LATEST SPBW NEWS
The Chair gave the annual chair report. The year had been a difficult one for pubs and breweries. The NEC had been having regular monthly ‘Virtual’ meetings. The planned May ‘Woodfest’ had to be cancelled along with other events. Our usual representation at beer festivals was also cancelled.
There had been a big increase in membership, mainly from the Manchester area.
He welcomed the new Webmaster, Andrew Woodcock, to the NEC.
He thanked Patrick Deller, who is standing down as products manager, for his efforts and also Roger Jacobson, who has been editor of the ‘Pint In Hand’ magazine for about 40 years, who is standing down in a year’s time.
He also extended condolences for two members; Roger Owen and Steve Waters, who he had been notified had passed away recently and those present raised a glass in their memory.
The Treasurer gave a short report saying that the Society had increased its profit for the year, mainly due to the increased number of new members and a considerable number of renewals.
The online shop for Society products was now up and running on the website, and new members and renewals are also using the website facility to join the Society.
There were 2 amendments to the constitution put to the AGM and passed; Adding the ‘Wood Liaison’ and ‘Events Coordinator’ positions to the NEC. The second one was to alter the date for the AGM from the second week in March to a date in March, to be determined by the NEC, so that it does not clash with the ‘Six Nations’ rugby tournament. This will usually be on a Saturday so that out of London members can attend and the usual crawl(s) can follow the AGM.
The election of NEC officers took place. Apart from the Chair position for which there were two nominations, all existing officers apart from the Products Manager were re-elected, including the Honorary Auditor. Jim Woodcock, our long standing ex Treasurer, has taken over the Products position. The vote for the Chair resulted in the incumbent being re-elected.
The meeting closed at 2.30 PM.
If you wish to take part, please contact Chris Tranter (chrisspbw@gmail.com), who will provide the necessary link as well as a copy of the agenda and accounts.
One of the main parts of the meeting will be the election of the Committee for the forthcoming year. All of the current NEC are willing to stand again, with the exception of Patrick Deller, who has been kindly filling in as Products Manager. We therefore need a volunteer to take over this key post.
This was held online because of London being a Tier 2 area. Several members enjoyed this, despite the unusual setting. Thanks to Angela Aspin for setting up and hosting the event.
For those that couldn’t attend here below are the agenda and the Minutes of the 2019 AGM.
Ye Olde Mitre, 1 Ely Court, Hatton Garden, EC1. The award was presented to Judith and her staff. Bftw were Windsor and Eton Mandarin and Seattle Porter. The event was very well attended and a good time was had by everyone.
Sunday 8th December 2019 – 56th Anniversary Event.
Our regular celebration of the founding of SPBW was held at the Ye Olde Mitre, 1 Ely Court, Ely Place, EC1N 6SJ. The pub doesn’t usually open on the weekends, so we had the whole pub to ourselves. There was Isabella Brown from Park brewery both in metal and from the wood. Judith produced a high-quality buffet with carvery food and was much enjoyed. For her generosity and hospitality, she was presented with a bouquet of flowers and an 80’s music CD. The event went on until late in the evening and the anniversary was well and truly celebrated. More then 20 people attended this.
Friday 6th December 2019 – Visit to Epsom and Ewell
The anniversary events had been held regularly at the Rising Sun, Epsom. This was where SPBW was founded in 1963. Due to changes in management, this year’s anniversary event couldn’t be held there, hence held at Ye Olde Mitre. A few members ventured here on the actual anniversary day. Finding the Rising Sun wasn’t open until 6pm, so they ventured to other pubs in the area, before returning there to a friendly welcome. The evening was rounded off with a fish and chip supper in Ewell followed by a visit to Tubb’s Pubb, which has sadly closed since.
Monday 25th November 2019 – Mike Hall Memorial Pub Walk.
Former NEC and Campden Hill branch Chairman Mike Hall died in July 2013. The seventh gathering in his name was in Kensington and Notting Hill on his actual birthday. Starting at 7pm at the Champion, 1 Wellington Terrace, W2 4LW (Castle, owned by Mitchell and Butlers). Then afterwards on the hour to Churchill Arms, 119 Kensington Church Street W8 7LN (Fullers); Windsor Castle, 114 Campden Hill Road, W8 7AR (Castle). Where Campden Hill branch, the first and longest running SPBW branch was founded in 1965 and Elephant and Castle, 40 Holland Street, W8 4LT (Nicholsons, owned by Mitchell and Butlers). 8 people attended it.
Wednesday 18th September 2019 – Central London branch host the Tony Littler trophy with a fiendish quiz.
The winning team and the runners-up were both from Campden Hill branch.
Monday 5th August – Beer and Buffet.
Attended by around 20 members. We had 2 beers from the wood available from Wimbledon brewery, as the pub now has 6 wooden casks.
Saturday 20th July 2019: Double Full English Breakfast Memorial event combined with the last Alton RE bus event.
Bill English Memorial Plaque Unveiling.
The first memorial plaque for the much-missed Bill was installed at the Harp, Chandos Place, Covent Garden (one of his fave pubs) on Thursday 14th March 2019. XT beers from the wood were available. A glass was raised in his memory.
Information and the blog can be read at LPOTY BLOG
NEC MEETINGS
Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn, London.
Anyone wishing to attend should contact The Chairman (Rob Shacklock, robinshacklock@yahoo.co.uk).
NATIONAL & BRANCH MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Full details of discounts available for SPBW members both nationally and branch.
HERE
