Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

I am the Regional Director, (RD), for the West Midlands. With Mark Parkes I took on caretaker of this role when the previous RD left and was elected for three years in September 2022.

Previous and current roles include:
* Stewarding
* Manager and Deputy Manager at National Festivals Organiser of Wolverhampton Festival
* Treasurer of Wolverhampton Branch and festival

Plus, everything from glass washer to cellar team at local festivals from Southampton to Edinburgh.

I learned from volunteering that no two festivals, venues or branches are the same. While best practices are a useful and good place to start with any volunteer role, they need tailoring to fit the position. Listening is the most useful skill I have expanded within the Campaign for Real Ale, (CAMRA). As a member of the National Executive, (NE), I will need to listen to members of CAMRA, representatives of the hospitality industry, local government, national government, the press and the public.

By listening and drawing on my experience I aim to provide solutions and ideas that give the best results for all and take the Campaign forward.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

My life experience at 58 is vast but has not always been good. I am a mother, grandmother and still have both parents. Being a member of a four-generation family covers a lot of ground.

I worked fifteen years with the civil service. Skills I gained are administrative, teamwork, organisational, professionalism and the ability to work sixty hours a week. I went on to run two pubs. Here I learnt to work 120 hours plus a week, cellarman skills, retail skills, event planning, about the brewing and hospitality industry and the importance in the community, be it a village or city, of the role of local pub or club and its essential need to be there. My passion for pubs and people is what I hope will enhance the NE.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

My vision is that CAMRA can reconnect with young people and families. I hope we can bring back the elements of fun and enjoyment I previously experienced as a member and move away from making rules for the sake of rules that have no benefit to the hospitality industry or the CAMRA membership. I want to spend my time finding ways to support pubs, clubs and festivals showcase Real Ales and Ciders and give people a choice when they go out to drink and socialise. I want to play a part in protecting our heritage, heritage buildings and supporting communities to keep their pubs open.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

I joined CAMRA in 2007 I do not know every brewery owner or CAMRA member that ever was. My ethos in life is to help all that I can within the limits of my health, wealth and capabilities. In 2006 I was kicked until unconscious and left for dead, but I got back up, chased off eleven attackers and saved five lives mine included. Be assured that I do not easily give up.

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1064283295 

Proposers

Mark Parkes
Alex Wright
Andy Ward
Mark Hewitt
Neil Hodgkiss
John Corser
Ellen Eames
Gary Timmins
Dave Roll
Andrea Briers

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

I’ve been privileged to serve as a member of the National Executive since 2018, and as your Chairman since September. I’ve relished the opportunity to challenge myself and still believe that I have more to give. I served first as Director of Marketing, then Commercial & Communications, during which I safeguarded our trading activities during the COVID pandemic. After this I led our Digital Futures programme, introducing major changes including our new website and digital festival planning tools. Each role has taught me more about our organisation and you, our members. I’ve developed skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, financial administration, recruitment and volunteer activation. I’ll keep utilising these skills and my experience to grow our Campaign over the next four years.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

Outside of CAMRA, I am a bid manager for a major connectivity firm – a role that requires me to put together teams of subject matter experts to produce bids for public sector work. Working out whose support and expertise I need, managing individuals to complete tasks, and ensuring what we produce is compliant are all skills that I’ve been able to use in CAMRA. Particularly when recruiting for committees, overseeing major projects and leading meetings.

I understand how important it is to approach being a member of the National Executive with an open mind, and to listen to colleagues and the wider membership. I’ll continue to bring my skills and experience to every discussion to help us always do what is best for the Campaign.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

The last four years have not been easy for the Campaign. We’ve had to make some difficult decisions, which not everyone has agreed with. The next four years will also be challenging, as we continue to seek ways to kick start our recruitment, activate more volunteers, and reignite our campaigning in a sustainable way. My role will be to ensure that we’re making the right decisions, not the easy ones, and that we communicate to all members what we’re doing and, importantly, why we’re doing it.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. I am seeking re-election because I believe there’s a real opportunity to position ourselves as the voice of beer, cider and perry drinkers in pubs and clubs across the country. I want to see us use the strength of our collective voice to speak truth to power when it comes to the reality of British beer. I want us to use our combined skills and enthusiasm to fight for what we know to be true – that good quality beer and a thriving pub scene is possible, if only given a fighting chance to prosper. CAMRA can and will succeed, if we all pull together.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

This is my final time standing for the National Executive. If re-elected, I’ll serve eleven years as a Director. I hope my record demonstrates the commitment and drive I will bring to this final term as I hope to lead CAMRA over the next four years.

