It was agreed between Jackie Wallis, our beer festival organiser and Adrian Lock of the Battlefield Line, that under the current circumstances it would be best if the Rail Ale Festival was postponed again, until July 2022.

The lock down relaxation dates in the Government Road Map mean that it is not really feasible to plan a festival, as the May 17th rules for indoor venues are still too restrictive with social distancing, half capacity and table service. The festival depends on many people coming together, in close proximity to one another, in a social and enjoyable environment. It would be virtually impossible for the volunteer staff to observe the increased standards of hygiene and security that are essential to maintain a safe environment.

Here's to next year, and a successful festival.

Sadly our member Paul Green passed away on 2nd March. Paul was a good branch member who attended a lot of meetings, beer festivals and supported our local pubs and clubs.

Our thoughts are with Paul's family.

Gwilym's message:-

"I know that it’s been a while, but there’s not been a lot to talk to you about thanks to the lockdown.

I am sending this message in the hope that it will trigger a favourable response to the request for a new Secretary as Kelvyn is unable to continue in his role beyond the end of February. I have asked for a volunteer before, but I’ve had no response.

I also regret to inform you all that I will be stepping down from my role as Chairman in a similar timeframe.

If you know someone who is willing to take on either of these duties, please contact me on ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@namriahc so we can arrange a timely handover after an online AGM vote to confirm the positions.

I completely understand that these are trying times and there is a great deal of uncertainty about the future, but if there is no response by the 21st of February, I will notify CAMRA head office to begin the process of winding down the branch.

If you know any branch members who do not get the branch mailouts, please pass on the message as without a new Chair or Secretary, we will be folded back into the Leicester branch and we would lose most of our Good Beer Guide entries. I feel that would be a big loss for the area.

Thank you all for the time you have given to the branch."

Kindest Regards,
Gwilym Smith

Outgoing Chairman, Hinckley and Bosworth CAMRA

Website Coordinator note: Shawn Collier, the Chair of the Leicester CAMRA branch has also indicated his intention to stand down, at their next AGM

Following on from the news published earlier on 20th June, it has been advised that the "Oddies" campaign Group made an offer to Cartwright Homes, to buy the Oddfellows Arms, but this was rejected. Negotiations are now continuing, but housing development is still a possibility as indicated by a leaflet drop suggesting a revised planning application is being prepared.

See https://savetheoddiespub.wixsite.com/stop/blog for the latest information regarding the campaign.

Update provided by Darren Statham

Darren and Loiuse Lavender have decided to rebrand Elliswood Brewery as New Buildings Brewery and have introduced a new range of real ales as part of the process. See Local Breweries

The local action group, The Oddies, have thanked the nearly 100 objectors to the recent planning application, which hopefully, included many of our members. They feel this was instrumental in the applicants, Cartwright Homes, withdrawing the application before determination and has prompted the company to ask the community if they were still interested in the pub.

With this in mind it is hoped to create a Community Benefit Society with share options available to purchase, which would allow the group to show the level of support they have when progressing the bid and seeking funding from other sources.

Contributions are still being welcomed to help with fees and other costs via a 'GoFundMe' page, https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-reopen-the-oddfellows-higham-on-the-hill Any communications with the local group can be made to moc.liamg@seiddoeht.yraterces

Chris Merriman - Pubs Protection Officer

A message and update from Chris Merriman, Pubs Protection Officer, regarding the Prince of Wales Planning Application:-

You may recall that this planning application was refused by the Borough Council at the beginning of November last year and I reported the fact to a Branch meeting, pointing out the applicant has the right to appeal the Council's decision to the Secretary of State within 6 months of the decision date.

I have now been notified by the Borough Council that an appeal has been lodged ( 3 days before the deadline!) and inviting any further comments to be addressed to the Government Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. Any objections to the original planning application will be forwarded to the Inspector and taken into account in his/her deliberations, but I shall, on behalf of the Branch, be making further representations and any other members who wish to do the same should do so through the Appeals Casework Portal at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by emailing ku.vog.etarotcepsnigninnalp@1tsae

Appeal documents are available forinspection on the Borough Council's website using the link hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/online-applications and entering 19/00892/OUT into the search box. All representations to the Planning Inspectorate must be received by 9th July 2020.

