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June 2007

• In mid-May, planning approval for the forthcoming Brampton Brewery was finally received from Chesterfield Borough Council. The current forecast is to have the brewing plant installed towards the end of August. In anticipation, owner/brewer Chris Radford is attending the 3-week Certificate in Practical Brewing course at Brewlab in Sunderland in July, prior to starting full-scale test brewing on his own plant. We plan to feature this new brewery fully in the next issue.

• We gather that the much-delayed Clarion Brewery project will not now be going ahead, but we understand that a new brewery in nearby Taddington is planned for the very near future.

• During the month of May, a light fruity Malthouse Mild 3.5% was available from Ashover Brewery. It was the first beer to sell out at the Barrow Hill Rail Ale festival and thus will be named the Beer of the Festival. Also on sale for St George’s Day was a robust porter Dark Dragon 4.9%. It is hoped that, once fully developed, the porter will become a regular beer. Meanwhile, the three core beers are available at the ‘brewery tap’ (Old Poets’ Corner), the Arkwright and the Derby Tup.

• Spire Brewery’s Sgt. Pepper Stout has won Beer of the Festival at the London Drinker Beer Festival. Four conditioning tanks have been installed to help cope with the increased demand for their beers and a small bottling unit is now in place for the production of 500ml bottle conditioned versions of the regular beers.

• Meanwhile, look out for Inn-Spiration, the 5.4% ABV special brew to celebrate the 30th Birthday of Chesterfield CAMRA. Brewed by Branch members it will be available to pubs and in bottles.

• There is a Charity Garden Party at Thornbridge on 1st July from 11am to 4pm. The entrance is £5 with many family events, farmers market and entertainments arranged by the Hall. A special bus will pick up at the Temple Hotel in Matlock Bath at 10.30am and will return from Thornbridge at 4pm. The cost will be £8.50 per person and includes entrance into the fair.  Children don’t pay an entrance fee so their place on the bus would cost £6. Of course there will be a beer tent for anyone who may be slightly interested!

• A group of villagers from the quiet hamlet of Warslow in the heart of the Peaks were looking to hold an event that would help to put their village and their beautiful location on the map for visitors as well as provide the locals with an entertaining village event... after all when you live in the country you do have to make your own entertainment and worse still – we had been without a pub for over a year!! The idea of a beer and food festival sprung to mind as nothing like this was held anywhere nearby. The idea of drinking good beers, eating fabulous food and listening to some excellent music seemed a natural mix – and all to be enjoyed in a location overlooking the magnificent Manifold Valley with Thor’s Cave as a backdrop.

• Meanwhile, Thornbridge beers may be found in the Red Lion, Matlock Green.

• On 6th April, some Darley Dale based members of our Matlock & Dales sub-Branch decided to walk around all the pubs delivering Innspire and sampling the ale. First stop was the Grouse on the A6, formerly a Hardy Hanson pub, where Greene King Abbot Ale and IPA were available, then on to the Church Inn, also previously Hardy Hanson, where the choice was Ruddles County and Morland Original. The third former Hardy Hanson pub was the Three Stags Head at Darley Bridge where Morland Original and Greene King IPA were on offer. The Square and Compass, also at Darley Bridge, was serving Robinson's Unicorn. Back to the A6 and the Whitworth Hotel, which had a choice of four real ales including Timothy Taylor Landlord, Fuller's Discovery and Peak Ales DPA Our final port of call was The Plough at Two Dales where the selection was Timothy Taylor Landlord, Martson's Pedigree, Bateman's Salem Porter and Hartington IPA. The Red Lion at Birchover has had Amber Ales Amber Blond alongside its house beer Nine Ladies – now brewed by Peakstones Rock of Alton.

• The Flying Childers at Stanton in Peak has recently been offering JW Lees Scorcher.Youlgrave Silver Band will be playing outside the pub from 6.30pm on Sunday 17th June, and a local history walk will start at 7.30pm the next evening – with a drink afterwards, of course!

• The Nag's Head at Newbold has reportedly been offering Mansfield Dark on handpump during May.

• The Mason’s Arms on Chatsworth Road, Brampton is offering weekly guest beers including, in June, Adnams Explorer and Skinner’s Cornish Knocker.

• Kevin White, lately landlord of the award-winning Boat Inn at Cromford, has a new business, 'Thirst Aid': event and pub relief management. As well as the food, drink and music, Kev can supply the required Licence and the temporary event notification. Alternatively, publicans can take time off in the knowledge that their pub is in safe hands. Kev can be contacted on 07766 805828 or email kpwhite74@aol.com.

• Chesterfield & District CAMRA have nominated the Victoria WMC on Whittington Moor - the venue for our April meeting - for the 2008 National Club of the Year award. The Victoria has recently been offering handpulled beers from the Timothy Taylor range, including Golden Best. Meanwhile, the 2007 award has gone to West Yorkshire…

• Greetland Community & Sporting Association, near Halifax, impressed the judges with the central role it plays in the area, together with the diversity of usage and membership. John Holland, Chairman of CAMRA’s Clubs Committee, said: “This club is a true centre of the community, with young and old members mixing well with the local sports teams to enjoy very good quality, fairly priced beers.” The club steward, Ian Sinclair said: “We scour Britain for the best real ales in the land and make sure they are always in peak condition when they are served. Our members love the fact we have six handpumps on permanently with the finest ales.”

April 2007

• The Bridge Inn (pictured) on Hollis Lane, Chesterfield reopened on 9th March, with three real ales: Black Sheep Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin and Brakspear Bitter. These beers will vary, based on customer feedback. The Masons Arms at West Bars has just gone’ real’ with Wychwood Hobgoblin the initial offering, meanwhile on Glumangate the new licensee of the Gardeners is keen to make cask ale available in the future.2007 Beer Festival favourites, Sour Mash, played the Barrow Hill Memorial Club recently, and cask ale in the shape of Stones 4.1% is now a fixture on the bar. The steward said it was due to customer demand and was selling well.

• Brampton Manor (off Old Road, Chesterfield) has live bands most Friday nights and the bar is open to the public - with two or three cask ales, usually Wells Bombardier and Black Sheep Bitter, and occasionally more interesting choices. The Black-a-Moor at Troway is open again, following its ‘paint job’ - one real ale (Tetley Bitter) is available.

• The Tickled Trout at Barlow has re-opened after being closed since before Christmas. Marston’s Pedigree, Old Empire and Lees Thoroughbred have been available to whet our whistles!

• The Peacock at Cutthorpe (pictured) has also been re-opened by a couple who previously had a city centre pub in Sheffield. They intend keeping three cask beers: a regular and the other two alternating.

• The Woodthorpe Inn at Holmgate is open again, but with 5 houses to be built on car park.

• The Anvil at Calow has been renamed the Blacksmith’s Arms, whilst up the road the Arkwright has just introduced a range of Belgian bottled beers.

• We welcome the new licensee of the Castle Arms, Bolsover, Paul Bowler.

• Mansfield & Ashfield CAMRA recently announced its Pub of the Year for 2007 is again the Horse & Groom, Scarcliffe. It will be also their Winter Pub of the Season again, and the presentation will be on May 1st, where there will also be having an address from Peter Tullochof Cask Marque.

• The Famous Red Lion, Stonedge had started to offer Thornbridge beers prior to an extensive refurbishment, but the pub should be open again by the time you read this.

• The White Lion at Starkholmes has been awarded Cask Marque status. The Midland in Matlock Bath now offers 3 or 4 guest beers; these have included Peak Ales Bakewell Bitter and beers from Peakstone Rock and Ossett.

• In the newest local real ale outlet, Riva- formerly the Rose Cottage tea rooms - had Jennings’ Cocker Hoop and Sneck Lifter.

• The Plough at Two Dales continues to give a varied choice of real ales from the SIBA scheme. Recent ales to complement the permanent Taylor Landlord and Marston’s Pedigree have beenales from the Salopian, Whitby Black Dog, Brewsters, Ossett and Thornbridge breweries.

• The Old Bowling Green, Winster has recently offered Theakston Best Bitter, Thornbridge McConnel’s Stout and Abbeydale Moonshine (the latter at a very reasonable £2.00 a pint).

• The Royal Oak at Wirksworth usually has 5 hand pulled ales available: Royal Oak a 5% ABV beer, brewed to the original Eldridge Pope recipe by O’Hanlons; also Thornbridge Jaipur, Taylor Landlord, Whim Hartington IPA and another beer which had sold out at the time of our visit. The pub is open every night plus Sunday lunchtime.

• Another micro may soon be with us: the landlord of the Spinning Wheel at North Wingfield intends to install a brewing plant in the pub’s outbuildings.

• At the SIBA North Regional Beer Competition, Bradfield Brewery won two awards; the Farmers Blonde won Gold in the Speciality Beers category and the Farmers Stout won Silver in its class.

• Spire Brewery’s Mild for May is still under development but should be about 3.7% and will be a deep ruby/garnet colour, with the appropriate name of Ruby Tuesday. Bottle-conditioned beers will soon be on sale, starting with the Sgt. Pepper Stout. In addition, four conditioning tanks are to be installed in the fermenting room to increase capacity.

