Latest News
- East Midland Region - Branch Pubs of the Year
Friday 21 March 2025
Please find below the Branch Pubs of the Year, in the East Midlands Regional Area:
- Lincolnshire Branches POTY & judging
Friday 21 March 2025
Hi All, As you will have seen from the minutes of the recent Lincolnshire meeting, the Branch Pubs of the Year for the Lincolnshire round are:
Fenland; The Horseshoes [Silk Willoughby]
Gainsborough: Three Horseshoes [Scotten]
Grantham: The Lord Harrowby [Grantham]
Grimsby: Message in a Bottle [Cleethorpes]
Lincoln: Strugglers Inn [Lincoln]
Louth: no entry this year.
Peterborough: no entry this year
Scunthorpe: no Entry this year
Can branches that have submitted entries please arrange for a judge(s) to survey the pubs, including your own branch entry, and provide results asap, end of May latest. Check opening times for the pubs before visiting as some have restricted opening. I mentioned at the meeting that I was attempting to compile a map of the current branch areas.
Here's a link of what I have so far for inspection. I'm sure there are errors so I expect corrections, either as descriptions or, if you wish, I can send a link to an editable map of your area which you alter.
https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/lincolnshire-2025-camra-branch-areas_1191611 -- Cheers Bob Foulger Lincoln CAMRA CAMRA Lincolnshire AO Lincolnshire Brewery Co-ordinator
- AGM - Branch Core positions all filled
Thursday 13 March 2025
We are pleased to announce that all our Branch core positions have been filled, thus satisfying both the requirements of CAMRA HQ. and also our constitution, these roles and names are as below:
Chair: Kevin Donovan
Secretary: Brian Calladine
Treasurer: Chris Crookes
Membership Secretary: David Moulds
Pub Data Co-ordinator: Katie Marks
GBG submissions Co-ordinator: Katie Marks
Pub protection officer: Graham Larn
Pub promotions and awards Co-ordinator: Kevin Donovan
Our full list of Branch Contacts can be found here:
- AGM - Chair reinstated
Thursday 13 March 2025
We are pleased to announce that our Chair, Kevin Donovan gave an informative,passionate and honest account of the state of the Branch and was reinstated unanimously yesterday evening.
Kevin, [pictured below on the Terrace pavillion at the Houses of Parliament] stated that he was pleased that the 3 years hard work and achievements were acknowledged by the members present on the night, and that after asking for support he was endorsed without objection and that he looked forward to continuing to move the Branch forward, with the help of the members.
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- AGM - Chair Report [Web version]
Thursday 13 March 2025
CHAIR REPORT – GRIMSBY NEL AGM 12.03.2025
Good evening, what a splendid turn out tonight, thank you all for supporting our Branch. Well believe it or not, this is my 3rd Annual Chair report, and a lot has gone on in the 3 years plus that I’m not sure if I was voted on, or the fact that no one else applied ? I’d like to think the branch has move forwards in this time, to the days of less than 10 attending meetings to 20-30 regularly, for the past 2 years or so.
Our meet the brewer evenings, not only at Branch meetings but in the Town too, in the last 18 months we have seen Timothy Taylor twice, Thornbridge, 8-sail, Gorilla, Horncastle Ales, Rudgate, too many to remember, we have arranged a 150 birthday special with Batemans, were our two teams in the quiz that night came third and first, modesty forbids me to tell you which team I was on. We have had regular Wetherspoon’s festival invites, rooms reserved and sometimes a day before the festival starts. We have this last year reintroduced the POTS awards, to which at the time gave other pubs not in the good beer guide a chance to win awards.
Our constitution has been updated for the first time in many a year and now represents the model CAMRA constitution.
After a torrid time throughout covid, Branch trips have been organised to York, Kelham Hall, Gainsborough, Chesterfield, Magna, Newark.
Our ITD magazine came a credible 5th place in the recent CAMRA Magazine voting, so a big thanks to Katie in the main as well as Graham and myself for this.