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1064632929 

Proposers

Jessica Corbett-Collins
Mark Parkes
Andy Maxam
Gary Timmins
Sofina Ali
Gary Chester
Rachel Wakeman
Pete Wakeman
Neil McGovern
Ben Wilkinson

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

Since joining CAMRA in 2009, I have taken on various leadership roles, including Branch Chair (both past and present), Festival Organiser, and Regional Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland. I also served as a National Executive member from 2020 to 2023, stepping down due to the demands of a new job. My experience at all levels of the organisation—branch, regional, and national—has given me a deep understanding of CAMRA’s structure, governance, and challenges. This broad perspective allows me to support branches effectively while helping shape national policy to benefit all members. Having worked on governance changes, membership engagement, and policy discussions, I have the experience to contribute positively to the NE from day one.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

My professional background in health and safety involves writing policies, interpreting legislation, and ensuring compliance—skills that translate well to governance and strategic planning. I have experience navigating organisational change, which is crucial as CAMRA continues to evolve. My tenure as Chair of Branches Committee has strengthened my ability to communicate complex issues, work collaboratively, and advocate for members’ interests.

Additionally, I have been elected as a member of the Fife Licensing Forum, which advises the Licensing Board on alcohol policy. This role provides valuable insight into the regulatory environment affecting pubs, breweries, and the wider industry. Understanding licensing at a local level enables me to contribute effectively to CAMRA’s national campaigns, particularly in advocating for fair policies that support pubs and responsible drinking. My experience in policy discussions will help the NE navigate regulatory challenges and influence decision-makers.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

My priority is to help the NE regain stability. Chairmanship of the NE has been fluid in recent years following the departure of a long-serving leader. The NE has also seen significant changes in membership, particularly after the sudden passing of a member and the loss of other key and long-standing members for numerous reasons. As a result, unelected members have been co-opted to fill gaps, and currently, six out of twelve NE positions are to be elected.

Having previously served on the NE, I understand the challenges it faces and can help bring stability and consistency back to the group. My experience allows me to provide steady leadership, support newer NE members, and ensure that CAMRA continues to function effectively while addressing its long-term objectives and priorities.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

I previously stepped down from the NE as I had taken on a new job that was highly demanding. Now, having nearly completed my second year in this role, I have the experience and confidence to balance my responsibilities and dedicate my time effectively to CAMRA once again. Returning as Branch Chair has reinforced my passion for supporting volunteers and shaping the campaign’s future. If re-elected, I will use my knowledge and leadership to help CAMRA grow, adapt, and thrive.

I will engage with members on the Discourse forum to discuss CAMRA matters and answer questions relating to my candidacy. However, I will not be answering questions about my private life or personal circumstances.

Proposers

Joe Crawford
Gordon McRae
Craig Matheson
David Bruce
David Hollinsworth
Mark Nesbitt
Martin Bundy
Faryn Ilira
Richard Sutcliffe
Alan Monaghan

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

For some years I was on the CAMRA Forum with Tenant Representatives chaired by Paul Ainsworth which convened mostly in Birmingham, but had to stand down because attending involved long train journeys and overnight hotel stays which I couldn’t afford. What I learned was CAMRA’s unswerving commitment to gathering publicans’ experiences with tied pubcos but that that information could be restricted by limited access, through publicans being isolated and hard to reach, and by publicans not being very good at advocating for themselves. Apart from that my CAMRA volunteering has been limited due to third sector commitments I’ve had elsewhere, all relating to my being a longstanding Licensee [Westminster, 1986], and tied publican of The Sun and Doves, Camberwell, London SE5 from 1995-2011 which was owned in succession by Inntrepreneur; S&N; then Heineken with me as the rent payer.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

By association with my pub’s involvement in local community affairs as a venue for many activities I gained extensive volunteer experience; with Camberwell Arts Festival, which I chaired for 4 years, following which I co-founded SE5 Forum for Camberwell where I was founding chair for 4 years from 2006. Then as co-founder of the Fair Pint Campaign from 2008, which was notorious for demanding the end of the beer tie, I became steering group member of the Fair Deal for Your Local coalition for which CAMRA provided the essential secretariat function, without which the Pubs Code would not have come into place, and among others I worked with Mike Benner and Jonathan Mail on parliamentary business.