• Derby Evening Telegraph’s ‘The Beer Hunter’ recently announced that Peak Ales Bakewell Best Bitter was his ‘Beer of the Year’ for 2006. The beer writer claimed he first discovered BBB in January 2006 but tasted nothing better for the next 11 months! He commented, “this magnificent ale is brewed with exceptional consistency. Try it at the Devonshire Arms in nearby Pilsley. Rob is not interested in following trends and knows what bitter really should taste like.”

• Other new outlets that are now offering this acclaimed beer for the first time include the Blue Stoops at Walton, Royal Oak at Hurdlow and the Church Inn at Chelmorton.

• Meanwhile, the Highwayman at Eastmoor (between Chesterfield and Baslow) is now offering Peak’s Swift Nick all the time, which is appropriate as the beer is named after Derbyshire’s own answer to Dick Turpin. John Nevison, born in 1648, was known as ‘Swift Nick’: a flamboyant highwayman who reputedly never used violence. Finally, Peak’s new offering - DPA - was formally launched at February’s Chesterfield Beer Festival and is proving to be very popular. Look out for the4.6% ABV golden ale in the Plough at Two Dales, Whitworth Institute at Darley Dale, Temple Hotel at Matlock Bath and other local outlets.

• Townes Staveley Cross has made it into the Strangers’ Bar at the Houses of Parliament. Northeast Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel made the nomination. Alan Wood commented: “It was quite a surprise to find out our beer had been chosen. It has not been available in London before, apart from at the Great British Beer Festival, and it’s always good to have your beer on sale in strange places!” Mrs Engel said: “A lot of the MPs who drink in Strangers’ Bar always try the guest beer, so it will get a real profile among people up and down the country.”

• Thornbridge Brewery is to get its second tied house, again in the Sheffield area.

• Ashover Brewery now has three beers in its portfolio: Light Rale 3.7% ABV - a pale session beer, Poet’s Tipple (4.0%) a chestnut bitter, and Butts Pale Ale (5.0%).The Flowerpot at Derby has now got planning permission to install a brewery, with work commencing in April, with things up and running by the summer.

• On behalf of the Branch, we hope readers will join us in wishing Reg Newcombe of Derby (along-standing contributor to CAMRA, e.g. Derbyshire Ale Guide) a swift recovery from his recent horrific attack. Mindless thugs left him for dead for the sake of a few quid - we grumble about pub closures and such like, but this puts things in a truer perspective…

February 2007

• Thornbridge beers - including Blackthorn, Brother Rabbit, Jaipur Monsoon and Lord Marples - have been available at around £1.50 a pint at both of Chesterfield’s JD Wetherspoon outlets, the Portland Hotel and Spa Lane Vaults.

• Contrary to the information we reported last time, the music at the George & Dragon, Old Brampton is on Sundays, not Thursdays.

• As we went to press, it was reported that the Black a Moor at Troway was 'closed for alterations for a few days' but without a re-opening date mentioned.

• The Coach & Horses at Dronfield has been showcasing several of the new Thornbridge brews lately including a Christmas ale - Babushka at 6% ABV - which is spiced with cloves and cinnamon plus the 4.8% Moorfield. The new brewer - Kiwi Kelly - is usually on hand in the evening to chat about the brews and has several of the main ingredients available by the bar for the cognoscenti.

• Black Sheep Bitter was reportedly on good form at the Star Inn, Lower Pilsley recently.

• The Cannon at Clay Cross is offering a more adventurous guest ale policy with St Austell Tribute and Bateman’s Rosy Nosy spotted recently.

• The Woolpack at Shirland was reported in RuRAD as being closed and boarded up.

• Despite getting rave reviews for his beer quality, Graham at the Woodthorpe, Holmgate has decided to move on, principally due to the difficulties he has been experiencing with the new owners. The handover was due on 22nd January. Despite there being some interest shown by several local people in taking it on, a period of closure seems inevitable.  The owners have applied for planning permission for two houses on the car park and two on the field behind.

• A pre-Christmas survey of Barlborough pubs showed the extent to which Greene King beers are moving into the area. Greene King Abbot was available in both the Apollo and Royal Oak, the latter also having Greene King IPA on the bar as well. The Rose & Crown had two Hardy & Hansons beers on, and this was one of the last opportunities to taste the genuine item brewed in Kimberley. The Treble Bob had run out of real ale.

• For Community Pubs Week, the Arkwright Arms is going to have an extensive selection of previous Champion Beers of Britain and other medal winners from the last few years – well worth a visit for sampling some of the most acclaimed beers in Britain.

• The Prince of Wales at Brimington is now closed, and outline planning permission has been granted for houses to be built on the site.

• The Winsick Arms is reportedly closed, awaiting a new Punch tenant.

• The Plough at Two Dales has joined the SIBA scheme. Meanwhile, the Church Inn at Darley Dale was still serving Hardys & Hansons Bitter plus GK Abbot Ale, but it was not clear how long the Bitter would remain available.

• The Crown at Matlock has had a series of Thornbridge beers on, Lord Marples and Blackthorn, followed by Jaipur Monsoon and Brother Rabbit.

• At the White Lion at Starkholmes, the St Austell Tribute and Hydes Jekyll's Gold were on very good form, whilst the Red Lion at Matlock Green has had Courage Directors and Peak Ales Bakewell Best as regular beers.

• The Temple Hotel at Matlock Bath will be offering at least 8 real ales at its forthcoming “Thirst” Birthday celebrations. Six ales will be dispensed on gravity racking system, and two through the hand pump, plus one pump on standby. There will be no particular theme, just a selection of good beers that the pub has not had before.

• Unfortunately, Peak Ales Bakewell Best Bitter is no longer available at the George at Youlgreave, which brought a welcome local choice to the mega-brewers’ offerings.

• At Hartington, the Charles Cotton is now in the same ownership as the Bentley Brook and Manifold Hotel. Clive & Tracy are the new managers and, once a much-needed makeover is complete, they hope to offer more for the casual drinker (in addition to the obvious food trade). Whim Hartington Bitter, Fuller's London Pride, Peakstones Rock Oblivion and Oakham JHB (thanks to a cask-swap with Whim) were on the bar.

• The Waterloo at Biggin had M&B Mild alongside Black Sheep Bitter & Ale, plus a new pub cat!

• Anyone with an interest in the history of pubs in Whittington should track down a copy of two recently published booklets by Trevor Nurse covering ‘The Public Houses of Whittington’. Volume 1 covers Old and New Whittington, whilst the pubs past and present of Whittington Moor are covered in Volume 2. The booklets are priced at £2.70 and £2.65 respectively. They should be available from the usual local outlets (copies have been seen in the Revolution House, Old Whittington).

• Derbyshire Pale Ale is a brand new 4.6% ABV brew from Peak Ales which will be officially launched at Chesterfield Beer Festival.

• Derventio Brewery have announced the launch of their latest beer, Cupid at 4.1% ABV, which is a light coloured honey with a smooth rounded character and made from the finest Maris Otter Pale Malt and English Hops.

December 2006

• We have more National Award winners in our pub ranks! From their complement of circa 2,000 pubs, the Union Pubco has announced their award for customer service to the Old Pump at Barlow, whilst the Blue Bell at Bolsover is Community Pub of the Year for 2006 and the Crispin at Ashover is overall Pub of the Year. Congratulations to all concerned.

• The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were to visit Ashover as we went to press in recognition of the village winning the Calor Village of the Year Award for England in 2005 and the Central Region ‘Best of the Best’ Village of the Year Award in 2006. Current Branch Pub of the Year the Old Poets’ Corner has been asked to take part and to talk about their CAMRA National Cider Pub Award and the local beers soon to be brewed in the brand new Ashover Brewery. Kim and his brewing partner Roy Shorrock plan to produce an annual seasonal beer to commemorate the visit. So come on lads, get your Royal brewing hats on and get sparging - anyone got an idea for a name?

• Meanwhile, the awards just keep stacking up - the Poets was runner-up in a national competition, run by Greene King plc and pub trade magazine The Publican, to find the Cask Ale Pub of the Year. Kim said: “We’re obviously very proud to have come second in the competition and it’s a very nice pat on the back for all the hard work and effort that goes into trying to produce quality cask ale consistently.” The winner was the Dove Street Inn, Ipswich, and third prize went to the Three Judges, Glasgow.

• Jenny and Bill who once had the Nags Head in Newbold have recently taken over at the Kelstedge Inn which is now a totally smoke-free pub.

• The Golden Fleece in Chesterfield town centre re-opened on Friday 20th October with the pumpclips advertising Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Theakston XB although none was actually available when our correspondent visited. Meanwhile, a one-time cask outlet, the nearby Barking Badger re-opened following refurbishment under the new name of Martha’s Vineyard - the prospect of cask ale reappearing seems remote!

• The Odd Couple has been refurbished and has reopened under its original name of the Railway complete with an attractively newly painted sign. It is hoped cask beer will be reintroduced in due course.

• A third handpump has been installed at the Industry on Queen Street.

