The Fenland Branch was formed at a meeting held in the Bull Hotel, Market Deeping on 21st June 1974. To mark the 40th Anniversary of the Branch, several events were held during the year.

This section contains details of the events and other related items.

Events:

Sunday 15th June: 40th Anniversary Social

Saturday 21st June: 2014 AGM & Social

Anniversary Beer - "Fenland Forty"

Sleaford Brewery brewed a special beer to our specification to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. A standard bitter of 4.0% ABV, with a traditional taste.

The first batch was available in November at the Priors Oven, Spalding; the Coach & Horses, Billinghay; and the Plough, North Kyme. It sold out within 24 hours at the Priors Oven and within 72 hours at the other pubs.

108 souvenir bottles were also produced, and likewise sold out.

A further batch was available in February at the Plough, Walcott; the Cask in Hand, Holbeach, the Plough, Horbling; the Eagle, Boston; and the Bell, Halton Holegate. These also sold out rapidly.

Messages:

From Heather Girdlestone

It is hard to believe it is 40 years since my late husband Rodney Girdlestone formed the Fenland CAMRA Branch. We had moved up from Surrey to Quadring in 1973 with our daughter Miranda and Rodney had this bright idea of forming a local CAMRA branch. He had joined CAMRA in 1972-3 and hoped there would some interest. The local papers supported the idea and there was an "interest " meeting held at the Bull Inn in Pinchbeck. From that the Inaugural meeting was arranged to be held at The Bull in Market Deeping on the 21 June 1974 with about 30 people attending. Rodney Girdlestone was appointed Chairman.

From Richard Birbeck

As a founder member of the Fenland branch, I well recall that night in Market Deeping with Rodney, Paul and my great friends Bob Neish, David Thomas, Spud Murphy, Graham Jenkin et al. Many pints have flowed since that night and also during my times in the New Inn of course. Please pass my congratulations on to all Fenland members. Cheers!