Alongside this work I’ve been ‘admin’ for several social media groups, Licensees Supporting Licensees; Protect Pubs, We All Hate Enterprise Inns, No Pub No Rent, and have kept close attention to what’s happening across the pub sector at a licensee level through Publicans vs Marston’s.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

I’ve spent my career fighting for pub viability, giving me valuable skills for the National Executive. I’ve turned failing pubs into award-winning locals, giving me deep insight into tied publican challenges, especially financialization, rentierism, and manipulated pricing that kills innovation and profit. I hope to contribute to the NE with:

• Pub business know-how: My experience as a tied publican gives a real-world view of pub issues.
• Leadership and collaboration: Chairing community groups shows I can manage projects.
• Advocacy skills: The Fair Pint Campaign and Fair Deal coalition taught me how to push for policy change.
• Networking: My work with CAMRA and others built a strong pub sector network.

I hope my experience helps the NE better support pubs, advocate for publicans, get fair access for small and independent brewers, and strengthen CAMRAs relevancy and attraction to a wide range of younger and diverse members, making long term succession an important part of future vision.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

I’ve long believed CAMRA is an extraordinary organisation. It would be an honour to serve on the NE and help influence policy and strategy. I’d hope to learn and work with all members of the NE and staff, and to bring a seasoned publicans’ perspective to the board. I’ve always been deeply committed to preserving and increasing opportunities for all people to have great experiences in the convivial surroundings of excellent, multiple award-winning contemporary pubs by providing high hospitality standards making The Pub an anchor of thriving secular communities who are proud to call their local pub Their Local.

Want to bring a tied publican’s perspective to the NE – want to help amplify the need to preserve pubs for the benefit of communities and society at large – to help depolarise division in society, reestablish The Pub as the world’s original social network.

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1064278828 

Proposers

Julian Swainson
Andrew Martyn Parkin
Julian Matthew White
James Robert Watson
Geoffrey Michael Strawbridge
Timothy Ewart Webb
John Pybus
Victoria Kate Wells
Nigel Peter Jones
Dr Catherine Murray

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

Growth and Inclusivity Efforts: In 2022, I focused on growing the North Notts CAMRA branch by adopting an inclusive approach, leading to an increase of over 30 members within the first five months through engaging with members and local pubs.

Leadership and Experience: In 2023, I was elected as Deputy Regional Director for the East Midlands, gaining valuable experience by attending various meetings and presenting a grassroots perspective.

Event Organisation and Advocacy: In 2024, I organised a successful beer festival at Kelham Hall (Newark), ensuring the continuation of the Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB) after the event couldn’t run in London (GBBF). This was a well-attended event in association with national CAMRA with somewhat 150 beers and 30 ciders available

In 2025, I began the process of becoming the East Midlands CBOB coordinator.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

I have a diverse range of skills and experiences: In 2012, they organised a semi-professional cycling team, securing national sponsorship and attending race events across the country. I believe in being a people person, which involves investing time and effort to listen and overcome obstacles together.

In my professional life: I have been a technical sales manager for 18 years in the Garage Equipment Industry, traveling extensively throughout the UK. Their role involves creating close connections with customers, understanding their needs, and paying attention to detail. They take pride in their work and emphasize the importance of building strong relationships and being attentive to the little things.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

The campaign that began in 1971 initially focused on saving cask ale, which was at risk at the time. Over the years, the campaign has evolved to address new challenges. In my opinion cask ale is now considered reasonably safe, my current focus is on the survival of pubs, which are crucial for selling cask ale. I would like the campaign emphasises the importance of pubs with the motto “no pubs, no cask sold,” highlighting the catastrophic impact on the industry if pubs were to disappear. The goal is to motivate change and work towards sustaining the industry.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

I position myself as the voice of the people and grassroots, emphasising the need for support to be heard effectively. They ask to be considered as the candidate who will grow the campaign with their help and guidance. I will commit to making efforts to visit branches throughout the UK, allowing members to voice their opinions and recommendations for the campaign.