Also our website, again from being practically non existent before I took over achieved 5th Place in the CAMRA National awards, which I still believe is one of the most updated CAMRA websites out there, we’ve introduced lots of new feature pages and also members getting a WhatsApp message when something new is added thus bringing you updates immediately.
It is extremely hard work running a branch, yes I do have a small team behind me [which I will talk about in a minute} but the onus on being the chair is a burden at times, I have on two occasions this week worked until after midnight to reconcile the accounts, which I will give you more details in the Treasurers report. As well as other roles, sometimes the responsibility of ensuring tasks are done, seem to lay with the Chair, and being fully committed to any roles I personally undertake then this adds pressure onto the role. A year ago, this pressure took it’s toll and I was quite prepared to resign but I didn’t want the Branch to decline, and who knows where it would have gone from there, if you look at the Louth Branch it will almost certainly fold and I will attend a Lincolnshire Branch meeting this Saturday to discuss it’s future, I will update you all when I can, fortunately Brian volunteered to be secretary to take some of the strain away, so a big thank you to him, and also to Katie and Anna for their roles and also to David, Sara & Graham who have also supported the running of the club in some way.
We are described by our Regional Director as a very active branch, which is a compliment to what and how we do things, our meetings and events give our members several opportunities to take part, so again I thank you all for your attendance and support.
I’m not going anywhere so with your support in my role as Chair, let’s continue to take this Branch forward.
Thank you, Kevin
- AGM - Good turn out last night.
Thursday 13 March 2025
Just under 30 people attended last night's AGM at the No.1 public house in Cleethorpes. A big thank you Dave & Lisa for their kind hospitality.
Our website is more or less upto date with all the details including our New Treasurer Chris Crookes.
All core Branch positions have been filled , we are however looking for:
Magazine Editor & someone to help Katie with the whatpub role she has which is shared. If you require any further information, please email our Chair: ku.gro.armac.ybsmirg@riahc
Pictures below were taken from last night.
- AGM - Meet our new Treasurer
Thursday 13 March 2025
We are pleased to announce that Chris Crookes has agreed to take up the position of Treasurer of the Branch, having put himself forward at last night's AGM.
Our Chair kevin, welcomed the appointment and looked forward to working with Chris to get the accounts back on track as this is a core position for CAMRA Branches .
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- AGM - Membership Secretary's Report
Thursday 13 March 2025
Our Membership Secretary David Moulds [photo below], outlined our Branch and National membership figures as below:
AGM - Membership Secretary's Report
- AGM - Social Secretary's Report
Thursday 13 March 2025
SOCIAL SECRETARY REPORT – GRIMSBY NEL AGM 12.03.2025
If we look at events we have run this last year, mainly to York, Kelham Hall and Magna for the GBBF Winter, you will have seen a change in trend, we now only seem to be able to command mini busses due to the number of active participants appearing to decrease.
Thus with limited numbers we have to be careful of not making the costs too high against rail costs [Such as why we did not run busses to Bermuda triangle, Gainsborough etc} and also this means that if there is not 100% take up then we night struggle to cover costs, luckily enough all our trips this year made a small profit on each.
Our Christmas event was I believe successful, again numbers fluctuated , and my favourite saying of numbers mean nothing, deposits speak for themselves, saw is struggling towards the event, we showed a slight loss on the event itself, we had late cancellations without deposits and without a healthy raffle contribution this could have been much worse.
This year we are looking at Brewery trips to Castle Rock, Ossett and maybe Timothy Taylors, look out for more information coming soon. And it might not be too early to discuss this year’s Christmas function.
During our next Branch meeting, I will update you all with current social plans.
Thanking you, Kevin
footnote: It was suggested that a sub-committee be formed to assist with Social activities, KD asked those present to message him directly if they are interested.
- MIAB - Overall Pub of the Year 2025
Thursday 13 March 2025
Congratulations to team Message in a Bottle for being our Overall Pub of the Year for 2025.
After informing the Manager and co-owner Ryan earlier, it would be an understatement to say he was highly delighted, with well over one hundred establishments in our Branch Area this is no mean achievement for this lovely establishment which was formed around 10 years ago.
Stand by for a presentation day special which will be announced real soon.