• The Branch welcomes new licensees at the George & Dragon at Old Brampton – Swannie & Karen. The pub reopened on Saturday 21st October with Marston’s Pedigree and Adnam’s Bitter. Four handpumps are on the bar. Folk music will be back on the first Thursday of each month, and the bell ringers will also be back.

• The Prince of Wales at Brimington is reportedly under threat again, as another planning application has been made to demolish the pub and build houses on the site.

• Andrew Sale left the White Horse, Old Whittington at the end of October. He retains pub interests in Eckington - and Sheffield where he's decided to concentrate his efforts. We hope the White Horse's 'interesting' guest ale policy will survive.

• The Willow Tree at Pilsley has re-opened after being closed all summer.

• The Cannon in Clay Cross was reportedly serving a good pint of Marston’s Pedigree and Everards Tiger recently. They also have a regular cider such as Weston's 1st Choice.

• A pair of daring adventurers recently ‘did’ Clowne: The Anchor, Nags Head, Miners Welfare, Hart (formerly White Hart), Angel, Crown and Travellers Rest were all visited and not a single pub offered any real ale although there was an unused handpump in the Nags Head. After being accused of looking like 'trainspotters' in the Travellers, our intrepid duo made their excuses and left! A nice pint of Kimberley Bitter in the Rose & Crown at Barlborough was only partial compensation.

• Similarly, what a shame that Eckington can offer so many pubs yet so little real ale! We understand that there are new owners / managers at the Prince of Wales, Rose & Crown and Angel, but no real ale was available in any of them! However, the Royal Hotel had ‘Classic Bitter’ at 3.8%ABV (no brewer evident on the pump clip but in Highgate casks!) and Black Sheep Bitter at £1.60 and £2.15 respectively. The established George also had no real ale (but two hand pumps) but at least the Bird in Hand could offer our brave correspondent Tetley Bitter - oh for a little bit of inspiration!

• Speaking of what can be achieved with a bit of inspiration, the new brewer at Thornbridge and his wife - both from New Zealand - have taken over the running of the Coach & Horses in Dronfield. Meanwhile Martin Dickie will be returning to Scotland in the new year to set up his own brewery.

• A sign on the door at the Tickled Trout in Barlow read 'closed until further notice' and this was still the case as we went to press.

• The Charles Cotton at Hartington has been offering, instead of the usual Whim beers, Fox Tale Ale (4.9%) and Mocha Stout (5.0%) from Alcazar - the latter is certainly distinctive!

• Meanwhile, at the Farmyard, Youlgrave - the shape of things to come? No Hardys & Hansons beers, but Greene King IPA, Abbot and Old Speckled Hen instead. Thank goodness the George (pictured) offers a decent drop of Peak Ales Bakewell Best Bitter!

• The Red Lion at Matlock Green aims to serve Peak Ale's Noggin Filler throughout December and beyond the festive period. Likewise up the A6 at Darley Dale, the Whitworth Institute will also reportedly be offering this winter seasonal ale.

• John Grosvenor has left the Devonshire Arms at Beeley. After extensive refurbishment, a new management team from the Chatsworth Estate's Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel in Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire will be taking over.

• Fuller's will be holding a Fine Ale Club, hosted by Brewing Director John Keeling, at the Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon on 8th March and will feature up to 9 of their beers.

• Many people will have seen the excellent Peak Ales write-up in What's Brewing. You will have already read that Noggin Filler has been brewed again for the Christmas market and a cask has been put aside for our beer festival. A new assistant brewer has been appointed - Stuart Wragg - who has previously been on a Brewlab course and has had volunteer experience working at Kelham Island, prior to writing a speculative letter to Rob at just the right time! Peak are also preparing to do their 100th brew in late December.

• No new Whim Ales are in the pipeline but a couple of seasonals are in circulation alongside the standards (Arbor Light, Hartington and IPA): Special Ale and Cascade. The highly popular Black Christmas has also been brewed and again, a cask has been put aside for our beer festival in February.

• Townes Renegade 4.4% is a new seasonal brew for December and Pynot Porter is being bottled in readiness for Christmas and is “RAIB” (real ale in a bottle) whilst Spire Brewery has followed up its 80/- ale with Winter Wonderland - a spicy winter ale at 6.1% ABV. Sgt Pepper Stout was just pipped into joint 2nd place at the 7th North Notts Beer Festival by Old Freddie Walker, brewed by Moor Brewery in Somerset.

• Ashover Brewery has now got planning permission (conditional). Floor and drainage have been installed, walls had been rendered and were to be clad. Brewing kit (ex-Fantasy Brewery / Rat & Ratchet) will be plumbed in and wired up in early December with a preliminary brew to take place in early January.

October 2006

• In a huge endorsement of David McLaren’s brewing expertise, Kelham Island has contracted some of its beers to Spire Brewery, as it cannot keep up with current demand.

• Spire continues to innovate, trialling a light, hoppy 4% ABV beer ‘Brassed Off’, and test brews are also underway for a spiced Pumpkin Ale using real roasted pumpkin (4.2% ABV), and a Mild using Maris Otter pale malt, Crystal Wheat malt and Fuggle hops (4.0%). David is very keen to reflect his Scottish heritage by developing an 80/- Ale, with a limited supply available in time for St. Andrew’s Day on 30^th November. There is also a strong spiced
  Winter Ale in the pipeline, so watch this space!  More information can be found on their excellent new website www.spirebrewery.co.uk

• An update on the situation at the Woodthorpe, Holmgate… a couple of days before the August rent payment was due (and whilst the Walkers were making contingency plans for somewhere else to live), the owner asked them to stop on for a further 12 months.  The intended planning application for 4 houses (2 either side of the pub) - as well as a refurbishment of the pub itself - is still in the pipeline, and this may affect the currently agreed rent structure.  A recent Saturday evening social trip enjoyed well kept beers from Kelham Island and Nethergate - if you haven’t been yet, Graham will be pleased to see you!

• Of the clutch of local pubs currently ‘To Let’, the most significant is the 2007 Good Beer Guide-listed Market Hotel in Chesterfield town centre (since the middle of August).

• The Victoria Club on Whittington Moor is now alternating Timothy Taylor’s Golden Best with Dark Mild, as well as their Best Bitter.

• The Red Lion at Brimington is currently offering 2 changing guest ales from the Union Pub Co. portfolio and were Wychwood Hobgoblin and
  Jennings’ Cock-a-Hoop in early October.

• Licensees Mike & Margaret Ward have also recently taken over the running of the previously keg-only Boot & Shoe at Grassmoor. Cask will be back in the familiar form of 2 changing guest ales, and the Wards are also keen to host a Beer Festival next March - watch this space!

• Roy Shorrock and Kim Beresford are in the process of setting up a microbrewery based at the Old Poet’s Corner in Ashover. A feasibility study showed that siting the brewery in the cellar of the pub - as originally planned - would not be practicable. However, the adjoining Red Lion Cottage has a large garage space which may prove suitable. Planning permission for the change of use has been applied for, with the outcome expected in late October.
  
  Meanwhile, walls, floor and ceiling need to be made suitable for a brewing environment.  A full set of microbrewery equipment from a former Firkin brewpub has been purchased and is ready for installation if the planning application is successful, with brewing expected to commence in 2007.

• Townes Brewery’s latest beer from the ‘Real Gone’ series is ‘Ram’ - a 4% ABV beer dedicated to John Young who sadly died last month. Chairman of Young’s brewery, John campaigned for the continuation of Real Ale rather than the convenience of keg beers being promoted by rival brewers in the 60s - long before CAMRA was formed.

• Most readers will be aware that North Derbyshire is home to the oldest football club in the world - Sheffield FC. How appropriate then that the oldest has a new ‘neighbour’: Thornbridge Brewery’s very first tied house, the Coach & Horses at Dronfield. The refurbished pub opened its doors on Saturday 30th September, with experienced landlord Alf Glaves managing the premises. Open 12 noon - 12 midnight Sunday - Thursday, 12 noon - 1am Friday and Saturday, food will be available between 4pm and 7pm, with a theme of ‘Sheffield Tapas’.

• News from the Matlocks: the highly-rated Thorn Tree has Adnams Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter, Draught Bass, Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Taylor Landlord as regular beers, plus a guest, which was Theakston XB at the time of our visit. The Crown has recently offered a decent drop of Daleside Blonde, whilst the Horseshoe had Wells Bombardier available.

• En route to Starkholmes, the Duke William has a new landlord in residence, and the White Lion had Marston’s Pedigree alongside Jennings’ Cocker Hoop and Fish King.

• On to the Darleys: the Kimberley Bitter at the Church was reportedly on excellent form. Next up, two pubs each offering four beers, including welcome local choices: the Whitworth Hotel with Fuller’s Discovery, Ruddles County, Taylor Landlord and Peak Ales Bakewell Bitter; and the Plough at Two Dales
  with Marston’s Pedigree, Taylor Landlord, Titanic Lifeboat and Thornbridge Lord Marples. At Darley Bridge, the Three Stags Heads had the H&H seasonal beer on, whilst the Square & Compass had Robinson’s Unicorn and Double Hop.