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1065025957 

Proposers

Kevin Keaveny
Nicholas Bosley
Robert Hamnett-Day
Felicity Hamnett-Day
Clare Brown
John Bell
Alan Ward
David King
Wayne Cadman
Norman Clinnick

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

I’ve been a CAMRA volunteer for a little over twenty years during which time I’ve done a little bit of lots of things. I’m probably best known for having run the Great British Beer Festival, but I’ve also been a Branch Chairman, Regional Director and member of the National Executive. I’ve volunteered at beer festivals around the country, represented CAMRA in front of parliaments and ministers, judged pubs and beers for CAMRA competitions, chaired meetings, written budgets, made websites… This experience gives me a thorough understanding of CAMRA itself and our place in the wider beer, cider and pubs ecosystem.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

By day I’m a senior manager for an IT company. Apart from technical skills, I’m responsible for formulating strategy, developing plans that bring that strategy to life, leading teams and managing resources as those plans are carried out, and finding creative solutions when problems inevitably arise. All key skills for any board of directors. On the NE I’m especially involved in planning for the future and ensuring CAMRA has the resources and good governance to get there.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

I would like to see us become as united as possible behind ambitious campaigning objectives that are clearly defined and widely understood. We should know what success looks like and celebrate when we achieve it.

For me, that means being a more effective advocate for the drinker and pub-goer. We should apply absolute focus to the biggest issues: pub closures, lack of choice at the bar, the predatory behaviour in some corners of the brewing and pub industries, the anti-alcohol lobby… As the only credible consumer champion on these issues, we have to make sure our voice is heard and our message is clear.

We need to maximise the appeal of our membership offer and I’m particularly keen to see us make the most of our remarkable digital capabilities.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

The wider economic downturn has hurt CAMRA directly through increased costs and reduced the amount of money people have in their pockets to join, visit our events, buy our products, or otherwise support us. At the same time many branches and regions are struggling for volunteers and those that can help very often lack the public transport to reach pubs in more rural areas.

These are challenging times, but it has been an honour to help where I can as Finance Director. I hope that I’ll have your support to keep going.

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1064275083 

Proposers

Danielle Welter
Abi Newton
Catherine Tonry
Colin Valentine
Elaine Tierney
Emily Ryans
Neil McGovern
Nik Antona
Royce Hunt
Tony Waters

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

CAMRA is a volunteering paradise! Over time, I’ve volunteered in many different roles, from litter collection and clearing tables to being a Festival Organiser. Locally, I am part of my Branch Committee and Regionally, I’m in the process of handing over my Champion Beer of Britain Coordinator role to my successor. My volunteering experiences have rounded me into the good- humoured, questioning, passionate, inclusive person I am today. As the Director responsible for the Real Ale, Cider and Perry Campaigns Committee I use the knowledge gained via my volunteering experience to question priorities, provide insight and help contribute to the strategic vision for our successful future. As National Vice Chair, I am building on my inclusive vision and knowledge to review current practices and introduce new procedures to improve flow, transparency and accountability. I want CAMRA to be the best organisation it possibly can be, where everyone is equally respected and heard.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

Professionally, I’ve created legal documents, processes, tenders, templates and guidance that were all easily accessible and quickly informed the reader of their options. I have served for four years as an NHS Healthcare Trust Governor, during which time I honed my financial oversight and project management skills. I am accomplished in the art of active listening. If successfully re-elected to the National Executive, I would continue to speak up to enable us to move forward as an influential consumer focused business while meeting members’ expectations of increased clarity and consensus.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

Our strategic plan runs from 2023 – 2027, and I am keen to contribute to the new one. I want to focus on CAMRA’s vision, assessing where we are currently, contributing to our future priorities and objectives, plus building in how we measure these to evaluate results. Having an innovative strategic plan will make us stronger as an organisation. In turn this will attract increased numbers of new members who can be confident that CAMRA aligns with their expectations. I also want to help strengthen CAMRA’s voice so that we become the touchstone source of information for pubs, clubs, breweries, cider and perry makers, cask conditioned beer and real cider and perry while continuing to celebrate success, community involvement and best practices.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

Being originally from Northern Ireland, where cask conditioned beers are not regularly found in every pub due in part to the Surrender Principle ( [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61915702) [ireland-61915702](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61915702) ) I understand what an unequalled delight a well kept pub with a carefully curated cellar is. I want more people to share this passion. I want to share the joy of beer, the charm of cider and the pleasure of perry with more consumers. United as CAMRA, we can influence change. Campaign wise we still have lots to do. Especially now as the Industry flexs and changes under challenging economic and climatic conditions that impact us all. I want to put my shoulder to the wheel as a National Executive member again because I believe in us – and so I ask please:

Vote Hough! Thank you. Gillian Hough

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1064274261 

Proposers

Les Williams
Gus Manning
Robyn Parr-Ferris
Matt Mills
Sarah Watson
Martyn Reek
Lin Newton
Alan Pickersgill
Nora Harper
David Harper

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

I have been Chair of Leeds branch in Yorkshire, and have been the Regional Cider Coordinator for Yorkshire for nearly 7 years now, travelling to many different branches and pubs, supporting them in their efforts to promote real cider. In an effort to learn more about organising national festivals I was a volunteer on the GBBFW organising committee this year. In every role I have gained experience and knowledge, and have been guided by some outstanding members of the Campaign including members of the National Executive, both past and current. I feel that the knowledge they have shared, and their impartiality will guide me both now and in the future in any role for CAMRA.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

My history is 18 years as a soldier in the Regular Army, in both conflict and peace. Following this I operated sub post offices in Buckinghamshire and West Sussex, before moving on to become a publican at a pub in Lancashire. Whilst at the pub we won a brewery sponsored regional award for the best cask ale in the Granada region and attended the national finals. During this period I was both a CAMRA member, and a British Institute of Innkeeping member. My final job before retirement was as a retail assistant at Marks & Spencer. All the jobs in my life have been customer facing, talking to people, finding solutions for soldiers pay issues, interacting with people in the post office and M&S and at the pub where it was 365 days a year opening making sure the ale was in excellent condition, conditioned correctly and served well. A restrictive tie still operated by most pub owning companies denied us the opportunity to stock real cider and perry.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

CAMRA is the only consumers organisation that speaks for all pub goers (no matter what they drink) and I would like to advocate for them within the campaign and also in presenting CAMRA’s vision to HM Government, all MPs and also to local, district and regional councillors and planning departments as we need them to realise how vital all pubs and clubs are to our communities and the unique benefits they offer. I also realise that the majority of beer/cider & perry sales are now made in the off trade and wish to see CAMRA at the forefront of a campaign to keep consumers informed of the best ways to support ‘indie’ brewers and real cider makers, and for us to maintain a consumer choice database of quality beer and real cider shops.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

As a partially abled person, I face some unique challenges in visiting some venues, as do so many of our current membership and also non members. I would like to explore new ways of ensuring fairer access to venues, and by making it clearer to all who purchase our excellent Good Beer Guide what facilities are on offer at different venues so that they too enjoy the benefits of moderate social drinking, without destroying unique heritage features. I would also wish to work to find a legal solution to the restrictive tie imposed by pub owning companies, that would be simple and fair for all venue operators and pub companies, subject to/or imposing this tie for cask live beer and real cider.

Proposers

Phyl Drennan
Richard Lee
Lyn Atack
Peter Goddard
Richard Holden
John Finnemore
Joanne Dodds
Kerr Kennedy
Nigel Halton
David Dixon

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

I’ve been involved as a CAMRA volunteer for a number of years, primarily through beer festivals. Following a number of roles at Cambridge Beer Festival and GBBF, I’m currently the Cambridge Festival Organiser.

Within the branch, I’ve been the Press Secretary and a BLO for several years.

Nationally, I have been co-opted onto the NE and currently am Vice Chair of the Events Committee and the IT Director, as well as Chair of the Members’ Weekend Improvements Implementation Group.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

I have served on the boards, and also been the leader of a number of national and international membership based non-profit organisations. As a Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management I also have a keen interest in governance and how I can bring the experience I’ve had over the years in a wide variety of sectors to benefit CAMRA.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

I have a particular interest in the use of software to enable efficiencies – enabling volunteer time to be spent on useful activities rather than things that can be done easily by a computer. This is particularly important in the context of an ageing and declining membership.

I would like, however, to turn this trend around. I’ve personally seen markets (in the US, Italy and Greece for example) where the age and gender makeup of those enjoying beer, cider and perry skews much more to 30-40, and much more split 50/50 gender percentages. This is something we can, and should strive for.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

CAMRA is at a turning point. One option is a slide into irrelevancy and decline. Another is to continue to support those principles, and to be a true consumer champion. My time as a NE member has been short – only 6 months. And yet in that time I’ve seen the potential for the National Executive to drive much needed change in the organisation.

I would like to take my years of experience in community and member led non-profits and apply that to CAMRA so that we can continue to ensure the future of the Campaign for another 50 years.

