANUARY 2024 – 7.30PM - THE YELLOW STOCKS, HIGH STREET, SITTINGBOURNE Note – change of date from the 10th. WEDNESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2024 – 7.30PM - THE MARKET INN, WHITSTABLE ROAD, FAVERSHAM (now confirmed by Les Bailey). Note – Steve Bury indicated that he was unlikely to be able to attend this meeting. The meeting closed at 8.52pm