Picture below shows our Chair Kevin previously presenting Ryan with our Pub of the Season for Autumn 2023.
- MIAB - Town Pub of the Year 2025
Thursday 13 March 2025
Congratulations to Message In a Bottle for Wiining our Town Pub of the Year! A worthy and fantastic achievement.
In 2nd place - The Rutland Arms
In 3rd place - Yarborough Hotel [JD Wetherspoon]
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Our last presentation to Message In a Bottle.
- AGM - Charity Namecard Winner
Wednesday 12 March 2025
The Winner of our annual AGM charity namecard was David Moulds [left in photo below] pictured with Organiser Graham Larn [Right].
Look out for our Presentation to Nunny Farm at a later date.
- Clickem Inn - Country Pub of the year 2025
Wednesday 12 March 2025
Congratulations to the Clickem Inn that was voted winner of our Country pub of the year for 2025 and also for finishing fourth overall.
In 2nd place was the Crown & Anchor [Tetney Lock]
In 3rd place was the Station Hotel [Habrough]
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- AGM Update & Reminder
Sunday 9 March 2025
Good evening members, please be informed that no motions have been received for next week's AGM, therefore the usual agenda format will apply.
The details of the AGM are:
Wednesday 12th March 2025 - 8 pm The Number 1 Public House, Cleethorpes - Members Only.
Welcome from the Chair
Minutes & Matters arising from the AGM2024
Approval of Branch Accounts
Branch Chair Report
Membership Secretary Report
Social Secretary Report
Website, Social Media & Branch Magazine Report
Election of Branch Committee Members
Election of other Branch Officers
Branch Pub of the Year Announcement [Town, Country & Overall]
GBG2026 & GBG2027 Updates
End
AOB - POTS Spring 2025 voting, round 2 of 3
- Timothy Taylor meet the Brewer Night
Thursday 20 February 2025
Our friends from Timothy Taylor looked after us royally once again on Tuesday night thanks to the kind hospitality of Landlady Nikki Firth of the Nottingham House.
Congratulations to Mick who won the bottle pack in the raffle.
Thanks once again to Nikki for hosting a perfect night and the kind gesture of sandwiches too.
- Funeral Arrangements: Charlie Long
Sunday 16 February 2025
- POTS Presentation to the Rose & Crown
Saturday 15 February 2025
Tonight a small party of our Branch members presented the Rose and Crown with our Winter Pub of the Season award.
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- Branch visit to GBBF Winter
Thursday 13 February 2025
Today members of our Branch made the short visit to Magna for the CAMRA Great British Beer Festival at Magna, Rotherham.
Photos of the day are shown below:
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- CAMRA Magazine & Website Awards
Tuesday 11 February 2025
Our Magazine ITD was voted 5th in the CAMRA magazine awards in it's category, which is a very credible achievement according to our Chair Kevin Donovan, so a big thank you to our Magazine team headed by Katie Marks.
Our website was also voted 5th, with the judge's comments that it was easy to navigate and a bit light in content. Our Chair was not so impressed with the judges feedback, Kevin was somewhat disappointed as our website is updated 2-3 times a week and is packed with information, and as previously advised is by far the most up to date in the EMR.
If you have any comments on either our Magazine or Website, please email these to: ku.gro.armac.ybsmirg@riahC
- AGM 2025
Monday 10 February 2025
AGM 2025 - All the details:
CAMRA GRIMSBY NEL BRANCH AGM – WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH 2025 – 8PM NUMBER 1 REFRESHEMENT ROOMS- BRANCH MEMBERS ONLY
Dear Member,
As a Branch member, you are warmly invited to attend and vote in the AGM, please support the future success for all members of the Grimsby & NE Lincs Branch, I look forward to seeing you at the AGM.