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1064279351 

Proposers

Ash Corbett-Collins
Ian Hill
Catherine Tonry
Laura Emson
Bert Kenward
Chris Rouse
Flick Hamnett-Day
Oliver Fleck
Katherine Lilley
Jennifer Turner

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

I believe that branches are the heart of our campaign and as Durham Secretary I experienced the ups, downs, challenges and successes that branch committee membership encompasses. I know the challenged of making things happen at branch level and how, as an organisation, we don’t always make lives easy for our volunteers. Through being a volunteer both large and small festivals, I know in detail what our main campaigning method looks like and just how much effort our volunteers expend to make these events happen. At a UK level, I am a member of Campaigns and Communications Committee, helping to shape and hone our campaign messages and actions to influence decision makers. I am also a beer festival admissions manager, have been a BLO and am a tasting panel member. I would bring the accumulated learning and experience from all of these positions to my role as director.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

I know how to get things done, how to make issues relevant to people and how to bring the best out of individuals and groups. CAMRA is people and being able to interact with, understand the experience of, and influence people of all types is the key to our success. I would contribute being an agent of change who can galvanise and lead people to success, which is, I think, exactly what CAMRA needs as we face the challenges of the 21st Century, not least of which is remaining relevant in a fast-changing society.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

I start from the position that CAMRA’s status in society as a highly trusted and influential organisation is built on the countless hours of committed volunteers and the ‘voice’ provided by the size of our membership figures. There is a huge love of ale, cider and pubs in younger generations, but this is not reflected in our membership. My vision is of a CAMRA that is younger and more relevant to younger people. We must keep doing what we do well now while making sure that we speak, act and campaign in ways that will attract and retain the people that are our future, so real ale, real cider, our pubs and our breweries are promoted and protected for decades to come.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

I believe CAMRA is as vital now as the day it was created, but for different reasons. Back then, the battle was to create the space and conditions in which production, variety and quality of real ale and cider could be improved. We won that fight and today we have much of what those pioneering campaigners demanded. Today, our hard-won gains are under threat from pub companies and veracious multinational ‘brewers’ who want to restrict our choice and control our experience, taking us back to the past. We must avoid this by keeping our campaign relevant, reaching younger people and making sure all of our members are empowered to actively campaign for the real ale and cider we love to be freely available.

Proposers

Christopher John Tregellis
Neil Shaw
Kevin Keaveny
Will Smith
Chris Mansfield
Robert Foulkes
Sam Rose
Lynda Johnson
Paul Ainsworth
Chris Rouse

Candidate Statement

What experience do you have of volunteering within CAMRA and how do you consider these experiences will be useful if you are elected?

I joined way back in 1978 at the Great British Beer Festival. On relocating to Telford, I took on a branch committee role and have held various roles at the branch including Chairman for over past 40 years, I am currently the Branch Secretary and Pubs Officer.

I have also been the Shropshire Area Organiser and West Midlands Regional Director, a post I held for 10 years, as well as being a member of various national committees including various roles on the GBBF Working Party.

I believe that this has given me a very good insight into the way CAMRA works from the root level to the top of the campaign and therefore if elected I would be able to contribute very quickly to the National Executive.

What relevant skills and experiences do you have from life that will enhance the National Executive and what would you expect to contribute?

I have worked as an IT professional since leaving college from a small software house to a large multi-national corporation. This has given me experience in a large number of sectors of business, which I have already used in the campaign at the various levels I been active in, and I believe that again this will be useful to both me and the National Executive in what ever role I am asked to fulfil if elected.

If elected, what vision do you have for the next four years as you influence the organisation as a member of the National Executive?

I fully believe that the Campaign’s main strength is its grass root members and the branches and that the correct levels of support to these should be made more readily available and increased.

We must also continue to support and promote pubs and clubs because without them there would be no outlet for most of the beers, we as a campaign have fought hard to encourage the brewers of this country to produce.

What other statement would you like to make to support your candidacy?

As a trained “Wellbeing Champion” at the company I work for, I became a member of The Association of Mental Health First Aiders, this has really highlighted to me the very important role that pubs and clubs play in promoting wellbeing and community spirit. I believe that the campaign should continue to push this and use it when fighting closures of these establishments.

Candidate Video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1064272723 

Proposers

Tony Waters
Bob Stukins
Paul Ainsworth
Alan Thwaite
John Cryne
Gary Timmins
Christine Cryne
Marc Holmes
Ruth Hamblett
Laura Hadland