• The Quiet Woman at Earl Sterndale is currently offering gift sets of 3 bottled conditioned ‘house beers’: Nipper Ale at 4% ABV (a reference to the canine ‘Lord Mayor of Sterndale’), Quiet Woman Stout at 4.5% ABV and Headless Ale at 5% ABV. They are actually brewed by Leek Brewery and are only rarely available on handpump. However, the excellent Headless Ale was available in early October.

• Congratulations to the Old Bowling Green at Winster who have been granted Cask Marque accreditation. Also receiving this accolade is, uniquely, Mansfield & Ashfield CAMRA’s cellar team at the Moorgreen Show.

• Patrons of the Lathkil Hotel at Over Haddon who expressed concern about the health of its charismatic landlord, Robert Grigor-Taylor, will be delighted to know he has returned to the pub after 101⁄2 weeks in hospital following serious illness. Robert is now said to be ‘pottering about’ again as his recovery continues.

• The publication of the latest Good Beer Guide sees the Lathkil notching up its 25^th consecutive appearance. A forthcoming presentation will provide another opportunity for the Branch to enjoy the Lathkil’s celebrated ales (which now feature Thornbridge alongside Whim), convey our best wishes to Robert and congratulate Jason on his cellarmanship!

August 2006

• Meanwhile, in Holmgate… as we went to press, the tenants of the still-trading Woodthorpe Inn are facing the real possibility of a massive rent hike hanging over them. Inevitably, this would make their position untenable and undo all their hard work, as well as frustrating the hopes of local residents - who have campaigned for the retention of this community pub.

• Obituary: It is with great regret that we report the sudden passing of Bob Skinner, landlord of the Clock Inn, South Normanton.
  Although just outside our area, the Clock has been a stalwart advertiser with InnSpire. Our condolences go to his son Ed, who is battling on with running the pub.

• Obituary: We also record the passing of Tim Smith, until recently the owner of ‘t Ostens Bierhuus in Ostende - he was a familiar figure to quite a few of our readers, who have sampled his wares whilst on holiday.

• Mild corner - the quiet, ongoing revival of this beer style continues well beyond its May niche - Taylor Golden Best has been sighted at the Victoria Club on Whittington Moor, and has also had a popular stint at the Royal Oak, Millthorpe. Its sister beer, the Dark Mild has been available in the George & Dragon, Old Brampton. In addition, Theakston’s Mild has been offered at the Waterloo, Biggin.

• The Industry, Newbold has recently incuded beers from Thornbridge, including Jaipur, Blackthorn and Brock.

• Samuel Smiths have made a set of customised casks to enable the Chesterfield Labour Club to serve their Old Brewery Bitter as the Club seeks increase its turnover of cask ale.

• It has been reported that real ale is available again at the Cock & Magpie, Old Whittington, but on the other side of town, it was sadly noted that our 1998 Branch Pub of the Year, the Boythorpe, was no longer selling real ale. Pete & Sheila Kemp are pictured in happier times when they were hosting the local area launch of CAMRA’s ‘Ask if it’s Cask’ campaign in 2001. They subsequently left Chesterfield for Burnley and a fresh challenge in early 2003. A very regrettable decline for a once thriving real ale outlet and community local.

• John Chadwick and Kathy Shorrock have formally taken over the management at the Arkwright Arms, Sutton-cum-Duckmanton from John’s parents, Paul & Judy. The Branch wishes both couples all the best for the future.

• In Apperknowle, 9 beers (2 of ‘em Milds) were recently found, 4 of which were brewed locally. The Barracks was offering Tetley Bitter, Abbeydale Moonshine, Brewster’s Marquis Bitter and Kelham Island Pale Rider, whilst the nearby Travellers Rest had John Smith’s Cask, Caledonian Dr. Bob’s, Bradfield Farmer’s Brown Cow, (Fullers!) Gale’s Festival and Thornbridge Pollux on the bar.

• The Angel in Eckington, which has been shut for 12 months or so, has undergone extensive refurbishment this month, but there have been no clues thus far as to whether real ale will ultimately feature.

• The Pebley Inn, near Barlborough, will be one of a limited number of outlets in North Derbyshire that will be offering Stones Bitter that has been brewed to the original recipe. The beer will return to its traditional 4.1% ABV and, we are told, will taste ‘like Stones used to taste’. The beer will be available around mid-August - so grab it while you can! Still with the Pebley, Salamander Coronet (4.8%) was available on our most recent visit - a most enjoyable and ‘hoppy’ experience.

• Stuart Mycock - a local farmer - took over the Waterloo, Biggin (near
  Hartington) at the end of May, his first ever pub. The Waterloo is an Enterprise Inn and the current beer range is four cask ales:  Theakston’s Mild, Black Sheep Best, Black Sheep Ale and a changing guest ale (such as Peak Ales Bakewell Best and Taylor Landlord). The pub is delighted to use the SIBA Direct Delivery Scheme and Stuart says that Mild has been very popular.

• The Thorn Tree in Matlock goes from strength to strength and has increased their range to six cask ales: Adnams, Draught Bass, Black Sheep, Caledonian Deuchars, Taylor Landlord and a rotating guest ale.

• The Temple Hotel in Matlock Bath has new owners. Mel and Chris now offer a choice of up to two real ales, which are ever changing and usually feature Derbyshire micro-breweries.  Recent beers available have been from Leatherbritches, Peak Ales, Thornbridge and Whim. The beer is beautifully kept by Chris (who is a genuine real ale fanatic) and will soon be dispensed by two splendid banks of refurbished 1960s triple handpumps. Diners can enjoy good home cooked food made from fresh ingredients. A bit ‘above’ the beaten track, but well worth seeking out. Why not join us here for our September Branch Meeting?

• The Peacock in Bakewell  is a regular outlet for Peak Ales Bakewell Best Bitter and has been getting rave reviews from the locals.

• The Outside Café in Hathersage is now licensed to serve bottled beer, and surely the ‘outdoor’ clientele will appreciate the likes of Bradfield Farmer’s Pale Ale & Farmer’s Stout, Thornbridge Blackthorn & Lord Marples and Wentworth Pale Ale. Kelham Island and Peak Ales products are expected to follow.

• The Edale Beer Festival, held to support good causes in the village, will take place Saturday 9th September from 2pm in the Village Hall.  Situated close to Edale station on the Manchester to Sheffield line, the beers featured will be from micros in Derbyshire, Cheshire and South Yorkshire.
  The festival follows the barrel race. In 1999 Geoff Townsend complained to the manager of the Nag’s Head that he had run out of his favourite beer, when stocks were plentiful at the Snake Pass Inn.
  It was agreed that if Geoff and friends carried a cask across the Kinder Massif, the manager would treat them to the cask. Geoff’s team did it... last year seven teams took part, the faster teams completing the five-mile journey in about an hour!
  Keen to expand on the recent beer festival at July’s Cutthorpe Carnival, Adrian Close of the Three Merry Lads is looking to offer over 50 real ales in a marquee next to the pub in 2007.

• Just out of our area, Teversal Grange, near Mansfield is reportedly serving a range of Real Ales and Ciders. Why not call in, or visit www.teversalgrange.co.uk  for more details.

• Spire Brewery has recently installed a new purpose-built bar complete with 6 handpumps. Owing to very positive feedback and interest from local outlets and distributors, Dave McLaren will be brewing Sgt. Pepper Stout (5.5%ABV) in early August. He has also changed the formulation for Encore (still at 3.9% ABV but much lighter in appearance) in response to customer feedback.
  The Brewery continues to make steady progress, and having managed to get into Wetherspoons, local drinkers can hopefully find their full range of beers through these outlets.
  Britannia Cream Ale continues to sell well despite its 6.4% ABV - “dangerously drinkable” is the phrase that has been applied! It has been described as being rather reminiscent of the bottled version of Adnams Broadside.
  Paul Holmes MP is to invite Spire to supply a cask of beer to be sold in the House of Commons’ bar.

• Townes’ Pynot Porter has been brewed again and their latest special brew is ‘Achtung Baby!’ - a 3.8% ABV pale bitter.

• Thornbridge Brewery has expanded into an outbuilding with 2 more fermenting vessels having been installed so that production can be increased to 18 brews a month. In addition a one barrel test brew plant has been installed.
  The ever popular Jaipur had been ordered for GBBF and like St.
  Petersburg, has been entered in the Good Bottled Beer Guide. Several Indian restaurants are now taking non-bottle conditioned Jaipur.
  Finally, the first of a planned 4 or 5 tied pubs is currently in the process of being acquired and we hope to be able to provide further details of where they are to be in a future edition.

• The proposed Clarion Brewery at Blackwell, near Taddington is on hold due to problems finding suitable premises. Brewing is unlikely to start until early 2007.

• Amber Valley Ales of Hammersmith near Ripley was due to launch their first brew as we went to press. The beer will initially be available at the Nag’s Head, Ripley.