Members are urged to voice their objections to the loss of this important community pub so that the Inspector is in no doubt that he/she should reject the appeal.

Chris Merriman
Pubs Protection Officer

Due to the impact of Covid-19, the Battlefield Line and Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA feel that they have no alternative, but to postpone the Rail Ale Festival until 2021. This is an extremely disappointing decision, but the Battlefield Line and the CAMRA branch believe this is right and responsible.

However, the Battlefield Line still has standing costs to service including those for the rail ale site at Market Bosworth. If you would like to assist them by making a donation and help ensure rail ale returns - please go to https://www.battlefieldline.co.uk/

A note from our Festival Organiser

This year’s Market Bosworth Rail Ale Festival has now been officially cancelled. This follows the guidance from the government, and also from CAMRA that all beer festivals nationwide are cancelled until at least August and probably beyond. Without other guidelines to follow, we have to assume that some form of social distancing will still be required for many months.

The festival depends on many people coming together, in close proximity to one another, in a social and enjoyable environment. It would be virtually impossible for the volunteer staff to observe the increased standards of hygiene and security that are essential to maintain a safe environment. We know how disappointed you will be at this decision, but the priority has to be to take the correct decision now to ensure that all of you will be fit and well and able to attend the 2021 Festival. Thanks to all of the Camra and Battlefield Line volunteers who helped with the planning, and to those intending to volunteer or visit the festival.

Jackie

News has reached the branch, that Market Bosworth Brewery has suspended production.

The Chequers in Burbage has been painted outside and its Sunday lunches are proving popular.

In November, Cliff Morgan left The Red Lion in Sapcote after many years in charge. The new landlords, Lewis and Wayne, took over on 9 December 2019. They are currently refurbishing the 3 letting rooms, the bars were refurbished around a year ago. There are three beers: Pedigree, Ringwood’s Boon Doggle and a guest from the Marston’s list.

The Black Horse on Bond Street, Hinckley re-opened on 12 January with a new landlady, who was previously at the Tin Hat in Hinckley. Pork & Stuffing cobs etc are available.

The front bar at Ashby Road Sports Club has been refurbished.

The Flintlock now does 10% off real ales on production of Camra card, and has 1 real cider.

The Wentworth Arms reopened on 11 October after extensive refurbishment by pub owners Greene King. They are now serving 5 real ales – Greene King IPA, Abbot and 3 guests.

At the Sycamores, there have been changes to the food provided. Restaurant Twenty-Six finished on 1 August, they were replaced by the Sycamores Kitchen and from 20 October two chefs who had previously worked for Restaurant Twenty-Six, have returned and there is now a new menu.

After repairs and refurbishment, the New Baron of Hinckley reopened 20 October. The New Baron is still a free house which serves Elmesthorpe beers, guest beers, and reasonably priced food.

Andy suddenly ended the temporary lease agreement at The Belper Arms and having decided not to take on the long-term lease, he left on 9 October.

As reported earlier, the Cock Inn at Sibson closed suddenly on 13 November. A note pinned to the door said that Lee, Trudi and David had ceased trading and left after 13 years.

The Holywell was closed for around a month and seems to have reopened Friday 22 November. The lease sign is still being displayed.

The Dog & Gun, Hinckley is still closed.

The Black Horse, Bond Street has a to let sign displayed.

The Red Lion in Sapcote has a to let sign displayed.

Many thanks to our acting pubs officer Adrian for the update. Note: If anyone has pub or club news that may be of interest to the Branch, please contact Adrian on:-
ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@reciffosbup or 01455 610932

The Chairman; David Finn, the Secretary; Richard Lewin and the Treasurer; Bethan Moore are all retiring at the AGM on 12th November, after up to 15 years serving the Branch.

There are other officials stepping down at the same time after varying lengths of service.

During this 15 year era, the CAMRA Branch has operated around 20 beer festivals in Hinckley and Market Bosworth. Around 86 pubs and clubs and six local breweries have benefited from support and encouragement.

