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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Laura Hadland is a drinks writer and author who champions small producers and venues. She writes regular columns in What’s Brewing and Vineyard Magazine. Her first book, 50 Years of CAMRA, was named the Best Beer Book in the World 2024 by Gourmand International and she was awarded CAMRA’s prestigious Campaigner of the Year title in 2024. Laura writes about beer and pubs for a wide range of publications, including The Telegraph, Pellicle and Ferment magazine. She loves sharing the very best drinks with a great crowd at the tasting sessions she runs at pubs, festivals and events around the UK.