• And finally, that sinking feeling... a few local members got more than they bargained for when they attended July’s Beer Festival at the Mallard on Worksop station. This was the afternoon of the tremendous thunderstorm that left the town centre underwater and the downstairs room in the Mallard flooded for a while as water came down the steps at an alarming rate. The staff were soon busy with mops and buckets, but before long our party got back to enjoying the beers on offer which included Matthews Brass Knocker, Castle Rock Willow and a delightful 4.3% beer from Willy’s Brewery at Cleethorpes called Sea Breeze. However, when the time does come to meet your maker, what a way this would have been to go!

June 2006

• The Spa Lane Vaults, Chesterfield is now a Lloyds No 1.

• The Crispin on Ashgate Road is currently up for lease.

• The Hudson Bay Beerhouse on Craggs Road, Bolsover had their house beer, Hudson Bay Bitter (brewed by Wolverhampton & Dudley) and Greene King Triumph on the bar when we called with Jennings Golden Host coming soon, with Banks’s Chocolate Mild available in May. The pub will be offering themed buffet evenings on the last Sunday of each month - tickets cost £8.95 per person and need to be purchased in advance. The next two evenings feature Mexican (25th June) and Thai (30th July).

• The 2 guest ales at the Castle Inn at Bolsover were Hopback Odyssey (4.0% ABV) and Springhead Charlie’s Angel (ABV 4.5%) when we last called, the former being in very good form.

• The end of May saw the Fun Run in Bolsover - raising funds for local charities. Our picture shows four Kev Maidens of the Blue Bell taking part -but can you spot the real one?! A feature of this annual event is the popular ‘Neglected Shed’ Beer Festival that Kev holds at the pub.

• The Elm Tree at Heath has been closed for refurbishment and is due to reopen in early June.

• A correction to the information previously published about the Prince of Wales, Barlborough Common. Rather than being owned by Charnwood Hotels, it is in fact owned by Alan & Kathleen Clare and is a freehouse, with the number of handpumps increasing to six.

• In the north eastern corner of our Branch area, a recent tour found all the beers on great form. The Jug & Glass at Whitwell had John Smith’s Cask, whilst the Pebley had Archer’s Foxy Lady - a pub serving drinkers and diners alike, rather than a ‘restaurant serving beer’.

• The Rose & Crown, Barlborough had Hardys & Hansons 1832 Vintage and our best wishes go to Susan Growns for a swift recovery.

• It has been reported that a notice for a planning application to add ‘a restaurant area and guest bedrooms’ dated 8^th May has been displayed at the Devonshire Arms at Middle Handley, suggesting that the purchaser is serious about re-opening it as licensed premises.

• The Royal Oak at Millthorpe continues to go from strength to strength. A 3^rd handpump has now gone in and is offering Caledonian Deuchars IPA for the time being.

• The Kelstedge Inn currently has two or three Thornbridge beers available.

• At the Thorn Tree, Matlock, Tetley’s Bitter has been replaced with Taylor Landlord, and there are plans for another line to be added for a rotating guest.

• The Boathouse had Hardys & Hansons Cursed Galleon, a 5% ABV Mild, available during May.

• The Horseshoe at Matlock Green has been approved as a SIBA Direct recipient and the licensee is looking forward to being able to meet the frequent requests he’s had, particularly in summer, for locally brewed beers. Look out for Kelham Island’s Pale Rider, the first of the changing guest ales, which hopefully will be joining regular beers Wells Bombardier and Theakston Old Peculier as you read this.

• The White Lion at Starkholmes has new tenants, real ale enthusiasts Steve and Vicky Addis, following an 18-month stint at the Spade Tree Inn at Hinckley, Leicestershire. They are looking forward to increasing the variety of cask ales on offer and also offering a range of home made, good value food. Beer festivals and special evenings will also feature at a later date. They extend a warm welcome to all customers old and new. Accommodation is also available.

April 2006

• JD Wetherspoons will be hosting a beer festival from 10^th to 21^st May at participating outlets, but when we went to press, it was not confirmed if the Branch’s Wetherspoons pubs were to be included.

• We understand that the future of the Prince of Wales at Brimington is now assured – at least for the time being – following the withdrawal of a planning application for the pub’s demolition and redevelopment. A new relief is now in charge who has a good record for selling cask at his previous pub - the Druids in Loughborough and the pub is now a lot more inviting for drinkers. Old Tom Mild has been reintroduced at £1.36 a pint (including Mr Brown’s penny!) as well as the standard Barnsley Bitter at £1.41 a pint and was on excellent form when we called in. However the pub is in the ‘last chance saloon’ and will only remain open if it can prove its viability. The message is clear to all who have expressed concern about the pub’s future - use it or lose it!

• The Neptune at Stonegravels is now a Thwaites pub. Original and Lancaster Bomber were available recently.

• The Devonshire Arms on Newbold Moor is currently boarded up.

• The George & Dragon at Old Brampton is now owned by the Admiral pubco, but hopes to join the SIBA scheme, whose beers (such as Thornbridge and Springhead) have also been available at the Industry in Newbold.

• The Wellington at New Whittington recently had a mini-beer festival, serving the likes of Hop Back Odyssey and York Yorkshire Terrier. Over the St. George’s weekend, a great selection of English Ales will once again be available. In May, Jennings’ Dark Mild will be available, and on June 10th a Townes special, provisionally named ‘Barney’s Brew’ will be served in conjunction with the Flower Festival at New Whittington Church.

• The Royal Oak at Millthorpe is adding a third handpump in time for summer, enabling it to offer a second changing guest ale in addition to the regular Wards Best Bitter. Local microbreweries will be the main focus - Thornbridge Blackthorn Ale was recently followed by Abbeydale Moonshine and they proved to be popular with the regulars. Peak Ales Bakewell Best Bitter should feature during April.

• The Barrack at Apperknowle now has a dedicated no smoking room.

• The Gate, Mastin Moor is closed and the car park barricaded off.

• Real ale is now available again at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Barlborough Low Common (between Renishaw and the M1 junction 30, at the Spinkhill road crossroads). Some readers might recall that this hotel/pub was shut for much of 2005 for refurbishment; it is now owned by Alan & Kathleen Clare and is a freehouse. When we last visited, the real ales on offer included – Timothy Taylor Dark Mild, Landlord and two Brewsters beers (Hop a Doodle Doo and Rutterkin). We wish them well.

• During the month of May, the Famous Red Lion at Stonedge will be serving a Mild, rotating between Moorhouse’s Black Cat, Jennings’ Dark Mild and Bateman’s Dark Mild. This will be in addition to their regular ales – Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Bateman’s Valiant. The pub now has the capacity to offer up to 5 real ales during peak times, though it is usually the above 2 regulars plus one guest - a welcome development! Check out their beer festival over May Bank Holiday Weekend

• At the Shoulder of Mutton, Hallfield Gate customers were enjoying the Moles Best, Acorn Winter Ale and John Smith’s Cask that were on offer whilst the “coming soon” board included beers from Thornbridge Hall, Three Rivers, Shardlow and Maypole.

• The Old Bowling Green at Winster had Moles Black Rat (6%) cider on at a very reasonable £2.30 a pint alongside Black Sheep Bitter and Theakston Best Bitter.

• The Plough at Flagg was reported as being closed in the New Year.

February 2006

• First up, a few hangovers from the festive season… on Christmas Eve lunchtime, a group gathered for the traditional tour around the pubs of Darley Dale and the surrounding area. Starting at the Three Stags Heads, Darley Bridge we tried Hardys & Hansons’ Kimberley Bitter, followed by Robinson’s Unicorn in the Square and Compass (both above average).

• Along the A6, the Grouse served a very good pint of H&H Olde Trip and finishing down the road at the Church Inn, we found good H&H Kimberley Bitter. A good trip made better by a good Trip!

• Back out again on Boxing Day – visiting Matlock Bath this time – the Midland Hotel offered Marston’s Pedigree, whilst the Princess Victoria has a new licensee. Emma Hill arrived here in late September from the Cross Keys at Belper and has already increased real ale sales. Alongside Bateman’s beers are Greene King Abbot and a weekly guest, which was Mauldon’s Bah Humbug. Emma would like it to be known that she intends to keep ‘a proper pub with a real fire, lots of good real ales for real people’.

• At the County & Station, we found a favourite beer in really good form: Jennings’ Sneck Lifter.

• Meanwhile, back in Chesterfield on Christmas Day, Greene King Abbot Ale was reportedly on excellent form at the Donkey Derby on Sheffield Road.

• Nearby on Sanforth Street, the Miners Arms had Shepherd Neame Master Brew and Bishop’s Finger available from New Year’s Eve until it ran out. Sadly, this was a one-off!

• The White Horse at Old Whittington has at least one locally-brewed real ale on the bar – beers from Kelham Island and Peak Ales have been spotted recently.

• We are continuing to monitor the situation at the Devonshire Arms at Middle Handley, where it is hoped that – like the Royal Oak at Millthorpe – this community local will soon reopen.

• We understand the Prince of Wales at Baslow has closed, the rumour being that it’s been bought by Fischer’s Restaurant of Baslow Hall for conversion into a wine bar.

• The Homesford Cottage – a landmark for regular travellers along the A6 – is reportedly available for rent by Hardys & Hansons.