An Ada Lovelace beer brewed by Castle Brewery will be available at The Greyhound and Pestle and Mortar later this week. This is part of the celebration of the life of Ada Lovelace, daughter of English poet Lord Byron who spent her childhood years at Kirkby Mallory, Hinckley, where she was encouraged to develop a love of science and mathematics.

Ada is considered to be one of the first computer programmers, following her work with Charles Babbage's Difference Engine, which is a calculating machine requiring a written program to carry out complex calculations.

The Belper Arms, Newtown Burgoland, reopened on 1st July as a food led Heineken pub with a pizza oven. Heineken wanted them to have 6 beers; at the moment they have 3.

The Black Horse, Appleby Magna, closed again on 15 th July, but reopened after 5 days with only one beer.

The Crafty Elbow, 83-103 Church Street, Burbage, change of use – planning had been deferred, with 52 letters of support and 12 objections received by 12th July. Subsequently, planning permission has been refused.

34 Windsor Street, Burbage, closed on 15th June 2017. Partial demolition proposed, with change of use to 2 dwellings plus 4 more dwellings to the rear, with 12 parking spaces..

The lease of the Red Lion, Sapcote is currently being advertised on Marston’s web site.

The Elbow Room have a Tiny Rebel Tap take over on 14/15 September

The Black Horse, Bond Street has a sign up saying it is to let and may be closed as the licensees may have already left.

The Wentworth closes for refurbishment on the 30th September and reopens on 10th October.

The Baron will be closed by Wetherspoons on 22 September. Elmesthorpe Brewery get the keys and expect to reopen it soon after. They have brewed 2 new beers: Baron Best Bitter & Hinca Ale.

Many thanks to our pubs officer Adrian for the update. Note: If anyone has pub or club news that may be of interest to the Branch, please contact Adrian on:-
ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@reciffosbup or 01455 610932

The George and Dragon, Stoke Golding has been awarded the Country Pub of the Year - 2019 following a ballot by members of the Branch. The George and Dragon is a village local serving eight real ales from the Church End Brewery range and a real cider. Home cooked lunches using local produce and bar snacks made on the premises are always available.

The presentation date will be announced in due course.

The Thyme Bar and Kitchen in Market Bosworth now features a windowed beer cellar on the shop floor, and a bar with three cask lines and four keg lines. Regarded as the only true Free House in Market Bosworth, the Thyme Bar and Kitchen features a constantly changing line up of craft cask and keg beers on offer. There will always be a Church End beer available amongst the line up.

Voting for our Country Pub of the Year 2019 is now open, with details shown on the downloadable form below. There are 10 country pubs to choose from with all six guidelines, as indicated, being important but Beer/Cider Quality and Community Focus carry most weight.

Country Pub of the Year 2019 - Voting Form

Sue Summerill of the Pestle & Mortar receiving both the Pub of the Year Award and the Cider Pub of the Year Award for 2019. The presentations were made by David Finn, Chairman and Alban Fellows, Cider Officer at the Pestle & Mortar on 2nd May.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Pestle & Mortar has been awarded Cider Pub of the Year and the first time it has been given the Pub of the Year award. It is also the first time that a pub within this branch has held both awards for the same year. Congratulations.

Photos courtesy of Alan Cooke

There is to be a LOCALE Beer Festival at the Greyhound, Botcheston on 3rd to 6th May. Although this pub is not in the Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA area, however the beers are being supplied by Market Bosworth Brewery and Buswells Brewery which are in our branch.

The Leicestershire Mild in May event will be running from 27th April to 4 June with a number of our pubs within the branch taking part. They include The Greyhound, The Pestle & Mortar, the Lime Kilns and the Shilton Vaults.

The Spring National Young Members Forum is due to take place on 25 May in Cambridge.

The event is open to all CAMRA members, particularly those who are young or young at heart. This year it will be hosted at Cambridge Summer Beer Festival. It is the longest running CAMRA beer festival and attracts 40,000 beer, cider and perry lovers from all over the world.

The festival always carries a strong theme, and this year is no different. 2019 marks fifty years since mankind first landed on the Moon. With the theme in mind the National Young Members Forum promises to be out of this world!

