Amber Valley CAMRA - Valley View
Drinkers Flock to Ripley Festival
The second Amber Valley CAMRA Rail Ale Festival at Butterley Station was a runaway success as 1,581 thirsty drinkers slaked their thirst in Mediterranean type weather. Indeed, the soaring temperatures precluded the chocolatier from offering her luscious wares! The attendance represented a whopping 72% hike on last year's debut event, and it wasn't just the 80 ales that sold out, as Chris Rogers, cider bar manager, reported a doubling of sales. The bands were well received with a packed marquee captivated by the headline act, the Rollin Stoned, who delivered a rousing rendition of the famous rockers' songs. It was a memorable few days with many commenting on a carnival like atmosphere, and 25 new members were added to CAMRA's growing army of 130,000. Amber Valley CAMRA wishes to extend its thanks to our main sponsor, the Queens Head, Marlpool, and also to the Hunter Arms, Kilburn; Amber Ales; Wade Printers, and Reuben Shaw of Moorgreen, Newthorpe. The festival wouldn't have happened without a herculean effort from Amber Valley CAMRA members together with their counterparts from Derby branch, and we are also indebted to Ged Swallow, Roger Morgan, Julian Ellingham, Judy Mallaber and countless others. Special thanks go to the regulars from the Queens Head, Marlpool, who worked tirelessly, and of course, to our hosts, the Midland Railway, Butterley. Finally, we wish to thank Mansfield CAMRA for its loan of equipment, and Reg Newcombe for his logo design.
Bulls Head Reopens
October saw the reopening of the Bulls Head, Belper Lane End, and the former coaching inn looks set to become a popular destination again. Walkers and ramblers have long enjoyed this old pub with its panoramic views, and the beamed public bar with quarry tiled floor is a welcome retention. A quartet of hand pulled beers are available with Adnams Gunhill in fine fettle on my visit. The food menu looked particularly tempting and doubtless this will help attract custom to a beautifully located inn.
Stables Bar at Fritchley
Many of you will have fond memories of the Stables Bar at Park Hall, Denby, which, sadly, was forced to close a few years ago. Well, out at far flung Fritchley, a smaller reincarnation has been created by Terry Harby at the Red Lion, in an atmospheric 16thC outbuilding serving three real ales direct from the cask. There's a log burner to keep you warm during the winter and it's open from 4pm Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Amber Valley diary
Meetings
Thursday 9th February - Beer Festival meeting, Beehive, Ripley - 8pm start
Monday 13th February - Good Beer Guide Selection Meeting, Holly Bush, Marehay - 8:15pm start
Thursday 23rd February - Branch Meeting at the Wheel Inn, Holbrook - 8.30pm start
Monday 27th February - Pub of the Year Presentations, Runner Up, Old Oak, Horsley Woodhouse 8:30pm followed by Winner, Hunters Arms, Kilburn at 10pm.
Socials
Saturday 11th February 2012 - Social Survey to Holbrook & Heage. Free minibus from Ripley Market Place at 7:30pm Pickups in Denby and Belper are available. Please contact Jane Wallis (Social Secretary) for more details.
Beer Festivals
Thursday 15th - Saturday 18th Feb 2012 - 11th Derby Winter Beer Festival, Roundhouse, Derby. Opening times vary, see http://www.derbycamra.org.uk/winter-beer-festival/ for more details
Amber Valley Sub-Branch Contacts
Chairman: Nathan Dilley, Tel. 01773 570675 or e-mail: NDilley@hotmail.co.uk
Membership Secretary: Phil Marshall, Tel 07828 197795 or e-mail: illphilroy@gmail.com
Social Secretary: Jane Wallis, Tel 01773 745966 or e-mail mick.wallis@btinternet.com