AGENDA:
Minutes and matters arising from 2024 AGM
Approval of Branch Accounts
Branch Chair report
Membership Secretary report
Social Secretary report
Website - Social Media – Branch Magazine report
Voting on Motions (1)
Election of Branch Committee Members
Election of other Branch Officers
Branch Pub of the year – Announcement
GBG2026 Update
POTY – Spring 2025 – 2nd of 3 rounds of voting
(1) Any member can submit a motion in writing to de debated on the night, this must be done no later than Sunday 2nd March by email to: ku.gro.armac.ybsmirg@yraterces
An email will be sent to all members advising them of any motions submitted, by the next day Monday 3rd March in order to give them time to prepare a case for or against the motion(s), any member can submit an amendment to a motion, this must be done by email no later than Friday 7th March, to : ku.gro.armac.ybsmirg@yraterces
Many thanks, Kevin Donovan - Chair, Grimsby & NE Lincs Branch on behalf of Brian Calladine [Secretary]
- POTS Winter 2024 - Rose & Crown
Monday 10 February 2025
Our POTS for Winter 2024, is the Rose & Crown
We will hold a presentation award this coming Saturday at 7pm, all members and guests are welcome to attend.
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- New Branch Bluesky Social Account
Monday 13 January 2025
Our Branch has now a page on the new Social Media Platform Bluesky
Click on the link below for further details
- New CAMRA Logo
Monday 13 January 2025
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Special Volunteer Bulletin – New CAMRA Branding
As you will have seen from Friday’s Volunteer Bulletin, we are launching our new branding today!
This is an exciting time as we look to grow the Campaign, by working with our current members while encouraging new people to join us.
The change follows 18-months of in-depth research and development. This work revealed an untapped group of people who want to explore different beer styles and see the pub as a place to spend quality time with friends, while enjoying the experience with like-minded people.
Everything you need is in the Members’ Area of the website (login required). You will also find Frequently Asked Questions which will help guide you through any changes you need to make. We will update this regularly.
The Brand Hub features:
Branch guidelines and toolkit Full brand guidelines Frequently Asked Questions Branch logos Regional logos* Templates and letterheads ‘Print friendly’ versions templates (these are designed with fewer colour blocks for at-home printing) Certificates portal (updated templates available from late afternoon on 13 January)
*Logos for devolved nations and in different languages to follow.
Brand Hub Page As we said in Friday’s bulletin, the new branding and branch toolkit will be easier for you to use, with a fresher and smaller colour palette and simpler ways to use the logo. It also aims to encourage more people to get involved with CAMRA, while celebrating how the organisation changed the beer landscape, and continues to campaign for cask beer, cider and perry, pubs and clubs.
Any questions, please email ku.gro.armac@dnarb
New CAMRA Brand template communication for branches Campaigning for pubs, pints and people since 1971
- January Branch Meeting
Wednesday 1 January 2025
- Season's Greetings to you all
Monday 23 December 2024
On Behalf of the Committee, we would like to wish all our members a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Thank you too for all your support this year, in attending Branch Meetings and the numerous Meet the Brewer events we have held, more to follow next year.
Best Wishes once again, and remember:
Kevin
- Christmas Party photo special
Saturday 14 December 2024
Almost 40 of our Branch members enjoyed a fabulous night out in Horncastle yesterday evening, firstly sampling the good choice of Ales in the Bull and the Thatch before Old Nicks Tavern hosted the CAMRA Christmas Party.
A bumper photo edition appears below:
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- Branch host EMR Tomorrow
Friday 29 November 2024
Our Branch will host the East Midlands Regional Meeting tomorrow at the Yarborough Hotel Grimsby, the start time is 1pm and afterwards we will be doing a mini pub crawl in Cleethorpes for those that are interested.
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- Funeral Arrangements for the late Dave Cockram
Friday 29 November 2024
Funeral arrangements for Dave Cockram have been announced and the service will be at the Crematorium on 10th December at 14.15 hours.
This will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Rutland Arms.
Photo below shows Dave enjoying the Festive activites at our Christmas function at Bateman's Brewery.
- Branch POTY GBG presentation.
Sunday 24 November 2024
Last night, our Branch POTY Landlord Terry of the Clickem Inn was presented with a presentation pack and a copy of the GBG2025 by our Branch members, Dave Maddison [aka and Dave] together with Richard and Rachel Wallwork.