• Worth a visit, if you prefer tippling at home, is Agar’s Off Licence in Shuttlewood (near Bolsover) which offers a choice of 15 different bottled beers (not all RAIB) from 99p, including some not often found locally.

• The recent charity auction at the Blue Bell at Bolsover raised £1,317 from the sale of goodies, including a few supplied by Chesterfield & District CAMRA. The Bolsover Alternative Committee, based at the pub, have now raised in excess of £15,000 for local charities and good causes over the last 3 years. Congratulations from all at Innspire on this terrific achievement.

• Over at Whitwell, the village pubs have seen a quietish Christmas and New Year, highlighting the stay-at-home trend, and by the look of the recycling blue boxes the supermarkets have had a bumper festive season. The Morning Advertiser recently posed the question, ‘Do you think off-trade prices will continue to fall in 2006?’ The consensus being that they would, at the expense of the on-trade. It will be interesting to see what the latter’s response will be come the spring price review… an optimist’s dream:
  ‘Pubs slash prices across the board in a price war with the supermarkets. Many pubs offering two pints for the price of one. All bottled beers and lagers at below supermarket prices, only while stocks last. Some pubs extending their car parks to include a landing strip.’ Landing strip? For the flying pigs, of course!

• The stalwart real ale outlets in the village continue to be the Jug & Glass (with Bombardier and John Smith’s Cask) and the Royal Oak (with Black Sheep, Wadworth 6X and GK Old Speckled Hen). The Half Moon on the outskirts – more of a passing trade pub than a local one – serves Tetley’s and Old Speckled Hen. In the Boot & Shoe, the handpumps are installed – but as yet do not bear fruit, nor for that matter real ale.

December 2005

• We report with deep regret the untimely death of Dave Williams, former landlord of the Derby Tup, Whittington Moor. A committed campaigner for over 30 years, Dave moved to the Tup from the Alexandra in Derby, subsequently moving on to the Plough at Radford (home of Nottingham Brewery). He made an important contribution to the local real ale scene and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

• Readers will be aware that, with effect from November 24^th, legislation came into effect covering the sale and supply of alcohol, provision of entertainment and supply of hot food and drink at night, which required all pubs and clubs to apply for new licences. In some areas of the country, only 50% of premises had applied by the deadline of August 6th to convert their old licences, whilst nationally the rate is around 80%.
  
  However, the situation is much more encouraging in the Chesterfield area. The Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr. Keith Falconer commented, “As a result of continued pressure on local licensees and ongoing assistance and advice offered by Chesterfield Borough Council staff, new licence applications have been received for 96% of all licensed premises in the Borough. This figure is amongst the highest in the country.”

• As we went to press, a planning application submitted by the Oakwell Barnsley brewery - for the demolition of the Prince of Wales, Brimington and construction of 12 dwellings on the site - has been withdrawn. Darran & Linda Meakin, who have managed the pub for the past 7 years, had returned from holiday to learn of the brewery’s intentions! Chesterfield & District CAMRA sent an objection to the Borough Council planners and we are keeping an eye out for any future attempts to close the pub - our only local outlet for Oakwell beers.

• The Rose & Crown in Brampton is now owned by Punch Taverns and managed by Nigel Howard. Currently serving two real ales - Young’s Bitter and Adnams Broadside on a recent visit - Nigel will rotate the selection to gauge customer demand to this welcome development.

• The Speedwell at Staveley will be holding a Beer Festival from Friday 2nd December, featuring ales from Acorn, Anglo Dutch, Archers, Concertina, Fernandes, Port Mahon and Wensleydale, plus a Townes Festival Special.

• SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) have secured a major supply deal with Enterprise Inns, the UK’s biggest pub operator. The scheme enables retailers within multiple groups to directly source locally brewed products in response to the fast growing interest in this market. The new arrangement has been acclaimed as a major breakthrough for SIBA as it represents the expansion of direct deliveries.
  
  Nick Stafford, SIBA Commercial Director, commented “This is great news for licensees, drinkers and our members alike as it means a huge increase in the number of pubs who will be able to benefit from the continued growth of locally brewed beer.” Grant Simpson of Enterprise Inns said “We have been really impressed with the efficiency of the operation and the benefits of providing of ‘local beers for local pubs’.
  
  This deal allows Enterprise to steal a march in meeting the growing consumer demand for locally sourced products, and we are delighted to offer our licensees yet another extension to their cask ale range”.

• The Blue Stoops at Walton has joined the SIBA guest ale scheme. Angela Smith has moved there from the Woodside at Ashgate. The Stoops continues to offer a range of 3 cask ales whilst its former licensee, John Williamson, has moved to the Anvil at Calow.

• Steve and Linda have taken over the reins at the Woodside which has also joined the SIBA scheme and Steve is looking forward to developing the cask ales on offer. They have lots of experience in the trade and have
  previously run a cask ale pub in Stafford.

• The Jolly Farmer at Dronfield Woodhouse continues with its large range of guest ales and is to host a Beer Festival 8th - 11th December, with 10 - 14 micros represented.

• The eagerly anticipated re-opening of the Royal Oak at Millthorpe (which closed on August Bank Holiday Monday in 2004) is scheduled for Friday 9th December but this is subject to change – check the pub’s website nearer the date for confirmation – www.oakmillthorpe.com 
  
  Although only one cask ale – Ward’s Best Bitter – is to be on offer in the first instance, the new owners hope to vary the beers regularly and expand the range with demand. This initial choice of beer reflects the pub’s previous history as a popular outlet for Ward’s ales. The pub remains a genuine free house and the owners are keen to offer an ever-changing range of guest ales. The re-opening of this historic country pub is especially welcome as it had been feared for some time that the closure was permanent along with several other notable ‘losses’ within the Branch area.

• The keg only Three Horse Shoes at Clay Cross has been taken on by the Business Plan pubco and renamed The Corner Pin.

• Jean and John of the GBG-listed Anchor at Oakerthorpe have introduced a unique lager to compliment their excellent range of Cropton beers. An independent brewery in Holland is now supplying Hottenkoas Blond (4.8% ABV) which is reported as ‘nothing like bog standard’ and is well worth a try.

• The Royal Oak at South Normanton recently offered Taylor Landlord, Old Speckled Hen and two beers from Anglo Dutch, Half Nelson and Ghost on the Rim.

• Peak Ales has announced its latest seasonal brew - a spicy 5% ABV winter warmer called Noggin Filler which will be available from mid-December. If the beer is well received, it is hoped that it will be brewed again in the New Year.

• Rumours have recently been circulating regarding the setting up of a new microbrewery in Dronfield. Details are sketchy but we believe that brewing equipment will shortly be installed in a local industrial unit. We welcome further information regarding this interesting development and hope to provide an update in our next issue.
  
  CAMRA members visiting Nottinghamshire can get 20p off a pint of real ale at certain Hardys & Hansons pubs, upon production of a valid membership card, during December and January. Visit www.hardys-hansons.co.uk for further details. Please note that this offer does not apply to their pubs in the Chesterfield & District Branch area!
  
  Travellers heading along the M5 just north of the Avon Bridge in search of something more inspiring than a 3 month old service station sausage roll may be interested in making a detour to the Salutation at Ham. It offers a great range of ale and excellent food at bargain prices. The landlord bought the pub this year and has just installed a micro brewery. Trial brewing is underway and seems to be going well, especially the Golden Eagle IPA - not surprising at £1.65 pint! Other beers are available and are reportedly excellent.

October 2005

• Rhoda Waygood, Branch Secretary of Chesterfield & District CAMRA accepted a cheque for £150 from Dave Fox of the Chesterfield Canal Trust at our last branch meeting.  This was a ‘Thank You’ for the Branch’s help in running the Real Ale tent at the Inland Waterways Association’s successful Trailboat Festival held over the Spring Bank Holiday at Tapton Lock, Chesterfield.

• Offering a welcome real ale choice in the west of Chesterfield, the Holme Hall has been serving a changing guest ale (such as Adnams Broadside) at weekends. The pub has 2 handpumps and will make use of both if demand is sufficient.

• As we went to press it was reported that the Royal Oak at Millthorpe hopes to re-open by the end of November. The precise date was not known but will be published on the pub’s new website www.oakmillthorpe.com in due course. It is anticipated that two changing guest ales will be available to start with plus a range of bottled Belgian beers.

• A warm welcome to Lindsey at George & Dragon, Old Brampton who took over in early August. There are always 4 cask ales available, which at the moment are Marston’s Pedigree, Adnams Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter and Caledonian Deuchars IPA.

• The line-up has recently changed at the Gate Inn, Troway - the regular beers are now Marston’s Burton Bitter and Jennings’ Sneck Lifter, with a changing guest ale which is currently Thwaites’ Lancaster Bomber.

• The Horse & Jockey at Tideswell has reopened after a complete transformation. The new menus offer meat, vegetables and dairy produce all sourced from the local area. Well known for being a Tetley pub offering a selection of cask ales with a weekly host beer, the excellent Bradfield Brewery Farmer’s Stout was available when we visited.

• Readers of ‘Country Walking’ magazine recently voted the Red Lion at Birchover one of the top 4 pubs of that name in the country - and there are plenty to choose from!