The forum is a timely but informal meeting where young members and the young at heart come together to discuss topics and issues in CAMRA. The event is also a fantastic chance to meet like-minded people and experience first-hand the benefits of being a CAMRA member. After the forum is over there will be a pub tour of Cambridge led by a local guide.

The forum itself will start at 12:30 on Saturday 25 May in the Garden Room at the Cambridge Beer Festival. The festival is located on Jesus Green just outside of the city centre and the number one bus runs there directly from Cambridge railway station. Walking from the railway station takes approximately 30 minutes. Once through the main entrance head towards the marquee and to the right into the Garden Room, where glasses will be supplied.

The Branch Young Member Contact is Jodie Smith. Email: ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@idoj

The Annual pub games trophy match between Hinckley & Bosworth and Nuneaton & Bedworth CAMRA was held at The Rose Inn, Nuneaton on 22nd January. The games consisted of pool, darts, dominoes etc. After being on the losing side for the last two years Hinckley & Bosworth won the cup back. The photo is of Ray Buckler, Nuneaton CAMRA, handing the trophy over to Norman Hall.

Big thanks to Nuneaton & Bedworth CAMRA for hosting this year's Challenge Cup.

Steve Mustin, the Chairman of the Ashby Road Sports Club has requested a revision to the club listing (see below) along with some minor changes to the opening hours. The new Steward is Sheralee Kenney, has been appointed and CAMRA members are very welcome, as are accompanied non-CAMRA members on payment of a pound signing-in fee. The large bar area has a pool table, dart board and dominos available. There is also weekly entertainment on a Friday night within the bar area and Bingo is played every Saturday from 9pm. The Club also has a large function room which is available for hire and sits on six acres of land where our football and cricket teams play. Cask Marque beers include Doom Bar which is served all week and at least one guest beer available. The Club is easily accessible with a large car park. It is situated close to three bus routes which are 158, 48 and 10.

Revised opening hours:
Monday - 7pm to 10pm
Tuesday - CLOSED
Wednesday - 5pm to 11pm
Thursday - 5pm to 11 pm
Friday - 5pm to 11:30pm
Saturday - 12 to 11:30pm
Sunday - 12 to 11pm

The Ashby Road Sports Club has been both a previous branch Club of the Year and a Good Beer Guide featured club.

At our AGM on Tuesday 13th November, the Regional Director Carl Brett presented the CAMRA EM Club of the Year Award to Claire Jones on behalf of the Burbage & District Constitutional Club. This was the third annual award in a row for the Club.

Photo courtesy of Alan Cooke

The Odfellows Arms at Higham on the Hill remains closed following the departure of the landlord

The Shilton Vaults - Earl Shilton's first micropub opened it's doors on 29th September

The Red Lion in Earl Shilton is currently operating with a caretaker manager

The Holywell is still open, but the pub being advertised as "To Let"

The Black Horse at Sheepy Magna is now free of tie


Many thanks to our pubs officer Adrian for the update. Note: If anyone has pub or club news that may be of interest to the Branch, please contact Adrian on:-
ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@reciffosbup or 01455 610932

Following voting by the branch membership, the Rising Sun at Shackerstone has been declared the winner of the inaugural "Country Pub of the Year" for 2018. The Rising Sun is a traditional pub, located in the centre of Shackerstone village near the Ashby Canal and the preserved Battlefield Railway. It has a wood panelled bar serving traditional ales and a restaurant serving good pub food. In 2012 the landlord was presented with an award by the local CAMRA branch to mark 25 years service. The "Country Pub of the Year" award will be presented on the evening of 20th November and there will be a mini bus running from Hinckley. Contact Robin via ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@pihsrebmem or 07454 217315 to book seats on the mini bus.

Black Horse, Hinckley The pub has a new deal with Marston's.
It includes a partial renovation and cheaper beer.
Some beers will sell at £2.60 a pint.

