Featuring interviews with CAMRA’s founders, members past and present, and noted industry figures, and reflecting on both how the organisation came to be and the challenges it faces in its future, this is the inside story of the first 50 years of the Campaign for Real Ale.
It was rather a boozy, jokey, jolly, frolicking week which at the outset no one had any idea of creating something like CAMRA. Then, just off the Blasket Islands on the west coast of Ireland, we scrawled out the acronym CAMRA on the beach, in March, with the wind blowing sideways. We retired to a pub to drink Guinness and didn’t think much more about it. From that, to now, is quite an achievement… I think it’s all been worthwhile.
Graham Lees – founder member
CAMRA’s greatest strength has always lain within the ranks of its membership. No other organisation I can think of has ever had such a broad appeal to people at every point on every spectrum of society, bringing people together who would never otherwise have even passed the time of day with each other; people of all ages, background, financial circumstances, occupations, educational backgrounds and even religions. So refreshing. A common cause that united everyone regardless.
James Lynch – organiser of the first Great British Beer Festival
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Currently researching and writing the official biography of CAMRA in readiness for their 50th anniversary in March 2021.
What you can offer as a writer/beer lover?
I love beer because of the people it brings me into contact with. Passionate microbrewers, dedicated landlords, and enthusiastic regulars. I despair when we are told that Britain has no food culture, because our heritage in beer is unsurpassed. So I am dedicated to communicating what is great about beer to the wider public. Flavours, innovation but also fantastic stories deserve to be shared.