• Also just outside our Branch area, the Steampacket at Swanwick has been offering Jennings’ Cock-a-Hoop, Everards Tiger, Adnams Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter and Young’s Bitter plus Weston’s Old Rosie cider.

• Heading homewards, the Three Horseshoes at Wessington was serving Hardys & Hansons Olde Trip and Jolly Friar, whilst the Shoulder of Mutton, Hallfieldgate had Shardlow Steadman Bitter alongside John Smith’s Bitter and Bradfield Farmer’s Stout.

• The Crown at Higham offered Charles Wells’ Bombardier and Marston’s Ashes Ale.

• The Cannon at Clay Cross serves a changing cask ale, which was Courage Directors at the time of our visit.

• Peak Ales' new limited edition ale is Dalesman, a 4.0% ABV amber beer brewed with traditional Fuggles and Goldings hops. This is the first in a range of planned limited edition seasonal ales. A 4.6% golden ale - as yet unnamed - will also be available in October followed by a 5.0% spicy ale for Christmas. Regular Beers (Bakewell Best Bitter and Swift Nick) will be available in bottles shortly. Keep an eye out for their new re-branded pump clips which have been designed by Grafika of Bakewell - www.grafika-uk.com

• If you don’t want to know the score … look away now. Rivalries across Sheffield’s footballing divide are set to take a bitter twist with the launch of two new beers. In the blue corner we have Wednesdayite brewed by Thornbridge. And in the red corner, you guessed it, Unitedite from the Kelham Island.
  
  Jim Harrison of Thornbridge Brewery came up with the idea of the blue and white brew and some of the profits will go to the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Society. And when Kelham Island Brewery boss and avid Blades fan Dave Wickett heard about it, he just had to retaliate. Both are pictured celebrating the beers’ launch.
  
  Simon Webster of Thornbridge Brewery said, “We think that Wednesdayites will love this beer. It’s very light in colour but fulsome in flavour and we are sure it will be a winner with not just fans but drinkers also.  Although the Blades may be top of the league and the Owls (at the moment) a little further down, we are certain that Wednesdayite is more akin to the Premiership of Beers!”
  
  Dave the Blade was quick to counter: “As an award-winning brewery we are certain that Unitedites all over the city will love this beer and help us win another award with this great drink.”  Both Beers made their debuts at the recent Sheffield Beer Festival. Meanwhile, ‘Town’ supporters may prefer to await the next batch of ‘Spireite’ from Townes!
   

August 2005

• Firstly, a campaigning success story in the making: Mansfield & Ashfield CAMRA’s fight to save the Railway pub in Mansfield has passed its first hurdle. Councillors on Mansfield District Council’s planning committee rejected their officers’ recommendation to accept Bateman’s proposed conversion of a fine old public house to yet more offices. (Local politicians, please note!) No doubt this will go to an appeal and the fight will continue to retain this community pub.

• Paul Holmes, MP for Chesterfield, has lent his support to the latest Parliamentary Motion calling on the Government to define a pint of beer as 100% liquid - we hope other local MPs, if they have not already done so, will follow suit.

• In Chesterfield town centre, the Barrow Boy has reverted to its previous name of Joplins and the Royal Oak in the Shambles no longer opens on Sundays.

• Alan Haynes has taken over at the Bull’s Head at Holymoorside and is investigating getting local beers onto the bar alongside Adnam’s Bitter and Fuller’s London Pride.  Alan, who hails from East Anglia, has a background in the pub trade and is a keen supporter of real ale. On our visit we were pleased to find the London Pride in great condition. Meanwhile the Lamb Inn continues to serve a wide and ever-changing range of real ales, Daleside Blonde being on fine form when we called.

• A fourth handpump has been installed at the Cock & Pullet, Sheldon and on a recent visit was dispensing ‘Lord Marples’, brewed at nearby Thornbridge Hall. Bass, Black Sheep Bitter and Taylor Landlord remain the other choices at this interesting Dales pub.

• Following the success of our Branch walk from Matlock, taking in the Barley Mow and King’s Head at Bonsall (during Carnival weekend) and finishing up at The Boat, Cromford, we are looking forward to more walkers joining us on the next one in September. Check our website for further details.

• At the Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon, Robert Grigor-Taylor has been joined as co-licensee by enthusiastic all-rounder, Jason Lally (pictured) who is cellarman, cook and has been a member of the Lathkil team for more than 20 years.

• The Parkhouse at Danesmoor has recently offered Jennings’ Crag Rat, whilst in Clay Cross itself the Red Lion had Theakston’s Best Bitter on the bar.

• We are pleased to confirm that the owners of the Royal Oak at Millthorpe have agreed to sell the pub – subject to contract – to a group of four local people who wish to re-open this historic community pub and return it to its former glory. We wish them every success with their venture and hope that all the obstacles can be overcome so that the pub’s re-opening becomes a reality.

• Welcome to Tim and Clare Cutting who have taken over the reins of the Black-a-Moor at Troway, near Marsh Lane/Eckington. Tim will be known to some from his stint as chef at the White Horse, Woolley Moor and has also been a regional winner in the British Innkeeping Institute annual awards. Prior to arriving at the Black-a-Moor, the couple ran a Hyde’s pub at Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. Tim’s plan for the Black-a-Moor is to have up to three real ales on - less early in the week. Currently these are Boddington’s Bitter, Theakston’s Old Peculier and an ever-changing guest ale. A beer festival is planned for later in the year.

• We are also pleased to welcome Ceinwen and Nigel Flint to the Hudson Bay Beerhouse at Bolsover. (They were previously at the Hudson Bay, Alfreton!) Ceinwen (pronounced ‘Kinewin’) and Nigel have revamped the beer range and this now consists of Marston’s Pedigree, plus up to two guest ales. Food is available at lunchtimes and evenings (until 8pm, 9pm Fridays and Saturdays). Theme food nights will be held on a monthly basis.

• The Harthill Morris Men will appear one Thursday a month at the Blue Bell, Bolsover.

• Ever keen to strengthen our pub ‘team’, we haven’t been idle during the summer, signing up the village of Apperknowle, thanks to a boundary change agreed with Sheffield branch!  As well as Ken & staff at the Travellers’ Rest, there are John and Rachel at the Barracks, the venue of a recent, well attended beer festival.   Tetley’s Bitter and Kelham Island Pale Rider are the regular beers, plus one other guest, sold at reasonable prices by friendly staff – who occasionally includes Mick & Joyce, formerly of the lamented Yellow Lion.

• The Dew Drop Inn at Ilkeston is hosting its first ever Beer Festival from Thursday 8th September. It will be staffed by Erewash CAMRA. The Branch hope to run a bus trip subject to demand -contact Mick Portman for details. The theme is to be “The Durham Experience” whereby the pub will be serving as many different Durham Brewery Beers as they can get hold of!

• “Peakland Pubs – A Pint Sized History” by Andrew McCloy is the follow up book to the Peak District Pub Guide, exploring the history and tales attached to some of the wonderful pubs that can be found in the area. The book’s attraction lies in the fact that it covers all aspects of pubs – from local pub design and origin of their names to ghostly tales and goings on. The area contains some of Derbyshire’s finest pubs – the Olde Gate (Brassington), Barley Mow (Kirk Ireton) and Lathkil Hotel (Over Haddon) come quickly to mind (and there are many others). This excellent guide will help you understand their history and why they are worth visiting today. Priced £7.99, it is available from local bookshops and www.halsgrove.co.uk

June 2005

• The Gardeners Arms on Glumangate in Chesterfield town centre has started to sell real ale under its new manager, Alan Wright, starting with Marston’s Pedigree which will be available regularly plus a monthly seasonal ale which was Dragon’s Tale in May.

• The Barrow Boy on Chesterfield Market Place was recently observed displaying a notice saying ‘Closed till further notice’. STOP PRESS - it has now re-opened.

• The Blue Stoops at Walton now has an additional hand pump from which will be served a rotating guest beer, the first of which was Ward’s Best Bitter.

• As we went to press, the Royal Oak at Millthorpe - which closed on August Bank Holiday Monday last year - was on the market at £495,000. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the pub has been sold to an as yet un-named buyer. However, residents are hopeful that it will re-open as a pub, despite removal of most of the pub’s fittings without any application for planning permission having been submitted since the original application was withdrawn in 2002. We hope to confirm further details in the next issue.

• Although just over the border in Sheffield Branch, the Rutland Arms in nearby Holmesfield is now serving its very well kept John Smith’s Cask, Cameron’s Strongarm and Deuchars IPA, usually in oversized lined glasses, and yes, that includes half pints!

• The Three Merry Lads at Cutthorpe has refurbished the well which is to be found within its grounds and will be playing a full part in the village’s Well Dressing celebrations from 16th July. As part of the fun, a ‘Sausage Festival’ will be held at the pub which will also host the 2nd Cutthorpe Jazz Festival.