Nags Head, Stapleton It reopened on 19th August.
The new tenant's name is Jane Elton.
Jane is from Hinckley and this is her first time running a pub.
Both the Saddle Tank and Pedigree are £3.20 a pint.
At the moment, they are the only ales on sale
Basic food menu at sensible prices - new large kitchen
Still settling in. They haven't got their ‘phone line sorted yet so no WiFi, card machines etc.

The White Swan, Stoke Golding Has a change of landlord from Monday 3rd September.
The new tenants are Andy and Deb.

The Red lion, Earl Shilton Is displaying a 'To Let' sign.
The lease appears to have been sold and the pub could be under new management late next month.

The Ashby Tavern is still displaying a "To Let" sign.

The Holywell is still displaying a “To Let” sign

The Prince of Wales Planning permission for demolition and rebuilding as flats, has been refused.

The Cross Keys in Burbage is due to reopen this week providing Marston’s have completed the planned work. Eoin will be the new manager.

The Shilton Vaults is due to open this month.

Many thanks to our pubs officer Adrian for the update. Note: If anyone has pub or club news that may be of interest to the Branch, please contact Adrian on:-
ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@reciffosbup or 01455 610932

The Cross Keys, Burbage has advertised for a new manager and it is still closed at the moment

There is a new landlady at Holywell, Charlotte Ellis, she has 2 regular cask ales Doombar and Jennings Cumberland, with 1 guest ale every week

The Pestle and Mortar , Hinckley, is to celebrate its 3rd anniversary at the Bank Holiday weekend

The Shilton Vaults is to open at the end of August or early September

The Chequers Inn, Burbage, has a new chef

The Landlady at the Belper Arms is to leave by October. Heineken fixed the flood in the cellar, but the cause is still a mystery. It re-opened in early June

The Nags Head in Stapleton will be re-opening soon

Jim at the Bulls Head, Nailstone retired on 31 July so there is a new Landlady there now

The Elbow Room in Hinckley, the Needle and Pin in Loughborough and the Classroom in Leicester have got together to organise a tour round the respective micropubs on 22 October at £20 per head with 2.5 hours in each pub with food included. This will include a free first drink in each pub too!

Many thanks to our pubs officer Adrian for the update. Note: If anyone has pub or club news that may be of interest to the Branch, please contact Adrian on:-
ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@reciffosbup or 01455 610932

Chairman David presented this award in recognition of the New Inn at Peggs Green being in the McKeefrey/ Kell family for 40 years, with daughter Tina the current landlady. The New Inn is a three roomed pub and a real gem, with draught Bass in the jug available from the cellar.

Photo courtesy of Alan Cooke

The long-term tenant at The Blacksmiths , Barwell has left. There's a temp in at the moment and it is expected that someone is to take the place over shortly, on a permanent basis

Angie at The Weavers is now free of tie with Marston’s and is apparently the only pub in Hinckley to be in this situation. This means that they now just rent the building from Marston’s and can source beer etc from elsewhere

The Nags Head, Stapleton is still closed. Both directors, Jason Sealey and Mark John Horner of the company running the pub resigned in March 2018

There are plans to demolish The Prince of Wales, Hinckley and build 12 apartments. The council Conservation officer (Paul Grundy) along with CAMRA are objecting to this. The landlady, Jackie, believes that the pub is a viable business

The Red Lion, Earl Shilton is still closed

Golden Duck Brewery are opening a cellar bar at The Sir John Moore Foundation school next door

The Ashby Tavern has a “to let” sign. The lease is for sale for £35,000, if it is not let then a manager will be put in

The Black Horse at Sheepy Magna is also trying to become free of tie.

The Bulls Head, Nailstone is due to get a new landlady at the end of July

John and Sue from the Pestle & Mortar are taking on The Bank in Earl Shilton and will open it as a micropub called Shilton Vaults in August. The Bank has been closed for about a month.

Many thanks to our pubs officer Adrian for the update. Note: If anyone has pub or club news that may be of interest to the Branch, please contact Adrian on:-
ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@reciffosbup or 01455 610932

The award for branch Pub of the Year 2018 was presented by the Chairman David Finn to Tim Arnold of The Elbow Room Ale & Cider House. Congratulations!

Photo courtesy of Alan Cooke