Beer tax on the agenda for new CAMRA chairman

Nov 25 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Beer tax on the agenda for new CAMRA chairman

“OUR area has some great breweries and I’m very happy to promote these breweries,” says Michael Robinson, Huddersfield CAMRA’s new chairman.

Mr Robinson, 65, of Berry Brow, takes over the chain of office, from Mark Davies who spent three years as chairman of the town’s CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale) branch.

Michael has been a member of CAMRA since 1997.

His favourite beer is Jaipur India Pale Ale brewed by Thornbridge Brewery, Bakewell.

But Michael, a retired communications manager, is full of praise for Huddersfield’s own breweries.

Mr Robinson, who has two sons and two grandchildren, said: “They are doing tremendously. There’s the Nook Brewhouse (Holmfirth), the Mallinson Brewery (Lindley), the Summer Wine Brewery (Honley), Empire (Slaithwaite), Golcar Brewery and Riverhead (Marsden). I’m very happy to promote these breweries.”

While pubs have been struggling against prohibitive taxes and supermarket deals, real ale and cider has been bucking the trend.

Real ale and cider is brewed in small batches, often using traditional methods, as opposed to mass-produced beer which is made using modern methods.