- ITD Autumn-Winter 2024 Now Out
Saturday 16 November 2024
Our latest magazine is now out and being distributed, if you can help distibute this, please contact: ku.gro.armac.ybsmirg@dti
The magazine and previous issues can be found here:
- 80th Celebration in Liverpool
Friday 15 November 2024
A group, including of some of our Branch members spent the last couple of days in Liverpool celebrating an 80th Birthday, congratulations Trevor, a couple of groups photos are below:
- Meet the Brewer night makes Wetherspoon's News
Friday 15 November 2024
Our recent meet the Brewer night with Thornbridge Brewery has made the latest Wetherspoon's News Magazine. You can read all about it below, or pop into one of our local Wetherspoon's and pick up a copy! :
- New Branch Constitution ratified
Tuesday 12 November 2024
The change to our Branch constitution was ratified by our members at last night's Branch constitution with 26 votes for and 1 abstention, with no votes against.
- Willy's 40 years GBG presentation
Monday 11 November 2024
During our Branch meeting tonight at Willy's attended by nearly 30 of our members, Owner Bill Parkinson was presented with a special award that celebrated 40 consecutive years in the GBG, a remarkable achievement that no other pub in our Branch area can claim to have.
Pictures below show Bill receiving the award together with the CAMRA pub presentation pack and our gift of a copy of the GBG2025.
- Branch Meeting, Presentation and New Constitution
Sunday 10 November 2024
Dear Colleagues,
Our next Branch meeting will be tomorrow at Willy's in Cleethorpes with an earlier start time of usual at 7,30, this is due to voting on our new Branch constitution, which is the CAMRA Model version together with our own bye laws on POTY, GBG etc, [please see proposed constitution below}
Also below is a copy of our Branch October minutes [thank you Brian}
During tomorrow's meeting we will present owner Bill with not only his pub's presentation pack for being in the GBG 2025 together with a copy of the guide itself, but a special award for 40 consecutive years in the guide itself, something that no other local pub has achieved.
We look forward to seeing as many as you as possible tomorrow, many thanks, Kevin.
Branch: Grimsby & North East Lincs
- Branch to Hold Regional Meeting
Saturday 2 November 2024
We are delighted to announce that our Branch will hold the next East Midlands Regional Meeting at the Yarborough Hotel, Grimsby.
Announcing the news, Our Chair Kevin commented, since holding the position of Regional Secretary, we have already hosted the County meeting and by holding the Regional Meeting, it puts our Branch at the forefront and gives us the opportunity to promote our Branch and area.
The meeting will take place on Saturday 30th November, starting at 1pm, followed by a Branch guided tour of the real ale pubs in Cleethorpes.
- GBG More presentations
Wednesday 30 October 2024
Tonight we presented more local pubs with presentation packs and copies of the GBG2025, photos as below:
- Kelham Hall - Photo Special
Sunday 27 October 2024
Our Branch organised trip to Kelham Hall near Newark on Friday, was a fabulous day out for those lucky enough to go to the picturesque new festival venue. Photos of the day out captured below:
- GBG Cleethorpes Presentations
Sunday 20 October 2024
Today we will be presenting pubs around Cleethorpes with the CAMRA presentation pack and Branch copy of the Good Beer Guide, to find out who is in the guide, you can purchase copies from our Branch at a reduced price of £12.50 each.
Photos from the day below:
- Hard Work Prevails for Nikki and her team
Sunday 20 October 2024
One of the hardest jobs I've ever had to do in my 3.5 years as Chair was to tell a new and enthusiastic landlady that before she took the pub over , the Branch had decided to remove the pub from the GBG2024. This was due to 2 new managers in just a couple of weeks and low beer scores.
Her reply will live with me forever, "I'll be in it next time don't worry" !
Just over a year later, with 2 pub of the season awards, 3rd place in our Pub of the year this year [remember we have over 100 establishments] and now she's kept her promise.
Well done Nikki and the Team!
Kevin [Chair]
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- POTS - Coliseum Picture Theatre
Sunday 20 October 2024
This afternoon we presented our Autumn pub of the season to the Coliseum Picture Theatre at Cleethoepes. Photo as below;