• The Prince of Wales at Baslow currently only has one hand pump, but it tends to alternate between an Abbeydale Brewery beer and one from Storm Brewing in Macclesfield. On one occasion, the locally brewed Peak Ales was available and at £1.50 a pint, the locals “couldn’t get enough of it”! This is especially encouraging, given the fear that the pub was recently under threat of closure.

• Tuesday 26th April saw the official opening of Peak Ales’ Barn Brewery by the new Duke of Devonshire. The brewery was also blessed by the Vicar of St Peter’s Church at Edensor.

• The Grouse at Darley Dale has re-opened following its extensive refit which we gather included major alterations to the bar area.
  The County & Station at Matlock Bath are offering one guest ale a week alongside its regulars which are Marston’s Pedigree and Mansfield Cask. Gales HSB and Jennings Sneck Lifter have recently been featured.

• After around two and a half years, Springhead Bitter has been replaced by Whim Hartington Bitter at The Boat, Cromford.

• Matlock Rugby Club held a Beer Festival on the 4th June 2005 at their clubhouse on Cromford Meadows playing fields. 28 real ales were on offer along with ciders and it is hoped that if successful this would become an annual event.

• The White Horse at Old Whittington was offering Hooky Dark during May. As we went to press the pub was offering Hampshire Brewery’s Thunderbolt. Future guest beers should be of interest and we recommend keeping an eye out for them.

• We extend our welcome to Greg at the White Hart, Calow. The pub now offers 4 real ales; Marston’s Pedigree and Banks’s Bitter as regulars plus 2 guest ales.

• The Traveller’s Rest at Shuttlewood had been totally demolished by the end of May. On the positive side, the Prince of Wales, Renishaw, is currently undergoing refurbishment and we will wait and see if it will stock real ale. The same is to be hoped of the Foresters at Staveley.

• Also in Staveley but guaranteed to sell fine real ales, Townes Brewery at the Speedwell Inn will be offering a Feast Ale Special Brew until 26th June. This is in connection with the Staveley Feast Celebrations The Elm Tree at Heath (pictured) along with our other Union Pub Co. outlets will be offering during June: Marston’s Summer Ale, Badger Tanglefoot, Thwaites Thoroughbred and/or Shepherd Neame’s Bishops Finger.

• The Jug & Glass at Whitwell is now open all day Monday to Friday and continues to have Bombardier as a guest ale as well as their regular John Smiths cask. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Steve, who took over The Royal Oak more than a year ago (which serves three real ales), has now taken on the Boot & Shoe in Whitwell’s village centre. This could be good news for the real ale drinker as the Boot has been a keg only pub for many years.

• One for the road. Outside a Mansfield pub is a ‘Pricewatch’ sign comparing prices in the various town centre pubs, the one that caught the eye was ‘Reef ‘, the lowest priced at £1.19 and the highest £3.20 for the same bottled drink. Us beer drinkers think we are being ripped off, spare a thought for the so called binge drinker.
   

April 2005

• The Olde House at Newbold has reopened under its original name, ditching the more recently used name of the Trading Post.

• The Cock & Magpie, Old Whittington, has replaced one of their handpumps with a keg font.

• On a more positive note, the White Horse up the road offers four real ales including a guest.

• Brampton Manor Health Club off Old Road is an unusual venue for real ale but they do try hard to always offer 1 to 3 cask ales. The beers regularly available include Black Sheep Best, Bombardier, London Pride whilst Landlord & Pedigree also feature from time to time, as do 'more interesting' guests occasionally. There are no current restrictions on entry to the public. Friday nights feature live music, though the club tends to have functions on Saturday nights. The club has for some years tried to keep a few squash playing CAMRA members from quenching post-match thirsts in other local bars!

• JD Wetherspoon pubs are having a Spring Beer Festival between 9th-22nd May. Pubs affected in the Branch area are the Spa Lane Vaults and Portland Hotel, Chesterfield plus the Crown at Matlock.

• A warm welcome to new CAMRA member Adrian Close who took over at the Three Merry Lads at Cutthorpe in December and immediately re-introduced real ale, including a mild, to the bar. Four real ales are now available - Mansfield Dark Mild, Mansfield Cask, Pedigree and a guest ale, which has recently seen Hobgoblin, Archers Golden and Six Nations on offer. A beer festival featuring 10 real ales has already been held and further events are planned. A new menu of freshly produced home-cooked food has been introduced and the pub also has a large upstairs function room, suitable for meetings etc.

• Chesterfield branch now has a total no smoking pub - the White Bear at Stretton. Beers are presently Hobgoblin and Pedigree. Most MPs within the Branch area have signed up for the Full Pints Campaign with the notable exception (at the time of going to press) of Patrick McLoughlin who represents the West Derbyshire constituency. Dales CAMRA members are urged to contact their local MP to convince him that the Campaign is worthy of his support. To send him an email please follow the link at www.camraactionnetwork.org.uk/full_pints/email.html

• The Horseshoe Inn at Matlock Green has been re-awarded the Cask Marque under the management of delighted first time pub owners, James & Mandy Hilton. Pedigree, Bass and Old Peculier are available.

• Neil and Sara Fennah have recently taken on the Thorn Tree at Matlock which is their first pub. Beers currently available are Adnams Bitter, Black Sheep Best and Bass. There is a new food menu with Thursday being curry night. The pub has just benefited from a newly re-laid patio. The Branch wishes them well.

• The Grouse at Darley Dale is reportedly to close for six weeks for a major refurbishment to be carried out whilst the Plough at Flagg has changed hands but remains a freehouse offering 2 cask ales including a Whim beer.

• The Albert Inn, Woodthorpe has now added Greene King Abbot to the range giving it three regular real ales. Live TV sport, plus Saturday night entertainment, are specialities.

• In 2003, we asked which Whitwell pub would fill the void left by the closure of The Mallet and Chisel? The Royal Oak appears to have done just that since Steve and Lisa took over the Punch Taverns pub last year. Three real ales in excellent condition are on offer, Wadworth 6X, Black Sheep Best and Adnams Bitter.

• The Jug & Glass at Whitwell currently has Hobgoblin available as guest beer as well as the regular John Smiths. The New Middle Club has one rotating real ale but the Butchers Arms, re-opened just a few months, has two hand pumps but no real ale on sale when we last visited.

• Finally in Whitwell, the Half Moon has now lifted the no smoking rule imposed last year as reported in InnSpire. The ban was introduced by a consensus of customers and staff, but has now been rescinded by orders of the Tom Cobleigh management, even though the pub manager has stated in the local press that trade actually increased during the ban.

• A recent "Wobble" around the Barlborough area had a poor start as no real ale was to be found in the Apollo. Greene King Abbot is usually available in the Royal Oak. H&H Bitter was available in the Rose & Crown. The De Rodes had a choice of Speckled Hen and Pedigree. The Elm Tree at Elmton (recently changed hands) had six ales on offer including Deuchars IPA, Black Sheep Best, Bombardier and Smiles IPA. Finally, the tour party finished on an upbeat note at The Pebley which had Stones, Greene King Abbot and Timothy Taylor Landlord.

• The Crown in Killamarsh has re-introduced cask ale into the pub with Greene King Abbot. Whilst in the area, the Branch has supported local residents in their fight to prevent the Blacksmith's Arms from being demolished for housing.

• The closed Royal Oak at Millthorpe has seen most of the bar fittings stripped out, despite no planning application for a change to residential use being submitted. The gutting of the pub part of the building has - we understand - been within planning law.

• However, on the other side of the Peak District, the Swan at Kettleshulme near Macclesfield has been bought by the local community for £425,000. This outstanding pub was under threat of closure as the landlord wanted to convert the property into a private dwelling house - an increasingly worrying trend.

• The Red Lion at the Crich Tramway Museum was originally a Stoke pub but has been rebuilt by volunteers. Real ales from local micros feature at special events which include 7/8th May - VE Day 60, 9/10th July - Edwardian weekend, with horse trams, 13/14th August - VJ Day 60, 27-29th August - Bank Holiday Extravaganza, 3/4th September - 1920s and 30s weekend and 6th November - East German Day. On the Saturdays, and August bank holiday Sunday, the Museum will be open until 10pm. CAMRA members will get reduced admission to the museum on any day on production of a valid membership card.

• The Inland Waterways Association National Trailboat Festival returns to the Chesterfield Canal over Late Spring Bank Holiday, May 28th – 30th. Admission will be free and lots of activities are planned for visitors and boating entrants alike. The event is open daily from 10am – 5pm and there will also be a display of illuminated boats on the Sunday evening at 9pm. Located at Tapton Lock, Chesterfield, the event will campaign for restoration of the missing nine-mile link from Staveley through Killamarsh to Kiveton Park and the national waterway system.  A full programme of free entertainment is planned in the marquee, a bar (see below), live music, refreshments, boat trips, sales stalls and all the usual festival activities.  Chesterfield CAMRA will be running a beer tent featuring ten real ales plus three traditional ciders. Bar opening times are 12-5 & 7.30-11 on Saturday & Sunday (note extension), again with free entry.  The beer tent will also open 12-5 on the Bank Holiday Monday subject to enough beer being available.  The evening sessions are restricted to CAMRA members (don’t forget your membership card!) and canal people only.

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