Half A Century Of Real Ale: CAMRA South Derbyshire and Burton Celebrate 50 Years at Leopard Inn.
On Wednesday 5th March, The Campaign For Real Ale or ‘CAMRA’, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Burton and South Derbyshire branch’s inaugural meeting.
By Tom Drysdale
Chairman New & Old: Les Stretton and Mike Gibson
I found myself once again on the trail of a local news story, passing through the town centre where the air hinted at the transition from Winter to Spring. I wondered if a similar sense of change had been present 50 years ago as I stood outside the Leopard Inn.
It was in this town centre pub that the Burton and South Derbyshire branch of CAMRA held its first meeting. To commemorate the occasion, past and present CAMRA members gathered to celebrate this milestone. The Leopard Inn marked the event by featuring Butty Bach ale alongside their usual Marston's pale ale offering (Butty Bach sold out quickly!).
Founded in 1971 by four real ale enthusiasts, CAMRA has grown to represent beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK. It promotes the production, availability, and consumption of quality real ale, cider, and perry; advocates for the cultural significance of pubs and clubs as social centres within UK heritage; and champions the benefits of responsible social drinking.
CAMRA achieves this through various means, including organising beer festivals, lobbying the government, and providing awards, pub finders, and guides to assist beer drinkers in their choices.
Established in 1975, the Burton and South Derbyshire branch has since campaigned tirelessly for local pub-goers. Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by Dr. Gary Lock, the branch's membership secretary. Gary proved to be incredibly approachable and friendly, readily introducing me to various members.
Approximately 30 people, of diverse ages and backgrounds, filled the Leopards Inn, all united in their celebration of CAMRA and real ale. They awaited the unveiling of a plaque displaying the original minutes from the inaugural meeting, an honour bestowed upon Mike Gibson, a CAMRA member for 51 years and former branch chair.
CAMRA’s Longstanding Member: Mike Gibson
Mike joined CAMRA in January 1974, inspired by the ‘Boston on Beer’ column in the Guardian, which provided extensive coverage of the organisation at the time.
In 1976, he was elected money secretary, a role he fulfilled for 25 years. "After 20 years, I thought I'd hang on for 25 and call it a day!" he joked. He then served as "pubs officer," working to improve the branch's pub records, and later as chair from 2014 to 2024.
Mike reflected on his time with CAMRA, particularly his tenure as chair. He noted that while some areas were real ale deserts, Burton had always enjoyed a wide range of beers. "Our local campaigning wasn't about wanting real ale—we already had it! We wanted greater choice for pub drinkers."
He also served as chair during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he acknowledged severely impacted the hospitality industry. "COVID screwed up a lot of things. The number of brewers was rising nationally until COVID. In the last couple of years, we've seen a fall."
Despite this, he remained optimistic, highlighting the rise of microbreweries and CAMRA's continued role. "There are some of us who will continue to try and keep things going!"
Going for a Burton? The Local CAMRA magazine
Theo Hollier, editor-in-chief of ‘Going for a Burton?’ the branch's local CAMRA magazine, almost stumbled into his role. After mentioning at a meeting that CAMRA lacked a local magazine, Mike, then chair, suggested he take on the task. The first edition of ‘Going for a Burton?’ was published in Spring 2023.
Theo joined CAMRA seven years ago, following his son's involvement. "I believe in real ale," he stated. "It's the only beer I drink." He considers Burton unique. "Every pub in the town centre serves cask ale," he said, attributing this to CAMRA's influence.
At the bar, I spoke with Chris Fletcher, chair from 1992 to 1997. I was told that all but one former chair had attended the celebration. Chris, who worked in brewing for 40 years, joined CAMRA after attending his first Burton beer festival in 1980.
Our lengthy conversation covered CAMRA and his thoughts on its future, particularly the importance of engaging young people. He sees the future of CAMRA in their ideas and encouraged them to join. "We should survey young people and get their ideas—what do you want?"
While there were young people present, Chris emphasised the importance of generational transition for CAMRA's continued success in Burton.
The conversations paused as the ceremony began. Les Stretton, the current chair, gave a speech and invited Mike Gibson to unveil the plaque. Gary then presented Mike with rare CAMRA memorabilia in recognition of his service. The Leopard Inn also received antique beer memorabilia as a thank you for hosting the 50th anniversary celebration.
Current Chair: Les Stretton
Following the ceremony, a buffet of traditional British fare was served. During this time, I spoke with Les about the evening.
Les revealed that Mike had personally paid for the buffet. He considered the night a success and expressed gratitude to members like Mike and Gary for their support. Les stated that they have a very good branch and rally around CAMRA's cause.
Les, a member for 21 years, grew up immersed in Burton's brewing heritage. His father worked at Marston's Brewery, and he lived in the Marston's cottages. "I used to play in the hop mountains as a child and come home stinking of hops." HE believes CAMRA is responsible for maintaining the quality of beers, ales, ciders, and perries, while also protecting the cultural significance of pubs. With nearly 200,000 members nationwide, they are united in their cause.
Like Mike, he sees the growth of microbreweries as positive for real ale. "You can now come to Burton and find a choice of 30, maybe even 40 different beers, and that's the beauty of it." He added, "We are here, and it is a fantastic town." He highlighted local events like the ‘Burton Ale Trail’ and encouraged people to support their local pubs. "They are here 24/7, so get in them!"
We also discussed the 50th-anniversary events, including the Burton & South Derbyshire beer festival (tickets available here!) from 27th to 29th March at Burton Town Hall. Les promised live music, ales, beers, and ciders.
Speaking with Paul and Karen, part of the beer festival's seller team, I learned about the event's organisation. "It is hard work—we do 80 hours a week!" They emphasised the importance of such events for the local community and showcasing the region's breweries.
I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and passion of the CAMRA members. Whether young or old, those seeking a community of like-minded individuals passionate about their local area would do well to get involved with CAMRA. Les suggested checking the Facebook page and website for more information.
I extend my thanks to CAMRA for allowing me to attend this momentous occasion and look forward to seeing what the future holds. Perhaps I'll see you at the beer festival!
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