Darren Statham shares memories of Richard

I wasn’t old enough to drink when the Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA was founded as a sub-branch of Leicester CAMRA in 2005. However, I have been able to call on Messrs David Miller, one of Richard’s closest friends, and David Finn our previous branch chair. Both of whom describe Richard to be one of the key men in establishing the branch.

Richard was one of the founding members, attending the very first meeting at the Black Horse on 7 September 2005. Back then, Hinckley was very much a Martsons stronghold. Whilst I, like many, enjoy an occasional pint of Pedigree, the limited choice of “Pedigree”, “Pedigree” or “Pedigree” was the driving reason for founding the branch.

The key theme that I hear talking to friends about Richard’s life is that he was quite organised. It’s no surprise then that, after the first year, Richard volunteered to take on the role of secretary. From here on, Richard’s input in helping to shape the branch began.

I understand Richard took it upon himself to review the CAMRA rules and regulations. In addition to his organisational skills, Richard was very meticulous, and this enabled him to keep the branch in line. From what I’ve heard, his hard work and dedication helped establish the foundations for a great team of people to come together and campaign for ale in the area.

In addition to his role as secretary, Richard was a full-on committed CAMRA member. He was very active in promoting the branch and Hinckley area to CAMRA headquarters, which was based in St. Albans at the time. This enabled Richard to cultivate relationships with some of the big names at the time, such as Roger Protz, as well as friendships with neighbouring branches, attending their meetings and events.

Even holidays would be used to further the branch cause, with Richard being one of the contributors to articles in the magazine – the Half Pint – writing up on pubs, breweries or beer festivals he’d visited and what they had to offer.

On top of all of this, Richard was always seen behind the bar at our beer festivals. In the early days of the branch, this consisted of a number of small beer festivals held in pubs. More recently, most of us will recall seeing and working with Richard volunteering at the annual Market Bosworth Rail Ale and Hinckley beer festivals.

I am starting to wonder how Richard’s wife Elizabeth tolerated all of this. After the discovery that Bass, Butler and Worthington had ties with Hinckley, the Three Brewer’s project that followed is described as Richard’s starring achievement for CAMRA and put the branch firmly on the map.

Supported by a team of volunteers, Richard chaired the project which benefited hugely from his organisational skills, connections and commitment to the CAMRA cause.

• Collaboration with the Hinckley and District Museum resulting in the “All Hail the Ale” three brewers’ exhibition at the museum on Lower Bond Street featuring memorabilia and original artefacts
  
• Organising the unveiling of two blue plaques in Hinckley commemorating Bass and Butler, inviting the Mayor of Burton upon Trent and Lady Gretton, the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire at the time whose family was in business with Bass, along with a Bass delivery lorry on display in Castle Street with branch volunteers dressed in period costume
  
• A third plaque unveiled in Orton on the Hill commemorating William Worthington with another appearance of a vintage brewery vehicle with the plaque unveiled by guest of honour Steve Wellington, who was head brewer at Worthington brewery, with the church bells ringing out as the plaque was unveiled in recognition of Worthington
  
• The William Bass pubs trail involving a dozen pubs from Hinckley and the wider area, with pubs as far out as Peggs Green near Whitwick taking part
  
• The Bass Brewery shire horses making a special appearance at the Hinckley and District Museum and subsequent visit to the National Brewery Centre in Burton upon Trent
  
• Hinckley & Bosworth taking the spotlight through media coverage from the BBC and Leicester Mercury
  
• And finally rounding the project off with the Three Brewers being the central theme at the Hinckley Beer festival and a subsequent grand party at the Greyhound
  

All of this was made possible by a team of people lead by Richard. From what I understand I feel it is safe to say had anyone else led the project, it wouldn’t have achieved the same level of success.

Richard retired from his role as Branch Secretary in November 2019. However, he was still there, continuing to offer support and guidance whilst the new committee became established.

On top of all this Richard’s friends describe him as a gentleman who was always very welcoming both in the branch and out and about in the local pubs – such as the Dog & Hedgehog in Dadlington and the New Plough Inn, Hinckley where he could regularly be found propping up the bar.