Chesterfield and District CAMRA – Update – July 2023
Date & Time: Thursday 7th September 7.00pm
Location: Old School Taphouse (Mill St, Clowne, Chesterfield S43 4JN)
Introduction
The Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally running from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California. It covers a distance of 2,448 miles and was immortalised in popular culture by the 1946 hit song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” by the King Cole Trio. The Route 77 is a Stagecoach bus service, which is arguably one of the most infamous journeys in the S40 Postcode that runs from Chesterfield to Worksop. It covers a distance of approximately 35 miles. We don’t think anyone has written a song about it. Well, not yet anyway. Both are epic adventures for only the bravest of hearts.
“What does that mean” you may cry. Well the latest Chesterfield CAMRA branch meeting was at the Old School Taphouse in Clowne, And, many of our esteemed members jumped on the 77 bus to meet up and discuss the latest branch news and updates. Steve Monaghan, Chair of Chesterfield CAMRA has implemented a new focus on making meetings more social. A friendly welcome is extended to members old and new. Even, non-members are encouraged to join in. One of the highlights was a presentation by Craig Salt, the brewer behind up and coming brewery The Old PumpHouse Brew Co. Set on the site of an old Victorian Pump House, The Old Pumphouse Brew Co is a new brewery based in the area. Keep an eye out for an interview with Craig in a future issue of InnSpire Magazine. As for the Old School Tap house, it goes without saying it’s a wonderful craft beer pub and well worth a visit.
Meeting Notes
Accounts were noted as being healthy with InnSpire inspiring to be self-efficient and cover printing costs. Adverts so far had successfully covered printing costs.
The Committee are always interested in ideas for discussion topics for future Branch Meetings. Please make suggestions by email to secretary@chesterfieldcamra.co.uk
Autumn Pub of the Season
Nominations as below were confirmed and finalised at September branch meeting.
- Hay, Shirland
- Lamb Inn, Holymoorside
- Horse & Groom, Scarcliffe
- Lathkil, Over Haddon
- Hasland Hop, Hasland
All votes to be sent to: secretary@chesterfield.camra.org.uk
by October 5th 2023 with the name of Pub, your name and CAMRA membership number.
Winner to be confirmed in October (Voting is via email and will be promoted on Facebook page and group plus via official coms).
InnSpire Magazine
The latest edition of InnSpire is now complete and has been proofed plus sent to the printers. The magazine will begin to be distributed by volunteers from October 1st.
Innspire will be Quarterly in 2024. The lead for Innspire is Chris Fox and you wish to contribute to future issues – adverts, articles, ideas.Please get in touch: innspire@chesterfield.camra.org.uk
IF YOU KNOW ANY BUSINESS WHICH MIGHT LIKE TO ADVERTISE PLEASE ENCOURAGE THEM OR CONTACT Chris Fox WHO WILL CONTACT THEM ON OUR BEHALF.
Innspire relies on funding from adverts to print and publish. Please see our advertising guide for more details.
We need volunteers to distribute Innspire. Each edition is deposited at a named location, and put into batches. Batches, of which there are 24, consist of a set amount of copies per pub in a given area. Eg. (South 5) 80 copies for 3 pubs. As a volunteer you would collect from location and distribute as per list attached to batch. Contact any committee member to indicate your wish to volunteer. Website lists Committee members in Contacts section.
Chesterfield CAMRA Facebook Page
A new Facebook page has been created to complement the existing group and members were encouraged to follow and share the new page: https://www.facebook.com/chesterfieldCAMRA
Chesterfield CAMRA Website
The new website will be launched in September. It is very much a work in progress, with additions to be made. Feedback is welcome from all members.
Future Events
Please keep an eye on this website, social media and InnSpire Magazine for updates about the Walkabout Beer Festival 2023 and Winding Wheel Beer Festival 2024 both which are in the planning stage.
Branch Meetings (Thursdays 7.30pm start)
Next meeting: October 5th 2023 – Rykneld Turnpyke, Clay Cross.
Summer of Pub: All Summer, so pop along to a Real Ale pub and support them.
Walkabout Festival 2023: 27th – 29th October, 2023
Chesterfield CAMRA Beer Festival Friday 26th and Saturday 27th January, 2024.
Committee Notes:
Surveying Update:
Steve Monaghan (Chair) and John Wilcock (WhatPub Coordinator) have commenced with surveying project, member Chris Holmes has made contact to assist with Town Centre surveys.
New Inn Tupton.
Steve Monaghan confirmed that under new management (Dave & Dean) and keen to encourage CAMRA members (Update to follow).
Thanks, were extended by all to owners HEATHER & DENIS TEECE to their wonderful hospitality and amazing range of craft beers. A great time was had by all.
For future meetings please check out our Branch Diary.
MORE ABOUT THE OLD SCHOOL TAP HOUSE
This interview featured in InnSpire Magazine Issue 148.
WHERE IS YOUR PUB BASED AND WHAT IS YOUR USP?
Our pub is based in the heart of Clowne just a few minutes off junction 30 of the M1. We are also on the 77 bus route. We are the only pub in Clowne serving craft beer and cider and we also have the largest selection of gin and rum. Although we do not serve food our customers are welcome to bring in their own or order in takeaways. Children and dogs are also welcome.
HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING A PUB?
We have been involved in beer festivals for many years. Heist’s old premises became available (where we were regular customers) as a lot of other circumstances combined. Despite the threat of another Lockdown we took a chance.
BEST THING ABOUT OWNING A PUB?
Not having anyone to answer to. Finding and buying beer from different small breweries and introducing people to different styles that they have never tried before.
Meeting new people and all of the dogs that visit us.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK PUBS HAVE IN THE COMMUNITY?
Bringing people together to socialize and support the community.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE?
Energy prices not only for us but also our suppliers which is forcing us both to raise our prices and many breweries to close. This is also obviously affecting our customers too as they are being left with less disposable income.
DO YOU THINK THAT PEOPLE ARE BUYING MORE REAL ALE/CRAFT BEER?
Trade is steady but I don’t think that it’s increasing. BEST SELLER? Lukas and Rattler.
PERSONAL FAVOURITE?
All but 3 of are lines are constantly changing so it’s very difficult to pick just one and we’ve had over 150 different beers on since we opened at the end of 2021. However Chad to the Future from Toms Tap and Brewhouse was an exceptional sour and Rumthing Rumthing Darkside from Heist/Emperors was an excellent imperial stout. We were also selected for the national release of both of these beers.
